business listening 2 workbook

BUSINESS LISTENING

2

Workbook

TARAKANITA SECRETARIAL ACADEMYKompleks Billy & Moon

Pondok KelapaEast Jakarta

Indonesia2008

Table of Content

Syllabus…………………………………………………………………………………. 3Unit 1 Managing business meetings……………………………………………………. 6Unit 2 Company structure…………………………………………………………….... 9Unit 3 Recruitment…………………………………………………………………….. 12Unit 4 Job interview……………………………………………………………………. 15Unit 5 Organizing business trips……………………………………………………….. 17Unit 6 Work and motivation………………………………………………………….... 20Unit 7 Reducing the workforce………………………………………………………… 23Unit 8 Marketing ………………………………………………………………………. 26Unit 9 All about reservations…………………………………………………………… 28Unit 10 Future trends…………………………………………………………………… 31Unit 11 Competitive advantage………………………………………………………… 35Unit 12 Product features & products demonstration…………………………………… 37Unit 13 Banking………………………………………………………………………… 39Unit 14 Business culture and ethic……………………………………………………… 42

Business Listening 2, 2008

SYLLABUS

SUBJECT : Business Listening 2SUBJECT CODE :LECTURER : TeamSEMESTER/ PROGRAM : 3 / D-IIISESSION / TIME : 14 /100 minutes

Room : Listening laboratory/Listening Room

DESCRIPTION

This subject consists of listening activities: understanding and using words in audio materials, answering comprehension questions of conversation and extract, retelling the content of extensive listening materials which enable students to communicate in the workplace.

INSTRUCTIONAL GOAL

At the end of the semester, the students should be able to listen to business conversations and talks concerning secretarial and administrative tasks at intermediate level.

COMPETENCE ELEMENT AND CRITERIA

COMPETENCE ELEMENT COMPETENCE CRITERIA1. Understanding and using words in

audio materials and utterances.• Develop the correct understanding of

listening materials and utterances from simple conversations and extracts.

• Write the words and numbers correctly.2. Answering comprehension questions of

simple conversations and extracts.• Provide the complete answer for the

comprehension questions of the extensive listening materials.

• Mention the main idea of the extract from the extensive listening materials.

3. Retelling the content of the extensive listening materials.

• Provide the correct paraphrasing from the extensive listening materials.

• Produce a written summary of the extensive listening materials.


SCHEDULE

Week Lecture Sources1 Managing business meeting Developing business contact unit 20

Speaking effectively unit 10; 10.3; 13Further ahead unit 17

2

Company Structure Early business contact unit 5BEC Vantage test 4American Business English (intermediate) unit 2

3Recruitment Market leader intermediate unit 8.1-8.3

Executive skills unit 2.2E

4Job Interview Market leader elementary unit 12.1 -12.2

BEC 1 test 4New international business English unit 13

5Organizing a Business Trip Getting ahead unit 19.2a; 19.1b; 9.1b; 9.3d

6Work and Motivation Executive skills unit 3.1d

English for business studies unit 4.2a

7Reducing the Workforce Developing business contact unit 6

English for business studies unit 20.c,d

8All about Reservation Telep in English unit 5

9Future Trends Advanced business contact unit 3

Getting ahead unit 18

10Competition/Competitive Advantage

Developing business contact unit 8

11Product features and demonstration

Early business contact unit 6English for business studies unit 9.2b

12Banking Baking transactions unit 2 dan 7

13Business Culture and Ethics Further ahead unit 14.3; 14.1; 16.2

Market leader intermediate unit 7.8; 7.2; 7.3; 7.8

SCORING

Scoring Components: Daily Score (Presence; Quiz; Group-Work; Individual Assessment); Mid Semester Test Score; Final Test Score.Daily Score: 40% Mid Semester Test Score: 25%Final Test Score: 35%


FINAL-SCORE CONVERSION

Figures Score Quality Category80-100 A 4 Very Good70-79,99 B 3 Good55-69,99 C 2 Sufficient45-54,99 D 1 Borderline< 45 E 0 Fail

REFERENCES

Nick Brieger and Jeremy Comfort, 1995, Early Business Contact, Phoenix ELT Jean,B, Naterop & Rod Revell, 1999, Telephoning in English, Cambridge University PressDavid A Daniel, 1993, American Business English Program (Elementary), Macmillan

Publishers Limited.Ian Bedger and Pete Menzies, 1995, American Business English Program (Intermediate),

Phoenix ELT, Prentice Hall MacmillanSarah Jones-MAcziola and Greg White, 2000, Getting Ahead 2E, Cambridge University PressSarah Jones-Macziola, 1999, Further Ahead, Cambridge University PressLeo Jones & Richard Alexander, 2000, New International Business English, Cambridge

University PressBarnard Roger & Feff, cady, 2002, Business Venture 1, Oxford University PressBarnard Roger & Feff, cady, 2002, Business Venture 2, Oxford University Press........................, 2002, Cambridge BEC Preliminary, Cambridge University Press........................, 2002, Cambridge BEC Vantage, Cambridge University PressDavid Cotton, David Falvey, and Simon Kent, Market Leader, Elementary Business English.David Cotton, David Falvey, and Simon Kent, Market Leader, Intermediate Business English.


