Here is a document on writing minutes.
Here you can find an example for minutes. Source: Market Leader Upper Intermediate Business English Course Book by David Cotton, et al.
Thursday, February 20, 2014
Sample synthesis summary
Here you can find two articles which you can synthesize in a summary report.
According to many recent social, medical and economic studies, people should not dread ageing, as life is not a long slow decline but rather a U-bend.
After a cheerful adulthood and a depressing mid-life crisis, luckily things do not go downhill further. Although old age means losing treasures such as vitality, mental sharpness and looks, what is surprising is that the elderly finally find what they spend their lives pursuing, namely happiness.
Unconvinced by the conventional direct relationship between money and well-being, some economists have established a new branch of economics based on the new concept of Gross National Happiness (GNH), which policy makers have been increasingly taking into account.
Statisticians have been trying to find the answer to the perennial question of what makes people happy. Surveys have been conducted to measure two sides of this issue, i.e., global well-being and hedonic or emotional well-being. Moreover, the following four main factors have emerged from the collected data: gender, personality, external circumstances and age.
The U-bend was noticed in the early 1990s, and if turned upside down, it becomes an arc, peaking at the age of 46, when people are the most depressed.
Researchers believe that the U-bend must be the result of internal changes, not external circumstances. Older people have fewer rows and come up with better solutions to conflicts; they are better at controlling their emotions and at accepting misfortunes; they are also less prone to anger, and come to accept their strengths and weaknesses.
The U-bend also shows us that old people are healthier, as happier people are less likely to catch viruses and recover from illnesses more quickly. Thus, the cheerfulness of the old helps counteract their crumbliness and loss of productivity due to declining cognitive skills—a point worth remembering as the world is trying to work out how to deal with an ageing workforce.
Money really can buy you happiness with some qualifications
It is widely believed that money cannot buy happiness, and that growth-oriented free-market economies have got it wrong. Many recent studies have shown only a loose correlation between money and happiness when measured over time or across countries. The “Easterlin paradox” suggests that well-being depends not on absolute, but on relative income. For, people feel miserable not because they are poor, but because they are at the bottom of the particular pile in which they find themselves.
As data on the effect of income on well-being is now available almost everywhere in the world, the huge variation in life satisfaction across countries is becoming increasingly evident. Although developed countries score up to eight and developing countries as low as three out of ten, cultural factors are also at work, such as the ones prevailing over the surprisingly gloomy Portuguese in the Western World. Another example is the case of Hong Kong and Denmark, which have similar incomes per person, but respectively score 5.5 and eight on the ten-point scale. Along the same lines, the saddest place in the world relative to its income per person is Bulgaria.
The U-bend of life
Why, beyond middle age, people get happier as they get older
Why, beyond middle age, people get happier as they get older
According to many recent social, medical and economic studies, people should not dread ageing, as life is not a long slow decline but rather a U-bend.
After a cheerful adulthood and a depressing mid-life crisis, luckily things do not go downhill further. Although old age means losing treasures such as vitality, mental sharpness and looks, what is surprising is that the elderly finally find what they spend their lives pursuing, namely happiness.
Unconvinced by the conventional direct relationship between money and well-being, some economists have established a new branch of economics based on the new concept of Gross National Happiness (GNH), which policy makers have been increasingly taking into account.
Statisticians have been trying to find the answer to the perennial question of what makes people happy. Surveys have been conducted to measure two sides of this issue, i.e., global well-being and hedonic or emotional well-being. Moreover, the following four main factors have emerged from the collected data: gender, personality, external circumstances and age.
The U-bend was noticed in the early 1990s, and if turned upside down, it becomes an arc, peaking at the age of 46, when people are the most depressed.
Researchers believe that the U-bend must be the result of internal changes, not external circumstances. Older people have fewer rows and come up with better solutions to conflicts; they are better at controlling their emotions and at accepting misfortunes; they are also less prone to anger, and come to accept their strengths and weaknesses.
The U-bend also shows us that old people are healthier, as happier people are less likely to catch viruses and recover from illnesses more quickly. Thus, the cheerfulness of the old helps counteract their crumbliness and loss of productivity due to declining cognitive skills—a point worth remembering as the world is trying to work out how to deal with an ageing workforce.
Money really can buy you happiness with some qualifications
It is widely believed that money cannot buy happiness, and that growth-oriented free-market economies have got it wrong. Many recent studies have shown only a loose correlation between money and happiness when measured over time or across countries. The “Easterlin paradox” suggests that well-being depends not on absolute, but on relative income. For, people feel miserable not because they are poor, but because they are at the bottom of the particular pile in which they find themselves.
