Task I Read the text and answer the questions. Commercial banks offer commercial services to a wide range of customers. Customers can open current accounts and deposit accounts. A current account is very popular. It pays no interest but it has other advantages.
Firstly, it enables people to keep their money in a safe place. Secondly, it allows them to withdraw it at any time. Thirdly, it provides them with a cheque-book so that they do not have to carry a lot of cash.
To open a current account it is necessary to see the branch manager. He has to decide whether the applicant is likely to keep the account in credit. A current account holder can only overdraw with the manager’s permission. The manager will therefore want to meet the applicant to get the necessary background information. For example, he will want to know the applicant’s occupation and his place of work. He will also probably want a reference from his/her employer. If, after the interview, the manager is satisfied with the applicant he will approve the application, arrange for the applicant to be given a cheque-book and arrange for a monthly statement to be sent to him/her.
A deposit account is another popular kind of account. It has advantages over a current account. First of all, it is easier to open than a current account. There is no need to see the manager. A customer only has to fill in a form and then deposit the minimum amount of money required by the bank.
Questions on the text:
1. What are the advantages of a current account?
2. What are the disadvantages of a current account?
3. What is necessary to do to open a current account?
4. What information on the current account holder does the manager need?
5. What are the advantages of a deposit account?
Task II. Complete the sentences in reported speech.
1) Mr Bell asked: «What discount can you give us, Mr Lavrov?»
2) Mr Voronin said: «We require the compressors in July».
3) He said to me: "Turn the sound down".
4) John said: "I have never tasted anything so tasty".
5) Robert said: "Nobody has mentioned about it".
Use the verbs in the Passive.
1) If the company is heavy with orders, part deliveries (to offer) to the buyers.
2) Contracts (to sign) by directors of companies.
3) St. Petersburg (to found) in 1703.
4) This work (to do) tomorrow.
5) Mushrooms (to gather) in autumn.
Well, I arrived safely but my luggage didn’t! After many enquiries I found out it was sent to Finland instead of England! Anyway it finally came three days ago and other than that, I have had a great time since I arrived.
The people I stay with are very nice and they've shown me all the local tourist sites. I am treated here exactly like one of the family. I share a room with Penny, the hosts’ daughter, who is my age. Every morning we are waken by her mother with a cup of tea! Fantastic! Yesterday when you phoned me in the morning we were served breakfast in bed.