Reading Comprehension - Informational Text

Read the article, "Cancer Update from John Hopkins" and answer the questions. This information is being circulated at Walter Reed Army Medical Center.

• No plastic containers in microwave.
• No water bottles in freezer.
• No plastic wrap in microwave.

A dioxin chemical causes cancer, especially breast cancer. Dioxins are highly poisonous to the cells of our bodies. Don't freeze plastic bottles with water in them as this releases dioxins from the plastic.

Recently, Edward Fujimoto, Wellness Program Manager at Castle Hospital, was on a TV program to explain this health hazard. He talked about dioxins and how bad they are for us. He said that we should not be heating our food in the microwave using plastic containers...

This especially applies to foods that contain fat. He said that the combination of fat, high heat and plastics releases dioxin into the food and ultimately into the cells of the body...

Instead, he recommends using glass, such as Corning Ware, Pyrex or ceramic containers for heating food. We can get the same results, only without the dioxin. So such things as TV dinners, instant ramen and soups, etc., should be removed from the container and heated in something else.
Paper isn't bad but we don't know what is in the paper. It's just safer to use tempered glass, Corning Ware, etc. He reminded us that a while ago some of the fast food restaurants moved away from the foam containers to paper. The dioxin problem is one of the reasons...

Also, he pointed out that plastic wrap, such as saran, is just as dangerous when placed over foods to be cooked in the microwave. As the food is nuked, the high heat causes poisonous toxins to actually melt out of the plastic wrap and drip into the food. Cover food with a paper towel instead.

ALSO -------------------------------------

Bottled water in car can be very dangerous. This is how Sheryl Crow got breast cancer. She was on the Ellen show and said this same exact thing. This has been identified as the most common cause of the high levels in breast cancer, especially in Australia.

A friend whose mother was recently diagnosed with breast cancer and the doctor told her: women should not drink bottled water that has been left in a car.

The doctor said that the heat and the plastic of the bottle have certain chemicals that can lead to breast cancer. So be careful and do not drink bottled water that has been left in a car, and, pass this on to all the women in your life. This information is the kind we need to know and be aware and just might save us! The heat causes toxins from the plastic to leak into the water and they have found these toxins in breast tissue. Use a stainless steel canteen or a glass bottle when you can!
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1. According to the article, what are the three things we should avoid to protect ourselves from the risks of getting cancer?
2. Why can a dioxin chemical cause cancer?
3. What can release the dioxins?
4. Why can bottled water in the car be dangerous?
   

Reply to Enquiry – Writing Practice - ILL Task 14

Instruction: Write a reply to enquiry and recommend the most suitable package to Kenny Hui, Administrative Assistant of the Asia Pacific trading Co. Ltd., according to the information given below.

Situation

Your name & position: Tina Chow, Banquet Officer
You work for: Horizon Hotel
Your duty: Answer customers’ enquiries

You have received an enquiry email about hotel’s meeting service. Please read the following email.

To: banquet@horizonhotel.com.hk
From: kennyhui@asiapacific.com.hk
Date: 16 May 200-
Subject: Meeting service

Dear Sir / Madam

I am writing to enquire about the meeting service provided by your hotel.

Our company will hold a staff meeting on 15 May 200-. We would like to book a meeting room in your hotel for a whole day. Firstly, there will be 20 people attending the meeting. We hope that you could provide us with 2 coffee breaks with refreshments and a western-style lunch. Besides, we need some AV equipment, including computers, printers, laser pointers and microphones. As there are members of staff from different countries, we hope that you could provide us with translation and interpretation service. Our maximum budget is $300 per head. Please suggest a meeting package which meets our requirements.

We would like to know the following information. First of all, what are the terms of payment? When should we book your meeting service in advance?

Thank you very much for your help. Your prompt reply is appreciated.

Yours faithfully
Kenny Hui
Administrative Assistant
Asia Pacific Trading Co. Ltd.
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To: kennyhui@asiapacific.com.hk
From: banquet@horizonhotel.com.hk
Date: 16 May 200-
Subject: Meeting service

Dear Mr. Hui
Thank you for your letter of 16 May 200- requesting information about our meeting service. We are enclosing our leaflets for your reference.

We would like to recommend Package C which fits most of your requirements. Package C costs only $200 per guest. The minimum number of guests is 15. During the meeting, you can enjoy 2 coffee breaks with refreshments. There will be a western-style lunch. For the AV equipment, we could provide computers, laser printers, projector and microphones. We are sorry that we could not prepare laser pointers for you in this package, but you can pay only $10 for each laser pointer. To serve your needs, we are glad to offer you translation and interpretation service.