Unit 1Managing Business Meetings

Task 1

Listen to a group of new employees at a training session discussing how meetings should be organized. As you listen, complete the notes on the element of the meetings.

The essential elements of meetings

1. A purpose…………………………………………………………………………………………………..

…………………………………………………………………………………………………..

…………………………………………………………………………………………………..

…………………………………………………………………………………………………..

…………………………………………………………………………………………………..

2. An………………………….showing the list of items to be covered

3. ………………………………………………………….- The ………………………………………….(or………………………..) to

control the meeting- The ……………………………………..to keep a record of the proceedings- The other participants

4. ………………………………………………………………………………………………

5. A………………………………….normally the …………………………of the meeting


1. Arranging to meet

Task 2.a.MariLuz Rivera is going to visit England for Personnel Management conference. She phones her friend and colleague, Andrea Thompson, to see if they can meet socially. Listen to the recording of their conversation, and complete the information on the data sheet below.

Task 2.b. Listen and write down the following jumbled conversation in the correct order

A : Fine. What time were you thinking of?B : Hello, David, this is Elisabeth Hollins from Conway

Communications.B : Fine thanks, how about you?B : Me too. Bye, David.B : Yes, that’s fine by me. Shall we meet in your office or mine?A : David Unwin speakingA : Is 9 o’clock OK for you?B : Fine, David. So that’s next Monday, the 8th, in your office?B : Yes, that’s fine. What time suits you best?A : Not too bad. Very busy, as usual.A : That’s right. I look forward to seeing you then, Elisabeth.A : Hello, Elisabeth, how are you?A : Bye Elisabeth. Thanks for ringing.A : I’m afraid that’s not too good for me; I have a meeting. Does

Monday the 8th suit you?A : let’s make it my place; then you can talk to my people about your

ideas.B : How about next Wednesday, the 10th?B : Look, David, I’m ringing to see if we can arrange a time for a

meeting to discuss your new publicity campaign.

2. Chairing a meeting


Mariluz Rivera called from 1.

…

……………………………..

To Andrea Thompson in 2.

…

……………………………..

Conference is in 3.

…

…………………………….

Date 4.

…

Task 3Listen to this management meeting called to discuss the problem of culture shock caused by the turnover of a Spanish company by an American company. The chairman is Sr. Gonzalez, the President of Duo S.A. Spain. John Banks represents the American company, Delco. The other participants are Maggie Seabrook and Teresa Navarro. As you listen to the cassette, note whether the information below is true or false.

1. Both companies feel that Duo has no financial control.2. Everyone agrees to a working party on financial management.3. This suggestion is minuted for action.4. Production planning is the next item on the agenda.5. The Production Manger of Duo explains the position.6. Teresa Navarro speaks for Duo’s Human Resources Manager.

The actions of the Chairman are summarized below in seven points. Put them in the correct order.1. He invites Mr. Banks to speak.2. He calls for a decision to be minuted.3. He asks for comment on item 34. He calls the meeting to order.5. He asks someone to introduce the second item on the agenda.6. He establishes the tone.7. He moves on to the next item.

3. Reporting a meeting

Task 4 Listen to an extract from a meeting and decide if the statement is true or false.

1. Laura found out that their present supplier can supply glass bottles.2. The glass bottles are now a little bit more expensive than they were in the

past.3. Laura proposes to keep the supplier which can provide glass bottles

cheaper than other suppliers.4. James said that supplying glass bottles is wrong.5. The other alternative to replace glass bottles is using plastic bottles.6. The present supplier is ready to recycle the empty glass bottles.7. Plastic glass is more competitive because it can be recycled.


UNIT 2Company Structure

Task 1.1 Listen to the Personnel Director of Rossomon Plc. explaining the structure and organization of the department to a new member of her team. As you listen, complete the organization chart.

Task 1.2Listen again the presentation in Task 1 and answer the following questions!

1. Who is responsible for running the company?…………………………………

2. Human Resources Department is responsible of three things, they are:

……………………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………………………

3. What department takes care of corporate finance and accounting?……

…………………

4. What is Peter Jenkins in charge of?............……………………………………

….


