Study the tips how to improve your spoken English.

The first piece of advice is not to get too hung up on trying to sound like a native speaker. Would you start learning the piano in an attempt to sound like Mozart? The first rule of speaking English is to learn to speak clearly and concisely and remember you won't just be speaking to native speakers: There are roughly 380 million native speakers out there, but as many as a billion people speak English as a second language, you do the math.

Try to avoid using idioms and slang (I always say learn it, but don't use it). It might sound clever to say "You're barking up the wrong tree," but if you use it in the wrong situation, or if the other person simply doesn't understand you, you'll only look silly when you try to explain what you meant to say, or what it actually means.

There's also a saying in English "Have you swallowed a dictionary?" It is applicable to anyone who uses long, complicated words when a shorter word will do. Short sentences are just as good (if not better) than long rambling explanations. The value in what you have to say is what you say, not how clever you look or sound when you say it. So it's a good idea to try to use simple, clear vocabulary, KISS, it stands for keep it short and simple.

English speaking tips:

Get over any fear you might have of making mistakes. You will make mistakes.

Be patient with yourself. Learning any language can be frustrating, but frustration won't help you, so let it go.

Grasp every opportunity you have to speak with people in English.

Talk to friends who are also learning English. Go out together for coffee and only speak English to each other!

Read short stories out loud and try to see, say and hear the words to reinforce your memory. Record yourself and play it back later, how does it sound?
Find English speaking friends. You might not be able to find any friendly native speakers where you live, but If you can't find anyone who'll actually help you, don't worry, you'll still be able to figure out if they can understand you.

There are several internet based voice chat programmes out there: iVisit, MSN Web Messenger, Yahoo! Messenger, Google Talk, Skype and I'm sure there are lots more.

Look for people with the same interests as you. It's no good asking everyone you meet to help you with your English, rather develop natural friendships based on your hobbies etc. Eventually you will make friends and they will be much more likely to give you correction / guidance.

Join an English club or conversation group. Around the world there are many English speaking clubs, these clubs aren't just for expats but for people interested in the English way of life. They can be friendly and fun. Check magazines as well as your phone book, your local newspaper and your local university. Or if there isn't one in your area - start one! Place an advertisement in your newspaper for people interested in starting a group.

Visit an English theme pub or British food shop, you can usually find one in the larger cities. Often, the waiters and waitresses come from English-speaking countries; the menu is often in English too!

Once your English is good enough, go shopping in some tourist areas. You'll find lots of shop assistants speak very good English.

If you can travel to an English speaking country, do it.

4) Discuss the following questions in pairs or in small groups:

1. What do you think about your English lessons? Speak about your English classes at university?

2. What would you improve in your English classes?

3. Would you like to read/speak/write/listen more?

 

Task 6.

Job Advertisement

Exercise1. Look at these job advertisements. Make notes on each advertisement specifying the title of the post, the type of the company, the responsibilities described, the type of person required, the business skills required, the pay and benefits.

1. A market leader in technology consultancy, requires an experienced JAVASCRIPT FRONTEND DEVELOPER to develop responsive designs for exciting new projects.
The successful candidate will possess good overall Frontend and WEb Development experience, and have utilised the latest Javascript MVC frameworks such as Angular.js, Backbone.js and Ember.js.
Responsibilities
Adding functionality to Front End UX/UI applications
Ensuring that applications work efficiently and effectively across browsers and devices
Working directly with UX/UI team members who are responsible for wireframes and information architecture
Collaborate with cross-functional teams to define, design, and deliver creative digital solutions
Test both the application code and usability features
Work on bug fixing and improving application performance
Continuously discover, evaluate, and implement new technologies
Skills & Experience
4+ years relevant software development experience building web applications
Expert in designing and building robust, modular, well-abstracted and maintainable JavaScript
Solid JavaScript experience ideally with one or more MVC frameworks (e.g. Angular.js, Backbone.js, Ember.js) and building AJAX based responsive web applications
Proven experience of utilising APIs to achieve impactful data visualisation and user experience
Have previously used JavaScript build tools
Strong knowledge of HTML and CSS (HTML5 and CSS3 preferred)

 

2.

Assistant to Finance Director

Foxtree is an IT company supplying software to the engineering sector. The ideal candidate will be both flexible and ambitious with a proven track record in preparing budgets, preferably in the IT industry. Although you will report to the Finance Director, you will be also responsible for assisting the Chief Executive when she travels abroad. An excellent remuneration package is available including profit-related bonus, company car, and negotiable salary. If you are looking for a challenging career with excellent prospects for rapid career progress, send your full CV to:

Web Designer

Creative Niche - Toronto, ON

Our client, located in Toronto is currently seeking a Web Designer to join their team. This position reports directly into the Manager of Creative, Digital. The function of this role will be to create professional online/mobile designs that will help support and promote our client’s brands. Accountabilities/ Responsibilities Design graphics and page layouts for ongoing site and content updates Ad media design and production Provide production support on medium and large-scale projects Maintain and adhere to site design standards and content templates Deliver solutions within existing constraints and limitations Work collaboratively with project teams to meet business goals Accountable for accuracy, project deadlines, and contributing to project completion Convey knowledge of current web trends, user experience and the project process Support and exhibit departmental core values; positive, flexible, enthusiastic and professional Required Skills, Experience and Qualifications: Related post-secondary education or commensurate experience 3 - 4+ years of relevant experience in a busy, demanding studio environment Design portfolio that clearly demonstrates required skills and experience Excellent knowledge of current web trends, image optimization and production best practices Excellent skills in design, layout and typography Proficiency using industry standard tools including; Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign Dreamweaver, and Flash as well as Adobe Acrobat. Beneficial but not mandatory to be proficient in front-end web production using HTML and CSS Highly organized and accountable self-starter who is able to juggle multiple priorities Strong attention to detail and time management Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills We appreciate your interest but due to time constraints we can only contact candidates in consideration. Creative Niche is dedicated to matching outstanding communication, design and interactive professionals with the right companies. If you are not contacted for the current role(s) for which you have applied, please be confident that your application will be electronically filed for future searches.

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