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Universitatea Nicolae Titulescu Anul I SEMESTRUL I

LIMBA ENGLEZ I

Unit 1: EDUCATION Unit 2: WORK FOR A LIVING Unit 3: RECRUITMENT Unit 4: APPLYING FOR A JOB Unit 5: WORK AND MOTIVATION Unit 6: TYPES OF BUSINESS COMPANY STRUCTURE Unit 7: STARTING A BUSINESS

Seminar Instructor: FELICIA BUCUR

Anul universitar 2011-2012

Unit 1: EDUCATION

OBJECTIVES This unit will help you: - get familiar with the higher education system - compare education in Romania and Britain - revise and practice language needed for comparing - improve your essay writing skills

LEAD IN
1. Put each of the following words or phrases in its correct space in the passage below. state tutorial break up terms seminar graduate nursery school compulsory co-educational degree grant academic fees secondary primary private lecture

When children are two or three years old, they sometimes go to a (1) ______________, where they learn simple games and songs. Their first real school is called a (2) ______________ school. In Britain children start this school at the age of five. The (3) ______________ year in Britain begins in September and is divided into three (4) ______________. Schools (5) ______________ for the summer holiday in July. (6) ______________ education begins at the age of about eleven, and most schools at this level are (7) ______________, which means boys and girls study together in the same classes. In Britain education is (8) ______________ from five to 16 years of age, but many children choose to remain at school for another two or three years after 16 to take higher exams. Most children go to (9) ______________ schools, which are maintained by the government or local education authorities, but some children go to (10) ______________ schools, which can be very expensive. University courses normally last three years and then students (11) ______________, which means they receive their (12) ______________. At university, teaching is by (13) ______________ (an individual lesson between a teacher and one or two students), (14) ______________ (a class of students discussing a subject with a teacher), (15) ______________ (when a teacher gives a prepared talk to a number of students) and of course private study. Most people who receive a university place are given a (16) ______________ by the government to help pay their (17) ______________ and living expenses. 2. Now that you have filled in the text, read it again and using your knowledge about the Romanian educational system try and find similarities and differences between the two systems. 3. Give answers to the following questions: A. Do you think education should be free? Are there advantages in a fee-paying system? B. How usual is it to go to university in Romania? C. Is it difficult to go in? D. How do you feel as a fresher at Nicolae Titulescu University? What are your expectations? 3

E. Is a university education necessary for professional jobs? F. Many British people believe that if you do nothing more than study hard at university, you will have wasted a great opportunity. What do they mean and do you agree?

READING AND COMPREHENSION


The following text gives you information about the way in which education beyond the age of 16 is organized in Britain. Read it quickly and answer these questions: A. Do all 16-year-old students take the same tests? B. How many students leave school at or after 16? C. How many types of education are there after the age of 16? D. How many American students go to university? E. Which is the American equivalent for Oxbridge? F. How many types of universities are there in Britain? At the age of 16, prior to leaving school, students are tested in various subjects to earn a General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE). If they wish to go on to higher education at a university, they take Advanced Level examinations, commonly known as A Levels. About a third of British students leave school as soon as possible after turning 16, usually taking lower-level jobs in the workforce. Those who stay in school past the age of 16 may pursue either further education or higher education. Further education is largely vocational, as is adult education. About 3.5 million people were enrolled in further education programs in 1995. Students may also stay in school until age 18 to prepare for higher education. The percentage of young people entering universities in Britain is far lower than in the United States, where more than half attend. In Britain the proportion has risen from one in six in 1989 to almost one in three in 1996. In 1995 there were 1.7 million students enrolled in higher education. Britain has more than 90 universities. British universities can be divided into several categories. The foremost universities are the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge, both founded in the Middle Ages. The term Oxbridge is used to refer to both schools as a single entity, much as Americans would use the term Ivy League in reference to the group of prestigious East Coast universities. Another type of university is the so-called redbrick varietyold and solid schools built in the 19th century when bricks were the standard building material. The large number of ultramodern universities that developed in the last half of the 20th century are often called cement block and plateglass universities. London has its own great schools, the enormous University of London and its world-famous college, the London School of Economics. Students interested in advanced education can also attend polytechnics, which are schools dedicated to the sciences and applied technology. An education act in 1992 changed the status of these colleges to universities. Higher education can also be obtained through the Open University, founded in 1969, which offers extension courses taught through correspondence, television and radio programs, and videocassettes. It also sponsors local study centres and residential summer schools. The purpose of the Open University is to reach people who may not ordinarily be qualified for university study.