1

2

3 4 5 6

16

13 14 15

7 8 9 10 11

12

5. What department has a close relationship with the five regions on new

product development?………………………………………………………………

6. How many subsidiaries does Rossomon have? What are they?…………

………………...

Task 2 Listen to the conversation and decide which words are suitable for each blank space.

A : Could you tell me about the people who work in C.S.T.’s Miami office?

B : Sure. We’re a pretty small operation, so it won’t take long! The (1)………

…… ……………. is Paulo Silva. He’s Portuguese. I’m sure you know him.

Then there is Tim Davidson, the (2)…………….. ……………….., and ….

………….., Fred Bakos, whose official title is (3)……….. …………………..

Tim’s American and Fred’s originally from Hungary. There’s a woman

called Rita Gomez in charge of (4)…… and ……….. ………………... She’s

American too. She has two (5)……….. ………………… working for her,

Elizabeth Norman and John Evans. John came from our Houston office.

Our (6)……………. ………………. ……………… is an Italian name Fausto

Nuti. Fausto is actually based in Italy, but he spends a lot of time in the

US. And finally, there’s Graham Ferguson who is in charge of the (7)……

…….

A : What does Helen Soper do?

B : She was Paulo Silva’s (8)……………….., but she left. The job is vacant.

A : You have a very small staff.

B : With (9)…………………… …………………….., we employ eleven people.

A : Who is responsible for (10)…………………..?

B : Graham Ferguson. This is just a (11)…………….…….and………………..…

office. Our main factory is in Portugal.

A : Who runs that side of the company?

B : Maxine de Spinola. She’s also responsible for C.S.T.’s (12)…………………

…..


Task 3

Listen to someone presenting about a multinational company and complete the table below!

Position Origin

General Manager

Sales Manager

HR Development

Chief Accountant

Sales executives

Receptionist

An Accountant

Switchboard operator


UNIT 3Recruitment

Task 1Listen to a consultant talking about the recruitment process. Then fill in the blanks with word(s) that you listen from the recording.

Well, what usually happens is that an employer will advertise a 1)……………

……………….. or new post – sometimes both inside and 2)………………………

……………. the company. Then, after they have received all the 3)……………

………………………………….., they shortlist the candidates, choosing those

who appear to meet their 4)………………………………………... Next, they will

5)……………………………………………….. an interview panel and call the

candidates to an interview. Some employers choose to check 6)………………

…………………………. at this stage to avoid delays later, while others wait

until after the interview when they 7)…………………….. …………………………

… one of the candidates. Provided the panel are happy, the employer will

make a job offer and the 8)………………………………………………… candidate

starts work. Often they attend 9)……………………………………….….. sessions

or are given a 10)……………….……………………... who helps to train new staff.


Task 2 Listen to the tape describing how the organizations recruit and select personnel and fill in the table as you listen.

No

Details 1st recruiter 2nd recruiter

1 Recruiter’s position

2 Organization Major publishing house

3 Position discussed

4 Recruiting sources Internal posting and management journals and reviews

5 Typical response level

130

6 Screening criteria

7 People encountered during 1st interview

8 People encountered during 2nd interview

9 Tests Sales simulation

10 Others


Task 3 (homework)Dr. Simon Kinston works for the international executive search consultants Heidrick and Struggles. Listen to the first part of the interview and complete the chart below.

1)…………………………………………………In newspaper or2)………………………………………………..

Asking for3) ……………………………………………..From the organization

Own original4) …………………………………………..

From our 5) ………………………………………….

From talking to6) ………………………………………………

From beginning to7) ………………………………………..The business8) ……………………………………….

Cross9) ………………………………………………

Task 4 (homework)Simon mentions three different types of experts which his company usually speaks to at the beginning of an executive search. Who are they?

a. …………………………………………………………………………………………

b. …………………………………………………………………………………………

c. …………………………………………………………………………………………

UNIT 4Job Interview

Task 1 Match the job interview questions 1 to 5 with their answers a) to f).

1. How many jobs have you a. Of course, but the working


Methods for identifying candidates

had since leaving university?

environment was terrible.

2. Why have you changed jobs so often?

b. I now have more responsibility and work longer hours

3. What have you done that shows leadership?

c. Well, I lead the sale team. I’m also chairperson of a local business association.

4. In what ways has your job changed since you joined the company?

d. I wanted to earn more money.

5. Have you ever worked with a difficult person?

e. Well, the boss in my last company wasn’t easy to work with.

f. I’ve worked for six companies.

Task 2 Christina Kramer is applying for a job as an overseas sales representative in Italy. Listen to part of her interview. Complete her answers.

