Building Rapport & Small Talk
Giving and Responding to Advice/Suggestions
Past simple or continuous
British general knowledge!
100
You're waiting for a meeting to start with a new colleague, Alex. You heard they recently moved here. What do you say?
Hi Alex, I'm [Student's Name]. Is this your first time working in this office? Where exactly are you from originally?
100
Your colleague's online profile is very short. Give them a suggestion using Why don't you....
Why don't you add some examples of your projects? It would make your profile stronger.
100
Yesterday we (have) a few problems in plant 2.
Yesterday we had a few problems in plant 2.
100
Which 4 countries make up the United Kingdom?
Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales and England
200
At a networking event, someone mentions they love hiking. You do too.
Oh, you like hiking? What did you like best about your last trip? I went to the mountains last month.
200
A junior team member is stressed about an upcoming presentation. Give a suggestion using You could...
You could practice with me first. How about we meet for 15 minutes later?
200
This time last Monday we (take) English class.
This time last Monday we were taking English class.
200
What is the name of the British flag?
The Union Jack.
300
A client mentions they used to work in Tokyo. Ask an appropriate question.
Really? How long were you in Japan for? I visited a few years ago.
300
Your boss asks you to finish a report by tomorrow, but you have another urgent task. How could you respond politely?
I can certainly do that. The trouble is that I'm working on the quarterly data. Could I deliver the report by Friday instead?
300
We (watch) TV when the power (go off).
We were watching TV when the power went off.
300
What is a “full English breakfast” usually served with?
400
You're on a video call with a new team member in another country. It's 9 AM for you, but you see it's dark outside their window.
Good morning! I see it's evening there. Where are you calling from today?
400
Someone suggests having a meeting at 8 AM. You think 9 AM is better. Use would in your response.
9 AM would work better for me. What do you think?
400
I (walk) along the road when I (meet) an old friend.
I was walking along the road when I met an old friend.
400
What is the national animal of England?
A Lion.
500
A colleague says they just finished a big, difficult project. What could you say?
Well done. That sounds intense. What was the biggest challenge?
500
You need to tell a supplier their delivery is late and you need it as soon as possible. Ask them to do this using can.
Can you bring the delivery forward to Thursday? /Can you change the delivery? / Can you deliver earlier?
500
When I (arrive) at work earlier today the car park (is) very full.
When I arrived at work earlier today the car park was very full.
500
If someone says 'He's a muppet' what do they mean?
He's an idiot!