PLAY IT AGAIN
Talking about work in Australia
PLAY IT AGAIN
GPO Box 4728 Melbourne 3001
publications@ames.net.au
www.ames.net.au
© AMES 2012
Funded by the Telematics Trust www.telematics.org.au
ISBN 978-0-7306-5752-1
Project Team
Lilliana Hajncl, Jan Livingstone, Maggie Power
Recording &
post production
Kite Media
This booklet is a free download which accompanies the Play it again Playbutton. To purchase the Play it
again Playbutton, go to www.ames.net.au\ames-bookshop
Copyright notice
This booklet is copyright AMES 2012.
Purchasers of the AMES Playbutton Play It Again may download and save an electronic copy or print out
copies for educational purposes; but only if they
(a) do not modify the copy from how it appears unless expressly authorised by AMES and then only in
accordance with AMES’ conditions, and
(b) retain the copyright citation ‘©AMES’ and the AMES logo on each page of each copy reproduced or
used.
Using the booklet
In this booklet are the scripts of the 77 short conversations on the Play it Again Playbutton, for listening
and pronunciation practice.
In the conversations, you will hear different people
•
looking for work
•
applying for jobs, including going for interviews
•
starting work
•
communicating and negotiating at work
•
socialising at work.
Repeating out loud is a very effective way to improve your pronunciation. Each conversation is played
twice. First you will hear the full conversation. Then you will hear a small sound and you will hear each line
of the conversation followed by a pause. In the pause, repeat what you have heard.
Sometimes, if a line is long, you will hear half of it, then a pause. Repeat when you hear the pause. Then
you will hear the second half of the line, and another pause. Repeat the second half of the line.
2
PLAY IT AGAIN
Main characters
Judy
Manager
Enterprise Paper Company
Roberto
New worker
Enterprise Paper Company
Raj
Warehouse Manager
Enterprise Paper Company
Sara
Office manager
Enterprise Paper Company
Jin
Front of house supervisor
Verona Hotel
Fari
New worker
Verona Hotel
Cara
New worker
Bliss Dresses
Steve
Manager
Bliss Dresses
Nigel
Retail assistant
Bliss Dresses
PLAY IT AGAIN
3
Scripts
Asking about jobs 1
Peter Hi Jin, you work in a hotel, don’t you?
Jin Yes.
Peter Do you mind if I ask you how you got your job?
Jin No problem. I got it by looking online.
Peter On the internet?
Jin Yes, I went to a jobs website and typed in the words ‘hotel workers’.
Peter That’s a good tip. Thanks.
Asking about jobs 2
Cara Hey Alisha, can I ask you how you got your retail job?
Alisha Sure, I looked in the job section of the newspaper.
Cara Really?
Alisha Yes. They have a special careers section on Saturday.
Asking about jobs 3
Roberto Hey Dave, how did you get your job?
Dave I got it through an employment agency.
Roberto Yeah?
Dave Yeah. I filled in an application, they interviewed me and then they sent me for a job.
Roberto Thanks Dave. That’s useful information.
Applying for a job 1
Sara Enterprise Paper Mill. Sara speaking.
Roberto Hello, I’m ringing about the stores position advertised in Tuesday’s paper.
Sara Yes?
Roberto Is it still available?
Sara Yes. That position is still available.
Roberto Great. Is there an application form?
Sara No. Just send your resume and a covering letter to Judy Black.
Roberto Judy Black.
Sara Yes. She’s the manager.
Roberto OK. Thank you. Bye
Sara Bye.
4
PLAY IT AGAIN
Applying for a job 2
Cara Cara speaking.
Steve Cara, it’s Steve Bliss here, from Bliss Dresses.
Cara Oh yes. Hello Steve.
Steve You sent me your resume for a position in the shop?
Cara Yes, that’s right.
Steve Can you come in for an interview?
Cara Yes. Of course. When would you like to see me?
Steve Are you free this afternoon?
Cara I’m free after 4. Is that OK?
Steve 4pm is great. You know where we are?
Cara Yes.
Steve Then I’ll see you at 4.
Cara Thanks, Steve. See you then.
A job interview 1 – Presenting for an interview
Sara Can I help you?
Roberto Yes, I have an interview with Judy Black at 2 o’clock.
Sara Your name please?