Reasons for applying

I like 1)……………………………… and using my 2)……………

………………………... I also like 3)…………………………………

…… people, and I want a new 4)………….……………………

…..Strengths I’m 5)…………………….. in Italian and Spanish. I’m good at

6)………………………………. sales staff and I get on well

with people. I think I’m very good at 7)…………………………

……………. seminars for customers.Weaknesses

I’m not 8)………………………………………………. when

people don’t meet deadlines.People you work well with

I like people who work 9)……………………………. and who

are 10)…………………………….

Interests I also like aerobics and 11)…………………………………………

…...Questions If I 12)………………………………………. the job, when would

you like me to start?Task 3 Listen to two managers discussing three people they have just interviewed. Which answer is correct? Mark one letter: A, B, or C

1. How many posts are available? a. Three. b. Two. c. One.

2. Who has the most experience? a. Brown. b. Gong. c. Liu


3. Who does Gong work for? a. A shipping company. b. An investment bank. c. A book publisher.

4. What does Grant think is more important? a. Qualifications. b. Age. c. Experience.

5. What does Betty like about Liu? a. She asks good questions. b. She understands the business. c. She can start work immediately.

6. When will the project begin? a. Next year. b. Next month. c. Next week.

7. Who will make the final recommendation? a. Betty and Grant. b. Grant. c. The Director.

8. What salary will they offer? a. $45,000. b. $35,000. c. $50,000.

Task 4 You’ll hear extracts from two interviews. Use this assessment form to decide which candidate performed better on a scale of 1 to 5

No Sue Jones Tom Richards

1 Qualifications

2 Confidence

3 Reliability

4 Personality

5 Work experience

6 Overall impression


UNIT 5Organizing Business Trips

1. Arranging a visit

Task 1.1Listen and complete the table

Task 1.2Listen to the telephone conversation in Task 1.1 again and state if the statements are true or false.

1. Veronica is going to arrange a meeting with Terry.2. Terry is away on business when Veronica is calling.3. Veronica will be in Bath on Friday morning.4. Veronica is in Bath for attending some meetings.5. Veronica has a plan to go around the city on Saturday.6. George will buy Veronica the ticket to Heathrow.7. Veronica has booked the Royal Hotel before her arrival in Heathrow

airport.8. Veronica will have dinner with Terry .9. Veronica will pick Terry at the hotel for dinner.10.Veronica hopes that she can spend her weekend in Bath.

Task 2


Ver

onic

a’s

Vis

it to

Bat

h

Purp

ose

of v

isit

:……

……

……

……

……

…

…..

Arr

ival

on…

……

……

……

……

…at

……

…

…..

Shut

tle b

us t

o pi

ck h

er u

p y

es

no

Hot

el

yes

no

H

otel

nam

e:…

……

…

….

Why

/why

not

……

……

……

……

……

……

……

……

.

Din

ner

y

es

no

tim

e:…

……

……

….

Tran

spor

t:……

……

……

……

rela

xatio

n:…

……

……

……

……

……

……

…

……

….

Listen to someone telling about her business trip to Australia and take a note about it. Here are some difficult words that will help you to spell: Samos Taverna, Greek, Shakahari, Daimaru.

A visit to Australia

2. Finding out about hotel

Task 3.Listen to the conversation and fill in the table.

Name of hotels

Century Datang Hotel

Rasa Cinta Hotel Perdana Puteri Hotel

Facilities

Services

Location

Remarks

3. Attending business events


Task 4In this part you will listen three conversations talking about the result of a business meeting. Listen and complete the table.

Conversation

Business event

Impressions Others

1

2

3


UNIT 6Work and Motivation

Task 1.1Listen to the following recording in which managers describe how their company motivates its employees and fill in the table.

No

Details 1st manager 2nd manager 3rd manager

1 Organization

2 Category of employees concerned

3 Problem

4 Causes of problem

5 Strategies employed

6 Result

Task 1.2Listen to three managers again and answer the questions.


1st manager

1. Why were the letters hand-delivered to the wives?

2. Why were the workers put into groups?

3. Do you think the campaign was an appropriate way to solve

Goodyear’s personnel problem? Could it work in other companies?

2nd manager

1. The first part of the Dean’s campaign was not very popular and many

professors criticized it. What arguments do they present to modify the

new policy?

2. What are the main advantages and disadvantages of the second part

of the campaign, from the point of view of both the school and the

professors?

3rd manager

1. Why is a leaving interview an interesting source of information for the

company? What kind of information would you expect to reveal?

2. Can you think of any ways that the company could have developed an

atmosphere of mutual trust?

Task 2Listen to part the interview and answer the following questions.

1. Which of the following things does Steve Moody say? Tick the box.


1. People require an acceptable salary.2. People need a nice working environment.3. People must understand what they are supposed to do.4. People must appreciate their boss and their colleagues.5. People must not be expected to do the same thing lots of

time.

