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Speaking Skills: Talking about computers

Speaking Skills: Talking about computers

In this week's Premier Skills English Podcast, Rich is having some problems on his computer and can't change his Fantasy Football team. He calls Jack for some technical help.  focus on being polite and the words and expressions you should use to show politeness.The language focus is on words and phrases we use to talk about computers and giving instructions. Your task is to write some step-by-step instructions for other listeners on the Premier Skills English website.  As always, we also have a new football phrase for you to guess. Enjoy!

Transcript

If the listening was a bit difficult, you can listen again and read the transcript at the same time.
Read and listen.

Speaking Skills - Talking about Computers
Intro: 

Rich: ah.... Come on... load! I just can’t get this page to load. I need to change my fantasy football team. The deadline is in one hour! Error, error … computers … I’m going to give Jack a call. He’ll know how to fix it. Yep, I’ll give him a quick call on Skype.

Jack: Hi Rich. How’s it going?

Rich: Good. Well, not that good. I’m having a few problems with my computer I can’t get this page to load. I need to change my fantasy football team. I’ve only got an hour before the deadline!

Jack: Ahhh! I think you should choose Harry Kane as your captain this week.

Rich: Great, but I don’t need help choosing my team, I need some help getting my computer to work. I was wondering if you might be able to help?

Jack: No, problem, I can take a look. What’s not working?

Rich: Every time I try to open the page, it says error.

Jack: Could you send me a screenshot of the error message?

Rich: How do you do that?

Jack: Don’t worry. We can look at that later. Would you mind sharing your screen with me?

Rich: Er … you’re in the UK Jack and I’m in Spain. It might take a long time to get to you.

Jack: You don’t need to send it me physically. We can share screens online … through Skype.

Rich: Ahhh! Sorry, Jack this could be a long call.

Welcome - Talking about computers

Rich: Hello my name’s Rich

Jack: and I’m Jack

Rich: and welcome to this week’s Premier Skills English podcast

Jack: Where we talk about football and help you with your English.

Jack: What’s happening this week, Rich?

Rich: I’ve been having a few problems with my computer lately so, in this week’s podcast, we’re going to take a look at some of the language we need to discuss our computer and how it works or not works in my case!

Jack: Don’t worry, we’re not going to get too technical. We can’t because Rich would get too confused!

Rich: Very funny. In our practice conversation, we will use lots of nouns connected to computers and you will be able to test your knowledge and understanding of these words in the activities on the page below this podcast.

Jack: But, in the podcast, we’re going to focus on the verbs and phrases that might be more difficult to understand when talking about computers and computer problems.

Rich: At the end of the podcast, your task will be to write some step-by-step instructions about how to do something on your computer using language that you have heard in this podcast.

Jack: Don’t forget, there is more information about the language we use on the page below and activities to help you understand. 

Rich: Make sure you listen to the end of the podcast because we have another football phrase for you as well.

Topic Focus

Jack: In this section, we’re going to roleplay a situation where Rich is having a few problems with his computer and I’m going to help him.

Rich: This is a roleplay but it’s actually something I do quite often - call Jack for some technical advice with my computer.

Jack: While you are listening we want you to try to answer two questions.

Rich: The first question is: What problem or problems do I have? 

Jack: And the second question is: Do I solve Rich’s problem for him?

Rich: OK. Let’s start.

Roleplay 

Jack: OK, Rich. You have a problem with your computer. What exactly is the problem?

Rich: Well, I need to change my fantasy football team. Raheem Sterling is suspended so I want to replace him with Kevin De Bruyne. I’ve only got an hour.

Jack: That’s great, Rich, but I didn’t mean the problems you have with your fantasy football team, I meant what’s the problem with your computer.

Rich: Ahh! Right, yes. I’m trying to look at the Fantasy Football homepage and the page won’t load. I’m just getting a blank screen.

Jack: Is it just Fantasy Football or is it everything? Can you try loading BBC or something?

Rich: That doesn’t work either. Just a blank page.

Jack:  Mmm … OK, there are a few things to try before we get too technical. First of all, let’s check to see if your WIFI is on.

Rich: How do I know if it’s on or not? 

Jack: OK, have a look in the bottom right corner of your screen. Can you see something that looks like a slice of pizza with some lines through it?

Rich: Er … no slice of pizza

Jack: Is there a little arrow pointing up?

Rich: Yes.

Jack: OK, click on that. You should see the pizza slice now.

Rich: I see it.

Jack: That’s the WIFI icon to say you’re connected. Click on it or hover over it with your mouse. What does it say?

Rich: Internet access - connected - secured.

Jack: So, you’re connected. Mmm. Could you press F5 on your keyboard and see if anything changes? F5 refreshes your page - it loads it again.