VOCABULARY DEVELOPMENT
1. Maria Garcia tells us about her educational background. Complete each sentence with one of the words or phrases from the box below. You will need to put the verbs into the right tense. apply graduate (V) grant option scholarship study subject stay on thesis higher degree honours degree place job PhD primary school secondary school

I started at (1) primary school in London when I was 5. At the age of 11, I went to (2) ___________, also in London. At 17, I (3) ___________ to university. I got a (4) ___________ at Manchester to (5) ___________ Engineering. In fact I was awarded a (6) ___________. But at the end of first year I changed to another (7) ___________. I (8) ___________ from university in 1988. I have a first class (9) ___________ in Economics. I decided to (10) ___________ at university. So I did (11) ___________ in business administration at the University of California. During the course, I did an (12) ___________ on small business development. I found a topic so interesting that applied for a (13) ___________ to do a doctorate on the same subject. Once I had got the money, I had to write a 50, 000 word (14)___________. So now I have a BA, an MBA and a (15) ___________. All I need now is a (16) ___________. 2. Choose the most suitable word or phrase to complete each sentence. 1. Helens parents were very pleased when they read her school A. A. report B. papers C. diploma D. account 2. Martin has quite a good ______ of physics. A. result B. pass C. understanding D. head 3. In Britain, children start ______ school at the age of five. A. kindergarten B. secondary C. nursery D. primary 4. Edward has a ________ in French from Leeds University. A. certificate B. degree C. mark D. paper 5. My favourite ______ at school was history. A. topic B. class C. theme D. subject 6. Its time for break. The bell has _______. A. gone off B. struck C. rung D. sounded 7. Our English teacher ________ us some difficult exercises for homework. A. set B. put C. obliged D. made 8. Before you begin the exam paper, always read the ________ carefully. A. orders B. instructions C. rules D. answers 9. If you want to pass the examination, you must study ________. A. hardly B. enough C. thoroughly D. rather 10. Most students have quite a good sense of their own _______. A. grasp B. ability C. idea D. information

3. Complete each sentence with a word beginning as shown. Each space represents one letter. 1. Charles has a good k_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ of the subject. knowledge 2. These children are badly behaved! They need more d _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _. 3. Everyone agrees that a good e _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ is important. 4. If you dont know a word, look it up in your d _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _. 5. Maths is easy if you are allowed to use a c _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _. 6. Keith spent four years studying at the u _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _. 7. Some apes seem to have as much i _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ as humans! 8. At the age of eleven I went to s _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ school. 9. I find listening c _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ tests rather difficult. 10. I enjoyed doing e _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ in the laboratory. 4. Decide which answer A, B, C or D best fits each space. Learning How to Learn There is usually one important (1) C missing from school (2) _________. Very few students are (3) _________ how to organise their learning and how to (4) _________ the best use of their time. Lets take some simple (5) _________. Do you know how to (6) _________ up words in a dictionary, and do you understand all the (7) _________ the dictionary contains? Can you (8) _________ notes quickly, can you understand them (9) _________ ? For some reasons, many schools give learners no (10) _________ with these matters. Teachers ask students to (11) _________ pages from books, or tell them to write ten pages, but dont explain (12) _________ to do it. Learning by (13) _________ can be useful, but it is more important to have a genuine (14) _________ of a subject. You can (15) _________ a lot of time memorising books, without understanding anything about the subject! 1. A) theme 2. A) agendas 3. A) taught 4. A) take 5. A) sentences 6. A) find 7. A) information 8. A) do 9. A) after 10. A) teaching 11. A) concentrate 12. A) how 13. A) the way 14. A) information 15. A) pass B) book B) timetables B) learnt B) give B) results B) look B) advise B) send B) afterwards B) ability B) remind B) what B) heart B) success B) waste C) subject C) terms C) educated C) get C) rules C) research C) subject C) make C) lastly C) instruction C) forget C) why C) how C) understanding C) tell D) mark D) organisations D) graduated D) make D) examples D) get D) themes D) revise D) at last D) help D) memorise D) it D) law D) attention D) use