2. What is the reason why he gives some of his staff prefer working on the till or cash register to other tasks?

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

3. What is the advantage of his staff?

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

4. What are the two tasks he mentions that are equally important in any store?

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

5. Steve Moody says that the work of management involve ‘tailoring individuals’ needs and abilities to the operational needs of the store. Give another word for tailoring.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

6. Why does Marks & Spencer also need staff who like to perform all sorts of different tasks?

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

UNIT 7Reducing the Workforce

Task 1Listen to two managers discussing ways to reduce the workforce. As you listen, complete the Employee Relations Manager’s notes below.

REDUNDANCY LEGAL REQUIREMENTS


Necessary Prohibited Not necessary1-9employees

1. consult with:a. ……………

………………

b. ……………………………

2. Give notice to:

……………………………………

Give notice……………………………………………

10-100employees

1. Give …………………………..……………………………… to

2. Consult with……………………………., i.e.a. ……………

………………

b. ……………………………

c. ……………………………

Give less than……………………………………………written notice ………………………

………………….

More than 100 employees

1. As above.2. as above.

Give less than…………………………………………………………………………………………..

As above

Task 2Listen to the interview and answer the questions.

1. A flexible labor market is one whicha. workers are able to do a variety of jobs.b. it is easy for companies to hire non-permanent staff.c. workers are free to choose the hours they work.


2. What is the advantage of flexible labor market for employers?…………………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………..

…………………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………..

3. What does ‘the more flexible labor market is considered to have encouraged inward investment’ mean?…………………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………..

…………………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………………..

4. Kate Barker says that three things will have to be rethought or reconsidered if the British labor force is going to remain more flexible. Complete the gaps:

In particular, the structure of (1)……………………………………………

….. …………………………………………….. needs to be revisited, if you

have people moving between employment and unemployment

much more quickly. The structure of (2) ………………………………….

………… needs to be revisited, if you have people no longer working

for a long time fro the same employer, and finally in Britain we tend

to have a very high level of owner-occupation - more people (3) …

………………………. ……………………………… ………………………. …

………………………………………….. and they borrow a great deal of

money in order to pay for that. It would be much more logical to

have a big (4) ……………………………….. …………………………………

…………………., if you want to have a very flexible labor market.

Task 3Listen to part two of the interview. According to what Kate barker says, which is the correct answer in each case?

1. In a flexible labor market, such as that in the USA,a. unemployment falls in a downturn recession.b. unemployment rises in a downturn recession.c. unemployment regularly increases.

2. In a flexible labor market,a. unemployment rises during an economic upturn.b. temporary employment rises during an economic upturn.


c. permanent employment rises during an economic upturn.

3. In a flexible labor market, there area. badly-paid workers who have frequent periods of unemployment.b. well-paid workers who have frequent periods of unemployment.c. 10% of earners who have frequent periods of unemployment.

4. Wages are fallinga. because of deregulation of the labor market.b. because there is now a kind of ‘underclass’ of workers.c. because of competition from Asian countries.


UNIT 8Marketing

Task 1.1Ten years ago, Pete Jenkins started his own landscape design company. His business grew rapidly as his reputation spread as a first-class landscape designer. Two years ago, as the economic climate worsened, his business started to struggle. He has called in a marketing consultant to help him increase business once again. Simon Clark, the consultant, takes some notes as he talks to Pete Jenkins. As you listen, complete his notes.

Product: landscape design. Good reputation

Price: large public

contracts:....................................................................................

Small private

contracts:............................................................................................

Place: local market:..................%

Promotion:

Advertising :

………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………….

Sales promotion

………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………

Public relations:

……………………………………………………………………………..

……………………………………………………………………………..

Direct selling:

………………………………………………………………………………

………………………………………………………………………………


Task 1.2Listen the interview in Task 1.1 and answer the following questions

1. Who is Mr Jenkins?

2. Does the business offer services or goods?

3. What marketing aspects are the interviewer going to ask?

4. Why is price not an important factor of marketing?

5. Why is price an important factor of marketing?

6. What’s Mr Jenkins’ about price?

7. What’s the target market of his business?

8. Who are ‘the big boys’?

9. What is the difference between Mr Jenkins and the big boys’ business?

10.How does Mr Jenkins promote his product? Mention!

11.Why does Mr Jenkins call Simon Clark, the interviewer? Who is Simon

Clark?

Task 2

Five staff of the Zamina office of the Manara Lombard Bank are discussing how to get people to use the services of the bank.

Look at the questions and discuss them with friends

1. What strategy is employed to win the customer in the UK?

2. What is the main aim of a marketing strategy for personal banking

services in the UK?

