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...