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Principal Assistant Senior Teacher School Principal

Mrs. Ghaniah Al- Nashaba Mrs. Ahlam Yusuf Mrs. Suha Saleh Hamadah

Kingdom of Bahrain Ministry of Education

Jidhafs Secondary Girls School English Department مدرسة جدحفص الثانوية للبنات

قسم اللغة اإلجنليزية

English 215

Final Revision Booklet

2017-2018

Prepared by: Mrs. Ruqayah Sharif, Ms. Masooma A. Aziz & Ms. Marwa AlHaddad.

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Table of Content

Type Required

Reading 1 Advertising and Children

Reading 2 How to Cut Back on Distractions? Does using the internet

affects your productivity?

Writing 1 Arrangement/ Invitation

Writing 2 Delegating

Writing 3 Asking for Permission

Writing 4 Giving Feedback

Writing 5 Cover Letter (Applying for a Job)

Writing 6 Report

Writing 7 Advertisement

Readings (1-4) Key Answers to all Readings

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READING A: Advertising and children

1. “What do you want to do when you grow up?” When children were asked this question, the

answer used to be "nurse," "astronaut" or some other occupation with intrinsic appeal. Today

the answer is more likely to be "make money." Researchers say that one explanation for that

shift can be found in advertising. "Advertising is a massive, multi-million-dollar project that's

having an enormous impact on child development," says Kanner, a researcher at Wright

Institute.

2. Companies now use psychologists to help them design ads that attract children to buy their

goods. Children are innocent and not so mature. When a marketer advertises a product on

television, they do not understand that it is a business and their main aim is to sell. They do

not understand that advertisers try to push their products and market in such a way that

children want to buy it. Children take everything at face value and believe without a doubt the

messages in the advertisements. Advertisements are made in such a way as to attract the

attention of children. Children do not understand it to be marketing strategy. Children are an

extremely vulnerable target audience and get easily carried away.

3. An example is the ads of junk food. Research has shown that fast food advertisements

influence children greatly leading to an increased demand for fast food by children. When

children watch young adults in good shape eating junk foods in the advertisements they

assume that it is good for the health. They do not know that junk food is unhealthy. They are

unaware of the fact that it does not contain nutritional value. They may even think that by

eating junk food they might become like the thin and fit models in the advertisements and so

they want to eat more fast food.

4. In another study conducted they exposed children to candy commercials. It was seen that

those children who were exposed to the candy commercials were highly influenced. In fact,

these children chose candy over fruits as snacks. They preferred candy rather than a healthy

food like fruits. When the commercials were eliminated and the children watched them less it

had a positive effect. It encouraged them to pick the fruits over the candy. Recent statistics

show that obesity of children under the age of five is increasing at a high rate. Childhood

obesity is on the rise and one of the main reasons for this has been seen as excessive

consumption of junk food.

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5. Every day Kanner sees children who are experiencing problems. Children come into his

office depressed because their parents won't buy them the violent video game or the designer

labeled clothes they want. Parents are upset because though they do not want their children

to be upset, they don’t think what their children want is a healthy choice. According to Kanner,

advertising manipulates children and instills materialistic values among them. They have

become convinced that they're inferior and will not be liked by their peers if they don't

have an endless array of new products.

A. Match the paragraphs (1-5) to their headings (a-f). Note that there is an extra

heading.

B. Match the words (1-4) to their meanings (a-e). Note that there is an extra meaning.

1. ________________ poorer/ lower grade

2. ________________ strong

3. ________________ huge

4. ________________ weak

5. ________________ too much

Paragraph 1: __________ a. More research

Paragraph 2: __________ b. Benefits of advertising

Paragraph 3: __________ c. psychological effects of ads on kids

Paragraph 4: __________ d. Junk food ads and children

Paragraph 5: __________ e. What is advertising?

f. Children are defenseless

Massive – vulnerable – excessive – inferior

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C. Now answer these questions.

a. Why do children want to buy whatever they see in ads?

a.________________________________________________________

b.________________________________________________________

b. What is the effect of junk food ads on children’s health?

________________________________________________________

c. How do ads affect the psychological wellbeing of kids?

i. ________________________________________________________

ii. ________________________________________________________

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READING B: How to Cut Back on Distractions? Is Internet use affecting your productivity?

1. We all use computers at work, but are they set up in a way that allows for maximum

productivity and efficiency? To understand what I mean, simply sit at someone's desk for a

few minutes. You will probably be interrupted by at least half a dozen beeps, pings, and visual

notifications. In other words, our computers are as good at causing distractions as they are

helping us to get things finished.