Rich: No nothing. Still a blank page.

Jack: Let’s try something else.

Rich: OK, what should I try now?

Jack: Which browser are you using?

Rich: Browser?

Jack: Which web browser. Are you using Google Chrome?

Rich: Err … internet explorer …

Jack: Really? Try opening another one. Open Google Chrome and see if that works.

Rich: I don’t think I have Google Chrome.

Jack: Oh really? OK, you’re going to have to install it then.

Rich: How do I install it?

Jack: You need to download it. Just type download Google Chrome and follow the instructions.

Rich: OK, I see it.

Jack: Call me back when you’ve got it, alright?

Rich: Hi, again. I can see a little google picture on my screen.

Jack: That’s a desktop icon. It’s a shortcut that will take you where you want to go. Click on it and see if Chrome opens.

Rich: Still a blank screen. Nothing.

Jack: Really? Could you try turning your computer off and on?

Rich: OK, I’ll call you back.

Rich: Everything’s working now. Thanks Jack!  I’m using Chrome and looking at the Fantasy Football homepage. I can change my team now. These computers - they have a mind of their own!

Jack: They really don’t, Rich. At least you can change your fantasy football team now. Remember I’d go for Harry Kane as captain this week and get Sterling out of your team he’s suspended remember!

Rich: I’ve got 15 minutes until the deadline. Speak later.

Jack: Earlier, we asked you two questions. What problem does Rich have and Do I solve Rich’s computer problem?

Rich: Can you answer those questions now? … 

Jack: The answers are: Rich’s problem was accessing the internet and Did I solve Rich’s problem? Well, maybe. I helped but I’m not sure the solution was directly because of me!

Language Focus

Jack: When we are helping someone do something on the computer or wherever we usually have to give them instructions. When we give instructions we often use the imperative. The imperative is the infinitive without ‘to’. I said: ‘click on that or this’ or ‘hover over that’  in the conversation.

Rich: We use the imperative for all types of instructions. A coach giving instructions to his players will use the imperative a lot. The coach would use verbs like ‘run’, ‘shoot’, ‘pass’ and ‘tackle’.

Jack: It’s very useful. We could tell people how to make a cake using verbs like ‘use’, ‘mix’, ‘pour’ and ‘heat’.

Rich: Or how to change a tyre on a car using verbs like ‘put’, ‘raise’, ‘take off’ and ‘put on’.

Jack: Another thing you might have noticed was how we link the different instructions together. Earlier I said ‘first of all let’s see if your WIFI is on’ but you can also say things like ‘the first thing you do is’, ‘firstly’ or ‘to start with’.

Rich: To link different steps together we can use linking words like: ‘next’, ‘then’ ‘after this’. We might say ‘firstly’ at the beginning but we don’t usually say ‘secondly’ or ‘thirdly’ it doesn’t sound very natural. It’s better to say something like ‘then what you do is’ or ‘when you’ve done this you ...’.

Jack: We don’t always just use the imperative when giving instructions. We use lots of polite questions too. You might have noticed me asking Rich a few of these earlier.

Rich: Jack said ‘Could you press F5 on your keyboard?’ and ‘Could you try turning your computer off and on?’.

Jack: Imperatives can be a bit rude sometimes because they are orders. So, we often change the order into a request by adding a modal verb like in the examples above.

Rich: If you wanted to be even more polite, you could have said ‘Would you mind pressing F5 on your keyboard?’ or ‘Would you be so kind as to turn your computer on and off?’

Jack: Yes, I could have said that but I don’t think it was necessary. That was too formal. If you want to learn more about being polite in English take a look at last week’s podcast. There is a link on the side of this page.

Rich: In this week’s podcast we’ve been looking at the language of computers and giving instructions. There are some activities below to help you with this.

Jack: And this week’s task is to give us some instructions about how to do something on a computer. It could be how to copy and paste something, how to take a screenshot, how to add an attachment to an email. Anything really.

Rich: The important thing is to use some of the language we’ve used in this podcast. We want you to write some step-by-step instructions for other listeners.  

Jack: And we want you to look at other listeners instructions and follow them on your computer or laptop. Let other listeners know if you can follow their instructions or not.

Can you work out this week’s football phrase?

Rich: Have you got a football phrase for us this week? 

Jack: Yes, I have, but first, last week’s football phrase. The phrase was transfer window. The transfer window is closed. Clubs can’t sign any new players until January.

Rich: I’m pretty happy with Liverpool’s transfer business this summer!

Jack: Well done to Elghoul and Khaldoun83 from Algeria, RafaelRC from Brazil, Emir from Bosnia, Liubomyr and Violinka from Ukraine, Ahmed Adam from Sudan and Kwesimanifest from Ghana. You all got the right answer.