Please note that booking of meeting service must be made 7 days in advance. Our terms of payment include cash and credit card.

We look forward to hearing from you soon.

Yours sincerely

Tina Chow

Banquet Officer
Horizon Hotel

Enquiry Writing Practice - ILL Task 10

Instruction: Write an enquiry email to Jayla Fong of the Sunshine Training Center in the spaces provided on the next page.

Situation

You are Jacky Li. You work at GO-GO cosmetic company. Recently your boss, Richard Li, has found that a large number of the staff could not communicate fluently with Mainland customers in Putonghua. He decides to organize a Putonghua course for the staff. He wants you to write an email to the Sunshine Training Center for the information of Vocational Putonghua Courses. In your email, you need to…

1) Tell

• No. of participants: 45, only 12 had elementary Putonghua training before

2) State your requirements

• Course: Vocational Putonghua related to cosmetic industry
• Duration: 12 weeks, 2 meetings per week, 1.5 hours per meeting
• Time: Thursday- 7:15pm -8:45pm; Saturday- 10:30am-12:00noon
• Course Fee: $1250 or below per person
• Locations: Mongkok (preferred), Kowloon Bay
• Teacher: a native speaker of Putonghua

3) You need to ask for the following information:

• Any entrance / exit tests
• Payment methods- by cheque / cash?
• Refund if there is any withdrawal from the course?
• Email us the training schedule

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To: enquiry@sunshine.com.hk
From: jackyl@gogo.com.hk
Subject: Vocational Putonghua CourseDear Miss Fong

We are a local cosmetic company. We are planning to organize vocational Putonghua courses for our staff. The courses organized by your center have been recommended. Therefore, we are writing to you for more information.

We have a group of 45 participants, but only 12 of them had elementary Putonghua training before. The course must be related to cosmetic industry. The duration of the course should be 12 weeks. There should be 2 meetings per week and each meeting should last for 1.5 hours. We would like to have lessons on Thursday from 7:15pm to 8:45pm and on Saturday from 10:30am to 12:00noon. We expect the course fee to be $1,250 or below per person.

About the location, if possible, we prefer to have lessons in Mongkok. In case this is impossible, we can also accept venues in Kowloon Bay. It is essential to arrange a native speaker of Putonghua to be our teacher.

If you could provide suitable courses for us, please email us the training schedule. We would also like to know if there is any entrance test or exit test. May we know whether we should pay by cheque or cash? If any participant withdraws from the course, would there be any refund?

We look forward to hearing from you soon.

Yours sincerely

Jacky Li
GO-GO cosmetic company

Asking for Information - ILL - Task 7

A. Study the following situation. Complete the email on the next page by writing all the questions required in the memorandum.
Situation
You are King Chan, Purchasing Manager of the Li’s Supply Chain. You have received a memorandum from John Hung, the General Manager. You have to write an email according to the instructions given by Mr. Hung.

To: enquirypoe@poe.com.hk From: kingchan@li.com.hk Subject: Purchase of new office desks and chairs

Dear Sir / Madam We are planning to buy some office chairs and desks for our new office in Kowloon Bay. Your office furniture is recommended and we are writing to get some information. We plan to purchase 20 sets of desks and chairs for our new office. Our budget is around $20,000. Would you please send us a full set of catalogue and price list? Would you be able to provide discounts for us? If yes, what discount can you offer? If the offer is attractive, we would probably buy some more from you in the near future. We would also like to know the payment terms and the earliest delivery date, which must be before 31 December 200-. Do we have to pay the delivery charge? Lastly, we would like to find out if you offer free maintenance services. If such a service is provided, how long will it last? Some office furniture companies also provide free office design service. We would be interested to know if you also offer this service. We are looking forward to your reply. King Chan

Writing Task III - FD Students

Situation
You are Billy Chan, an Assistant Buyer of Easy Logistics Co. Ltd. Read the following note from your boss, Mr. John Brown. Write the letter as instructed.

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Mr Peter Wong
Sales Manager
14-15 Hoi Yun Road, Kwun Tong

Date: 14 December, 2008

Dear Mr Wong

Office Chairs and Computer Tables

We saw your products at the last exhibition of office furniture Convention Centre in December. We are interested in your office chairs and computer tables.

We would like to place an order on 10 office chairs and 10 computer tables for our Head Office. The chairs should be red. If the red is not available, blue is also acceptable. The dimension of the computer table should be W50” X D28” X H30. We would like to request to deliver them to us before 30 April.

