1.05 15,04 (сxl)

  

 

  

EMAIL (Formal Style)

Subject: Apologies for Missing Our Meeting

Dear [Recipient’s Name],

I hope this message finds you well.

Please accept my sincerest apologies for missing our scheduled meeting earlier today. Unfortunately, I failed to account for the recent transition to daylight saving time, which caused a discrepancy between our respective time zones.

While I had noted the meeting in my calendar, I did not realize that the time had shifted on your end, and I only became aware of the error when I checked my inbox and saw your message. I completely understand if this caused inconvenience, and I take full responsibility for the oversight.

Should you be available, I would be grateful if we could reschedule at a time that suits you best. I will make sure to double-check the time zone conversion to avoid any further confusion.

Once again, I deeply regret the mix-up and appreciate your understanding.

Warm regards,

[Your Full Name]

[Your Position, if relevant]

[Contact details]

⸻

QUIZ BASED ON THE EMAIL

1. Vocabulary & Idioms

Match the advanced words/phrases from the email to their meanings:

a. discrepancy

b. to account for

c. oversight

d. to take full responsibility

e. to double-check

f. time zone conversion

g. to cause inconvenience

h. to be grateful

i. to find someone well

j. mix-up

 1. mistake or confusion

 2. to verify again to ensure accuracy

 3. to be thankful

 4. to consider or include something in calculations

 5. a difference or inconsistency

 6. a minor mistake due to carelessness

 7. feeling sorry for creating difficulties

 8. to fully accept blame

 9. the process of adjusting for different local times

 10. a polite way to start a letter/email

⸻

2. Grammar-Based Questions

Choose the correct option:

 1. If I had known / knew / would know about the time shift, I would have adjusted my calendar accordingly.

 2. I take full responsibility for / of / to the oversight.

 3. Please let me know if / whether / unless you’re available to reschedule.

 4. I failed accounting / to account / to be accounting for the time change.

⸻

3. Paraphrasing Practice

Paraphrase these formal expressions in a more neutral/friendly tone:

 1. Please accept my sincerest apologies for missing our scheduled meeting.

→ ___________________________________

 2. I take full responsibility for the oversight.

→ ___________________________________

 3. Should you be available, I would be grateful if we could reschedule.

→ ___________________________________

⸻

4. Upgrade the Tone (Make more formal)

Turn the following casual phrases into more formal expressions:

 1. Sorry, I totally missed our call. My bad, the time change messed me up.

→ ___________________________________

 2. Can we pick another time?

→ ___________________________________

⸻

Would you like a version of this in French or Ukrainian for translation practice as well? 

https://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/skills/reading/c1-reading/state-world

10.04.2025

 https://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/skills/reading/c1-reading/sustainable-supermarkets

  

mail 1 - Topic: Ownership of the House and Permission to Sell

Subject: Clarification on Selling a Property Co-Owned with a Child

Dear [Recipient’s Name],

I hope this email finds you well. I would like to seek your guidance on a matter concerning the ownership of a property that I co-own with my child. We both have legal ownership rights to the house, and I am considering selling the property. However, I am unsure about the specific legal requirements in cases where one of the co-owners is a minor.

Could you kindly advise me on the necessary steps and permissions required for selling the property in this situation? I understand that the sale may need approval or authorization from a court or legal guardian in cases involving minor co-owners, but I would appreciate further clarification on this matter.

Thank you for your time and expertise. I look forward to your response.

Best regards,

[Your Name]

⸻

Email 2 - Topic: Legal Rights of a Minor Co-Owner and Selling the Property

Subject: Selling a Co-Owned Property with a Minor Co-Owner

Dear [Recipient’s Name],

I hope you are doing well. I am reaching out with a legal question regarding property ownership. Specifically, I co-own a house with my child, who is a minor. I am considering selling the property and would like to understand how the minor’s involvement affects the sale process.

Could you please clarify whether I can sell the property without the minor’s explicit consent or if there are any special procedures to follow when one of the co-owners is underage? I believe this may involve seeking legal approval, but I would appreciate your confirmation on what steps should be taken.

Looking forward to hearing from you and thanks in advance for your assistance.