Rich: What’s this week’s football phrase? 

Jack: This week’s football phrase is *********** *****. The *********** ***** is a point in the Premier League season where there are no Premier League matches because many players are away playing for their countries in international tournaments or friendlies.

Rich: I’m always a bit disappointed when the *********** ***** arrives as it means Liverpool aren’t playing.

Jack: Don’t worry Rich. It’s only a week. Maybe you can fix your computer this weekend instead?

Rich: Good idea. Right, that’s all we have time for this week! Don’t forget to write your answers to our questions and make a guess at our football phrase in the comments below.

Jack: And don’t forget to listen to our new round-up show called ‘This Week’. All the action from Matchweek 3 is on the Premier Skills homepage now.

Rich: Bye for now and enjoy your football!

Vocabulary

How much did you understand?

In the podcast, Rich and Jack used some words and phrases that might be new for you. Do you know the words in bold?

Raheem Sterling is suspended so I want to replace him with Kevin De Bruyne.

Could you send me a screenshot of the error message?

There were a few more tricky words in the podcast. Do you know what they all mean? Try the activity below, then, listen to the podcast again to hear how we used the words.

Activity 1

Activity 1: In this activity, try to match the words and phrases to their definitions. All of the words were in this week's podcast.
Can you match the words to their definitions?

Rich needs to change his fantasy football team. Do you play fantasy football?

Vocabulary

Computers - Nouns

In this week's podcast, Jack and Rich spoke a lot about computers. First of all, let's look at some of the hardware (the physical parts of a computer) and some other common nouns we may need to use when talking about computers. Take a look at these phrases from the podcast. Do you know what the nouns in bold mean?

Could you press F5 on your keyboard and see if anything changes?

That's the WIFI icon to say you're connected. Click on it or hover over it with your mouse.

Take a look at the following activity and see how well you know common nouns that are used in connection with computers. If you're not sure, listen to the podcast again because Jack and Rich used all of the words.

Activity 2

Activity 2: In this activity, complete the sentences using the correct noun from the podcast.
Can you choose the right word for each gap?

Computers - Verbs

Sometimes, you might know all the nouns but it can be still difficult to describe a problem. This is usually because you know the objects (the nouns) but you don't know which verb to use. Take a look at these phrases from the podcast. Do you know what the verbs in bold mean?

F5 refreshes your page. It loads the page again.

You'll have to download Google Chrome to install it on your computer.

Take a look at the following activity and see how well you know common nouns that are used in connection with computers. If you're not sure, listen to the podcast again because Jack and Rich used all of the words.

Activity 3

Activity 3: In this activity, complete the sentences using the correct verb from the podcast.
Can you choose the right word for each gap?

Do you think it might be time for Rich to change his computer?

Language

Giving Instructions

In the podcast, Jack gave some instructions to Rich to help him on his computer. When we give instructions we often use the imperative. The imperative form is made by using the infinitive of the verb (the infinitive without 'to'). Here is an example from the podcast:

Click on it or hover over it with your mouse.

If we want to be more polite we usually add a modal verb such as 'could' to make the command (imperative) into a request.  For example:

Could you press F5 on your keyboard?

When giving a series of instructions it's more natural in speech and writing to join the different instructions together with linking words. Look at the example below:

There are many different linking words that can be used to describe a sequence of instructions. Three simple, but commonly used ones are 'next', 'after this' and 'then'.

Activity 4

If you want to practise this more, read this advice about how to prepare for a football match and try to complete the sentences with the right word:

Activity 4: When giving instructions or advice, we often use the imperative and we use simple linking words to put different steps together. In this activity, read the advice and put the verbs and linking words in the correct gaps in the text.
Can you put the right words in the right gaps?

What do you use a computer for?

Task

Step-by-step instructions

In the podcast, Jack gave Rich some instructions to check his internet connection. We want you to give other listeners some step-by-step instructions to follow on a computer. Your task is to write between two and six instructions. The instructions should be a task about computers so other listeners can follow them after they finish listening to the podcast. Try to use some of the expressions we used in the podcast.

Some possible ideas:

  • How to take and share a screenshot
  • How to add an attachment to an email
  • How to record a video for social media
  • How to make a GIF
  • How to make my computer run faster

Write your instructions in the comments section below and respond to other listeners instructions, too.

Quiz

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Comment

What do you think?

In this week’s podcast, Jack and Rich spoke about the language of computers.

Do you ever have problems with computers? Have you ever helped anyone with a computer problem?

Do you listen to this podcast on a computer, laptop, tablet or mobile phone? Why?

