Mary's course in Business Studies is underway, but she hasn't really learnt much yet - and she's not quite sure what Professor Not wants. She learns the English language she needs to ask for clarification when there's something she doesn't understand. Here's episode 11 👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r6ZyirHCRxQ For more, visit our website 👉 http://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/english-at-university/ep-161114 TRANSCRIPT Narrator Hello and welcome to English at University - the series that teaches some English phrases to help you through your first year of study abroad. Mary's come to the UK to study Business at the University of Studies – she's learning about student life but she hasn't learnt much about business yet – however she's about to go to her second lecture, so all that might change…. Prof.Not …so business really is the life blood of the economy – and we can read more about that in my book. Anyway, the subject of your first assignment… Mary What's an assignment? Daniel It's a piece of work- like an essay – you have to do as part of your studies. I love assignments: I'm always very good at them. Prof. Not …Daniel, can you pay attention please. This is very important – your assignment can be quite short or very long and it's about business and what-not. Type it out and send it to me – easy really. Narrator Oh dear. It's easier said than done. He's not very clear about what he wants. Are you confused Mary? Mary I am a bit. Quite short, very long, 'business and what-not'… what exactly does he want? Narrator It's time to ask for clarification. You need to ask him how many words he wants and how it should be presented. How he wants it delivered and most importantly – when's the deadline? Get those details right and you're on your way to preparing your first assignment. Mary Right – got it – clarification. Professor… Prof. Not Mary? Mary I need some more details before I begin my assignment please. I really need to know the theme of the assignment… Daniel Duh! Obvious! It's about techniques for good business - is it not? Prof.Not Professor Not to you – and no, I think the question is 'Why is business the life-blood of the economy?' So just write something about that… Mary Yes… but how many words do you want… how would you like it presented – text, photos, graphs? Prof. Not Yes Mary, all that kind of stuff. And hmmm, I'm easy - shall we say 2,000 words? We can meet later if you need more help… Mary It's OK - just let me know how we should deliver it to you when it's finished. Prof. Not You can drop it round to my house if you like. Daniel Oh really… what's your address? Prof. Not On second thoughts, just email it to me. My (email) address is on the board. Mary But how long have we got… I mean, when is the deadline for completing our assignment? Prof. Not Errr, how about midnight, two weeks tomorrow? Must dash, I've got a - errr…. a meeting. Narrator Good work Mary. Hopefully you're much clearer about what's expected from you for your first assignment. You effortlessly managed to ask for some specific information by using these questions… I need some more details before I begin my assignment please. I really need to know the theme of the assignment. How many words do you want? How would you like it presented? How should we deliver it to you when it's finished? When is the deadline for completing our assignment? You can practise these phrases, pick up a few more plus learn some top tips for studying in the UK on our website at bbclearningenglish.com. So now there's some real work to be done, who's going to get started first? I think we know who! Daniel This assignment should be a cinch – you know, easy! Mary Time to head to the library then. Daniel Really, already… I was wondering if you'd like to… err… go for a coffee, get to know each other… that kind of stuff? Mary OK that's a nice idea… Oh hello Professor… oh, hello Sharon… Sharon Oh hello sweetheart. Prof. Not Sorry about rushing off. I meant to say, I'm doing a workshop on study skills in fifteen minutes… in the library… if you're interested? Mary Oh yes, I'll definitely be there. Are you coming, Daniel? Daniel Yeah, suppose so. I don't like coffee anyway.