LANGUAGE FOCUS: Comparing


1. Complete the table with the comparative and superlative forms of these

adjectives: successful, rich, global, early, big. Add others. Add er or est. rich, richer, richest Double the last letter and add er or est. Change y to i, and add er or est. Put more or most in front. Two or more syllables Some other ways of comparing are: as as, the same as: The new photocopier is as unreliable as the old one. much/far er than: His boss is much older than him. compared to/ in comparison to: Their company looks quite healthy compared to / in comparison to ours. One syllable One syllable ending vowel + consonant Two syllables ending in y There are also irregular adjectives. The most important are: good better best bad worse worst far farther/further fathest/furthest little less least elder (people only) old elder

2. Correct the grammatical mistakes in these sentences:

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

Prague has become Central Europes glamorest city. most glamorous Most tallest office towers in the world are in Kuala Lumpur. Cleveland is now one of the most cleanest cities in North America. In Buenos Aires foreign bankers are as common than coffee house poets. The London Underground is worst than the Tokyo Underground system. Ireland is not as larger as Sweden. The London Stock Exchange is very older than the Singapore Exchange. Their prices are very high in compared to ours.

3. Complete these extract from a radio programme with the correct

comparative or superlative forms of the adjectives in brackets. A survey has come up with some interesting information about the cost of living in our major cities. Tokyo is still (1) the most expensive (expensive) city in the world. Osaka is second and Moscow third, on a par with Hong Kong. Many European cities have gone down the rankings because their exchange rates have become (2) ____________ (weak) against the US dollar. Moscows exchange rate has also 7

become (3) ____________ (weak), but Russia has a much (4) ____________ (high) inflation rate than many European countries. So prices in Moscow are among (5) ____________ (high) in Europe. But, there is one advantage of living in Moscow. The underground is excellent very cheap and much (6) ____________ (comfortable) than the one in London. New York is (7) ____________ (expensive) US city. This is because the US dollar is (8) ____________ (strong) than many other currencies. Some European countries that used to be far (9) ____________ (expensive) than New York are now much (10) ____________ (cheap). London is the 10th (11) ____________ (expensive) city in the world, according to the survey. A year ago, London was 5%-10% (12) ____________ (cheap) than many French and German cities. This is no longer so. Now London is 15% (13) ____________ (dear) than the German and French cities mentioned in the survey. However, London is a good city to live in. Business people said that London was (14) ____________ (exciting) of all the major cities in the world. Londoners also claim that it is (15) ____________ (clean) than it used to be, and (16) ____________ (safe) than many other European cities. If youre hard up, dont go to Oslo its Europes (17) ____________ (expensive) city. Meals at restaurants cost a fortune and drinks are very pricey.
4. A business executive who travels a lot gives a personal response to the

radio programme extract above. Complete the text below with the words in the box. different not as much similar compared just less rather same

Well personally, Ive had some (1) ____________ experiences. For a start, I cant agree that Moscow is (2) ____________ expensive as Hong Kong. Ive always found Moscow (3) ____________ expensive. The price of certain items may be about the (4) ____________ as in Hong Kong, but I know the hotels are (5) ____________ as expensive. I agree that the Moscow Underground is really good (6) ____________ to the London Underground and is definitely (7) ____________ more comfortable. I always walk in London (8) ____________ than use the Underground. Also, some other Northern European cities are (9) ____________ as expensive as Oslo. In general, I find that prices in Sweden and Denmark are (10) ____________ to those in Norway.
5. Make comparisons about one of the following:

your city or your country with another city or country you know well; your company with another company in the same sector; your present job with another job you had in the past.

