Read and practise saying the dialogue. Imagine that the telephone is broken.

Receptionist:Good morning, "The Palace Hotel". What can I do for you? Oh, we seem to have a bad line! Could you speak up a little?

Caller:Hello, I phone from Germany! I'd like to...

R: That's better. Could you repeat what you want?

C: I'd like to book a room for me and my wife.

R: So you need a double room. When for?

C: From the 1st of July, for 5 nights.

R: Oh, I'm sorry, but the line is really very bad. I didn't catch the number of nights.

C: ... for 5 nights!

R: That's OK, and could I have your name, please?

C: My name is Schwarzkopf.

R: Excuse me, could you spell your name, please?

C: S-c-h-w-a-r-z-k-o-p-f.

R: Well, Mr Schwarzkopf, a double room from the 1st of July, for 5 nights. Is that right?

C: Yes, I'll come on the 1st of July.

R: And could I have your phone number, please?

C: I call from Germany. The code is 49 and then 3007469.

R: Did you say 45 for the code?

C: No, the country code is 49!

R: Thank you. We'll hold the room for you till 6 p.m. Your reservation number is 353.

Now, using the information from the dialogue, fill in this reservation card:

GOLDEN RULES

• Decide what to say before you start to write. If you don't, the sentences are likely to go on and on and on before you can think of a good way to finish the message. In other words, make sure that you plan ahead.

• Put each separate idea in a separate paragraph.

• Use short sentences.

• Use short words that everyone can understand. You may be writing to people whose English isn't as good as yours.

• Think about your reader. Your letters should be

Clear— make sure the reader knows exactly what you mean.

Complete— make sure you give the reader all the necessary information.

Courteous— write in a sincere, polite tone.

Correct— the reader may be confused if there are too many mistakes in grammar, punctuation or spelling.

• Check your letter through before you print it — and correct any mistakes you find.

6. Look at the letter. What is wrong? How would you write it?

Mrs Barat

I'm sending you this letter to confirm your telephone booking for a double room from June 12 to 15 (3 nights). Your room, with a balcony, is on the first floor. The price is $90 per person per night, but I don't remember if you wanted a room with a sea view. Can you let us know the time of your arrival?

Yours faithfully

Karolina Great.

Grammar