As data on the effect of income on well-being is now available almost everywhere in the world, the huge variation in life satisfaction across countries is becoming increasingly evident. Although developed countries score up to eight and developing countries as low as three out of ten, cultural factors are also at work, such as the ones prevailing over the surprisingly gloomy Portuguese in the Western World. Another example is the case of Hong Kong and Denmark, which have similar incomes per person, but respectively score 5.5 and eight on the ten-point scale. Along the same lines, the saddest place in the world relative to its income per person is Bulgaria.
Thursday, February 13, 2014
Prepositions
Basic prepositions:
Here you can find some exercises on basic prepositions. The key to the exercises is hereby made available. (Source: English Grammar in Use: Intermediate by Raymond Murphy)
Noun, adjective and verb + preposition:
Here you can find some exercises on nouns, adjectives and verbs which are used with certain prepositions. The key for the exercises are also hereby made available. (Source: English Grammar in Use: Intermediate by Raymond Murphy). Here is a list of words with prepositions.
Phrasal verbs:
Here you can find some exercises on phrasal verbs. The key to the exercises is hereby made available. (Source: English Grammar in Use: Intermediate by Raymond Murphy)
You can hereby find a link for more online exercises on the topics above.
Here you can find some exercises on basic prepositions. The key to the exercises is hereby made available. (Source: English Grammar in Use: Intermediate by Raymond Murphy)
Noun, adjective and verb + preposition:
Here you can find some exercises on nouns, adjectives and verbs which are used with certain prepositions. The key for the exercises are also hereby made available. (Source: English Grammar in Use: Intermediate by Raymond Murphy). Here is a list of words with prepositions.
Phrasal verbs:
Here you can find some exercises on phrasal verbs. The key to the exercises is hereby made available. (Source: English Grammar in Use: Intermediate by Raymond Murphy)
You can hereby find a link for more online exercises on the topics above.
Subject-Verb agreement
Wednesday, February 5, 2014
Linkers
The first and second parts of the documents on linkers are hereby available. You can also find the key for the exercises here. As you do the exercises, please remember the following three types of linkers we have identified:
In all these examples, please pay special attention to the punctuation.
- Linkers that connect two parts of the same sentence as in the following example: We only have one week off for Easter, so we will be staying in Brussels.
- Linkers that connect two separate sentences as in the following four examples, which are different ways of saying the same thing:
- We only have one week off for Easter. Therefore, we will be staying in Brussels.
- We only have one week off for Easter; therefore, we will be staying in Brussels.
- We only have one week off for Easter. We will, therefore, be staying in Brussels.
- We only have one week off for Easter; we will, therefore, be staying in Brussels.
- Linkers that are covered under both the first and second types as in the four following examples:
- Besides giving his friend a lift after work, he helped her with her grocery shopping.
- He helped his friend with her grocery shopping, besides giving her a lift after work.
- I am afraid I am not allowed to help you with that question. Besides, I do not know the answer myself.
- I am afraid I am not allowed to help you with that question; besides, I do not know the answer myself.
In all these examples, please pay special attention to the punctuation.
Composite nouns and possessives
Position of adverbs
Here are the main rules and exceptions on the position of adverbs in sentences:
First rule: if there is only one verb in the sentence, the adverb comes before the verb as in the following example: He usually comes to work on time.
Exception to the first rule: if the only verb in the sentence is 'to be', the adverb comes after the verb as in the following example: He is usually on time.
Second rule: If there is more than one verb in the sentence, the adverb comes after the first verb as in the following example: He has already arrived at work.
First exception to the second rule: if the first verb in the sentence is an auxiliary verb with 'to', i.e., have to, need to, ought to and used to, the adverb comes before the first verb as in the following example: He usually has to start working by 9:30 AM.
Second exception to the second rule: if the first verb in the sentence is a contracted negation, the adverbs 'probably', 'possibly' and 'certainly' come before the first verb as in the following example: He probably won't come to work on time.
These being the main rules and exceptions, there is more to this topic. You can find more information on this webpage, which also provides you with some exercises.
Here is another document with exercises on the same topic. You can find the key for the exercises here.
First rule: if there is only one verb in the sentence, the adverb comes before the verb as in the following example: He usually comes to work on time.
Exception to the first rule: if the only verb in the sentence is 'to be', the adverb comes after the verb as in the following example: He is usually on time.
Second rule: If there is more than one verb in the sentence, the adverb comes after the first verb as in the following example: He has already arrived at work.
First exception to the second rule: if the first verb in the sentence is an auxiliary verb with 'to', i.e., have to, need to, ought to and used to, the adverb comes before the first verb as in the following example: He usually has to start working by 9:30 AM.