Roberto Roberto Lopez.
Sara Just take a seat. I’ll let her know you’re here.
Roberto Thanks.
A job interview 2 – Interview introductions
Judy Hi Roberto, come in. I’m Judy Black.
Roberto Nice to meet you, Judy.
Judy Please, sit down.
Roberto Thanks.
A job interview 3 – Interview icebreaker
Judy So did you have any trouble finding us?
Roberto No, I looked up your address online. No problem.
Judy Good.
PLAY IT AGAIN
5
A job interview 4 – Talking about your skills and experience
Judy Can you tell me a little about your experience?
Roberto I‘ve been working in a warehouse in an import company.
Judy Really? How long were you there?
Roberto Four and a half years.
Judy Do you have a forklift truck licence?
Roberto I operated one in my last job and I’m doing a two-day course to get my licence next week.
Judy Excellent!
A job interview 5 – Reason for leaving
Judy And why did you leave your last job?
Roberto I left to come to Australia.
Judy I see.
A job interview 6 – Local experience
Judy So do you have any local experience?
Roberto Well, I’ve been doing some volunteer work.
Judy Really. That’s interesting. Where?
Roberto I’ve been driving the community bus for my local council.
Judy That’s good.
Roberto Yes, it’s a nice job and it’s helped me to understand the Australian workplace better.
A job interview 7 – Workplace health and safety
Judy What do you know about Workplace Health and Safety?
Roberto I did a short course in WHS when I joined the local council.
Judy Well, you might have to do another one for this job.
Roberto No problem. That’s fine.
A job interview 8 – More skills
Judy The job also involves data entry. How are your computer skills?
Roberto I have a lot of experience using Microsoft Office.
Judy Uhuh, well, you’ll mainly be using Excel.
Roberto Good, I used Excel every day in my last job.
6
PLAY IT AGAIN
A job interview 9 – Shift work
Judy How do you feel about flexible working hours?
Roberto Do you mean shift work?
Judy Yes. We sometimes need people to work evenings and Saturdays.
Roberto No problem. I’m used to working shifts.
Judy That’s great.
A job interview 10 – Your questions
Judy Do you have any questions you’d like to ask?
Roberto Yes. How big is the team I’ll be working with?
Judy We have eight people in the warehouse.
Roberto Ah, that’s good.
A job interview 11 – Closing
Judy Well, we’ll be in contact by the end of the week.
Roberto Great.
Judy Yes. Nice to meet you too, Judy. Goodbye.
Roberto Bye.
Getting the job 1
Roberto Roberto Lopez speaking.
Judy Roberto, it’s Judy Black from Enterprise Paper here.
Roberto Hi Judy.
Judy I’m ringing to let you know that you got the job.
Roberto Oh, that’s great news! Thanks!
Judy So we’ll see you on Monday?
Roberto Sure, what time?
Judy 8.30. Ask for Raj. He’ll show you what to do.
Roberto Raj. All right. Thanks again. See you Monday.
Judy Yes, see you then.
Getting the job 2
Roberto Hey Fari. I got the job!
Fari Congratulations, Roberto. That’s great news!
Roberto I start on Monday.
Fari I’m really happy for you!
PLAY IT AGAIN
7
Getting the job 3
Roberto So, how did you go with your hotel interview?
Fari Not too well. I didn’t get the job.
Roberto Oh. I’m sorry to hear that.
Getting the job 4
Fari I have another job interview tomorrow.
Roberto Good luck!
Fari Roberto. Do you think you could you help me prepare for it?
Roberto Sure.
Fari Oh, thank you.
Getting the job 5
Fari Roberto! I got it! I got the job.
Roberto That’s fantastic, Fari!
Fari Thanks for your help.
Roberto No problem.
Arriving at work 1
Fari Hi, I’m Fari. I’m here for my induction.
Jin Oh yes. It’s your first day, isn’t it?
Fari Yes.
Jin Welcome to the Verona hotel, Fari. I’m Jin.
Fari Hi Jin.
Arriving at work 2
Steve Can I help you?
Cara Hi Steve. I’m Cara. I’m starting work today.
Steve Oh yes. Cara. Sorry. Welcome.
Cara Thanks.
Steve Nigel, this is Cara. She’s starting in the shop today.
