English Facts
English uses the standard Latin alphabet, with the occasional accent used for words borrowed from other languages, such as 'café'
English vocabulary derives from many sources, though primarily Latin, Ancient Greek, French and old Germanic tongues
With over a billion 'learners' around the world (added to the 400 million or so people who use it as their native tongue), English is quickly becoming the globe's universal language
English
A letter of complaint
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Dear Sir,
Your shipment of double glazed windows was received by our company this morning. However, we wish to make a number of complaints concerning the serious delay in delivery and your failure to carry out our explicit instructions with regard to this order.
It was stressed from the outset that the delivery date had to be less than six weeks from the initial order, in order to comply with our own customers? requirements. While we appreciate that delays in production are occasionally inevitable, we must point out that the major reason why the order was placed with your company was because we were assured by you of its straightforwardness, and that your existing stocks were sufficiently high to ensure immediate shipment.
In addition, we wish to bring to your attention the discrepancy in colour between the windows we ordered and those delivered. It was stated clearly in the original order that windows in white and brown were required. However, we found no white windows in the delivery at all.
We are also somewhat concerned about the rather poor quality of the goods received, since it is apparent that the windows that finally arrived have been produced from inferior materials and have been manufactured to a lower standard than those in the sample.
As a result of the above problems, therefore, we feel that the most suitable course of action is to return to you unpaid any of the goods considered unsatisfactory, and to deduct any costs incurred from our final settlement. We shall also, of course, be forced to reconsider whether any further orders should be placed with your company.
We look forward to your prompt reply.
English Courses in Chicago
Our native speaker qualified English language teachers can train you and your colleagues at your office or home at a time to suit you. Classes can be any day of the week (even weekends) in the morning, afternoon or evening. In certain circumstances, if your home or office is not suitable, you can take your classes at the trainer's office. Course books are provided.
Book now / InquiryEnglish 1 to 1 Business
English courses of this type are aimed towards those that need to learn English to aid them with their employment. For those just starting out, it is integral to learn basic greetings and business etiquette; and reading and writing can be adopted once the simple precepts are out of the way. Success has come from students who are involved in import/export, international negotiations and acquisitions, those seeking jobs in multinational companies, and those working with foreign colleagues, academia and bureaucracy. Just our most basic beginners course will have the student finishing the course with basic telephone/e-mail skills in English, as well as survival English should a short stay in the country be needed.
Book now / InquiryEnglish 1 to 1 General
These courses in English are wider-ranging in their nature, and are driven towards students who have a variety of differing needs. All beginner students will expect to study enough survival English to get them through a short visit to the country, those staying on with the course can progress differently, depending on their individual requests and requirements. Whether you are buying property in a foreign country, married to a foreign national, planning a round-the-world trip, interested in English history and culture, or if you simply want to attain a particular level of English, this is the choice for you.
Book now / InquiryEnglish Group Lessons
2 or more people can benefit studying English together as these English courses are also offered to groups (Two-to-One English Course or Small Group In-Company English Course). Every student must have the same degree of knowledge of the language, the same business or language needs and the ability to study at the same time and place as everybody else. The booking has to be made for all students at the same time. Listen & Learn do not advocate group sessions of more than 6-8 people, though Taster English Courses can be experienced by up to 12 people.
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Chicago
The largest city in the Midwest and the 'second city' of the United States, Chicago was one of the fastest-growing cities in the world during the 19th century, with its population growing from around 30,000 in 1850 to well over a million residents in just forty years. The city was also the host of the world's first skyscraper - a common sight throughout the US these days - constructed during the enormous building boom after the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 destroyed a third of the city. Today, Chicago remains one of the 'tallest' cities in the world. Multi-culturalism abounds in The Windy City: Chicago houses the largest Polish community outside of Poland; the largest proportion of Swedish Americans in the country, the second largest amount of African American residents and the third largest population of Italian Americans in the USA. Plenty of other nationalities also thrive in the city, including those from Puerto Rico, Mexico, South Asia and several Middle Eastern nations; and combined with its status as a global hub of higher education, Chicago stands out as an ideal city for those wishing to take up a new language.
English Testimonials
"I moved to New York from Cuba and had to improve my English for my new job. My teacher was really helpful, lessons were always interesting, and I just kept getting better and better through practice and study."
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