BBC Learning English

BBC Learning English

English at Work
Episode 3: The crisis
Making suggestions

Narrator:

Here we are again at Tip Top Trading, where Anna's interview for a sales
job has been suddenly interrupted. Office assistant Denise has entered the
room, looking very worried. What's wrong? And will Anna have any
suggestions that might help?

Denise:

I don't know what to do!

Paul:

So what's the matter Denise?

Denise:

You know the PowerPoint presentation?

Paul:

The one we've been preparing for the last two months?

Denise:

Yes.

Paul:

The one that's very, very important and that we need this afternoon?

Denise:

That one.

Paul:

Aha.

Denise:

We've lost everything!

Paul:

No!

Denise:

I had it on a USB stick, to transfer it, but the stick has vanished!

Narrator:

Right Anna, now is your chance to help them find solutions to the problem.
You'll need phrases like:
Can I make a suggestion?
Why don't you...?
Have you tried...?
Maybe we could...?
How about...?
I have an idea!

Paul:

But don't you have it saved on your computer?

Denise:

No, it was taking up a lot of space, so I deleted it.

Paul:

So you have lost the only copy we have.

Denise:

Yes.

English at Work

© British Broadcasting Corporation 2012
Page 1 of 3

bbclearningenglish.com

Narrator:

What idiots! I've never seen such a disorganised office. Go on, you'd better
help them, Anna.

Anna:

Can I make a suggestion?

Paul:

Yes, please do!

Anna:

Why don't you try looking in your recycle bin? It might still be there.

Denise:

I did. It isn't.

Anna:

Have you tried asking your colleagues if they've seen the memory stick?

Denise:

I did. They haven't.

Anna:

How about looking through your rubbish bin to see if you threw it away by
mistake?

Denise:

(getting shirty) I don't do silly things like that!

Paul:

All very sensible suggestions Anna, thank you.

Anna:

Maybe I could do a big...

Similar Essays