Vocabulary: Applying for a job

A2, B1, B2 (C1)

In these activities from The BBC Learning English site, you will learn and practise vocabulary associated with searching for a job. This includes words and expressions used in job advertisements, to describe professional qualities and abilities, and to talk about the selection process. There are seven different exercises. Activity time: 15 minutes to 1 hour

Task: Follow the instructions for each exercise.

Go to the activities here.

(Note that there are also sections on CVs, cover letters and job interviews on this site. Go to this page to see the complete menu)

Video: The Lifesaver

(A2), B1, B2, C1

It was disturbing stories on TV news that gave Michael Pritchard the idea for his product, the "Lifesaver". In this video from TED , you will discover what the product is and how it works.
(NB there are subtitles available in many different languages, including English)  Video time: 9 minutes 29 seconds. Activity time: 15 - 45 minutes

Task: Watch the video and answer the following questions:

1  What stories in the news gave him the idea for the Lifesaver?
2  What does the product do?

3  How does it work?
4  How can it be used?

Go to the video here .

For more information about the Lifesaver, go to the website here.

Expressions: Business emails

(A2), B1, B2, (C1)

This activity gives you practice in using typical email expressions in context. You will also see the difference between a more formal email style, used for initial contacts or official correspondence, and a more informal style for communication with people you know better. Activity time: 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Task: 1 Go to the first exercise and practise using some typical expressions in context.
2  Study the printable list of email expressions and complete the matching exercise that follows. (the answers are at the bottom of the page)
3  Go to the gapfill exercise and complete the missing words in the formal and informal emails. Use the list of expressions in 2 to help you.

Go to the first exercise here.
Go to the list of email expressions here.
Go to the gapfill exercise here.