3. Why do people not do anything about finding better banks?

4. What do you think might be the first priority of a marketing strategy in

Barakonia?

5. Can you think of a possible important aspect of the cash situation in

Barakonia?

6. What strategy is proposed to persuade people to save their money in the

bank?


UNIT 9All about Reservations

Task 1.1 Listen to two telephone conversations and fill in the table.

Call

Name of travel agent

Destination Alternatives discussed

1a…………………..

b…………………..

2a…………………..

b………………….

Task 1.2 Listen to the calls in Task 1.1 again. Are the following statements true or

false.

1. The caller is considering more than one type of accommodation in Spain.2. He doesn’t think staying in Marbella is a good idea.3. The Malaysian Airlines flight was more expensive than Cathy Pacific flight.4. Mrs Matsumoto lives a long way from the airport.5. Globe Travel can confirm the flight bookings immediately.

Task 2.1Listen to the telephone conversation once and decide which note pad has the correct flight details.

Conversation 1 Conversation 2 Conversation 3Continental Express Continental Express Continental Express26 July 26 July 26 July Boston-Hynnis Kennedy-Boston Kennedy-BostonMidnight Midnight Midnight28 July 28 July 28 JulyHynnis-Boston Boston-Hynnis Boston-HynnisMorning Evening Morning

Task 2.2


Listen the conversation in Task 2.1 again and fill in the table.

Caller

Hotel location

Hotel name

Booking date

Type of room

Departure

Task 3.1 Listen to the telephone conversation and complete the itinerary

Task 3.2Listen the conversation in Task 3.1 again and answer the questions.

1. Why is Mr Bengtsson visiting Hong Kong?2. Is he having lunch with VTEX’s Managing Director on his first day there?3. What do Paolo Rossi and Mr Bengtsson talk about when they have lunch

together?

Task 4 Listen to the telephone conversation between Mr Matthew Sharp and Pat Thompson and answer the questions


September Moon TravelHong Kong

Itinerary

Name : Mr. Bengtsson

Company : Swedata, Visby, Sweden

Arrival date : (1)………………….

Time : (2)………………….

Airline : SAS

Transfer : (3)………………….

Hotel : (4)…………………

Night : (5)…………………

1. What are the speakers talking about?2. What difficulties did Matthew Sharp encounter during his trip?3. What difficulties will this cause VTEX?4. Which two places is Matthew Sharp visiting in one day? Choose from:

Ebbw Vale, Newtown, Welshpool, Wrexham.5. Why does Pat Thompson want Sharp to ring him back?


UNIT 10Future Trends

Task 1

A. Planning for the Future

Cloze test

(LG: Louise Gorvais; MP: Michel Palin; HH: Horst Holzman)

LG : Michel, what do you think of the total sales forecast for Europe?

MP : I’m worried about it. I think we need to look at some of the proposed

sales figures from some of the subsidiaries.

LG : Fine, well let’s do that.

MP : Let’s start with the UK. They reckon they will achieve a 15% increase

in sales next year – putting their annual sales up to(1)

................................. – by the way, we’re now using dollars

throughout the organisation.

HH : Good, that’ll make all our lives easier!

MP : I hope so. Anyway this .......rise seems very optimistic to me. The UK

is just coming out of a recession. Our (2)............ .............................

in the UK are large construction companies and I can’t see them

being in a position to give us these sorts of volumes.

HH : Oh, I don’t know. Economists are (3).................................. .............

..... ........ for the whole economy.

MP : That’s my point. 2.5% is not enough to get these construction

companies going. I don’t think we’ll be seeing a real recovery until


the second half of the year. The first half is going to be tough – much

like last year.

LG : So you’d like to revise their forecast down?

MP : Yes, I reckon a 5%.(4).......................... ........ ............................ is

achievable.

HH : So I suppose that means cutting their (5) .......................

...................... in line with that?

LG : Certainly, if we want to protect our margins.

MP : It’s difficult. I think we should cut their marketing budget but perhaps

not so much. After all, they might be right. Maybe the economy’s

going to pick up more quickly.

LG : So what are you suggesting?

MP : We could reduce it by just (6).........................down to

...........................

LG : I’d go along with that. Horst?

HH : Yeah. That seems fair. You mentioned one or two other branches – I

suppose you’re thinking of our scandinavian operation?

MP : I’m afraid so. They’ve forecast sales of (7) .......................... This year,

they’ve done very well to reach their target of

(8).................................... – that was growth of nearly (9).............. -

they’ll be doing extremely well to repeat that. We’re still very new to

the scandinavian market (10). ......... ............. .......... .........

...................................... n is going to get a whole lot tougher. I

don’t think that they’ve really taken that into account.

