The world of work
Communicate about education, training, jobs and everyday situations at work.
Exam scope and assessment notes
Mapped to Cambridge IGCSE (9–1) English (as an Additional Language) 0772. The 2029–2030 syllabus states there are no significant changes affecting teaching; revised specimen questions support bilingual learners. All four skills carry equal weight. Spoken prompts use browser text-to-speech, not Cambridge recordings; speaking recordings stay in the page and are not automatically scored. Check the exam-year syllabus, June series and centre availability.
Before you begin
- The syllabus is designed for learners whose first language is not English. Use familiar everyday situations, and practise asking for repetition or clarification when you need it.
Work on paper. Try each question before revealing help, and explain why your method works.
Quick readiness check
What should you do first when a question asks for a specific detail?
What you will learn
- Understand main ideas and relevant details in familiar spoken and written material
- Communicate simply and clearly in everyday situations
- Use topic vocabulary and common language structures accurately enough for the purpose
Topic vocabulary
Build a small, reusable word bank for subjects and courses · classroom tools · skills and training · jobs and workplaces. Learn each word in a phrase or situation, not as an isolated translation.
Notice which words name a person, place, action or quality. A context sentence helps you remember the word and select the right form later.
Language and communication focus
Use have to for requirements, can for ability, and will/going to for plans and ambitions.
When you do not know a word, keep listening or reading for context. Use a simpler expression, ask a polite question or check your understanding rather than stopping the conversation.
Practise all four skills
Read the original short text and identify its main point and a supporting detail. Then answer the questions in your own words where appropriate.
Listen to the original spoken prompt, answer before opening the transcript, then use the speaking recorder only if you want a private playback. The browser voice and checklist are practice aids, not Cambridge audio or official assessment.
Sources for this lesson
Pause and explain
What makes a short spoken or written answer clear?
Worked example
When does the course meet, and what must applicants send by 30 June?
Show the worked solution
- The course meets twice a week: Tuesday and Thursday.
- Applicants must send a short application by 30 June.
- Supervised work experience is also included.
Answer It meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays; applicants must send a short application by 30 June.
Try a topic test
Choose Easy, Normal or Difficult. Save your answers and open worked review after finishing.
Test this topic →From guided practice to a new situation
Write your answer and reasoning first. Use a hint only if you are stuck. The model solution is for self-checking; your written work is not automatically marked.
A course starts at 14.30 and lasts 90 minutes. When does it finish?
Give me a hint
Convert 90 minutes to one hour and thirty minutes.
Compare my reasoning
- Add one hour to 14.30 to get 15.30.
- Add the remaining thirty minutes.
- State the finish time in the same clock format.
16.00.
Look for these in your work
- Duration converted
- Time added correctly
- Finish time stated
Write a short email asking a training provider about a course. Ask about the schedule, one entry requirement and how to apply.
Give me a hint
Make each question direct and polite.
Compare my reasoning
- Open with the reason for writing.
- Ask one clear question about each requested detail.
- Close with thanks and your name.
An original polite email containing all three questions.
Look for these in your work
- Schedule asked about
- Requirement and application asked about
- Clear email format
You have a group project due Friday. Explain two steps you will take to finish it on time, and say who will do each step.
Give me a hint
Use future language and make responsibility specific.
Compare my reasoning
- Choose two realistic actions.
- Assign an action to yourself or a named teammate.
- Link both actions to the Friday deadline.
A clear plan with two actions, named responsibility and a Friday deadline.
Look for these in your work
- Two steps included
- Responsibilities clear
- Plan linked to deadline
Hear an original prompt, then review your own response
The spoken clips use browser speech synthesis in English when a matching voice is available. Voices, accents and pacing vary; these are not Cambridge recordings. Microphone recordings stay in this page and are not uploaded or graded.
Listening practice
A training session has moved
Listen for the new room and what participants should bring.
Transcript unlocks after you check each answer.
Speaking rehearsal
Take part in a short interview about a course or job you are interested in. Explain one skill you already have and one you hope to develop.
Use about 1 minute to plan your practice response, then speak for about 45 seconds. This practice timer does not reproduce exam preparation rules.
The recording is not transcribed. This optional text and the audio both stay in the open page.
Review your recording
- Did I answer each part of the prompt?
- Did I give one relevant detail or reason?
- Did I link my ideas with a clear connector?
- Could my partner understand my key words?
This self-review is not an official speaking mark. A teacher or examination centre must assess the speaking endorsement.
Common mistakes
- Choosing a detail that is true but does not answer the question
- Translating word for word instead of checking meaning and sentence order
- Giving an opinion without a reason or relevant detail
- Speaking or writing in long sentences that make the main point unclear
What can you explain now?
What is a useful response when one unfamiliar word does not stop you understanding the whole message?
Compare with the explanation
Use surrounding words and the situation to infer a likely meaning
Context helps you keep the overall message while avoiding an unsupported guess.
After trying it yourself, choose your next review. This is your self-assessment.
Your review choice appears on Today. Sign in to sync it across devices.
Make it stick
Name two useful words or expressions from the world of work and use one in a new sentence.
If you needed the solution, close it and solve the problem again from a blank page. A correct answer is stronger when you can explain the reason for each step.