1
On the telephone
Textbook: p. 6
GoalStarting and ending an informal phone call; giving the reason for calling with “I’m phoning to + verb”.
New words
emergency services · tez yordam xizmatlarifire brigade · o‘t o‘chirish xizmatiambulance · tez yordam mashinasito phone / to ring · qo‘ng‘iroq qilmoq
Explanation
A friendly phone call usually follows the same pattern. The person who answers says Hello and sometimes gives a name or number. The caller introduces himself or herself: Hi, it’s Aziza here. Then the caller asks for the right person: Could I speak to Dilshod, please? If that person is on the line, he or she answers Speaking. The reason for the call is given with the pattern I’m phoning to + infinitive: I’m phoning to ask / tell / invite / wish / find out ... . The call ends with something like Have a nice day and Bye. For the emergency services (ambulance, fire brigade, police) you must speak briefly and clearly.
Worked examples
A: Hello. B: Hi, it’s Kamila here. Could I speak to Otabek, please? A: Speaking. B: Hi, Otabek. I’m phoning to invite you to my cousin’s birthday on Friday. A: Thanks, I’d love to come! B: Great. See you on Friday. Bye.
I’m phoning to tell you that the match is on at six. – I’m phoning to ask about the homework. – I’m phoning to wish you a happy holiday. (Each sentence gives the reason: tell, ask, wish.)
Class activity
“Back to back”: pairs sit back to back and act out a short call from a role card (inviting, asking, congratulating).
Practice
1
How do you introduce yourself as the caller? Say it.
Hi, it’s (name) here.
2
Complete: I’m phoning ___ you about the trip. (tell)
I’m phoning to tell you about the trip.
3
What does the person say if he or she is the one the caller wants?
Speaking.
4
Why should an emergency call be short and clear instead of a long friendly chat?
Because time matters: the operator must know the place and the problem at once so that help can arrive quickly.