Look at the task above and write your step-by-step instructions.

Remember to write your guess at this week's football phrase, too!

If you want us to correct your English, just write 'correct me' at the beginning of your comment.

Leave a comment

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Comments

Andy-uk
25/02/2024
GB
173
points

Correct me

I used to fix computer problem when I was IT support. The most problem is human mistakes.

I listen to podcast on iPad. I can take it anywhere and it have bigger screen size.

How to turn off iPad
Hold the top button for 5 seconds


Andy-uk
25/02/2024 23:00
United Kingdom
Manchester United
173

Correct me

I used to fix computer problem when I was IT support. The most problem is human mistakes.

I listen to podcast on iPad. I can take it anywhere and it have bigger screen size.

How to turn off iPad
Hold the top button for 5 seconds

hsn's picture
hsn
06/11/2021
TR
5525
points

Comment
• I have had an old desktop computer caused many problems. When it turned on a sound like a compressor is working had been spreading . It had to be fixed. But its service life had finished.I bought a new one. I listen to PSE podcasts on the computer.
Task
• I think getting professional help or technical info in order to solve problems would be better.
Phrases
• When someone, even a teacher, hovered over me in the exam I get confused and forget what I know.


hsn's picture
hsn
06/11/2021 17:40
Turkey
Tottenham Hotspur
5525

Comment
• I have had an old desktop computer caused many problems. When it turned on a sound like a compressor is working had been spreading . It had to be fixed. But its service life had finished.I bought a new one. I listen to PSE podcasts on the computer.
Task
• I think getting professional help or technical info in order to solve problems would be better.
Phrases
• When someone, even a teacher, hovered over me in the exam I get confused and forget what I know.

mobeckham's picture
mobeckham
20/05/2020
TR
6510
points

This week's football phrase is ( International break )


mobeckham's picture
mobeckham
20/05/2020 04:24
Turkey
Manchester United
6510

This week's football phrase is ( International break )

mobeckham's picture
mobeckham
20/05/2020
TR
6510
points

How to upload a video for social media
Here are the steps :
First of all you should open your facebook page.
Then press on the icon which says photo/video right under your profile pic
After that , choose the video you want to share from your computer files then click on it and press done
It will take a few moments to be uploaded to your page so you will have some time to write a caption or a comment above the video


mobeckham's picture
mobeckham
20/05/2020 04:23
Turkey
Manchester United
6510

How to upload a video for social media
Here are the steps :
First of all you should open your facebook page.
Then press on the icon which says photo/video right under your profile pic
After that , choose the video you want to share from your computer files then click on it and press done
It will take a few moments to be uploaded to your page so you will have some time to write a caption or a comment above the video

mobeckham's picture
mobeckham
20/05/2020
TR
6510
points

I listen to this podcast on my laptop because we are in lockdown nowadays but I often listen to the podcasts on my mobile phone while going and coming from work


mobeckham's picture
mobeckham
20/05/2020 04:16
Turkey
Manchester United
6510

I listen to this podcast on my laptop because we are in lockdown nowadays but I often listen to the podcasts on my mobile phone while going and coming from work

mobeckham's picture
mobeckham
20/05/2020
TR
6510
points

I had some problems with my old computer but luckily I bought a laptop a few years ago and it works properly
I helped some of my friends before in some of the basic problems but if it's more technical , we contact a professional technician


mobeckham's picture
mobeckham
20/05/2020 04:13
Turkey
Manchester United
6510

I had some problems with my old computer but luckily I bought a laptop a few years ago and it works properly
I helped some of my friends before in some of the basic problems but if it's more technical , we contact a professional technician

ldzingirai's picture
ldzingirai
06/04/2019
ZW
1745
points

Correct me.

Task

How to download a podcast.

Load the page where your file is .Place the mouse pointer over the file then right click and a menu pops up on the screen. Select 'Save As' and press enter. The file will start to download, but if there is no space in the computer the download will be cancelled.When the download is complete a warning message appears.

What do you think section

I often listen to the Premier Skills English podcasts on the computer and rarely on the mobile phone.I do download on the mobile but play the file on the desktop.


ldzingirai's picture
ldzingirai
06/04/2019 07:07
Zimbabwe
Chelsea
1745

Correct me.

Task

How to download a podcast.

Load the page where your file is .Place the mouse pointer over the file then right click and a menu pops up on the screen. Select 'Save As' and press enter. The file will start to download, but if there is no space in the computer the download will be cancelled.When the download is complete a warning message appears.