Nigel Oh, hi Cara.
Cara Hi Nigel. Nice to meet you.
Steve Now, I’ll show you where you can leave your things.
Cara Thanks.
8
PLAY IT AGAIN
First day on the job 1 – Arriving at work
Sara Can I help you?
Roberto Yes, I’m Roberto Lopez. I’m starting work in the warehouse today.
Sara Welcome aboard Roberto. I’m Sara.
Roberto Thanks Sara. Where do I find Raj?
Sara Hold on. I’ll call him and tell him you’re here.
First day on the job 2 – Following directions
Sara He’s in the warehouse.
Roberto OK. Could you tell me how to get there please?
Sara Sure. You’ll have to go out the front door, turn right and right again.
Roberto Right and right again.
Sara Yes. The warehouse is down the back. You can’t miss it.
First day on the job 3 – Describing people
Roberto How will I know which one is Raj?
Sara You can’t miss him. He’s big and tall and he’s got a big beard.
Roberto OK. Thanks Sara.
Talking to your new supervisor 1 - Welcome
Roberto Hello Raj. I’m Roberto Lopez. Judy said to ask for you.
Raj You’re our new floor man. Welcome to the team. Roberto!
Roberto Thanks. So where do I start?
Talking to your new supervisor 2 – Asking for clarification
Raj Well first up, you’d better put your stuff in the lunchroom.
Roberto Ah, my stuff?
Raj Your stuff. You know, your coat and bag. And you’ll need to grab a hi viz vest.
Roberto Sorry?
Raj One of these yellow jackets. So the trucks can see you.
Roberto Oh, I see. Thanks.
Talking to your new supervisor 3 – Asking questions
Raj You’ll have to see Sally in the office, to fill in a few forms.
Roberto OK. Should I go and see her now?
Raj No, wait and do it after coffee.
Roberto OK.
PLAY IT AGAIN
9
Talking to your new supervisor 4 – Interrupting
Roberto Excuse me, Raj?
Raj Yep?
Roberto Do I have to pay for the coffee?
Raj No, you can help yourself. The company pays.
Roberto That’s good.
Workplace instructions 1
Raj Now, don’t operate the machine until the safety rail is down.
Roberto Like this?
Raj Yes. Turn the key to start. Right?
Roberto To the right?
Raj No, to the left.
Roberto Ah, I’ve got it.
Workplace instructions 2
Raj You might like to wash your hands before you handle that paper.
Roberto Oh, no, it’s OK, thanks.
Raj Um, I think you should.
Roberto Oh sorry. I didn’t realise I had to.
Raj Yeah, you have to wash your hands.
Roberto OK. I’ll wash them now.
Workplace instructions 3
Jin Fari, it’d be good if you could stay for the staff meeting.
Fari Sorry, Jin. I’m not sure. Do you mean I should come or not?
Jin Yes, I mean you should come.
Fari OK. I’ll be there!
Jin Good.
Workplace instructions 4
Nigel Cara, would you mind watching the shop while I pop out for a bit?
Cara Um, so you want me to stay here while you go out?
Nigel Yes. Could you watch the shop while I get the mail?
Cara No problem!
10
PLAY IT AGAIN
Finishing work 1
Raj Are you heading off?
Roberto Yes, I’m going home.
Raj Well, you put in a good day’s work, Roberto.
Roberto Thanks Raj. And, thanks for all your help today.
Raj No worries. See you tomorrow.
Roberto Yeah, see you.
Finishing work 2
Jin Well, I’m off.
Fari See you Jin.
Jin Yeah, see you tomorrow, Fari.
Finishing work 3
Steve Hey Cara. Are you still here? You could’ve knocked off 15 minutes ago.
Cara Oh really?
Steve Yes, you don’t have to wait for me to tell you. Just let me know when you’re going.
Cara Oh, OK. Thanks Steve. See you tomorrow.
Steve Yes, see you.
Workplace communication 1
Fari How was your first week in the warehouse, Roberto?
Roberto Good. I work with a great team.
Fari Have you got a good boss?
Roberto Yeah. His name’s Raj and he’s really funny.
Workplace communication 2
Roberto How about you, Fari?
Fari Oh, I started yesterday.
Roberto You don’t sound very happy.
