Phrase of the week
“Could you run that by me again?”
A friendly way to ask someone to explain again, useful in lectures, at work and on the phone. More formal: “Sorry, could you repeat that, please?”
Life abroad
Everyday phrases you will need in your first month
At the airport
- Where can I collect my baggage?
- I’m here to study at… My letter is here.
- Could you tell me where the taxi rank is?
At university
- Could you run that by me again?
- Is it okay if I submit this a day late?
- Would you mind explaining the assignment brief?
At a part-time job
- Is there anything else I can help with?
- Could I swap my Tuesday shift?
- Sorry, I didn’t catch that. Could you say it again?
Renting a room
- Are bills included in the rent?
- How much is the bond, and when do I get it back?
- Could I have a look at the room first?
At the doctor
- I’ve had a sore throat since Monday.
- Do I need to book an appointment?
- Is this covered by my health insurance?
Small talk
- How was your weekend?
- Have you been here long?
- It was nice meeting you. See you around!
Interview preparation
Common interview questions, with sample answers
For university, visa and job interviews. Use these as models: always answer with your own true details.
Tell me about yourself.
“I’m Rahul from Ambala. I finished my B.Com this year with 72%, and I’ve worked part time at my uncle’s accounts office, where I learnt Tally and GST filing. I want to build on that with a master’s in accounting.”
Tip: Keep it to about a minute: background, one achievement, your goal.
Why did you choose this course?
“It covers data analysis and management accounting, which match my work experience, and it includes an industry project, which will help me apply what I learn.”
Tip: Name specific subjects or features of the course, not general praise.
Why this country and not India?
“The course combines theory with industry placements that are not available in my city, and studying with international classmates will prepare me for a global career.”
Tip: Be honest and specific. Show that you researched options.
How will you fund your studies?
“My father, a businessman, is sponsoring my tuition and living costs, and we also have an education loan from our bank. I have the documents with me.”
Tip: Know your numbers and documents. Answers must match your application.
What are your plans after the course?
“I want to gain professional experience and grow into a finance management role, using the skills from this program.”
Tip: Give a clear, realistic plan connected to your course.
What is your biggest weakness?
“I used to find public speaking difficult, so I joined a spoken English and presentation class. Now I volunteer to present in group projects.”
Tip: Choose a real weakness and show what you did to improve it.
Pronunciation
Six pronunciation tips for clearer English
“V” and “W” are different
For “v”, touch your top teeth to your lower lip. For “w”, round your lips with no teeth.
Practise: very well · village · window
Don’t add an extra vowel
Words starting with “s” + consonant have no vowel before them: “school”, not “iskool”.
Practise: school · station · speak
Silent letters
Many English words have letters you don’t say.
Practise: Wednesday · island · listen · know
Stress the right syllable
Word stress changes meaning and makes you easier to understand.
Practise: PHO-to-graph · pho-TO-gra-phy
The “-ed” ending
“-ed” can sound like “t”, “d” or “id” depending on the verb.
Practise: walked (t) · played (d) · wanted (id)
Slow down at the end
Finish each sentence clearly instead of rushing the last words.
Practise: Read a short news paragraph aloud every day.
Writing
Polite email English: say it better
Instead of: Kindly do the needful.
Try: Could you please send me the form by Friday?
Instead of: Revert back ASAP.
Try: I’d appreciate a reply when you have a moment.
Instead of: PFA my documents.
Try: Please find my documents attached.
Instead of: I want leave tomorrow.
Try: Could I take a day off tomorrow, please?
Instead of: Why is my result not coming?
Try: Could you let me know when my result will be available?
Instead of: Dear Sir, hope you are fine.
Try: Dear Ms Smith, I hope you are well.
Practise with a trainer
Join a spoken English, interview or personality development class at Ambala Cantt or Ladwa.