What do you think section

I often listen to the Premier Skills English podcasts on the computer and rarely on the mobile phone.I do download on the mobile but play the file on the desktop.

dougitall
13/04/2018
SV
11
points

Its time for Liverpool to get busy and kick some balls...!


dougitall
13/04/2018 01:28
El Salvador
Liverpool
11

Its time for Liverpool to get busy and kick some balls...!

sabanoleg
26/09/2017
UA
2337
points

Sure I play fantasy football.


sabanoleg
26/09/2017 08:20
Ukraine
Arsenal
2337

Sure I play fantasy football.

dual PV
17/09/2017
VN
1
points

My anwer is "international break".


dual PV
17/09/2017 17:12
Vietnam
Southampton
1

My anwer is "international break".

admin's picture
admin
17/09/2017
GB
560
points

Well done. That's right.


admin's picture
admin
17/09/2017 21:11
United Kingdom
Arsenal
560

Well done. That's right.

assemjuve's picture
assemjuve
16/09/2017
PS
3705
points

the phrase is international fifa week.


assemjuve's picture
assemjuve
16/09/2017 08:08
Palestinian Territory
Liverpool
3705

the phrase is international fifa week.

assemjuve's picture
assemjuve
16/09/2017
PS
3705
points

Sometimes i have problems with computer,but i am not smart at using it.


assemjuve's picture
assemjuve
16/09/2017 08:07
Palestinian Territory
Liverpool
3705

Sometimes i have problems with computer,but i am not smart at using it.

elghoul's picture
elghoul
06/09/2017
DZ
3988
points

Every day I struggle with digital problems either on my desktop or on my tablet.

I usually listen to premierskills podcasts on my tablet because I can do that while leaning on a sofa.

How to add an attachment to an email.

First of all open your mail box.

Then hover on the write icon with your finger on the screen.

After having written the text, press on the Add attachment icon.

You can finally browse to find the file to add and attach it.

The football phrase is Fifs date.


elghoul's picture
elghoul
06/09/2017 16:45
Algeria
Manchester City
3988

Every day I struggle with digital problems either on my desktop or on my tablet.

I usually listen to premierskills podcasts on my tablet because I can do that while leaning on a sofa.

How to add an attachment to an email.

First of all open your mail box.

Then hover on the write icon with your finger on the screen.

After having written the text, press on the Add attachment icon.

You can finally browse to find the file to add and attach it.

The football phrase is Fifs date.

RafaelRC's picture
RafaelRC
06/09/2017
BR
663
points

The football phrase is data fifa.


RafaelRC's picture
RafaelRC
06/09/2017 02:15
Brazil
Arsenal
663

The football phrase is data fifa.

RafaelRC's picture
RafaelRC
06/09/2017
BR
663
points

Correct me.
Nice vídeo guys, sometimes I have problems with the computer. Once I Washington typing on PES and the page refreshed alone  on its own, I Lost everything that I was had typed.

I listening listen to the podcast at on my mobile phone. I changed my mobile phone because I had some problems with him  it, I didn't get listening and reading the transcript at the same time. But now I don't know how to change the language of the keyboard, I need search at Google. I think that mobile phone is better than other ways because you can enjoy your time free like in the bus for on the way to work, after the lunch, when you walk.

My step by step for all computer problems, you could:
1 - pick up your phone
2 - call for Richard
3 - its done.


RafaelRC's picture
RafaelRC
06/09/2017 02:10
Brazil
Arsenal
663

Correct me.
Nice vídeo guys, sometimes I have problems with the computer. Once I Washington typing on PES and the page refreshed alone  on its own, I Lost everything that I was had typed.

I listening listen to the podcast at on my mobile phone. I changed my mobile phone because I had some problems with him  it, I didn't get listening and reading the transcript at the same time. But now I don't know how to change the language of the keyboard, I need search at Google. I think that mobile phone is better than other ways because you can enjoy your time free like in the bus for on the way to work, after the lunch, when you walk.

My step by step for all computer problems, you could:
1 - pick up your phone
2 - call for Richard
3 - its done.

Rich's picture
Rich
11/09/2017
ES
594
points

Hi RafaelRC

Thanks for the positive feedback and sorry for the late reply.

It's easy to make typos (especially on mobile phones) don't worry about it! As for your step by step instructions ... I think it would be better to call Jack. I'm not that good with technology!

I've made a few corrections to your comment above. I hope they are helpful!

Rich - The Premier SkillsEnglish Team

 

 


Rich's picture
Rich
11/09/2017 16:39
Spain
Liverpool
594

Hi RafaelRC

Thanks for the positive feedback and sorry for the late reply.

It's easy to make typos (especially on mobile phones) don't worry about it! As for your step by step instructions ... I think it would be better to call Jack. I'm not that good with technology!

I've made a few corrections to your comment above. I hope they are helpful!