Second exception to the second rule: if the first verb in the sentence is a contracted negation, the adverbs 'probably', 'possibly' and 'certainly' come before the first verb as in the following example: He probably won't come to work on time.
These being the main rules and exceptions, there is more to this topic. You can find more information on this webpage, which also provides you with some exercises.
Here is another document with exercises on the same topic. You can find the key for the exercises here.
Plans
Here you can find some exercises on the use of the future tenses for plans:
http://www.englishpage.com/verbpage/verbs18.htm
http://www.englishpage.com/verbpage/verbs19.htm
http://www.englishpage.com/verbpage/verbs20.htm
http://www.englishpage.com/verbpage/verbs21.htm
http://www.englishpage.com/verbpage/verbs22.htm
http://www.englishpage.com/verbpage/verbs23.htm
http://www.englishpage.com/verbpage/verbs24.htm
http://www.englishpage.com/verbpage/verbs18.htm
http://www.englishpage.com/verbpage/verbs19.htm
http://www.englishpage.com/verbpage/verbs20.htm
http://www.englishpage.com/verbpage/verbs21.htm
http://www.englishpage.com/verbpage/verbs22.htm
http://www.englishpage.com/verbpage/verbs23.htm
http://www.englishpage.com/verbpage/verbs24.htm
Sample business letter
Miles Davis
Rue du Bebop 12
1000 Brussels
Tel: 02 217 7855
Email: davis@email.com
Brussels, 17th of January 2013
Ms Jennifer Smith
Director of Human Resources
Joint Research Centre
Rue Guimard 10
1049 Brussels
RE: The project manager vacancy
(reference no. 123)
Dear Ms Smith,
Having seen the project
manager vacancy posted on your HR website, I would like to hereby apply for
the position.
Currently, I work as a
project manager assistant in DG Research and Innovation at the European
Commission. During my three years here, I have had the opportunity to acquire extensive
experience not only as a team leader but also as the Acting Project Manager
working on nuclear fusion research support.
In addition, I specialised
in nuclear fusion as a biophysicist during my PhD studies, with a Dissertation on
transgenetic mutations. Due to my deep fascination
with the intricacies of this matter, I have always been keen on pursuing my
professional endeavours within the same field.
Moreover, I cherish working
in a multicultural environment, since I see diversity of
perspectives as an invaluable asset in approaching a given issue.
Even though working in DG
Research has been a very rewarding experience concerning my professional and
personal development, I am now ready for new challenges. Therefore, I am very
enthusiastic about the prospect of joining your team, since you have an excellent track record in supporting nuclear
fusion research. On a more personal note, I also share your views on making
nuclear technology environmentally sustainable. Thus I am confident that my
profile is a perfect match for the position, especially given the fact that you
specialise in eliminating radiation exposure in France, where I did part of my
research as a PhD candidate.
Should
you want to meet me in person to discuss the details of my CV, I would be happy to come in for an interview at a
time suitable for you.
Thank
you in advance for your consideration.
Looking forward to hearing from you at your
soonest convenience,
Sincerely yours,
SIGNATURE
Miles Davis
Enc: CV
Enc: CV
Sample email
Dear Ms Smith,
Knowing that your entry into service at the European Commission is approaching, I would like to hereby extend you a warm welcome to our Unit, and provide you with some practical information.
As agreed during your job interview, you will be in charge of the follow-up of inter-service consultations. This position involves regular interaction and coordination with the other services of our DG as well as with other DGs. You will be working closely with Ms Black in our Unit, as inter-service consultation follow-up is a shared responsibility. Under my supervision, Ms Black will be explaining to you the various procedures, so that you can become acquainted with our working methods as soon as possible. As an attachment, I am resending your job description, in case you need it for a quick reference.
You should have been already informed that you will be attending a two-day training course organised by DG HR, i.e., the Directorate-General for Human Resources and Security, before taking up your duties at our Unit. This very useful course should provide you with additional information regarding the functioning of the European Commission, its working environment, and the rights and duties of its employees. During the training, you will have the opportunity to get your badge ready; all the relevant information will be provided by the trainers.
As a newcomer in Brussels, you might also be interested in receiving information on matters such as accommodation and public transportation. Please note that the orientation leaders at DG HR will be handing out an information package during the training, and that a legal advisor will be at your disposal to check the leases you might be considering before you sign a contract. If you need to search for an apartment, the best place to start is the immoweb website (http://www.immoweb.be/). There is also plenty of short-term accommodation available in Brussels, especially in the Schuman area close to the European Institutions. You can find all the necessary information about public transportation in Brussels at http://www.stib.be/.