Fari I just don’t understand what my supervisor means a lot of the time.
Roberto Why don’t you talk to her about it?
PLAY IT AGAIN
11
Workplace communication 3
Fari Excuse me, Jin?
Jin Yes Fari?
Fari Have you got a minute?
Jin Sure.
Fari It’s just that I don’t always understand Australian English. I was wondering if you could
speak a little more slowly?
Jin Of course. And if there’s anything else you don’t understand, you can ask me.
Fari Thanks, Jin.
Workplace communication 4
Cara Excuse me, Nigel?
Nigel Yes Cara?
Cara I didn’t quite understand when Steve said ‘this arvo’.
Nigel Oh, right. ‘This arvo’ means this afternoon.
Cara Oh. I see. Is it OK if I ask you when I don’t understand?
Nigel Of course.
Cara Thanks Nigel.
Workplace communication 5
Jin Fari. Could you check Room 205 after you have lunch?
Fari Oh, ah, sorry Jin. What do you want me to do first?
Jin First have lunch, then check Room 205.
Fari No worries.
Workplace communication 6
Jin Hi Fari. Are you coming to the morning tea for Sally?
Fari Oh, I’m not sure. I’m a bit busy at the moment.
Jin Well, we’re all busy, but it’s good to join in.
Fari Oh, OK. I’ll be there!
Jin Good. And could you put in for Sally’s present?
Fari Oh, sure.
Jin Just a dollar or two is fine.
Fari No worries.
12
PLAY IT AGAIN
Phone calls and messages 1
Fari Verona Hotel. Good morning. Fari speaking.
Caller Ah yes. Could I speak to Jin Lee please?
Fari She’s not here at the moment. Can I take a message?
Caller Yes. Could you ask her to call Michael Addams on double nine two six, four six two five?
Fari Michael….?
Caller Addams. A-double d, -a-m-s.
Fari And could you repeat your phone number please?
Caller Double nine two six, four six two five.
Fari Double nine two six, four six two five.
Caller That’s right.
Fari Fine, I’ll give her your message.
Caller Thanks. See you.
Fari Bye.
Phone calls and messages 2
Rona Hi Fari. Is Jin around?
Fari No. She’s on her lunch break, Rona.
Rona When will she be back?
Fari She’s usually back by one.
Rona OK. I’ll come back at 1.30 then.
Fari OK, I’ll let her know.
Phone calls and messages 3
Jin Hi Fari.
Fari Oh Jin, there was a message for you. Here.
Jin Thanks.
Fari And Rona came to see you.
Jin Rona? When?
Fari About half an hour ago. She said she’d be back at 1.30.
Jin Oh good. Thanks, Fari.
Phone calls and messages 4
Raj Hi Roberto.
Roberto Oh, Raj, you’re back. There was a call for you.
Raj Yeah?
Roberto Yeah, Celia wants you to ring her. She didn’t leave a number.
Raj That’s probably because she’s my wife!
PLAY IT AGAIN
13
Roberto Oh, sorry.
Raj No worries.
Phone calls and messages 5
Cara Hi Steve. The centre manager dropped in while you were out.
Steve Oh. What did she want?
Cara She said they have to turn the electricity off at six tonight.
Steve Oh, thanks. I’m leaving at 5.30, so that’s OK.
Cara She said to call her if you need more information.
Steve No problem. Thanks Cara.
Socialising at work 1
Raj What are you doing on the weekend, Roberto?
Roberto Oh, my sister’s having a party on Saturday night. How about you?
Raj I’m going to the footy.
Roberto Yeah? Who do you barrack for?
Raj The Swans. And you?
Roberto I haven’t really got a team.
Raj Well, go for the Swans then!
Roberto OK. Whatever you say…
Socialising at work 2
Roberto A bit wet this morning, eh?
Raj Yeah. But it’s going to clear up by this afternoon.
Roberto Good. I’m playing basketball after work.
Raj Really. Where do you play?
Roberto In Delmont, near my place.
Raj That’s a good way to keep fit.
Roberto Yeah.
Socialising at work 3
Cara My bus was really late this morning.
Nigel Yeah, I heard there was some trouble on the roads.
Cara How do you get to work, Nigel?
Nigel I drive. There’s no public transport near my place.
Cara Oh, that’s a problem.