Rich - The Premier SkillsEnglish Team

 

 

RafaelRC's picture
RafaelRC
06/09/2017
BR
663
points

*** Washington - was, thank you Cell phone's correctos.


RafaelRC's picture
RafaelRC
06/09/2017 10:54
Brazil
Arsenal
663

*** Washington - was, thank you Cell phone's correctos.

kwesimanifest's picture
kwesimanifest
05/09/2017
GH
4768
points

I am almost a "pro" in computing and that leaves me very little problems when using it.
I listen to the podcast on my tablet.


kwesimanifest's picture
kwesimanifest
05/09/2017 10:24
Ghana
Manchester United
4768

I am almost a "pro" in computing and that leaves me very little problems when using it.
I listen to the podcast on my tablet.

Ahmed Adam Mamado's picture
Ahmed Adam Mamado
04/09/2017
SD
2903
points

Correct me

I sometimes have problems with computers and some friends of mine have been helped by me with their computer problems. Actually, I find software problems easier to solve and if I've got a clue on the problem, then I can just google it in order to get some help. And it's more likely to come across a similar problem which you're suffering from is already solved. Hardware probs? That's a bit different!

I weekly download and listen to the PSE podcasts on my phone and that's because the laptop I was using is now broken. At the moment, I'm using an old-fashioned Nokia phone which means no Youtube, no Whatsapp and no Skype. At least I could browse the PSE website, login to my FB account and read the news to keep myself posted. Hope to get my laptop repaired soon!

One of the things that makes computers to turn on very slowly, is that when there are so many apps which automatcally and unnecessarily start working as soon as you turn your computer on. Here are my instructions: firstly, press "window+R", then type in "msconfig" and press "Enter". Now, look for "Start up" from the menu appeared and click on it. Finally, unmark the unnecessary apps and click on "ok".
Now, what are you waiting for? Go on and have a go!!!!

Football phrase, the "************* *****"


Ahmed Adam Mamado's picture
Ahmed Adam Mamado
04/09/2017 21:37
Sudan
Liverpool
2903

Correct me

I sometimes have problems with computers and some friends of mine have been helped by me with their computer problems. Actually, I find software problems easier to solve and if I've got a clue on the problem, then I can just google it in order to get some help. And it's more likely to come across a similar problem which you're suffering from is already solved. Hardware probs? That's a bit different!

I weekly download and listen to the PSE podcasts on my phone and that's because the laptop I was using is now broken. At the moment, I'm using an old-fashioned Nokia phone which means no Youtube, no Whatsapp and no Skype. At least I could browse the PSE website, login to my FB account and read the news to keep myself posted. Hope to get my laptop repaired soon!

One of the things that makes computers to turn on very slowly, is that when there are so many apps which automatcally and unnecessarily start working as soon as you turn your computer on. Here are my instructions: firstly, press "window+R", then type in "msconfig" and press "Enter". Now, look for "Start up" from the menu appeared and click on it. Finally, unmark the unnecessary apps and click on "ok".
Now, what are you waiting for? Go on and have a go!!!!

Football phrase, the "************* *****"

Rich's picture
Rich
11/09/2017
ES
594
points

Hi Ahmed Adam 

Sorry to hear about the problem with your laptop. I hope you get it fixed soon.

In this comment, I've focused on words that are unnecessary. Have a look at the words I've crossed out in your message. Do you know why they are not necessary?

Rich - The Premier Skills English Team


Rich's picture
Rich
11/09/2017 16:48
Spain
Liverpool
594

Hi Ahmed Adam 

Sorry to hear about the problem with your laptop. I hope you get it fixed soon.

In this comment, I've focused on words that are unnecessary. Have a look at the words I've crossed out in your message. Do you know why they are not necessary?

Rich - The Premier Skills English Team

Ahmed Adam Mamado's picture
Ahmed Adam Mamado
12/09/2017
SD
2903
points

Thanks for the sympathy, Rich!
"Some friends of mine have been helpped by me with their computer problems" don't you think there's nothing wrong with this sentence? Or, could you please explain why? if it's incorrect.
As for that preposition, is it "have a clue in"?
Please, let me know if I'm right!


Ahmed Adam Mamado's picture
Ahmed Adam Mamado
12/09/2017 12:16
Sudan
Liverpool
2903

Thanks for the sympathy, Rich!
"Some friends of mine have been helpped by me with their computer problems" don't you think there's nothing wrong with this sentence? Or, could you please explain why? if it's incorrect.
As for that preposition, is it "have a clue in"?
Please, let me know if I'm right!

Rich's picture
Rich
12/09/2017
ES
594
points

The preposition you need is 'about'. I haven't got a clue about (something).