HH : I think you’re forgetting our (11)........................ ............................

for the Nordic Region. The reason we went into this market is that we


foresaw the prospect of (12)......................... ......... ..................

................ for the first five years. I see no reason to mark that

original forecast down.

MP : Horst, with all due respect, I’ve just come back from a trip to

Stockholm. The market’s got a lot more competitive these last few

months-there’s much (13)......... .......................... .......

.......................... – I reckon we’re going to have cut prices next year

to stay in the market and that’ll mean a (14).......... ...... ............

...........................

LG : So Michel, are you suggesting we should reduce the forecast sales

below this year’s figure?

MP : No, I think we should hold it at the same level but keep their

promotion and advertising budget at the same level – that’s…….

(looking through papers) ….(15).......................

LG : So what’s all this going to do to our bottom line figures?

MP : Well, I’m not proposing any changes to the other two sales areas –

(16).................... ........... .......................... So that means…….

(calculating) (17)........................... off the total sales income and…..

just 5,000 off (18)........ ......................... ..........................

..................... ..... ............ ....... ...................................

HH : So what does that make the new total sales figure?

MP : I make it (19).................................... That sounds just about right. We

will have done very well if we achieve that.


Task 2

B. Future Trend

Listen the interview and answer the questions.

1. Where does the interview take place?

2. What is the topic of the interview?

3. What is increasing next year? Why? Write your answer on the table

bellow!

Economic Indicator Reasons

4. What is decreasing next year? Why? Write your answer on the table

bellow!

Economic Indicator Reasons

5. What is going to happen if the money currency is stronger?

6. Why is export falling down?

7. Why is import rising up?

8. What is happening with the investment next year? Explain!


UNIT 11Competitive Advantage

Task 1.1 In this extract you will hear a presentation by a Director of Netcount Software Ltd outlining the competitive position of the company. Listen the presentation and answer the questions.

1. What is the topic of the presentation?2. What is the purpose of the presentation?3. What policy is employed for the company to make the product more

competitive?

Task 1.2 Listen again the presentation in Task 1.1 and complete the table.

NETCOUNT STERLINGSTRENGTHSStrengths of product

Strengths of team

1……………………………..2…………………………….3…………………………….4…………………………….

1…………………………….2…………………………….3…………………………….4…………………………….5…………………………….

………………………………….………………………………….………………………………….………………………………….

………………………………….………………………………….………………………………….………………………………….………………………………….

WEAKNESSES1……………………………..2……………………………..3…………………………….4…………………………….

………………………………….……………………………………………………………………………………………………….

OPPORTUNITIES …………………………….

…………………………………………………………

……………………………………………………………………………………………………….

THREAT………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Further questions: These questions are based on your own opinion


1. Why does the company conduct this kind of presentation?

2. What are the advantages of the presentation for the company?

3. What is ideally going to be done when company knows its weaknesses?

4. What is going to be done when the company knows the strengths of

products or services?

5. Do you know your strengths and weaknesses? Mention!


UNIT 12Product Features & Product Demonstration

Task 1You will hear Jogish Singh, a director of the Swiss holding company Tege, talking about the forthcoming launch of ‘Fresh French Fries’, a fast food product that will be sold in vending machines.

Listen to the interview and choose which of the alternative answers is correct.

1. Fresh French Fries machines will be installed…..a. in cafes and restaurants and other public placesb. in all kind of places where people come to eatc. in places where there are lots of people

2. Fresh French Fries are made from…..a. dried potatoes and waterb. fresh potatoes and oilc. powdered potatoes and various secret ingredients

4. The vending machine will be followed by a smaller machine……a. the inventor came up with further inventionsb. the inventor made design improvementsc. other people gave the inventor new ideas

5. Inventors usually do not know enough about……a. industrial engineeringb. raising financec. the economics and realities of industrial production

6. Jogishwar Singh thinks the most important reason the product will succeed all over the world is….

a. its speed in delivering the friesb. the fact that the fries will always have exactly the same qualityc. the quality of the fries and especially their crispness

Task 2 Listen the conversation and fill in the table.Name of office supplyPrice

Warranty

Service contract

Money back guaranteeDelivery service

Task 3 .1


Listen to the phone call about the supply of some office shelving systems. As you listen fill in the missing information on the specification sheet.

Task 3.2Listen again the conversation in Task 3.1. Decide if the statements are true or false.