Nigel It sure is!
14
PLAY IT AGAIN
Socialising at work 4
Jin Morning Fari.
Fari Hi Jin. How was your weekend?
Jin It was great! My sister arrived from China.
Fari Oh, that’s nice.
Jin Mmm, I haven’t seen her for three years.
Fari Really?
Jin Yeah, we talked all night on Saturday!
Fari It must’ve been great to catch up.
Socialising at work 5
Jin Oh your lunch smells so good, Fari.
Fari Thanks. It’s saffron rice. I cooked it last night.
Jin Do you like cooking?
Fari Yes, I love it. This is my grandmother’s recipe.
Jin That’s nice.
Fari Mmm, I think of her every time I make it
Socialising at work 6
Jin Do you bring your lunch every day?
Fari Yes, and you?
Jin I can’t. The kids eat everything I cook!
Fari I didn’t know you had children.
Jin Yes, I have three sons. The oldest is seven.
Fari Wow, they must keep you busy.
Jin They sure do!
Socialising at work 7
Roberto Oh, you look terrible. Is everything OK?
Raj I saw an accident on the way to work today. It was awful.
Roberto Oh no. Can I get you a coffee or anything?
Socialising at work 8
Jin I won’t be in tomorrow. I have to go to a funeral.
Fari Oh. Is it someone close?
Jin My father’s brother.
Fari I’m sorry to hear that.
PLAY IT AGAIN
15
Socialising at work 9
Cara You weren’t at work yesterday. Are you OK?
Nigel Aah, my Mum had a fall.
Cara Oh that’s terrible. Is she OK?
Nigel No, she broke her hip. She’ll be in hospital for a while.
Cara Oh that’s such a pity.
Socialising at work 10
Raj Hey Roberto, I won the raffle at the pub last night!
Roberto Good on you Raj! What did you win?
Raj A chook.
Roberto What’s that?
Raj A chicken!
Roberto That’s funny!
Socialising at work 11
Jin Hi Fari, you look happy.
Fari My sister is pregnant. I’m going to be an aunty!
Jin That’s great. Congratulations!
Fari Thanks.
Socialising at work 12
Cara Hey Nigel. I got engaged on the weekend!
Nigel That’s fantastic, Cara. Congratulations!
Cara Thanks.
Asking for time off 1
Roberto Excuse me Raj. Is it OK if I knock off early today?
Raj Oh, why’s that?
Roberto My father’s in hospital.
Raj Oh. That’s no good. Is it serious?
Roberto I hope not.
16
PLAY IT AGAIN
Asking for time off 2
Fari Jin, is it OK if I leave early? I’ve got a terrible headache.
Jin Of course.
Fari Thanks.
Jin Will you be all right getting home?
Fari Yes, thanks.
Jin OK. Take care.
Asking for time off 3
Cara Steve. Could I speak to you for a moment?
Steve Sure.
Cara I’ll need to leave half an hour earlier on Saturday. I have to catch a country train at five. Is
that OK?
Steve Oh, I see. Yes, that’ll be fine Cara.
Cara Thanks Steve.
Asking for time off 4
Roberto Hi Raj. I’ll need to take Monday morning off if that’s OK?
Raj Oh, why’s that?
Roberto I have to bring my father home from the hospital.
Raj OK. He’s better?
Roberto He’s getting better. I’ll be in at lunchtime.
Raj No problem.
Asking for time off 5
Jin Verona Hotel, Jin speaking.
Fari Hi Jin, it’s Fari. I’m going to be about half an hour late. Sorry.
Jin Oh, what’s up?
Fari My tram broke down.
Jin OK. I’ll see you after nine?
Fari Yes, thanks.
PLAY IT AGAIN
17
Asking for time off 6
Raj Raj speaking.
Roberto Hi Raj. It’s Roberto.
Raj Oh, yeah. What’s up mate?
Roberto I can’t come in today, I’m sick. I think I’m getting the flu.
Raj OK. Roberto. I’ll let the others know. Take care.
Roberto Thanks.
Asking for time off 7
Steve Bliss Dresses. Steve speaking.
Cara Hi Steve. It’s Cara.
Steve Hi Cara.
Cara Steve, I can’t come in today. I have food poisoning.
Steve Oh that’s no good, Cara. Take care.