2. One reason is that there is always something clamoring for our attention. Whether it is a

new e-mail, Facebook update, or a tweet from your favorite celebrity, something shinier and

more interesting than the report or spreadsheet you are working on is never far away. It might

not seem like a big deal to let your focus drift for a moment, but these distractions can quickly

add up. In recent studies, researchers have shown that it may take up to five minutes after a

distraction to get back to what you are doing, and as long as 20 to 30 minutes to fully regain

your concentration. This represents an ongoing problem for anyone who goes online. Some

companies are developing solutions to save employees time and increase productivity. One

of these is a piece of software called "Freedom," which simply cuts off your computers

networking and Internet connectivity for a period of up to eight hours. The following are some

important computer productivity tips that we need to learn.

3. Most of us go online more than we think we do. You may feel like you only check your

social profiles a few times a day, but as the saying goes "you do not know what you have

until it is gone." It is not until you stop going online every few minutes that you realize how

much it is a regular part of your work day… and what you might be able to accomplish by

changing your habits.

4. Having the materials, you need for a project on hand before you start saves you a lot of

time. Some of the worst Internet time-wasting actually occurs when we are working. That is

because going online to check little facts, statistics, and details almost always ends up taking

us in a different direction. Besides, the more information you have on hand before you work

on a sales proposal, report, or other project, the easier time you will have organizing

information quickly.

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5. Once you learn to focus, you can get a lot done. As always, the true benefit comes not just

with the time saved, but with the increase in productivity that you are able to get from your

working hours. Concentrating on the task at hand is the ultimate piece of time management

advice, and it is one that gets a lot easier to follow when you are not constantly getting

interruptions from your e-mail and the Internet. So, try setting yourself free from the Internet

on a regular schedule – it might turn out being a lot less painful, and a lot more energizing,

than you would think.

A: Match the paragraphs (1-5) to headings (a-f). Note there is an extra heading.

Answer Headings

Paragraph ____ Pay attention to achieve more at work

Paragraph ____ Always be prepared

Paragraph ____ Disruptions and disturbances at work

Paragraph ____ Motivating employees

Paragraph ____ Do I really spend this much time online?

Paragraph ____ Findings of latest research

B: Match the words (1-4) to their meanings (a-e). Note that there is an extra meaning

1. ________________ to do/achieve

2. ________________ always/continually

3. ________________ rarely

4. ________________ interruption

5. ________________ attention

distraction – concentration – accomplish – constantly

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C. Now answer these questions.

1. Give two examples of things that disturb employees at work.

a. _______________________ b. _________________________

2. Why do some companies cut off internet connectivity at work?

_________________________________________________________

3. What wastes your time when you are working online?

_________________________________________________________

4. How can employees increase their productivity?

a. ____________________________ b. ______________________

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Writing an Email Inviting Someone

Dear Mr. Lee,

I hope you are fine. As you know, our company is launching a new product later this month. I

am writing to invite you to the launch. I would also like to discuss the new product with you.

The launch is going to be next week on Monday 15th June at 5 p.m. in our company's conference

room. I would be grateful if you could come.

Could you please confirm whether you're coming or not?

Please let me know if you need more information.

Best Regards,

Michael Jones,

Production Manager

Dear All,

This is to invite you all to our next weekly meeting. It is going to be held on Monday 22nd May at

10 a.m. in the meeting room. We will discuss the problem with our new supplier so it is important

that everyone is present, we would be delighted to hear your suggestions.

I will send the meeting agenda to your emails, if you have any questions, please contact me.

Regards,

John Peters

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Practice Questions

Writing 1: Arrangement/ Invitation

1. You are a manager for a large bank and want to organize a meeting with

an important client. You would like your colleague to attend with you. Write

an email to your colleague (between 40-50 words):

a. Explaining what the meeting will be about.

b. Explaining what you hope to achieve.

c. Checking availability.

2. Your publishing company is launching a new business magazine. Write

an email to an ex-colleague who you have known for many years to

discuss the magazine. Write an email (between 40-50 words) to:

a. Explain why you are meeting him/her.

b. Invite him/her to lunch after the meeting.

3. Write an email to the Director of Marketing at Richmond Finance. You have

never met her before. Invite her to the launch of your new business

magazine.

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Delegating

Dear Noor,

How are you? Hope everything is going well with you.

I am writing this email to ask for a favor. Well, I have arranged for a trip next month

to London. The trip is to visit our new factory and follow-up with the work there.

Unfortunately, I cannot go because I will be having an urgent meeting with our new

supplier.

I would like to ask you to go on this trip which will last for 8 days and then submit

a report about your visit when you come back.

Please note that the company will take care of all the trip's expenses during your

stay in London.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely,

Janice Adams

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Practice Questions

Writing 2: Delegating

1. You are a manager in a shipping company. You have a meeting coming

soon to discuss the new changes in prices. However, you cannot attend

this meeting and you want your colleague to attend it in your stead. Write

an email to him/her (60-80 words) to:

a. Request that he/she goes to the meeting.

b. Ask for availability.

c. Explain what the meeting is about and why it is so important.

d. Ask him/her to write a report about the meeting and give it to you

when he comes back.