Kind regards,

[Your Name]

⸻

Quiz 1 - Vocabulary (based on the emails)

 1. What does “co-owner” mean?

a) Someone who manages the property

b) Someone who holds a share of the property with others

c) A tenant living in the property

d) A relative of the property owner

 2. What is the role of a “legal guardian” in this context?

a) To sign contracts on behalf of the minor

b) To manage the property after the owner’s death

c) To pay the property taxes

d) To provide legal advice on property disputes

 3. What might “court approval” refer to in the context of selling property?

a) The property being listed for sale

b) The minor co-owner needing to give consent

c) Legal authorization to sell the property when one of the owners is a minor

d) The final decision to transfer the title

 4. What does “authorization” in the context of the emails refer to?

a) The formal process to transfer ownership

b) A minor’s consent to sell the house

c) The formal approval to proceed with the sale

d) The legal document proving ownership

⸻

Quiz 2 - Prepositions (C1/B2 level)

 1. The property is co-owned ___ my child.

a) by

b) with

c) for

d) of

 2. I need to seek ___ the court’s approval to proceed with the sale.

a) from

b) on

c) with

d) for

 3. I am considering selling the house ___ both of us are co-owners.

a) where

b) when

c) while

d) because

 4. Can I sell the house ___ the minor’s consent?

a) in

b) on

c) without

d) for

⸻

Quiz 3 - Paraphrasing

 1. “I am considering selling the property.”

Which of the following is the best paraphrase?

a) I am not sure if I want to sell the property.

b) I am thinking about selling the property.

c) I have already decided to sell the property.

d) I don’t plan to sell the property.

 2. “I co-own a house with my child.”

Which of the following sentences has the same meaning?

a) My child and I share ownership of a house.

b) I own the house by myself.

c) My child owns the house alone.

d) My child lives in the house with me.

 3. “Could you clarify whether I can sell the property without the minor’s explicit consent?”

Which of the following is the most similar?

a) Can I sell the property even if the minor does not agree?

b) Should I sell the property with the minor’s permission?

c) Do I need a lawyer’s consent to sell the property?

d) Will I be fined if I sell the property without consent?  

https://www.englishtag.com/tests_with_answers/level_test_upper_advanced_C2.asp

08.04.2025

 

  

⸻

Dialogue: “The Big Pitch”

Emma: Hey, you look like you’ve been through the wringer. Everything okay?

Jake: Ugh, I just had a meeting with the big boss. I totally dropped the ball on the sales pitch.

Emma: Seriously? That doesn’t sound like you. What happened?

Jake: I was running late, my laptop died on me, and I couldn’t find the backup file. Long story short, I ended up winging it.

Emma: Ouch. So how did it go?

Jake: Honestly? I think I bombed. The boss gave me that “I’m not mad, just disappointed” look.

Emma: That’s rough. But hey, you’re usually on the ball. One flop doesn’t define you.

Jake: Thanks. I just need to pull myself together and come back swinging next time.

Emma: That’s the spirit! And maybe don’t rely on tech that crashes more than a drunk uncle at a wedding.

⸻

Quiz

Part 1: Multiple Choice — Understanding Idioms and Slang

 1. What does “been through the wringer” mean?

a) Had a relaxing day

b) Experienced something stressful or exhausting

c) Took a shortcut

d) Felt bored 

 2. What does “dropped the ball” mean in the context?

a) Won a game

b) Made a serious mistake

c) Refused to work

d) Told a joke 

 3. What does “winging it” imply?

a) Preparing very carefully

b) Improvising without preparation

c) Following the rules

d) Singing a song

 4. If someone says they’ll “come back swinging,” what do they mean?

a) They will go home

b) They will give up

c) They will try again with energy and determination

d) They will start dancing

 5. What’s the tone of Emma’s last sentence about tech and the drunk uncle?

a) Formal and polite

b) Encouraging and humorous

c) Passive-aggressive

d) Confused

⸻

Part 2: Match the Expression with Its Meaning

https://wordwall.net/resource/90054824

 https://en.islcollective.com/english-esl-video-lessons/listening-comprehension/deep-listening-focus-on-meaning/love-and-dating/sex-and-the-city-talking-about-the-city-relationships/1123996  

https://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/skills/reading/c1-reading/sustainable-supermarkets

 1 [teacher to school kids] Who broke the window? We are not leaving this room until someone  shows upcatches upowns updraws up . 

2 The fire  died offwent offdied outwent away because we didn't put enough wood on it. 

3 After a heavy meal and three glasses of wine, I  dropped outdozed offdropped awaydozed away in front of the telly. 

4 We always used to copy our homework from each other and the teacher never  caught upcaught onlet offlet up. 

5 We always used to copy our homework from each other. Our teacher probably knew, but she never  let uplet offlet onlet down that she did. 

6 We started off selling our services at a premium, until stiff competition  drove downdrove offpulled downput down the price. 

7 The start of the tennis match was put back twice, before being cancelled for the day when officials realised that the heavy rain wasn't going to  let uplet offlet inlet out . 