SKILLS FOCUS: Writing FOR and AGAINST


Choose one of the essay titles below. Write a 250-word for-and-against essay, remembering to plan and organise your answer, and use some of the expressions in the box. In some countries teenagers have jobs while they are still students. Do you think this is a good idea? Support your opinion by using specific reasons and details. All educational facilities should be funded by the government. Use specific reasons and details to explain your answer. Some people believe that university students should be required to attend classes. Others believe that going to classes should be optional for students. Which point of view do you agree with? Use specific reasons and details to explain your answer. I believe that Moreover It could be argued that I think Firstly, In my opinion

The most important point is that Also Thirdly Another point is that

You might find useful the following tips: A good answer might be organised as follows: Paragraph 1: INTRODUCTION (not very detailed; perhaps just one or two sentences) Paragraph 2: FOR Paragraph 3: AGAINST Paragraph 4: CONCLUSION (your opinion)

TRANSLATION
Before translating a text you should decide what strategy you should take: should you translate it right away? do you read the entire text first? what do you do if you do not know a word? when you reread your translation which are the main points you focus on? Consider accuracy, clarity, style, preserving the original meaning, stirring the same reaction in the reader etc. Having these strategies in mind, translate the following text into Romanian:

Most successful distance education students have done plenty of research to find the program that is right for them. Some of the points you need to consider before applying to a program include the following: Do I have a place at home or at work that I can claim as my own for extended periods of study and communication with the program? Will family members or others around me respect my need to spend time on my own? What are the specific educational outcomes of the program? Is earning a degree important to me, or do I want to take just a few classes to learn a new skill or to complete a certificate program to increase my professional status? What are the total costs of the program? Do the fees include books, if necessary? Are there any additional expenses I might incur? Translate the following text into English: Preedintele Traian Bsescu a declarat, luni, n timpul unei dezbateri privind legea educaiei, c sistemul de educaie romnesc este unul dintre mai slabe din Europa i cel mai slab din interiorul Uniunii Europene. "Trebuie s plecm de la realitate, iar realitatea este c sistemul de educaie din Romnia este unul dintre mai slabe din Europa i, ndrznesc s spun, cel mai slab din interiorul Uniunii Europene, din punct de vedere al performanelor absolvenilor. Acest lucru este demonstrat nu numai de analizele specialitilor, ci i de testele europene, care s-au fcut n Romnia n perioada 2001-2006, 2007. Succesiunea acestor teste arat o continu depreciere a calitii sistemului de educaie din Romnia, ceea ce reclam intervenie urgent n adaptarea sistemului de educaie romnesc la realitile economiei, la realitile competiiei, creia Romnia trebuie s-i fac fa pentru a-i putea asigura evoluia pozitiv.
http://www.capital.ro/detalii-articole/stiri/basescu-sistemul-de-educatie-din-romania-este-unul-dintremai-slabe-din-europa-133440.html

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Unit 2: WORK FOR A LIVING

OBJECTIVES This unit will help you: - get familiar with means of expressing opinions - distinguish between skills and qualities - revise and practise past simple and present perfect - improve your letter writing skills

LEAD IN
EXPRESSING OPINIONS 1. Imagine yourselves working in a hotel, an airport or a bank. Which would be the best place to work? Why? Which would be the worst place to work? Why? 2. Choose one of the places. Make a list of all the different jobs people do there. 3. Is there a job that you would be good at? SKILLS AND QUALITIES 1. Look at the list of skills and qualities in the box. SKILLS computer skills artistic skills typing skills language skills driving skills mathematical skills telephone skills managerial skills interpersonal skills financial skills QUALITIES patient calm physically strong quick-thinking emotionally strong honest well-organised clean and tidy intelligent punctual caring

Which of them are necessary for the jobs on your list? Discuss this with your partner as in the example: To be a ____________ you need to have good _____________ skills and to be ______________. 2. Can you think of some more skills and qualities needed for the jobs on your list?