Please send us your catalogue and the price list. It would be helpful if you could tell us the price of the order together with the discount you can offer. Please also let us know how long your guarantee period is. Could you also give us details about your after-sale service?

Before confirming our order, we would also like to see some of your samples in your showroom. We would be grateful if you could inform us of the arrangement at your earliest convenience.

I look forward to your reply.

Yours sincerely

Billy Chan
Assistant Buyer

Writing Task II - FD Students

Situation
You are Jimmy Leung, an Administrative Clerk of PMS Secondary School. This morning you received an email from Mrs Janet Wong, the Administrative Officer. Please read her email and follow his instructions.

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To: henryman@kkcanteen.com.hk
From: jimmyl@pms.edu.hk
Subject: Refreshment Arrangement for Open Day

Dear Mr Man

I am writing to make the refreshment arrangement for the Open Day to be held on the 4th of December from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. with 1250 participants attending.

Please be reminded that the refreshments should be ready at 9 a.m. If not, they should be ready by 9:30 a.m. as the latest. Please make sure that coffee, tea and sandwiches will be included with the refreshments. Tissues should also be ready for guests' use. Two coffee heaters must also be available.

Please let us know how many staff from canteen can help during the Open Day. We would also like to know if there is any discount for your service. Please email us the list of refreshments once it becomes available.

To discuss the details of the arrangement, I would like to request meeting you at 3 o'clock on Wednesday. We would be grateful if you could confirm us of the arrangement at your earliest convenience.

Yours sincerely
Jimmy Leung
Administrative Clerk

Writing Task I - FD Students

Situation

You are Johnny Chan, an Administrative Officer of Powerful Company Limited. This morning you received an email from Mr Joseph Lee, the PR Manager. Please read his email and follow his instructions.

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To: kimssui@powerful.com.hk
From: johnyc@powerful.com.hk

Subject: Booking for Annual Dinner

Dear Mr Tsui

I would like to confirm our booking for the annual dinner to be held in your hotel.

We would like to arrange the dinner on 4 December, 2007. But if the date is not available, the11th of December, 2007 will also be acceptable for us. Please limit our budget to $340 per person and drinks should be included within the budget.

As for the choice of food, we would like to select Chinese cuisine. Please decorate a small stage with balloons. We also need a large LCD screen with PA system.

I would also want to know if there is any discount for the booking of 300 or more people. Please fax us a floor plan.

To settle the detailed arrangement, I would like to arrange a meeting with you next week on 10 November, 2007 at 3 o'clock. Please confirm us of the arrangement at your earliest convenience.


Yours sincerely

Johnny Chan
Administrative Officer
Powerful Company Limited

Writing Task III for BA Students

The HABC Credit Card with exclusive benefit you can't miss!

About our Bank
HABC bank, one of the world’s largest banking and financial service organizations, has been in Hong Kong for more than 140 years. We have received numerous awards throughout the years, such as ‘The Best Management Award’ presented by Timex Magazine.

Year-round Privileges

For dining, you can enjoy exclusive offers at the hottest restaurants in Hong Kong. What’s more, you can enjoy up to 50% off buffet dining with our credit card. For shopping, being our credit card holder, you are offered 15% off on regular-priced items and an extra 10%off on top of regular discounts at various boutiques and shops. For traveling, we provide exclusive worldwide discounts for our card holders

Tax Installment Program

We offer pre-approved loans for tax payment with only a 0.28% monthly rate, the lowest in town. Our repayment period is flexible allowing you up to 48 months. No documents are required to apply for the loan.

HABC Bank Reward Redemption
With our reward redemption programme, you can earn double Asia Miles if you purchase Cathy Pacific tickets online. You can redeem your miles for free flights to fly around the globe.

E-statement Service

Instead of by mail, we email you monthly statement every month. Your e-statements can be stored on your computer hard drive. Also, you can earn extra bonus points while paying bills with our credit card online.

How to Apply

No documents are needed for existing HABC account holders. For more details, simply call our 24-hour hotline at 2174 8800, or visit any HABC branch or check out our website: http://www.habc.com.hk.

Writing Task II for BA Students

Write a promotion leaflet to describe the IELTS Preparatory Course offered by Intelligent Institiute using the data above.

Better Job and Education Opportunities with IELTS Qualification
Intelligent Institute – The Intelligent Choice!

How important is IELTS?
IELTS is a world recognised English language testing system evaluating the proficiency of English as a second language in the areas of the four English skills – reading, writing, listening and speaking. The test is set to be the entrance requirement for overseas universities and a preferred qualification of the employers from local and international companies.

