Unit 4 — Job Interviews

1– recruit (verb) – hire (new staff)
Example: The company plans to recruit five new employees this year.

2– criteria (noun, plural) – requirements you use to make a decision
Example: Experience and qualifications are important criteria for selection.

3– shortlisted (adjective/verb) – selected from a larger group
Example: Only ten candidates were shortlisted for the interview.

4– do your homework (phrase) – prepare carefully by finding out information
Example: Make sure you do your homework before attending an interview.

5– trial run (noun) – a practice of something new
Example: I did a trial run of the interview with my friend.

6– boost your confidence (verb phrase) – improve or increase confidence
Example: Practising answers can boost your confidence.

7– panel (noun) – a group of people (interviewers)
Example: The interview was conducted by a panel of three managers.

8– line manager (noun) – the person who is directly responsible for your work
Example: Your line manager will supervise your daily tasks.

9– eye contact (noun) – looking directly into someone’s eyes while speaking
Example: Maintaining eye contact creates a good impression.

10– body language (noun) – physical movements which show how you are feeling
Example: Positive body language is important during interviews.

11– speak up (phrasal verb) – speak more loudly and clearly
Example: You need to speak up so everyone can hear you.

12– first impression (noun) – the initial opinion someone forms about you
Example: A firm handshake helps create a good first impression.

13– talk someone through (phrasal verb) – tell us about in more detail
Example: Can you talk us through your CV?

Present Continuous Tense

1- What is the Present Continuous?

The Present Continuous is used for:

Actions happening right now

Temporary actions or situations

Future arrangements or plans

Trends or changing situations

It describes actions that are ongoing at the moment of speaking.

2- Structure (Form)

2.1- Affirmative (Positive)

Subject + am/is/are + verb-ing

Examples:

I am studying English.

She is reading a book.

They are playing football.

He is watching TV.

2.2- Negative

Subject + am/is/are + not + verb-ing

Examples:

I am not sleeping now.

She is not (isn’t) playing tennis.

They are not (aren’t) listening.

He isn’t watching TV.

2.3- Questions

Am/Is/Are + subject + verb-ing?

Examples:

Am I speaking too fast?

Is she coming to the party?

Are they studying for the exam?

Short answers:

Yes, I am. / No, I’m not.

Yes, she is. / No, she isn’t.

Yes, they are. / No, they aren’t.

3- Spelling Rules for Verb-ing

1- Most verbs → add -ing

play → playing

read → reading

2- Verbs ending in -e → remove e + ing

make → making

write → writing

3- One vowel + one consonant (short) → double consonant + ing

run → running

sit → sitting

4- Verbs ending in -ie → change ie → y + ing

die → dying

lie → lying

4- Uses with Examples

4.1- Actions Happening Now

I am talking to my teacher.

She is drinking water.

4.2- Temporary Actions

He is staying with his uncle for a week.

They are working on a new project this month.

4.3- Future Arrangements

I am meeting my friend tomorrow.

She is visiting her grandparents next week.

4.4- Trends / Changing Situations

More people are using electric cars.

The weather is getting colder.

5- Time Expressions

now

at the moment

currently

today / this week

tomorrow (for future plans)

Examples:

She is studying at the moment.

I am meeting my teacher tomorrow.

6- Common Mistakes

❌ He watching TV now → ✅ He is watching TV now

❌ She am not coming → ✅ She is not coming

❌ I am go to school → ✅ I am going to school

Reading Passage

A Day at the Beach

Last summer, Maria and her friends went to the beach for a holiday. They woke up early in the morning and packed sandwiches, drinks, and sunscreen. The weather was sunny, and the sky was clear.
When they arrived, they walked along the sandy shore and enjoyed the sound of the waves. Some of them decided to swim in the sea while others played volleyball on the beach. Maria collected seashells and took many photos.
In the afternoon, they had a picnic under a large umbrella. They ate sandwiches, fruit, and drank cold water. After lunch, they built a sandcastle and played games together.
Before leaving, they watched the sunset. The sky turned orange and pink, and the sea looked beautiful. Everyone agreed it was a perfect day, and they promised to return next summer.