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READING AND COMPREHENSION


1. Read the article quickly to find the answers to these questions: Chocolate tasting is like wine tasting you dont swallow. ELAINE JONES Would working as a Confectionary selector for Chocolate Masters be a dream come true for chocoholics? Julie Turner finds out. One day Elaine Jones and a colleague of hers had to eat their way through almost ten kilos of chocolates. It took them from 9 am 5 to 2 pm. Afterwards they felt very, very unwell. But their chocolate marathon was not a binge. It was all in the course of duty. Elaine is one of the 11 people at Chocolate 10 Masters who are responsible for chocolates and sweets. Her official title is confectionary selector. She has to sample chocolates every day. 15 That 10 kilos was unusual, she said. The technologist and I had to try out an entire fresh cream range from one of our suppliers before it went off. It was 20 a very hot day which made things worse. 1. 2. 3. 4. Despite such excesses, Elaine is not overweight. How come? Chocolate tasting is like wine tasting, she told me, you dont swallow unless its so good you cant resist. I think all of us in the office have become immune to chocolate. It no longer makes us put on weight. Perhaps, after 15 years in the business, Elaine has become immune to the temptations which, in her airy offices in the Chocolate Masters headquarters in Baker Street, I found overwhelming. There were chocolates everywhere. Her chocolate enthusiasms began early. When I was little, like every kid, wanted to work in the Mars Bar factory. When I began in confectionary I was just like a child in a sweet shop, eating everything. But thats worn off. I like chocolate, but Im not a chocoholic.

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30

35

Which company does Elaine work for? What is her job called? What does she have to do? How long has she been in the food industry?

2. Now read more carefully and find words which mean: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. having too much of a good thing (line 7) to try (line 13) complete (line 17) trying food (line 24) well-ventilated (line 31) too much (line 34) 3. Are these statements true or false? 1. Elaine samples 10 kilos of chocolate every day. 12

2. 3. 4. 5.

She does not usually eat the chocolate she tastes. She is the only chocolate taster at Chocolate Masters. She has not put on weight because of her job. She has always wanted to work with food. 4. What qualifications and training do you think Elaine needed to become a Confectionary Selector? Read about Elaines career and fill in the chart:

Elaine was brought up in Essex. After A-levels she worked in banking for a year and hated it. Then, encouraged by a friend in retailing, she went to work at Harrods. I did my training there. I was a buyer for eight years bread, patisserie, cakes before moving into confectionary where I found my niche. She enjoyed the challenge, the fast turnover. In 1999 she moved to Chocolate Masters. Her basic responsibility is to develop new lines and she is in charge of both product and packaging. This involves a lot of travel in Britain and on the Continent, overseeing production, doing comparative shopping and visiting food fairs.

Elaine Jones

Qualifications _________________________________________________________ Work experience _______________________________ (1 year) _______________________________ (8 years) _______________________________ (since 1999) Present responsibilities _________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________

VOCABULARY DEVELOPMENT
1. Put each of the following words in its correct place in the text below. calendar technical requirements class hours college credits graduation outlines specified subjects major course curriculum three week prospectus amount number electives opportunity

The courses given by a (1) _____________ or university are called its curriculum. The (2) _____________ of the institution (3) _____________ the 13