1. The order number is SS 0072. The caller is asking the specification of the shelving shape.3. The first thing the caller would like to know is the price.4. It is 2 m wide and 3,5 m long.5. The caller’s company is near the warehouse.6. The caller doesn’t need to pay the delivery fee.7. The delivery will take two days.8. The caller needs a lot of shelving systems.9. One unit of shelf is 98 pounds excluding the discount.10.The total price including the discount is 931 pounds.11.The average life of the product is generally more than 20 years

UNIT 13Banking


Dimensions

Width : ………………………………………………..Height : ………………………………………………..Depth : ……………………………………………….

Delivery

Cost : ……………………………………………….Time : ……………………………………………….

Price

Unit price : ……………………………………………….Discount price for ten units:……………………………………..

Guarantee period…………………………………………………

A. Bank Transaction

Task 1Listen to the recording of a phone conversation between Mr. Symonds and his bank and complete the blank spaces.

Clerk : Manara Lombard. May I help you?

Symonds : Yes, I have an account with you and I have just

(1)....................... a cheque to pay for a second-hand car.

The engine has fallen out and i want my (2)............ ........

Clerk : If you give me the (3)................. ..... ............

.........................., I can ....... .... ............ on it for you, sir.

Symonds : What do you mean?

Clerk : It’s a simple matter, sir. If you want to (4)............

.........................., you tell us and we (5)............ ....

................ the cheque when it is presented.

Symonds : So, how can I stop my cheque?

Clerk : First, give me the (6)..................... ........................

Symonds : Yes, it’s zero two one, four nine eight

Clerk : Oh two one, four nine eight?

Symonds : That’s right.

Clerk : And your (7)........................ ......................?

Symonds : Fifteen thirty two, nineteen eighty four.

Clerk : Right, (8)..............................................., one nine eight four.

Is that right?

Symonds : Yes, that’s it.

Clerk : And who was the cheque made out to?

Symonds : The (9)...................... was John Gardener


Clerk : That’s GARDENER?

Symonds : Yes.

Clerk : And what was the (10)........................ of the cheque, sir?

Symonds : It was four hundred Barakonia dinars.

Clerk : Thank you. I also need to know the (11).............. .........

......... .....................

Symonds : It was 18th June.

Clerk : Fine, you leave it to us, sir. We will put a stop on the

payment.

Symonds : Thank you. Goodbye.

B. Plastic Money

Task 2Listen to the dialogues and complete the information

Dialog 1No Dialogue 11 Type of card2 Card number3 Name of cardholder4 What happened?


Dialogue 3No Dialogue31 Type of card2 Card number


3 Name of cardholder4 What happened?


C. Meeting the Bank ManagerTask 3

VINOGRADOVA LTD

Product

Output

Number of employees

Payroll

Customers

Exports

Turnover

Last year’s profit before tax

Problem

UNIT 14Business Culture and Ethics

Task 1


Part 1Listen to a woman talking about business entertaining in the United States and tick the correct statements.

1. Business dinners are popular in the United States.2. Breakfast is popular moment to do business.3. Lunches usually last for two hours.4. You must never socialize at a business lunch.

Part 2Listen to a man talking about business entertaining in Korea and tick the correct statements.

1. Koreans prefer business lunches to business dinners.2. Business dinners usually involve a lot of drinking.3. Dinners finish quite early.4. The main purpose of the business dinner is to get to know each other.

Part 3Listen to a woman talking about gift-giving in the United States. Tick the correct statements.

1. Americans always remember special occasions on the day.2. Americans open the gift in front of others3. Americans always write a thank-you note after receiving a gift.4. If you want to visit someone’s house in America, you may bring flowers

and a small gift.

Part 4Listen to the talk and answer the questions

1. What is the topic of the talk?2. What are the main headings of the talk?3. What main point is discussed first?4. Which one is more important, a business meeting or developing a

personal relationship? Why?5. Why do Chinese visitors consider status important?6. Why do Chinese visitors prefer easy topics to difficult ones?7. What social aspect do Chinese visitors like to discuss?8. What do you know about Chinese visitors’ attitude upon gift?9. What gifts are appropriate for Chinese visitors?10.Why is punctuality crucial for Chinese visitors?11.What do Chinese visitors value highly?Task 2Listen to two people talking about problems they have in the office. Are these statements true or false?

1. Customers can make free calls on the 800 number.2. The speaker’s colleague makes personal calls to her family on the 800

number.3. The department head took her colleagues out to lunch.4. The staff paid $10 each towards the bill.


5. The woman put the bill on her expense account.

Task 31. Listen to the interview. Jeff talks about the personality traits that help

in doing business internationally. Which three personality traits does he consider to be important?

2. There are certain skills and techniques for doing business internationally, which can be applied in any culture?

3. Which two cultural aspects does Jeff mention and what does he say about them?

The end of Business Listening 2


business listening 2 workbook

Education

flexible labor

extensive

fresh french

answering

mr jenkins

audio materials

daily score

market leader