Improve your English Language with myEnglish Listening Exercises |
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Thứ Ba, 6 tháng 3, 2012
Insperity announces the launch of PerformSmart™
Your people are responsible for your company's success. And when you properly align their workplace performance with your business objectives, you're setting the stage to take your business to the next level. Insperity’s PerformSmart is a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solution that gives you all the right resources to handle essential people-management tasks. When you consistently provide guidance and direction for your employee’s and give constructive feedback all along the way, you gain engaged, motivated employees that are aligned with your company goals. To read our press release click here.
| nsperity Announces Launch of Performance Management's Software-as-a-Service Solution |
HOUSTON, Apr 26, 2011 (BUSINESS WIRE) --
Insperity, Inc. (NYSE: NSP), a leading provider of human resources (HR) and business performance solutions for America's best businesses, today announced the commercial availability of PerformSmartTM, a Performance Management Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solution. Leveraging the company's 25 years of experience delivering world-class HR strategies and strong technical expertise, PerformSmart was developed as an effective, easy to use solution for transforming talent.
In the development of PerformSmart, InsperityTM focused on the features of performance management that allow small and medium-sized businesses to attract, retain and grow their talent. PerformSmart provides a best-in-class performance management solution giving customers the ability to customize and configure their performance review processes. PerformSmart also includes robust employee and goal information management, customized review templates and competencies, and a workflow process that engages employees across the organization. For more information, visithttp://www.performsmart.com.
"Our PerformSmart SaaS offering provides greater flexibility, collaboration and accessibility through a web-based solution," said Steve Huey, Insperity Performance Management president. "The PerformSmart solution expands our offering to small and medium-sized businesses and reinforces our commitment to inspire business prosperity."
With the recent corporate rebranding of Insperity, the PerformSmart brand now represents Insperity's online performance management solution.
Insperity, a trusted advisor to America's best businesses for more than 25 years, provides an array of human resources and business solutions designed to help improve business performance. Insperity Business Performance Advisors offer the most comprehensive Workforce OptimizationTM solution in the marketplace that delivers administrative relief, better benefits, reduced liabilities and a systematic way to improve productivity. Additional offerings include MidMarket Solutions, Performance Management, Expense Management, Time and Attendance, Organizational Planning, Employment Screening, Recruiting Services, Retirement Services, Business Insurance and Technology Services. Insperity business performance solutions support more than 100,000 businesses with over 2 million employees. With 2010 revenues in excess of $1.7 billion, Insperity operates in 58 offices throughout the United States. For more information, visit http://www.insperity.com.
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Chủ Nhật, 12 tháng 2, 2012
Sample Tour Guide Speech
Listen to a tour guide on a shuttle bus from the airport to the resort.
| Welcoming tourists: | Hello everyone. My name is Luca. On behalf of Suntan Tours I'd like to welcome you all to Los Cabos. The bus ride to your hotel will take about fifteen minutes. Right now I'd like to take a minute to familiarize you with the area and discuss some brief safety precautions. Firstly, I ask that you remain seated until we reach our destination and that you not eat or drink while on the bus. Secondly, please realize that it is against the law to get drunk in public. Enjoy your vacation, but do drink responsibly and do not drink and drive. |
|---|---|
| Describing the location: | I promise you are going to enjoy your stay here in San Jose, Los Cabos. This is a beautiful, quiet city where you can relax, sit by the beach, enjoy great meals and feel very safe. You can walk into town and enjoy the fountains or take a moonlit walk along the water. Please do not swim here. This is not a safe place to swim because there is a strong undertow. Cabos San Lucas is the place to go if you want to enjoy swimming in the ocean. You can take a short bus ride from your hotel. There you will also enjoy entertainment and dancing. |
| Introducing special events and offers: | Suntan tours offers a variety of special discounts depending on your travel plans. We have golf packages, as well as guided whale boat tours, and fishing charters. There will be a short information session at 1pm in the lobby of the hotel tomorrow where you can learn all about these offers. We recommend that you do not purchase packages from street vendors as they are not always 100 percent reliable. They also may charge you more than what they say. Please take my advice and allow Suntan tours to book all of your day trips and activities while you are here. |
| Offering advice: | If you need to exchange your dollars into pesos, please use a bank or money exchange. We don't recommend exchanging your money at the hotel because you won't get a fair rate. Some restaurants will accept American or Canadian money, but you are better off to exchange your money and pay with pesos. Or, if you prefer, you can always use your credit cards. Also, if you want to get around the city, or travel to Cabos San Lucas, we recommend that you take the local bus rather than a taxi. The bus costs about one American dollar, and the driver can give you change if you don't have the exact amount. If you do decide to take a taxi make sure that you negotiate a price before you go. |
| Closing remarks: | We're going to be pulling up to the hotel in just a few minutes. Please sit back and enjoy the view of the ocean on the left hand side of the bus as we enter the city. I ask that you remain in your seats until we have come to a complete stop. Javier will be meeting us at the bus to help you with your bags. Please double check to make sure your bag has been taken off the bus. On behalf of Suntan Tours, have a wonderful vacation in San Jose and I hope to see you tomorrow at the information session. |
Customer Service for Cashiers
In many businesses, the cashier is the first person a customer sees. In fact, in the majority of sales situations the cashier is the only employee a customer actually speaks to. Customers are more likely to return to the same business if the cashiers are friendly, helpful, and polite. Though your time with each customer is short, your role in their day is important. You could be the one to put a smile on their faceand the one who convinces them to come again another time.
