Thursday, 27 February 2025

Week #12: Review and retrospective

 What went well:

  • The role-play exercises were beneficial. Sometimes, it is difficult because I have to do some improvisation. 
  • I feel more comfortable with short videos because it doesn't have too much information to analyze. 
  • I'm trying to maintain my practice with ChatGPT at least three times per week. Sometimes, it is hard because of the mental and physical exhaustion after work.
  • I'm motivated. I want to continue improving my English. I'm thinking about how to expand my vocabulary using different topics. The key is to go slowly without losing pace. 
What could be improved:
  • Something I would like to achieve in the first place is to enjoy movies and series without subtitles. It is not too easy. Sometimes I understand complete dialogues and sometimes I get totally lost. I know it takes time, but I think this is something I need to improve. 
  • I need to track the time I invest in my English Study. How much time do I need to study English during the week? 

Video Review


Saturday, 15 February 2025

Week #11: Hotels - Guest Information

Reading

The Concierge

A new city can be scary. You’ll need information about tourist attractions, restaurants and transportation. You can use your telephone directory to find phone numbers; there’s a fee free call. A better choice is the concierge. The concierge helps guests with planning.

Your first concern should be transportation. The choices may be endless, so get instructions about public transportation, like subway, taxis and buses. For private transportation, like a rental car, talk to the concierge. The concierge will have information about companies with the best prices. The concierge may get you a discount, if the hotel has an agreement with those companies. Another form of transportation for tourists is the shuttle bus. Some hotels will have a free shuttle service to places of interest. If you fly into a city, ask about shuttle service from the airport. Sometimes it is free, but sometimes there is a fee. Ask the concierge about the price and schedule. The concierge will help you plan your departure based on your flight schedule.

If you want to do some sightseeing, the concierge knows a lot about the museums, amusement parks, restaurants, or even city tours. The concierge will be able to tell you hours of operation, admission charges and reservation requirements.

Finally, the concierge is a great source for recommendations on the best restaurants and entertainment. Ask the concierge for directions and transportation to these venues. The concierge is truly the best source of information for the hotel guest.


Dialogue 1.

- Can I help you?
- I just arrived and need information.
- Where have you looked?
- The phone directory, then the Internet.
- That man is the concierge. It is job to help you during your stay.
- Really?
- Yes, it’s a free service for all guests. He may be able to get you some discounted prices.
- Excellent!

Dialogue 2.

- Hello. May I help you?
- Yes. I need some recommendations.
- What do you like?
- I enjoy sightseeing, but I hate busy amusement parks.
- How about a city tour?
- That sounds fun. What about restaurants? I love Asian food.
- There’s an excellent place called Taste of Asia about two blocks north of the hotel.
- How nice! I also love museums and ballet.
- Well, the Art Museum is famous. Also, “Romeo and Juliet” is playing nightly at 7.30 p.m.
- Thanks a lot!


Video


Notes: https://notepad.pw/73cfVyCcOq5VogvTkzqf

Monday, 3 February 2025

Week #10: Hotels - Hotel Services

 

Reading

Home away from Home.

A superior hotel offers services you get at home and more. In-room services include a mini-bar, movies and an Internet connection. Be careful, because this can cost money. Most hotel rooms have slippers, towels, robes, hairdryers, safes, personal amenities and a coffee-maker. Laundry service is available for a fee.


If there is anything further you want, like extra bedding, or towels, call the front desk. Also the front desk offers services such as wake-up calls and telephone messages.


Room service is available at most upper class hotels. It is usually available 24 hours a day by phone. Mid service is common. If you don’t need housekeeping, put the Do Not Disturb sign out. This service is free, but it’s nice to leave a tip.


Hotel restaurants offer many kinds of cuisine. It’s common for a hotel to have a store that sells snacks and souvenirs. Hotel boutiques offer high quality clothes and accessories. If you want to enjoy a cold drink, most hotels have a bar. Some even have a disco for excitement. Hotels offer entertainment such as beauty salons, gyms and swimming-pools. They often have rooms, applied with pool tables and video and board games.

Business centers are also a service. Computers, printers, fax machines and telephones can be found there. You can reserve rooms for conferences and use the technology provided by the hotel.


Most hotel services will let you charge fees to your room. This way you can pay for everything when you check out. Hotel services are there to make sure you are happy and comfortable. Be sure to use them.


Video


Notes: https://notepad.pw/RvfamdEYvXZ2uYcZsS6w