III. Read the text for obtaining information

Ads. Every newspaper in the USA has a section of classified advertising. These ads are placed by individual readers and usually deal with selling something. When families prepare to move into a strange neighborhood, one of the first things they will do is check the classified ads for houses or apartments for rent. Newspapers in larger cities arrange the ads into sections such as: automobiles, household belonging, houses and apartments for rent, garage sales etc. making it easier to find the item one is looking for.

Classified ads cost by the word so persons placing them will try to say as much as possible in a few words. Abbreviations are used to cut down on cost.

Postcards. Postcards contain very short messages usually sent back home or to friends while people are on vacation. The most common postcards have pictures on one side. The opposite side is divided so that a short message can be written on half the card and the other half is used for the address.

Postcards are a good record of the sites visited while on vacation.

Invitations. The most common invitations are relayed in person or on the telephone, but there are certain other events for which a formal written invitation is given. These may be for bridal showers, weddings or some special parties. Ready-made invitations can be purchased and all one has to do is fill in the pertinent information or a creative person may make their own.

Formal invitations to weddings are usually engraved at a printer. The invitation is placed in an inside envelope with only the name of the person for which it is intended, then placed in another envelope which is addressed to the recipient and sent by post. These have a very formal wording in contrast to the party invitations that are much more informal.

IV. Comprehension Check.

Read the samples of ads and list the abbreviations from them. Comment on their meaning. Write a complete word for each abbreviation.

For Rent – 2 bedroom apt. Nice area. Fully furnished w/new kitchen appliances, including dishwasher. Washer/dryer hookups. Covered parking. $750. Phone 915-386-4312.

Wanted to Rent – In need of a nice 3 bedroom apt. in a quiet section near school. Must be fully equipped. Need carport or garage, prefer garage. Will consider up to $1000 pr. mo. Call after 6 p.m. (214) 321-9414.

Moving Sale – Moving out of state, must sell everything. Furniture, dishes, clothes, toys and lots of misc. Fri. and Sat. 8-2. No early sales. 20374 Wildwood Ln.

Read the elliptical sentences from the samples of ads and expand them to full sentences.

Nice area; must be fully equipped; moving out of state, must sell everything; need carport or garage, prefer garage.

Which of the ads looks interesting to you? Why? Rewrite the ads making them sound more convincing for the byers.

Read the sample postcards.

Dear Steven,

Vermont is lovely this time of year. Wish you were here to enjoy it with us. The fall foliage is spectacular. Guess it’s beautiful everywhere, but here it seems more intense.

Love,

Tom & Sally

Hi Josh,

I’m on holiday in Brazil. I’m having a great time. The weather is hot and the sun’s shining. At the moment I’m staying on the beach, and reading a magazine. We arrived in Brazil yesterday morning. The hotel is cool, and the food is brilliant! I am coming back in a week.

See you soon,

Amy

Fill in the missing words in the following sentences.

1. … is spectacular. 2. … to enjoy it with us. 3. Vermont is lovely …. 4. I’m having …. 5. The weather is …. 6. … yesterday morning.

Read the sample invitations and name: the event, the place, the time.

1. Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Jones request the honour of your presence at the marriage of their daughter Jaqueline Marie to Mr. Anthony James Arthur on Saturday, January 20, 2018 at 7 p.m. at the First Methodist Church, 1034 Florence Blvd., Omaha, Nebraska.

Reception immediately following at the Westside Country Club.

RSVP: (318) 624-5823

2. You are cordially invited to a Bridal Shower for Stacy Thompson. It will be held at the Golden Arms Recreation Center on Pleasant Hill Road. It is planned for 2 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 1. Please let us know if you will be able to attend. Call either Leslie Leeper at (514) 892-6543 or Janie Smith at (514) 867-2853.

3. Dear Dexter,

I’d like to invite you to my birthday party in my garden. The garden party starts at 8pm. The party will be in gothic style. You can’t miss it! I hope to see you there.

Kisses, Ann.

V. Training Writing.

1. You are a college student and want to rent a room. Write an ad about it.

2. You got a chance to visit London. Write a postcard to your friend.

3. You are going to invite guests to your special occasion. Write an invitation.

In a Restaurant

I. First thoughts. Do you like to dine out? What do you usually order? What’s your favourite dish? Have you ever tried any exotic dish?

II. Study the words. Make sure you know them. Practice the pronunciation.

To book a table, to order, starters/ appetizers, main course, wine, bitter, dessert, shrimp, oyster, salmon, steak, chicken, veal, medium rare, asparagus, cauliflower, boiled potatoes, fried potatoes, new potatoes, mashed potatoes, carrot, bacon and eggs, ice cream, pineapple, juice, delicious. Could we see the menu? Are you ready to order? I can recommend... We’ve run out of... The specialty of the house.