Respond to the following situations either in a short story, using a dialogue and a description, or in an essay form

COMPOSITION SUBJECTS

INTERVIEW TECHNIQUES

Ten-point plan to make a good impression

1. Be pleasant and polite to the receptionist or secretary who greets you. It will get you off to a good start.

2. If you are going through a closed door into an office, knock first and then walk in.

3. Don't sit down until you are offered a chair.

4. Don't smoke or chew.

5. Don't slouch, don't fold your arms or fidget. Sit in a re­laxed upright position.

6. Speak up, don't mutter or mumble. Try to act with mod­est confidence.

7. Don't be flippant. Some candidates give jokey answers to cover up nerves. Be sure you are on the same wavelength as the interviewer before you introduce humour into the discus­sion.

8. Show a genuine interest in the work and the firm you have applied to.

9. Analyse what qualities the interviewer is looking for and try to demonstrate how far you match up.

10. Make sure you know the interviewer's surname, and use it if a natural opportunity occurs.

Questions the interviewer may ask you

There are a number of questions you are likely to be asked — so think about what you are going to say. It may help to dis­cuss these with a friend before the interview. Probable ques­tions include:

Tell me about yourself.

Why do you want the job?

What is your experience in the field?

What makes you think you would be good at the job?

What do you do in your spare time?

What qualities do you think you have to offer?

What is your ultimate career ambition?

What kind of books or newspapers do you read?

Questions you may want to ask the interviewer

During the course of the discussion, the interviewer will probably explain most of the details about the job. But there may be gaps and you may want to ask your own question.

Try not to appear too eager; wait until towards the end of the interview. He or she may then ask if there is anything you would like to know — and that's your chance to be offered the job, then you will need all the facts to enable you to make the right decision as to whether or not you will accept There are some of the points you may want to raise:

What are the normal hours of work?

Are there any unusual hours?

Will I be paid overtime?

What is the pay?

What holidays will I be entitled to?

Who will I be directly responsible to?

What training will I be given?

When may I expect a decision?

When would I be expected to start?

Whatever you do don't sound as if you are only interested in what you get out of the job. Remember the interviewer is looking for someone who is going to put a lot into the

job — ability, industry and enthusiasm.

ADDITIONAL EXERCISES¹

1. Describe how illustrations can help a reader to enjoy the book. Refer to two or three books you have read.

2. Imagine that one of your friends is missing from the classes visiting his parents. Give details of his appearance which would enable the teachers to issue a description or build up an identical picture.

3. Recommend a friend (who does not read much) a book which you have recently read. Try to encourage your friend to spend more time reading.

4. Halloween.

5. Discuss the reasons why many people today read books about the Second World War.

6. Write a clear and factual report for the newspaper of an accident that you have witnessed.

7. The persistent disadvantages and advantages of being a woman.

8. The advantages and disadvantages of being an only child.

9. Superstition in our lives today.

10. Write a persuasive letter giving details about the plea­sure of playing a musical instrument.

11. Suppose you were writing an account of your child­hood in such a way as to emphasize your relations with your family.

12. Television and radio plays as a reflection of real life.

13. How have your years at school prepared you for your life after leaving school?

14. Write a letter to the press stating the case for abolish­ing examinations or for handing over students discipline to a committee in which staff and students co-operate on equal terms. Invent suitable names and addresses.

__________

¹ Credit will be given for arrangement of ideas, dear expression and direct comparison.

15. Write a short story to the magazine on one of the happenings in your childhood which much influenced you.

16. The wedding of one of the members of your family.

17. Crime and punishment. Give your views on juvenile deliquency. Should the punishment fit the crime?

18. What help in running a home should a husband give to his wife?

19. Explain the pleasures of music-making.

20. What seems to you worthwhile in some forms of popular literature, e. g. detective stories, science fiction?

21. A teacher looking rather tired and harassed at the end of a day's work.

22. A student whose dress and appearance are such as to excite comment.

23. Explain in your own words what is meant by the British custom of April Fool's Day, describing some of the tricks played by British children.

24. Describe some customs of girls and boys in this country.

25. Write a description of some animal with which you are familiar for the benefit of people who have never seen this animal.

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