8 I can't come today as I'm a bit busy, but I'll try to  drop offdrop bydrop outdrop through tomorrow and see you. 

1. Headline

 2. Source

 3. Bias

 4. Hoax

 5. Misinformation

 6. Propaganda

 7. Censorship

 8. Disinformation

 9. Yellow journalism

 10. Sensationalism

    

Emma: Ugh, I just bombed an interview. The guy asked me where I saw myself in five years, and I blanked. Totally froze.

Jake: Oof, rookie mistake. You gotta have some canned response for that one. Something like, “Leading a team and driving innovation!” Even if you have no clue what you’ll be doing next month.

Liam: At least you got an interview. I sent out, like, 50 applications, and all I got back was radio silence. Not even a “Thanks, but no thanks.”

Sophia: Tell me about it. I applied to this one place, and they ghosted me for weeks. Then, out of nowhere, they hit me up like, “Hey, can you start Monday?” I had already moved on!

Emma: Classic. Companies expect us to be at their beck and call, but when we need a quick response, they take their sweet time.

Jake: It’s a jungle out there. You either play the game or get played.

⸻

Comprehension & Vocabulary Quiz – Job Applications Gone Wrong

Part 1: Comprehension Questions

 1. Why did Emma say she bombed her interview?

a) She arrived late.

b) She didn’t know how to answer a common question.

c) She argued with the interviewer.

d) She had no experience for the job.

 2. What advice does Jake give Emma?

a) To never go to an interview unprepared.

b) To be completely honest about her future plans.

c) To prepare a ready-made answer for difficult questions.

d) To avoid answering future-oriented questions.

 3. What does Liam mean when he says he got “radio silence”?

a) He received automated rejection emails.

b) He was ghosted by recruiters.

c) He attended multiple interviews.

d) He was offered a job immediately.

 4. Why was Sophia frustrated with the company that contacted her?

a) They rejected her at first and then changed their mind.

b) They didn’t tell her she got the job.

c) They ignored her application for weeks and then expected her to start immediately.

d) They scheduled her interview on short notice.

 5. What does Jake mean by “play the game or get played”?

a) You should cheat to get ahead in life.

b) You must adapt to the job market or be left behind.

c) Interviews are like board games where you need strategy.

d) Recruiters only hire people they know.

⸻

Part 2: Vocabulary & Idioms – Gap Fill

Fill in the blanks with the correct words from the vocabulary list:

(canned response, ghosted, bombed, rookie mistake, take their sweet time, at someone’s beck and call)

 1. I completely __ my presentation at work today—it was a disaster.

 2. He didn’t hear back from the recruiter for a month. They justy she bohim.

 3. You can’t say you don’t know where you’ll be in five years! That’s ahension 

 4. I hate when companies Quiz – to respond, but they expect us to answer immediately.

 5. She had a 1: Compready when they asked about her weaknesses—something about turning negatives into positives.

 6. The manager expects his assistant to beview?

a) always available for last-minute tasks.  

  

https://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/skills/reading/c1-reading/sustainable-supermarkets

27.03 cd

https://en.islcollective.com/english-esl-video-lessons/listening-comprehension/basic-listening-focus-on-hearing/accidents/legally-blonde-2/1124188

11

https://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/skills/reading/c1-reading/political-manifestos

  

25.03

 Subject: Clarification on Liability Clauses in Recent Agreement

Dear [Recipient’s Name],

I hope this message finds you well.

I am writing in regard to the recent agreement signed between our companies on [Date], specifically regarding the liability clauses outlined in Section [X]. I have reviewed the contract and have some concerns about the scope of liability in the event of unforeseen damages.

Could you please clarify your understanding of this clause? From my perspective, it seems there may be an ambiguity regarding the extent of the responsibilities each party holds. I would appreciate it if you could confirm whether your interpretation aligns with mine or if we need to make adjustments for further clarity.

I would appreciate your feedback at your earliest convenience. It is important that we address this matter promptly to ensure both parties are fully aligned moving forward.

Looking forward to your response.

Best regards,

[Your Full Name]

[Your Position]

[Your Company Name]

[Your Contact Information]

Quiz: Understanding Legal Correspondence in English

1. What is the main purpose of this email?

a) To introduce a new legal agreement

b) To clarify the understanding of liability clauses in an agreement

c) To discuss the terms of payment in a contract

d) To inform about a breach of contract

2. In the sentence, “I have reviewed the contract and have some concerns about the scope of liability,” what does the word “scope” mean?

a) A brief summary

b) A detailed description

c) The range or extent

d) The cost or value

3. What does the sender want the recipient to do in this email?

a) Sign the agreement

b) Confirm the interpretation of the liability clauses

c) Create a new contract

d) Provide a report on the contract

4. In formal business communication, which phrase is appropriate to express appreciation for the recipient’s response?

a) “I’ll wait for your reply later.”

b) “Please answer as soon as you can.”

c) “Your prompt response will be highly valued.”

d) “I need an immediate reply.”