Customer Service: Language
Here are some expressions to practise and use on the job. Refer to cashier vocabulary for any words you don't know.
- Did you find everything you were looking for today?
- Has it warmed up/cooled down/dried up out there yet? (More small talk)
- Are you interested in taking part in our promotion?
- I apologize for the wait.
- I'm new at this job. Thank you for your patience.
- I'm going to have to call to get a price check.
- Do you need a hand out with your bags?
- Have a wonderful day.
- Thanks for shopping at...
- Please come again.
- See you again soon.
Sample Customer Service Encounters: Speaking Practice
Find an English friend to practise with. Take turns being cashier and customer.
Making a sale (upselling)
| Cashier: | I see you've chosen some nice blouses from our fall line. Are you aware of our promotion today? |
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| Customer: | No, actually, I'm not. |
| Cashier: | All men's and lady's fall tops are on buy one get one free. |
| Customer: | Oh, that's great. |
| Cashier: | Would you like to look around some more? There are some great men's dress shirts at the back of the store. |
| Customer: | No thank you. I can't shop for my husband. He never likes what I pick out for him. |
| Cashier: | (laughs) So, just these two blouses today then? |
| Customer: | Yes, that's all for today. |
Handling a complaint
| Cashier: | How was your meal today? |
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| Customer: | Well, the food was good as it always is. We were a bit disappointed in the service tonight, though. |
| Cashier: | Oh, I'm sorry to hear that. Would you like to fill out a comment card? Or I could get a manager for you. |
| Customer: | That's okay. We know it's your peak time. We usually try to come a little earlier before the rush. |
| Cashier: | Well, I'd like to make it up to you. I'm going to give you a discount today. I'll take your drinks and dessert off the bill. |
| Customer: | Oh, that would be nice. Thank you. |
| Cashier: | No, thank you. Your satisfaction is important to us. Here's a coupon for your next visit. Please come again. |
| Customer: | Thank you. We will. |
Customer Service: Listening Practice
Listen to the customer enquiries below that take place at a checkout area. Read the three possible cashier responses for each enquiry. Which is the correct response? Check your answers.
1. | Cashier response: |
2.
| Cashier response: |
3.
| Cashier response: |
Listening Transcripts
- "I've just spent an hour trying on a bunch of spring clothes. I picked out these three dresses, but I just realized I forgot my wallet at home. These are the last dresses in my size. Would you be able to put them on layaway for me?"
- "There was no price on these shoes, and I couldn't find another pair that was the same. Would you be able to scan them for me? There was a sign that said fifty percent off."
- "I was wondering if you could help me. I did a taste test in Aisle 3 and I tried these crackers that were really good. I'd like to purchase some, but I wasn't able to find them. They were called Snackaroos."
Airline Announcements
Listen to some typical public announcements made in an airport or airplane.
Double-click the left button (>) to start. Click the middle button to stop. Click the right button to pause. Click it again to continue.
Pre-boarding Announcement
Good afternoon passengers. This is the pre-boarding announcement for flight 89B to Rome. We are now inviting those passengers with small children, and any passengers requiring special assistance, to begin boarding at this time. Please have your boarding pass and identification ready. Regular boarding will begin in approximately ten minutes time. Thank you.
Final Boarding Announcement
This is the final boarding call for passengers Erin and Fred Collins booked on flight 372A to Kansas City. Please proceed to gate 3 immediately. The final checks are being completed and the captain will order for the doors of the aircraft to close in approximately five minutes time. I repeat. This is the final boarding call for Erin and Fred Collins. Thank you.
Pre-flight Announcement
Ladies and gentlemen, welcome onboard Flight 4B7 with service from Hong Kong to San Francisco. We are currently third in line for take-off and are expected to be in the air in approximately seven minutes time. We ask that you please fasten your seatbelts at this time and secure all baggage underneath your seat or in the overhead compartments. We also ask that your seats and table trays are in the upright position for take-off. Please turn off all personal electronic devices, including laptops and cell phones. Smoking is prohibited for the duration of the flight. Thank you for choosing Mountain Airlines. Enjoy your flight.
