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English

2. Put the verb into correct form Present Real or Present Unreal Conditional:

Michael: Sharon, I am having some problems at work, and I was wondering if you might be able to give me some advice.

Sharon: Sure, what’s the problem?

Michael: The computer sales business is more difficult than I thought. When customers (come) _______ in to look at the new computer models, they often (ask) _____ me which model they should buy. If they (ask) ______ me to suggest a model, I (be) ______ usually quite honest with them. Most computer users don’t need a very advanced computer; they just need a basic model which they can use for word-processing, bookkeeping and Internet access. If I am honest and I (recommend) ______ one of the cheaper models, my boss (get) _____ angry at me. He always says that a good salesperson can convince a customer to buy one of the more expensive advanced models. I don’t really feel comfortable about doing that. What would you do in my situation? Isn’t it wrong to make them buy something they don’t need?

Sharon: I think you should help your customers make an intelligent decision. If I (be) ____ you, I (educate) _____ the customers. I (teach) _____ them how to make a good decision by themselves. I (make, not) ______ the decision for them. When a customer (ask) ______ a question, answer it honestly. You don’t need to lie to the customer, and you don’t need to make the decision for them.

Michael: When I (sell) _____ an inexpensive computer, my boss (complain) _____ that I am not trying hard enough. What would you tell him?

Sharon: If I (be) ______ in your situation, I (tell) _____ him that I wasn’t comfortable forcing customers to buy products which they don’t need. Tell him that you don’t want to lie to honest people, and that you want to provide them with good service. Remind him that when customers (get) _____ good service, they (return) _____ to a store and spend more money.

Michael: I think that’s a great idea. I (feel) _____ much more comfortable if I (be) _____ honest with the customers. And if I (explain) all the reasons to my boss, maybe he (realize) ____ that good service is the most important thing for customers.