2. You are a professor in a university. You were asked to give a presentation

to introduce a new course to the 1st year students during the orientation.

However, you won't be in the country during that time. Write an email to

your partner who teaches the same course (50-60 words) to:

a. Request that he/she gives the presentation to the 1st year students.

b. Tell him that you have prepared the presentation and will email it to

him/her once he/she agrees to do it.

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Asking for Permission

Dear Mr. Ali,

I write this email hoping you can help me with my problem.

My car has broken down and it will be in the garage for three weeks. I will use the

bus to come to the office, and there are not any buses at night time.

I would be grateful if you allow me to arrive late and leave early for two weeks only,

I could make up the time by having shorter lunch breaks and promise to submit all

the reports on time.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely,

Noor Ali

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Practice Questions

Writing 3: Asking for Permission

1. You are an employee in a bookstore. Mrs. Nada is your manager. You

need to leave work to go to the dentist every Thursday morning for the

next five weeks. Each appointment will take two and a half hours. Write

an email to your manager (50-60 words) to:

a. Ask for Permission.

b. Explain the reason you must leave work for a while.

c. Suggest how you will make up the lost time.

2. Your child broke his leg and you need to take two weeks off of work to

look after him. Write an email to your manager (50-60 words) to:

a. Ask for Permission.

b. Explain the reason you need time off of work for a while.

c. Suggest how you will make up the lost time.

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Giving Feedback

Dear Sir,

I am writing this email to report about Ms. Noor Ali's performance at work.

During her work, Ms. Noor provided great support to the sales team, in fact, she

has a good relationship with all the staff and everybody respects her.

She has also excellent telephoning skills and can deal with different customers in

different situations. Ms. Noor is a very reliable person; she always meets deadlines

and finishes her tasks on time. Ms. Noor has always shown positive attitude at

work. She is highly self-confident and works for the success of the company.

However, Ms. Noor needs to improve her leadership skills; she has sometimes

reacted poorly when put under pressure. She also needs more training on Microsoft

applications.

Overall, Ms. Noor is a fast learner and I am confident that she will excel at her new

position.

Yours Faithfully,

John Peters

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Practice Questions

Writing 4: Giving Feedback

1. You are a freelance Project Manager. Ms. Jane is a Product Manager in

another country. You both worked on a project that has recently been

completed, and you have arranged to call Ms. Jane to give feedback. She

has met all the deadlines, but the project went over budget. Write an

email to her (50-60 words) to:

a. Discuss her performance.

b. Budget and give suggestions.

c. Deadline.

2. You are a manager in a shipping company. You have noticed that one of

your employees, Mr. Ali Saeed has been making a lot of mistakes in

delivering orders lately. As well as that, he's been coming late to work and

at other times skipping without notifying the company. Before that, he's

been an excellent employee who's record shows that he always comes

on time and delivers orders correctly and is well liked by his fellow

colleagues. Write an email to him (60-80 words) to:

a. Discuss his performance and give suggestions and advice.

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Cover Letter (Applying for a job)

Dear Sir/Madam,

I would like to apply for the post of sales manager which was

advertised in this week's newspapers.

I have worked as a manager of the sales department for one year. I

am very interested in this position and I am keen to pursue a career in

this area.

I am driven to succeed and committed to the company's success. I

have strong communication skills and I am a great listener, in fact, I

can get along with any team setting.

I graduated from university and have a degree in business

management. I have also attended many training courses in

leadership, so I can develop a positive working environment.

Please find enclosed my CV and a reference letter from my previous

employer. If you require any further information, please do not hesitate

to contact me.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours Faithfully,

Noor Ali

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Practice Questions

Writing 5: Cover Letter

1. Read the following advertisement and apply for the job mentioned. Write

a cover letter (80-120 words).

2. Read the following advertisement and apply for the job mentioned. Write

a cover letter (80-120 words).

Customer Service Advisor Needed

AA Company is looking for a Customer Service Advisor to start work immediately.

Must have 5 years’ experience, have excellent communication skills and a

friendly, professional approach.

To apply, call now on 0223 3268439 or write to: Alan Neill, HR Director

Marketing Executive

We are looking for a dynamic new Marketing Executive to join our busy team. Our

Marketing Executives are responsible for maintaining the client base, researching

their ongoing requirements and informing the sales and design teams as well as

giving suggestions for promotional activity.

Previous experience is not necessary as training will be given. You must have a

university degree, have keen interest in the fashion world, have good communication

and IT skills, a clean driving license and good time-management skills. You must be

self-motivated and able to work to tight deadlines.