Captain's Announcement
Good afternoon passengers. This is your captain speaking. First I'd like to welcome everyone on Rightwing Flight 86A. We are currently cruising at an altitude of 33,000 feet at an airspeed of 400 miles per hour. The time is 1:25 pm. The weather looks good and with the tailwind on our side we are expecting to land in London approximately fifteen minutes ahead of schedule. The weather in London is clear and sunny, with a high of 25 degrees for this afternoon. If the weather cooperates we should get a great view of the city as we descend. The cabin crew will be coming around in about twenty minutes time to offer you a light snack and beverage, and the inflight movie will begin shortly after that. I'll talk to you again before we reach our destination. Until then, sit back, relax and enjoy the rest of the flight.
Safety Briefing
Ladies and gentlemen, on behalf of the crew I ask that you please direct your attention to the monitors above as we review the emergency procedures. There are six emergency exits on this aircraft. Take a minute to locate the exit closest to you. Note that the nearest exit may be behind you. Count the number of rows to this exit. Should the cabin experience sudden pressure loss, stay calm and listen for instructions from the cabin crew. Oxygen masks will drop down from above your seat. Place the mask over your mouth and nose, like this. Pull the strap to tighten it. If you are traveling with children, make sure that your own mask is on first before helping your children. In the unlikely event of an emergency landing and evacuation, leave your carry-on items behind. Life rafts are located below your seats and emergency lighting will lead you to your closest exit and slide. We ask that you make sure that all carry-on luggage is stowed away safely during the flight. While we wait for take off, please take a moment to review the safety data card in the seat pocket in front of you.
English for Babies and Parents
Note to parents: Learn English with your baby. All underlined words are explained in EnglishChecker. To listen to audio, click the green arrow twice.
Welcome to these English for Babies and Parents pages, where you and your baby can practise English together. Here you will find simple stories, rhymes, games and recommended materials to help you introduce English to your baby or toddler. The audio sections will help you learn the songs and rhymes so that you can teach them to your baby.
Native English parents may also use these pages with their young children. Browse through the lessons to find songs, rhymes, and activities to use throughout the day as your child learns her native language.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is my baby too young to learn English?
It is never too early to introduce English to your baby. Babies love sounds, rhymes, and stories. Learning a language comes naturally to them. Most experts agree that babyhood is the best time to learn a second language. From birth to about age two or three, your baby's brain acts like a sponge. This is also the best time for a parent to teach a language. Parents and other adults naturally speak more slowly and clearly to babies than older children. They also tend to repeat words and phrases often. Repetition is very important for language learning.
How will my baby learn English?
Babies learn languages in many ways. Most importantly, they learn through listening. The more words they hear, the more words they learn. They also learn from watching and imitating. While you play together, your baby will learn to associate words with objects. English Club will help you introduce your baby to English through songs, rhymes, and playtime.
How long should we practise?
Make English part of your daily routine. Sing, read, and play with your baby in English whenever you think of it. Recite a rhyme on the diaper table, sing a song in the bath, and read a bedtime story. Think of teaching English as part of your playtime not as a lesson. Babies tell us when they are tired, bored or hungry. Watch for cues. When your baby rubs her eyes, cries, or crawls away, she is probably ready for a new activity. It is important not to overstimulate a baby.
Will my baby get confused about her first language?
Many parents fear they will confuse their babies by introducing two languages. Research shows that babies can learn more than one language at a time. In bilingual homes, many parents use a method where one parent speaks one language and another parent speaks another language. Sometimes they choose a language that will be the "native" language, though children will make their own decisions, based on the one they hear more often. You should do whatever feels most natural to you. Interacting with your baby early on in both languages is the key. Never let a television take the place of a human.
Why isn't my baby talking?
Experts believe that babies understand language about 6 months before they can express their understanding. Your baby is mainly listening to sounds and words. When you talk, read, and sing to your baby, he will listen and smile. One day your baby will surprise you. She will sing along with you or point to an item and say the proper word. Then you will know that she was listening! Never compare your baby with other babies. Children learn at their own pace. It is unfair to have learning expectations at this age. Keep in mind that babies are learning many things at once. When your baby starts to walk he may stop talking for a while. This doesn't mean you should stop singing and reading to him! Visit here for more Beginner's tips.
Will my baby learn my English mistakes?
Don't worry if your English isn't strong. You are still the best teacher! Babies love the sounds of their parents' voices. These pages are designed for beginners. You and your baby can learn together.
TOEIC Practice
Now we are going to look at some examples from each section. When you are first learning about the TOEIC it is helpful to read the listening sections. Later, when you are familiar with the structure, you will want to practise with a tape or CD. For this practice session, any words that you see in red are words you would hear on a recording in the real test. Any words you see in blue are words you would read in your test booklet. *Make sure to read the explanatory answers for each example, even if you answer a question correctly. Explanatory answers identify common distractors (wrong answers) and reasons why an answer is correct or incorrect. When you have finished the examples, read these 20 TOEIC Tips.
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