Cara Yes, thanks Steve.
Problems at work 1
Raj Hey, Roberto. Some of those packages are broken.
Roberto Really?
Raj Yeah. Make sure you tape them before handling them.
Roberto OK. I’ll do it now.
Problems at work 2
Roberto Hey Raj. The warning sound on the forklift isn’t working.
Raj Well, we can’t use it until it’s fixed.
Roberto So, what should I do?
Raj Call Maintenance. And tell them it’s urgent.
Roberto OK. Should I use the trolley instead?
Raj Good idea. But just make sure it’s not too heavy. Just one or two of those boxes at a time.
Roberto OK.
18
PLAY IT AGAIN
Problems at work 3
Fari Jin? It’s 11.30 and the guests in Room 218 haven’t checked out yet.
Jin Oh let’s see. We can wait until twelve.
Fari And what if they don’t come down at twelve?
Jin If that happens, you can send the minibar attendant up to check the room.
Fari I see. And who’s that?
Jin Miguel. He’ll let us know if the guests are still there.
Fari And what happens if they are?
Jin They can choose to pay a bit extra for the late checkout.
Fari Oh, I see.
Problems at work 4
Roberto Hi Raj. Can I talk to you for a minute?
Raj Sure.
Roberto There seems to be a problem with my pay. I wasn’t paid for Saturday morning.
Raj Let’s see. Look, you can go and see Sally in the office. She’ll fix you up.
Roberto OK. Thanks.
Showing initiative 1
Cara Steve? I was wondering if I could have a go at helping with the window display.
Steve Oh, have you done it before?
Cara Well, I’ve learnt a bit from watching you do it.
Steve Yeah?
Cara And I have a few ideas. I do an art class so I know a bit about what looks good.
Steve OK. Good Cara. Let’s sit down and discuss your ideas this afternoon.
Cara Great. Thanks Steve.
Showing initiative 2
Roberto Raj? I was thinking the packing room is a bit disorganised.
Raj I know. I can’t find anything in there.
Roberto Well, I could clean it up if you like.
Sure. We’re not too busy at the moment. That’s a good idea Roberto.
Raj
Roberto OK. I’ll start straightaway.
Raj That’s great. Thanks.
PLAY IT AGAIN
19
Dealing with complaints 1
Fari Can I help you?
Bart Yes, I have a room booked tonight. The name’s Black. Bart Black.
Fari I don’t seem to have you listed Mr Black.
Bart What? I booked online last week!
Fari Do you have a booking number?
Bart I have the booking sheet somewhere here. Oh this is ridiculous!
Fari Just a minute Mr Black. I’ll get our desk manager for you.
Bart Here, here’s my booking number.
Fari Oh. Oh. I see the problem. You booked with the Pagoda Hotel. It’s two blocks down the
street. This the Verona Hotel.
Bart What? Oh silly taxi drivers!
Fari Would you like me to call you a cab?
Bart No, don’t bother.
Dealing with complaints 2
Cara Can I help you?
Customer Yes I bought this here yesterday and it has an oil stain on it!
Cara Oh, I see. I’m sorry. I’m afraid we don’t have another.
Customer What? You had four of them yesterday!
Cara I know but they sold out quickly. They were very popular.
Customer Well that’s just not good enough!
Cara I could give you a refund.
Customer But I wanted this top!
Perhaps you’d like to speak to the manager. I can call him for you. If you can wait just a
Cara
minute.
Moving on 1
Raj Hi there Roberto. Just to let you know, I’m retiring next month.
Roberto Hey? Really?
Raj Yep.
Roberto So I’ll have a new supervisor?
Raj Well, they’ll be advertising my position, so why don’t you go for it?
Roberto I’ve only been here a year.
Raj No reason why you can’t go for it. I’ll put in a good word for you.
Roberto Really! Thanks Raj.
20
PLAY IT AGAIN
Moving on 2
judy So, we’re sad to see you go Raj. You’ve been a great member of the team. But we wish you
all the best for the future.
Raj Thanks everyone. I’ve really enjoyed working here. It’s been great.
Roberto See you Raj. It’s been great working with you.
Raj Yeah, see you Roberto. All the best. And congratulations on getting the position.
Roberto Yeah, thanks!
PLAY IT AGAIN
21