The sentence you mention is confusing. I think you are trying to tell me that some of your friends have helped you in the past. Is that right? If that's the case the sentence should use the present perfect as it is something that happened in the past and is still true.

If you are trying to say that you help your friends with computer problems you should use the active voice rather than a passive because you are the person 'doing' the action. It would be correct to say 'I have helped some friends with their computer problems'.

Hope that helps!

Rich - The Premier Skills English Team 


Rich's picture
Rich
12/09/2017 15:48
Spain
Liverpool
594

The preposition you need is 'about'. I haven't got a clue about (something).

The sentence you mention is confusing. I think you are trying to tell me that some of your friends have helped you in the past. Is that right? If that's the case the sentence should use the present perfect as it is something that happened in the past and is still true.

If you are trying to say that you help your friends with computer problems you should use the active voice rather than a passive because you are the person 'doing' the action. It would be correct to say 'I have helped some friends with their computer problems'.

Hope that helps!

Rich - The Premier Skills English Team 

Ahmed Adam Mamado's picture
Ahmed Adam Mamado
13/09/2017
SD
2903
points

First of all thank you for your tireless work with us.

As for the preposition, well, I'll learn it by heart!

Finally, yes, I helped my friends. However, I thought it would sound a bit borring If I started the second sentence with (I) as well, so that's why I used the passive, but you gave me what I was missing!

Now, what can I say?
Thanks a million teacher, Rich!


Ahmed Adam Mamado's picture
Ahmed Adam Mamado
13/09/2017 10:19
Sudan
Liverpool
2903

First of all thank you for your tireless work with us.

As for the preposition, well, I'll learn it by heart!

Finally, yes, I helped my friends. However, I thought it would sound a bit borring If I started the second sentence with (I) as well, so that's why I used the passive, but you gave me what I was missing!

Now, what can I say?
Thanks a million teacher, Rich!

RafaelRC's picture
RafaelRC
06/09/2017
BR
663
points

Good evening. Good tip about computers slowly!


RafaelRC's picture
RafaelRC
06/09/2017 02:14
Brazil
Arsenal
663

Good evening. Good tip about computers slowly!

Ahmed Adam Mamado's picture
Ahmed Adam Mamado
11/09/2017
SD
2903
points

Hi Rafael! Thanks for your comment


Ahmed Adam Mamado's picture
Ahmed Adam Mamado
11/09/2017 14:41
Sudan
Liverpool
2903

Hi Rafael! Thanks for your comment

phhchuong123
04/09/2017
VN
325
points

The week football phrase is internation weeks.


phhchuong123
04/09/2017 12:32
Vietnam
Manchester United
325

The week football phrase is internation weeks.

shobonenok's picture
shobonenok
03/09/2017
RU
989
points

I'm sure that the week's phrase is "************ *****".

Earlier I used to listen to the podcast on a computer because there were lots of new words for me and I added them to my vocabulary list with explanations in English and Russia. Now I do it using my smartphone because I often listen the podcast on my way to somewhere or relaxing.
Well, I've never made GIFs or used any graphic editors to make videos - that's why I will need help if it becomes necessary. As for attaching files to the e-mail, for example, using gmail - you should click 'write an e-mail', than find an icon which looks like a clip and click it. Afterwards you have to find an appropriate file, click on it and then click 'open'. Done!


shobonenok's picture
shobonenok
03/09/2017 09:38
Russia
Manchester City
989

I'm sure that the week's phrase is "************ *****".

Earlier I used to listen to the podcast on a computer because there were lots of new words for me and I added them to my vocabulary list with explanations in English and Russia. Now I do it using my smartphone because I often listen the podcast on my way to somewhere or relaxing.
Well, I've never made GIFs or used any graphic editors to make videos - that's why I will need help if it becomes necessary. As for attaching files to the e-mail, for example, using gmail - you should click 'write an e-mail', than find an icon which looks like a clip and click it. Afterwards you have to find an appropriate file, click on it and then click 'open'. Done!

maciejca
02/09/2017
PL
35
points

FIFA week


maciejca
02/09/2017 22:45
Poland
Liverpool
35

FIFA week

Mahmoud Rady's picture
Mahmoud Rady
02/09/2017
EG
24
points

cool as usual from Jack & Rich


Mahmoud Rady's picture
Mahmoud Rady
02/09/2017 22:34
Egypt
Manchester United
24

cool as usual from Jack & Rich

Rich's picture
Rich
11/09/2017
ES
594
points

Thanks Mahmoud!


Rich's picture
Rich
11/09/2017 16:49
Spain
Liverpool
594

Thanks Mahmoud!

M.s. Aboelsafa's picture
M.s. Aboelsafa
02/09/2017
EG
738
points

Correct me
How to take screenshots on your laptop?