5. Which of the following is the best definition of “aligned” in the sentence, “It is important that we address this matter promptly to ensure both parties are fully aligned moving forward”?

a) Physically placed side by side

b) In agreement or coordination

c) Positioned at the same level

d) Connected by mutual interest

6. What does the sender ask for in the final part of the email?

a) A meeting to discuss the issues

b) Feedback or clarification on the liability clauses

c) The recipient’s opinion on the contract terms

d) A legal opinion from a lawyer

7. Which phrase from the email indicates that the sender expects the issue to be resolved quickly?

a) “Looking forward to your response.”

b) “I would appreciate it if you could confirm.”

c) “It is important that we address this matter promptly.”

d) “Could you please clarify your understanding?”

8. Which formal phrase is used in the email to express that the sender is waiting for the recipient’s reply?

a) “Looking forward to your response.”

b) “Let me know as soon as possible.”

c) “I will wait for your feedback.”

d) “Please reply when convenient.”

12. Transform the sentence to make it more formal:

Can you tell me if you agree with my interpretation of the clause?

14. Fill in the gap with the correct preposition:

I am writing ____ regard to the recent agreement signed between our companies.

17. Correct the following sentence:

It is important that we address this matter promptly to ensure both parties is fully aligned.

19. Fill in the gap with the appropriate word:

I look forward ____ your response.

 

  

20.03.2025

Text Message Conversation:

Alex: Yo, you ghosting me or what? Haven’t heard a peep from you in days. Thought we were grabbing drinks last night—left me hanging, man.

Sam: Chill, dude. Life’s been a madhouse. Work’s got me running around like a headless chicken, and my car decided to bite the dust at the worst possible time. Total nightmare.

Alex: Rough luck. Should’ve hit me up—I could’ve given you a lift. You know I always got your back. Anyway, spill the tea—what’s the deal with that job interview? You ace it or crash and burn?

Sam: Let’s just say it was a rollercoaster. Started off smooth, then they threw a curveball, and I totally blanked. But hey, fingers crossed they don’t hold it against me.

⸻

Quiz:

 1. What does “ghosting” mean in the context of Alex’s message?

a) Ignoring someone intentionally

b) Being too busy to reply

c) Haunting a place

 2. What does “bite the dust” mean in Sam’s message?

a) Become outdated

b) Stop working or break down

c) Improve suddenly

 3. What does “spill the tea” mean?

a) Tell a secret or gossip

b) Make a mess

c) Avoid a topic

 4. What does “threw a curveball” mean?

a) Gave an unexpected challenge

b) Made an easy question difficult

c) Encouraged someone

 5. What does “fingers crossed” imply in Sam’s last message?

a) He is worried

b) He hopes for a good outcome

c) He regrets his actions 

Choose the best word for each space.

If you think that people’s hobbies are getting weirder, think again.  Modern hobbies are tame compared to some of the things people  Selectgot overgot round togot up togot by  in the past.  Here are just a few.

These days, everyone knows how to  Selecttinkertwinklemeddlepotter    with photographs to make them look different from real life.  Trick photography goes back many years before the days of Photoshop. Back in the late 1800s, when photography was in its  Selectimmaturityinfancychildhoodbirth , people used to enjoy posing with their families in headless photographs.  Otherwise serious family portraits would feature a typical family in their best Sunday clothes, except that the father would be  Selectcontrollingwieldingexertingoperating  an axe, mother would be headless and a child would be holding mama’s head  Selectaboveafieldaloftahead .  The effect was achieved by layering the images of different photo negatives on top of each other.  Judging by the sheer number of such pictures out there, it was a pretty common  Selecttendencycultdeedfad  a century or so ago.

Another favourite family day out in nineteenth century Paris was a visit to the city morgue.  A glass-walled, refrigerated room was set up a short walk from the Cathedral of Notre Dame originally so that the public could identify the bodies of the dead.  However, it became a huge  Selecteventattraction    themecharm with as many as 40,000 visitors per day – similar to the numbers who visit Disney World today. The morgue was  Selectestablisheddrawnfeaturedcharacterised in all the Paris guide books, and was popular for nearly 50 years until it eventually closed in 1907.

All in all, the today’s free-time pursuits seem positively tame compared to those of our ancestors!