📚 B2 Reading & Listening

Last week a new cultural centre was opened in the centre of Krakow. The building, designed by a well-known architect, took three years to build. During the ceremony the mayor said that the investment is important for residents. He added that further projects are planned in this district. The new facility has been fitted with a concert hall and a library. Reading books and listening to music will be free there for pupils. Residents asked about the new centre expressed satisfaction. One person stated that such a place had been missing for a long time. Critics, however, draw attention to the high construction costs. In the opinion of some experts the money could have been used differently. Even so, the opening was considered a success.

Dear Madam, I respectfully inform you that your application has been decided favourably. The decision in this matter will be sent by post within fourteen days. In connection with the above, I request that you supply the missing documents. This concerns above all the confirmation of registered address and a copy of the contract. The documents may be submitted in person or sent electronically. Should you have any questions, please get in touch by telephone. At the same time we inform you that the processing time may be extended. It would be good if the documents reached us before the end of the month. Yours faithfully, Anna Kowalska, head of department.

Remote work has become a widespread phenomenon in recent years. On the one hand it allows you to save the time we would lose on commuting. Firstly, the employee decides for themselves when and how they carry out their duties. Secondly, companies save on office rent. On the other hand, however, contact with other people is lacking. It is often said that a team working together achieves better results. Nevertheless, much depends on the nature of the work being done. If everyone worked exclusively at home, professional relationships could weaken. To sum up, I believe the best solution is a mixed model.

Yesterday, coming back from work, I noticed that I didn't have my keys. I searched for them in my pockets for a long time, but found nothing. I decided to go back to the office, counting on having left them on the desk. Walking at a brisk pace, I remembered that I had been in a cafe earlier. Having gone inside, I immediately asked the waitress about the lost item. She said that someone had indeed found keys under a table. I collected them, said thank you and left with relief. When I finally opened the door of my flat, it was already almost ten. That evening I decided that I would buy myself a second set of keys.

We are looking for an employee for the customer service department. We require a good command of Polish and English. Experience in similar work is welcome. We offer an employment contract, training and the opportunity for professional development. Duties will include contact with clients and keeping documentation. Interested persons are asked to send a CV to the address given. We will contact only selected candidates. Interviews will be conducted next month.

This director's latest film turned out better than I expected. The story told in it is simple but moving. The acting deserves particular attention, especially that of the young debutante. The cinematography, shot in the mountains, makes an enormous impression. Some viewers, however, may be bothered by the slow pace of the story. In my opinion it is precisely this slowing down that lets you get to know the characters better. This film deserves attention for its screenplay and its music. I recommend it to everyone who values reflective cinema.

Ms Zofia Wierzbicka has been designing buildings for twenty years. Asked about her beginnings, she replied that public space had always interested her. She added that if she could start again, she would choose the same path. On the one hand an architect's work demands patience, on the other it gives enormous satisfaction. We asked whether young designers have it easier today. She replied that access to technology is better, however the competition has become considerably fiercer. Finally she stated that the most important thing is the ability to listen to people.

Before first use you should read the manual carefully. The device is placed on a level and dry surface. The ventilation openings must not be covered. Cleaning the casing is done only with a dry cloth. In the event of a fault the device must be disconnected from the power immediately. Repairs are carried out at an authorised service centre. Storage in a damp room may damage the electronics. The manufacturer is not liable for damage arising from improper use.

Research on sleep has been carried out for several decades. It is known today that memory consolidates mainly at night. People who sleep less than six hours remember new information worse. In one experiment the participants were divided into two groups. The first group slept normally, the second was deprived of sleep. The results turned out to be unambiguous and were published in a well-known journal. It is often said that sleep is a waste of time, but the data show the opposite.

Maria Skłodowska was born in Warsaw in eighteen sixty-seven. Because women could not study in Poland at that time, she left for Paris. While studying at the Sorbonne, she supported herself by tutoring and lived very modestly. Having met Pierre Curie, she began joint research with him into radioactivity. The element they discovered was named polonium in honour of her homeland. She received two Nobel Prizes, which to this day remains a rare achievement. She died in nineteen thirty-four.

Dear Sir or Madam, I am writing with a complaint concerning order number four hundred and twelve. The ordered goods reached me damaged, despite careful packaging. I demand a replacement of the device or a refund of the full amount. I would be grateful for a swift handling of the matter. In accordance with the regulations I am entitled to withdraw from the contract. Enclosed I am sending photographs and a copy of the receipt. Should you need additional information, please get in touch by telephone. Yours faithfully, Tomasz Nowak.

Last year twelve percent more passengers used public transport than in the previous year. The largest increase was recorded on the tram lines. A new timetable and cheaper monthly tickets were introduced at that time. The study was conducted on a sample of three thousand residents. Respondents rated punctuality better than the cleanliness of the vehicles. The availability of information at stops was rated worst. Further investment in infrastructure and better signage were recommended.