I would also like to hereby invite you to take up your duties in our Unit on Wednesday, 16th of March, i.e., after the completion of the training mentioned above. I propose starting the day with a meeting in my office at 9.30 am. Afterwards, I will introduce you to the members of the team you will be working in. Moreover, you will need to make an appointment to see Mr Miller (tel: +32(0)2/291 7811) in the afternoon of the same day. I suggest making the appointment at least three days in advance, since he is usually very busy. He is the HR focal point in our DG, and thus he will be your interlocutor for all contract related issues .
As you probably remember from your interview, our offices are located at rue de la Science, 15, close to rue Belliard. With your badge, you can come up directly to our Unit, which is located on the 7th floor; I am in office 123.
Looking forward to meeting you in person,
With kind regards,
Iris Wellington
Knowing that your entry into service at the European Commission is approaching, I would like to hereby extend you a warm welcome to our Unit, and provide you with some practical information.
As agreed during your job interview, you will be in charge of the follow-up of inter-service consultations. This position involves regular interaction and coordination with the other services of our DG as well as with other DGs. You will be working closely with Ms Black in our Unit, as inter-service consultation follow-up is a shared responsibility. Under my supervision, Ms Black will be explaining to you the various procedures, so that you can become acquainted with our working methods as soon as possible. As an attachment, I am resending your job description, in case you need it for a quick reference.
You should have been already informed that you will be attending a two-day training course organised by DG HR, i.e., the Directorate-General for Human Resources and Security, before taking up your duties at our Unit. This very useful course should provide you with additional information regarding the functioning of the European Commission, its working environment, and the rights and duties of its employees. During the training, you will have the opportunity to get your badge ready; all the relevant information will be provided by the trainers.
As a newcomer in Brussels, you might also be interested in receiving information on matters such as accommodation and public transportation. Please note that the orientation leaders at DG HR will be handing out an information package during the training, and that a legal advisor will be at your disposal to check the leases you might be considering before you sign a contract. If you need to search for an apartment, the best place to start is the immoweb website (http://www.immoweb.be/). There is also plenty of short-term accommodation available in Brussels, especially in the Schuman area close to the European Institutions. You can find all the necessary information about public transportation in Brussels at http://www.stib.be/.
I would also like to hereby invite you to take up your duties in our Unit on Wednesday, 16th of March, i.e., after the completion of the training mentioned above. I propose starting the day with a meeting in my office at 9.30 am. Afterwards, I will introduce you to the members of the team you will be working in. Moreover, you will need to make an appointment to see Mr Miller (tel: +32(0)2/291 7811) in the afternoon of the same day. I suggest making the appointment at least three days in advance, since he is usually very busy. He is the HR focal point in our DG, and thus he will be your interlocutor for all contract related issues .
As you probably remember from your interview, our offices are located at rue de la Science, 15, close to rue Belliard. With your badge, you can come up directly to our Unit, which is located on the 7th floor; I am in office 123.
Looking forward to meeting you in person,
With kind regards,
Iris Wellington
Greetings and closers
Here is a list of greetings you can use in your formal emails depending on the recipient:
- Anonymous singular:
- Dear Sir/Madam
- Dear Madam/Sir
- Dear Sir or Madam
- Dear Madam or Sir
- Anonymous plural:
- Dear Sirs/Ladies
- Dear Ladies/Sirs
- Dear Sirs and/or Ladies
- Dear Ladies and/or Sirs
- With a given male name: Dear Mr Smith
- With a given female name:
- Dear Ms Smith (civil status irrelevant or unknown)
- Dear Mrs Smith (married)
- Dear Miss Smith (single and younger than fifty)
- With given names to a group of less than three people (male): Dear Messrs Smith and Jones
- With given names to a group of less than three people (female):
- Dear Mses Smith and Jones (civil statuses unknown, irrelevant or different)
- Dear Mesdames Smith and Jones (both of them married)
- Dear Misses Smith and Jones (both of them single and younger than fifty)
- With given names to a group of less than three people (mixed gender and not related to each other by marriage or blood):
- Dear Messrs Smith and Jones, and Ms Presley
- Dear Ms Presley, and Messrs Smith and Jones
- With a given name to a couple who use the same last name:
- Dear Mr and Mrs Smith
- Dear Mrs and Mr Smith
- With given names to a group of more than three people (mixed gender):
- Dear Sirs/Ladies
- Dear Ladies/Sirs
- Dear Sirs and Ladies
- Dear Ladies and Sirs
- With given names to a group of more than three people (all male): Dear Sirs
- With given names to a group of more than three people (all female): Dear Ladies
- With a given first and last name and the gender is not clear: Dear Alex Smith
Here is a list of closers which apply to all formal emails regardless of their content:
- With kind regards
- Kind regards
- Regards
You can hereby find a document on how to address various VIPs in different contexts.
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