1-Find The FN button on your keyboard.

2-Find The END or PRYSC too.

3-Press The two buttons at the same time.

4-Open Print program & Press "Ctrl+V".

5-You can edit or crop the photo as you want

6-Press save on the left of the page, and you will get your screenshot


M.s. Aboelsafa's picture
M.s. Aboelsafa
02/09/2017 14:27
Egypt
Arsenal
738

Correct me
How to take screenshots on your laptop?

1-Find The FN button on your keyboard.

2-Find The END or PRYSC too.

3-Press The two buttons at the same time.

4-Open Print program & Press "Ctrl+V".

5-You can edit or crop the photo as you want

6-Press save on the left of the page, and you will get your screenshot

Rich's picture
Rich
11/09/2017
ES
594
points

Thanks M.S Aboelsafa. Good to hear from you.

I followed your instructions without any problems. Well, there were two very small things.

  • PRYSC = print screen key
  • 'Paint' programme rather than 'print' programme

Rich - The Premier Skills English Team


Rich's picture
Rich
11/09/2017 16:58
Spain
Liverpool
594

Thanks M.S Aboelsafa. Good to hear from you.

I followed your instructions without any problems. Well, there were two very small things.

  • PRYSC = print screen key
  • 'Paint' programme rather than 'print' programme

Rich - The Premier Skills English Team

M.s. Aboelsafa's picture
M.s. Aboelsafa
02/09/2017
EG
738
points

This week's phrase is FIFA week


M.s. Aboelsafa's picture
M.s. Aboelsafa
02/09/2017 14:16
Egypt
Arsenal
738

This week's phrase is FIFA week

kwesimanifest's picture
kwesimanifest
02/09/2017
GH
4768
points

This week's phrase is ************ *****


kwesimanifest's picture
kwesimanifest
02/09/2017 00:05
Ghana
Manchester United
4768

This week's phrase is ************ *****

Emir Veličanstveni's picture
Emir Veličanstveni
01/09/2017
BA
1449
points

This week's phrase is ************ *****.


Emir Veličanstveni's picture
Emir Veličanstveni
01/09/2017 22:30
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Arsenal
1449

This week's phrase is ************ *****.

Khaldoun83's picture
Khaldoun83
01/09/2017
DZ
325
points

************* ***** break is this week football phrase.

Suspended means that you got tired form somfromng and you want to change it.

Screen shot to take a photo to your computer screen or mobile phone using the same device.

F5 is a button in the keyboard used to refresh the browser.

Keyboard is the device in the computer to help us typing and insert writing in the computer..

downlaod is copying data from the internet to your own computer.

Install is give permission to a downloaded divice to take change in your own computer.

Giving instructions:

Would you mind taking and sharing a screen shot.

 

 


Khaldoun83's picture
Khaldoun83
01/09/2017 17:17
Algeria
Liverpool
325

************* ***** break is this week football phrase.

Suspended means that you got tired form somfromng and you want to change it.

Screen shot to take a photo to your computer screen or mobile phone using the same device.

F5 is a button in the keyboard used to refresh the browser.

Keyboard is the device in the computer to help us typing and insert writing in the computer..

downlaod is copying data from the internet to your own computer.

Install is give permission to a downloaded divice to take change in your own computer.

Giving instructions:

Would you mind taking and sharing a screen shot.

 

 

Liubomyr's picture
Liubomyr
01/09/2017
UA
4408
points

I think that the phrase is the ‘************* *****’


Liubomyr's picture
Liubomyr
01/09/2017 15:26
Ukraine
Watford
4408

I think that the phrase is the ‘************* *****’

Leaderboard

Top Scorers
RankNameScore
1mobeckham6510
2Alex_from_Ukraine6278
3hsn5525
4wsanta5086
5kwesimanifest4768
6Liubomyr4408
7elghoul3988
8assemjuve3705
9aragorn19863557
10Gergő Nagy3396
Country ranking
RankNameScore
1Colombia71478
2Ukraine33300
3Spain28277
4Serbia27289
5Brazil23896
6Albania20578
7Vietnam19939
8Turkey19810
9Macedonia19074
10Bosnia and Herzegovina16333
Club ranking
RankNameScore
1Manchester United141846
2Liverpool110282
3Chelsea88559
4Arsenal85717
5Manchester City56951
6Tottenham Hotspur19169
7Newcastle United10457
8West Ham United7454
9AFC Bournemouth4454
10Crystal Palace4240

Level

3
Average: 3 (1 vote)

Goals

Skills: Listening

Language: Computer vocabulary

Language: Giving instructions 

Task: Write some step-by-step instructions