To apply, please send your covering letter to Martha Chase, Human Resources

Director.

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Report

The table below shows the monthly expenditure of an average Bahraini Family

in 2007 and 2012. Summarize the information by selecting and reporting the

main features and make comparisons where relevant. (150 words)

2007 2012

BD Per Month

Food 155 160

Electricity & Water 75 120

Clothing 30 20

Housing 95 100

Transport 70 45

Other Goods & Services 250 270

Total 675 715

The table shows changes in the spending patterns of an average Bahraini

household between 2007 and 2012. In general, Bahraini household spending

was higher in 2012 than in 2007 but the difference was not considerable (BD

715 per month and BD 675 per month respectively).

The amount of monthly spending on electricity and water saw a dramatic

increase over the 5-year period from BD 75 to BD 120. Yet in terms of the

expenditure on other goods and services, the rise was less obvious with a minor

increase of BD 20. At the same time, the amount of money spent on food and

housing rose only slightly from BD 155 to BD160 and BD 95 to BD100 respectively.

However, there was a decrease in expenditure on the other two items. Bahrainis

spent less on clothing, which fell from BD30 to BD 20. Similarly, expenditure on

transport dropped from BD 70 in 2007 to BD 45 in 2012.

Over all, it seems that food and other goods and services were the two biggest

items of expenditure. Altogether, they accounted for more than half of the total

household spending.

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Practice Questions

Writing 6: Report

1. The chart below shows male and female fitness memberships between

1970 and 2000. Summarize the information by selecting and reporting

the main features and make comparisons where relevant.

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Advertisement

Write an advertisement for one of the following objects. (Write about 50 – 80 Words)

Are you interested in learning a new language?

Are you fed up with using dictionaries?

Here is the best solution for you: The New Wikilang. It will change your life.

The Wikilang is a very advanced electronic dictionary, it uses modern technology.

It is also practical and very light. It is easy to use, anyone can use it easily. It has

rechargeable batteries and the battery can last for weeks. Moreover, it has a

very stylish look.

The Wikilang is available in a small size. It is as big as a calculator. In addition,

it is a top-quality device which is made of strong materials. The Wikilang has no

wires or cables, so you can move freely.

Hurry up and get one because the amount is limited. The Wikilang is a bargain

at only 200 BD. For more information contact us on 17757574.

a. A portable DVD player

b. An electronic translator

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Advertisement

Are you tired of non-focused cameras? The picture comes out blurry and a bit

fogged out. Be glad because we are putting the solution right between your

hands.

The new digital camera from Amazon is your smart choice. It’s heavy but since

it takes only 0.5 seconds to capture the moment, it’s worth the shot. It’s made of

plastic and the lenses are made of glass.

Coco digital camera is used for taking the perfect snap of reality whether it was

a picture or a video. It also has different filters, used both in front and back

camera. The battery charge lasts for 3 weeks. It takes UHD pictures and its far

better than the normal camera.

You can choose your favourite color, either matte black or white or the new

edition rose gold. The camera’s size is 22.5mm³ X 15mm³.

Hurry up and buy it now for $59.99 from our website: Amazon.com or contact

us on +973 3333 3333. This device is a limited edition, the first 25 buyers will

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Written by: Alyaa Iskander

- Alyaa Yasser

- Bayan A. Al-Ameer

- Noor Abdulaziz

AGFA camera $59.99

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Practice Questions

Writing 7: Advertisement

1. Write an advertisement for one of the following objects. (Write about 50 –

80 Words)

a. Laptop

b. Mobile Phone

2. Write an advertisement for one of the following objects. (Write about 50 – 80 Words)

a. Designer bag

b. Shoes

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A:

1. E

2. F

3. D

4. A

5. C

C:

1. a. advertisements attract their attention and they are extremely vulnerable

target audience and get easily carried away.

b. Children are innocent and not mature so they take everything at face value

& believe without a doubt the messages in advertisements.

2. They assume that it's good for their health and are unaware of the fact

that it doesn't contain any nutritional value.

3. a. They manipulate children/ instills materialistic values in them.

b. They feel they're inferior and won't be liked by their peers if they don't

have the new products.

B:

1. Inferior

2. -

3. Massive

4. Vulnerable

5. Excessive

Model Answer

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A:

1. C

2. F

3. E

4. B

5. A

C:

1. a. New email/ Facebook updates

b. tweets from favorite celebrity/ something shinier & more interesting

2. to save employees' time and increase productivity.

3. checking your social profile.

4. a. concentrating on the task at hand.

b. setting yourself free from the internet on a regular schedule.

B:

1. Accomplish

2. Constantly

3. -

4. Distraction

5. Concentration