Why Intelligent Institute?
We are one of the top education institutes founded in 1996, with the best language courses and learning environment. All English teachers are native speakers. The campus is located next to MTR station and it is equipped with modern teaching facilities for interactive teaching and learning. Our number of students has increased by six-fold from 2003 to 2008. Our guaranteed teaching quality is reflected in student surveys, which indicates that over 90% of the students rated satisfactory to excellent for our English course last year.

Specialties of IELTS Preparatory Course
Our English teachers adopt an easy and approachable teaching style. To enhance learning results, you will study in a class of no more than 15 students. You will find that small class teaching will definitely improve English learning results. Furthermore, you will learn proven exam techniques, and the key to a successful test. The trianing will better prepare you and give you greater confidence in taking the tests.

Students’ sharing
A junior marketing assistant of an IT company, Ms Ho, highly commented, ‘I think small class teaching is very good for my learning.’
A student of a local university, Mr Cheng, said, ‘I found I drowned into the fun and engaging language classes and I improved my confidence in English. See, I got an A in the test!’

New referral programme of Intelligent Institute
A discount will be offered to you if you refer new students to the Institute. You can enjoy the first 5% discount for the first person you refer and up to 20% for the fourth referral or more. The person you refer will be offered a coupon valued at $100 from OnePage Bookshop.

Join Now
The tuition fee is now only $2,999. Application forms are available at Intelligent Institute, by e-mail at application@ii.edu.hk, by fax at 2786 5688 or by calling 2786 5677.

What are you waiting for? We fulfil More for You!

Writing Task I for BA Students - Product Promotion

The State-Of-Art Pocket PC You Can’t Miss

Would you like to have a high-speed processing pocket PC? Hyper iPAQ 1950 must be your choice.

About the HBC Company
The HBC company is one of the leading producers of desktop computers and PC in the world.

High-speed PC Features
The Pocket PC is a slim and sleek personal computer that you can put in your handbag or pocket. This tiny but high-speed Simpson SC32442 Processor 200MHZ provides you with powerful memory of 96MB. It can also help you to organize the total memory of 96MB into 64MBROM and 32MB SDRAM.

Reliable and Stable PC Functions
The Hyper iPAQ PC incorporates the reliable and stable Windows Mobility 5.0 for Pocket PC Premium Edition, i.e. with both English and Traditional Chinese editions. You can trust on the high-speed Simpson Processor which is known for its reliability and stability. It is also compatible with the Window Media player.

Reasonable Price for a Quality Product
Now, with only $3,380, you will experience a joy of carrying the lightest PC. You will also experience excellent digital moments using the powerful memory. Most importantly, you will enjoy the unforgettable entertainment. So, get a HYPER iPAQ 1950 PC at any Hyper Shops and all department stores.

Enquiry Details
For further enquiry, you may send us an e-mail at pocketpc@hbc.com, contact us by fax at 2706 0088 or by calling 2786 5677.

It’s all now or never!

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Complete the description of a product using the data below. Try to make use of a variety of adjectives, adverbs, action verbs to help promote this product to customers.

Picture Description - Writing Hints

Dear students

I'd like to suggest following the hints when you work on the picture description tasks.

1. Always follow the plot suggested in the picture. Add details to develop the plot; for example, time, place, manner, and feelings. Try to give the account of your story in a logical way.
2. Always use a variety of expressions, i.e. a group of words (noun phrases, verb phrases, prepositional phrases to express meaning. Follow the sentence patterns while you are writing sentences.
3. Remember to use prepositional phrases to describe your setting.
4. Always select right tenses in describing the events.
5. Be simple and follow the cause-effect relationship to develop your plot.

Please remember to proofread your writing before you submit your writing. Look for the following elements while proofreading:

1. articles -->a/an/the/some/any/singular/plural
2. subject-verb agreement-->e.g. I go /He goes
3. tenses-->active / passive
4. conjunction-->and (in addition, besides, furthermore, even, moreover)/but (although, however)/or (else, whereas) /when/since
5. preposition-->in/on/at/through/past/along/by
6. parts of speech-->noun/pronoun/adjective/adverb/verb
7. spelling
8. choice of vocabulary
9. phrasal verb
10. modal verbs-->shall/may/might/can/could/should/would/will
11. sentence structure --> subject +verb + object + adjunct (relative clause - who that)
12. present participle/ past participle ---> an interesting book, I'm interested in something

See you this evening!

Best Wishes
Terri