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Monday, November 5, 2012

Cost of Living / Personal Documents



A. To talk about changes in prices.

 
  • The price has gone up.
  • It went up (last month/sharply/gradually)
  • The cost of (food) is rising.
  • There was a rise in price.
  • In (summer) prices should go down.
  • The cost of (this) went down (last year).
  • The price of (oil) may drop.
  • We had a drop in (salary costs).
  • It was a sharp drop/ a slight drop.
  • There was a fall in prices.
  • Prices stayed the same.
  • The cost of living will stay level.
  • Prices are at about the same level.

B. Talking about living costs
 
  • (Houses) are very expensive/cheap.
  • We can/can’t afford (chocolate).
  • It’s (not) hard/difficult.
  • Some people find it difficult to cope.
  • It’s very hard for (people on a pension)
  • We’re better off/worse off.
  • What’s it like in (your country)?
  • How is it with you?

C. Talking about tax
 
  • The government takes (30%) in tax.
  • You have to pay income tax/sales tax.
  • I pay (a third) in tax.
  • (10%) of your salary goes for insurance.
  • The taxes are high/low.
  • There’s good social security/insurance.
  • You get a pension at the age of 60
  • How much do you pay in (income tax)?
  • What are the taxes like?

TALKING ABOUT PERSONAL DOCUMENTS

D. To ask if documents are necessary.
 
  • What document do I need?
  • Do I need any documents?
  • Are there any formalities?
  • Do I have to have (proof of identity)?
  • Do I need a (visa)?
  • Is my (driving license) enough?
  • Will they accept a (banker’s card)?

E. Describing personal documents.
 
  • It’s my (driving license/birth certificate)
  • It’s a (Swiss passport)/an (identity card).
  • This is a (cheque book/credit card).
  • They’re my papers.
  • This is for (insurance).
  • You can’t (get a job) without it.
  • You must have (this).
  • It’s valid until (June).
  • It’s all in order.
  • This is out of date.
  • They’re all up to date.
  • They’re all up to date.
  • It expires in (June).

F. Organizing documents
 
  • I need a form for (an exit visa).
  • I want to apply for (a work permit).
  • I must get a (tax form).
  • My (insurance) is going to run out (in July).
  • I have to renew it.
  • I've lost my (credit card).
  • I want to renew my (visa).
  • I've lost my (credit card).
  • I want to renew my (visa).
  • I've got two passport photographs.
  • This is a photocopy of my (birth certificate).
  • How many copies do I need?
  • I have/haven’t put my signature on it.
  • Could you explain this form to me, please?
  • I don’t understand this question.
  • Can you help me fill in this form, please?
  • Could you help me with this?
 

SPOKEN ENGLISH