The IT Crowd: B1+–B2 English & Grammar

Experience on paper

Jen says she has computer experience. Her new employer makes a decision quickly.

Watch for: Does she demonstrate detailed technical knowledge?

Clip A quiz · 6 questions

Choose one answer for each question. Check your answers, then read the feedback.

1. What is the situation?Jen is repairing a computer for a customer.Jen is teaching a computer class.Jen is meeting her new employer on her first day.

2. What area of experience does her CV claim?Computers.Professional medicine.Aircraft engineering.

3. How does she describe her computer knowledge?With broad references rather than a technical demonstration.By showing a detailed programming project.By repairing a broken server in the room.

4. Does Denholm test a practical computer task in this exchange?Yes, a complete network installation.Yes, a timed coding examination.No.

5. What role does he give Jen?Restaurant manager.Head of the IT department.School head teacher.

6. What mismatch does the scene suggest?Her extensive demonstration is ignored entirely.Her confident claim exceeds the knowledge demonstrated.The interview is unrelated to her appointment.

1–2 minGrammar in a minuteB2 · A defining relative with a final preposition

“the people I'll be working with”

Clip 1, quotation excerpt

People is the object of with. In a formal relative, move with before whom; keep the future working relationship. A defining clause has no separating comma.

Useful English

Original practice phrases.

I have experience with these tasks.

Describe relevant experience accurately.

Could you give a specific example?

Ask for evidence behind a claim.

Keep talking · 3 questions

Say your answer aloud before opening the support. With a partner, take turns and ask a follow-up question.

How can someone describe limited experience honestly?
Support and one possible answer
I have used… but…
I have used spreadsheets for simple tables, but I have not built complex models.
Why is a specific example useful in an interview?
Support and one possible answer
It shows…
It shows what the person actually did rather than how confident they sound.
Answer a question about one real or invented skill.
Support and one possible answer
I have experience… For example…
I have experience with online meetings. For example, I helped a group share files and use the microphone controls.

Start with the basics

A support worker tries to discover why a computer is not working.

Watch for: What information does he need from the caller?

Original source

Clip B quiz · 6 questions

Choose one answer for each question. Check your answers, then read the feedback.

1. How is the support conversation taking place?By telephone.Across a classroom.Through a formal letter.

2. What familiar first step does Roy suggest?Deleting every file immediately.Turning the computer off and on again.Replacing the whole computer immediately.

3. What does Roy ask the caller to check?Whether the button on the side is glowing.Whether the printer has paper.Whether the internet bill has been paid.

4. Why are his follow-up questions necessary?The caller has sent a complete technical report.The caller has not clearly established what has been checked.He already sees every part of the computer.

5. How does Roy's manner sound as the call continues?Completely silent throughout.Like a formal award speech.Increasingly impatient.

6. What communication problem is shown alongside the technical one?Both use identical technical knowledge throughout.The caller refuses to use any words.The two people do not share clear assumptions about basic steps.

1–2 minGrammar in a minuteB2 · An emphatic statement seeking confirmation

“You do know how a button works, don't you?”

Clip 2, quotation excerpt

Emphatic do strengthens the positive claim. The negative tag don’t you checks that expectation; how a button works is an embedded question with statement order.

Useful English

Original practice phrases.

Could you tell me what happens when you try?

Ask for an observable result.

Let's check one thing at a time.

Organise a calm troubleshooting process.

Keep talking · 3 questions

Say your answer aloud before opening the support. With a partner, take turns and ask a follow-up question.

Why should a support worker avoid assuming what the user knows?
Support and one possible answer
The user may…
The user may understand the task but not the names of the controls.
Describe a problem without saying only that it does not work.
Support and one possible answer
When I… the screen…
When I press the button, the screen stays dark and no light appears.
Give one calm instruction and check the result.
Support and one possible answer
Please… What happens…?
Please check the connection. What happens when you press the power button now?

Mastery quiz

Use language from both clips in new situations.

Mastery · 6 questions

Choose one answer for each question. Check your answers, then read the feedback.

Put it all together — speaking

Speak first, then use the support if you need it. For the final conversation, take a role each or practise both roles alone.

How do assumptions create problems in both clips?
Support and one possible answer
In A… In B…
The interviewer assumes broad experience means technical competence. In B, unclear assumptions make basic troubleshooting harder.
What three details should a useful support request include?
Support and one possible answer
It should include…
It should include the device, what the user tried and what happened afterwards.
Can you solve a simple support problem through clear questions?
Support and one possible answer
Describe the symptom, check a connection and confirm the result.
My screen stays dark when I press the button. I have not checked the cable yet. Let's check one thing at a time. The cable is loose. Now the light is on.

Role A

Your imaginary monitor is dark. You have pressed its button but have not checked the power cable. Answer only what is asked.

Role B

Ask about the symptom, give one safe basic check at a time and confirm the result. No dismantling or electrical repair instructions.

Check your conversation

Describe an observable symptom.
Give and follow a step-by-step check.
Use three target items and confirm whether the issue is resolved.

Try again: Repeat the final interaction once. Improve one expression and one response to your partner.