complete (4) _____________. It gives the (5) _____________ for entry to each course, as well as the credits given for the (6) _____________. Each course is designated as giving a (7) _____________ number of credits. These are usually equal to the number of (8) _____________ devoted each week to the course. For example, a course that meets three times a (9) _____________ usually gives (10) _____________ credits towards graduation. Schools using the semester (11) _____________ require about 120 credits for (12) _____________. Between 30 and 40 of the required (13) _____________ must be the student's (14) _____________ subject. Schools vary considerably in the (15) _____________ of freedom given students in selecting their courses. Almost all schools have a certain (16) _____________ of required courses called (18) _____________. Liberal-arts colleges usually give students more (19) _____________ to choose than do (20) _____________ schools. 2. Choose the right answer 1. When you listen to a lecture, it is useful to ... the main points. a) clear; b) notify; c) put down; d) write on. 2. I can agree with you to a certain ..., Professor, but not entirely. a) part; b) way; c) extent; d) level. 3. The lecture was very ... and I slept for most of it. a) noisy; b) sleepy; c) annoying; d) boring. 4. Are you going to attend Professor's ... on the Commodity Science next week? a) lecture; b) discussion; c) conference; d) meeting. 5. A few jokes always ... up a lecture. a) liven; b) inspire; c) loosen; d) raise. 6. To begin the lecture, let's take an ... of the present situation. a) overview; b) oversight; c) overtone; d) overture. 7. There is a/an ... at the back of the book giving the answers to the exercises. a) index; b) appendix; c) key; d) reference. 8. During a lecture I always try to ... down the main points that are made. a) note; b) jot; c) doodle; d) sketch. 9. That's what I mean. You've hit the ... on the head. a) pin; b) nail; c) hammer; d) point. 10.It suddenly ... on me what he really meant. a) came; b) hit; c) dawned; d) struck. 3. Match each word in column A with its definition in column B. 1) gymnasium 2) rector 3) 4) 5) 6) charta curriculum budget dean
a) charge or payment for professional advice or services b) an educational talk given by a lecturer to a large audience

7) investment 8) fee

of students room/hall with equipment for physical training head of certain universities, colleges, etc course of study in a school, college, etc written statement of rights, permission to do something especially from the government to a town/city/university g) in some universities head of a department of study h) the act of using money to obtain income or profit
c) d) e) f)

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9) lecture 10) course

a series of academic lectures or lessons in a particular subject j) estimate of future income and expenditure made by a business company, society, private person, etc.
i)

4. Fill in the gaps with the right word in the required form: to learn, to study, to teach: 1. What subjects do you _____________ in the first year? 2. I am planning _____________ polytology next year. 3. You know much more than I do; so I cannot _____________ you. 4. The student _____________ to write with his left hand. 5. In _____________ a foreign language, it is not enough _____________ new words, it is necessary to use them in written and oral communication. 6. I would like _____________ to ski, too. 7. Who has _____________ you to surf so well?

LANGUAGE FOCUS
REVISION PAST SIMPLE 1. We use the past simple to refer to events that took place in the past: A pharmacist called John Pemberton invented Coca Cola. Did you go to Berlin last week? Yes, and I met Herr Hans. 2. We frequently use a time adverb to situate the event in finished past time: Rolls Royce went burst in 1973. A few years ago, the City Plaza hotel was a leader in its segment of the market. Some people made fortunes on the Stock Exchange during the 1980s. 3. We use the past simple in annual reports to describe the companys performance over the last year: Last year was a good year for our group. Sales rose by more than 11% and we made substantial gains in market share in a number of countries. PRESENT PERFECT 1. We use the present perfect to say that a finished past action is relevant now: They have developed a new brand of toothpaste. The chairman has recently resigned. 2. We use the present perfect when we are thinking of a period of time continuing up to the present: For over 50years, Stirling Cars has made a classic English sports car. Calvin Klein has been one of the leading fashion designers since the mid1970s. 3. We often use this tense to talk about our life experiences. She has had a number of interesting jobs. He has worked for a variety of firms. 15

PRACTICE 1. Complete the memo with the past simple or present perfect forms of the verbs in brackets: Memo To: Peter Thompson From: Marie Delacroix Date: October 25th Re: Counterfeiting Im worried about the sales of the range of fragrances we (1) _____________ (launch) two years ago. In the first year, sales (2) _____________ (increase) steadily. However, since the beginning of this year, sales (3) _____________ (fall) by almost 10%. The reason for this is clear. Several firms in SE Asia (4) _____________ (copy) our designs and are now flooding the French market with them. This (5) _____________ (become) a serious problem. Last month, I (6) _____________ (organise) a team of investigators. Up to now, they (7) _____________ (find) many counterfeit goods, which the police (8) _____________ (seize) and impounded. Yesterday, I (9) _____________ (contact) several firms who (10) _____________ (inform) me that they (11) _____________ (have) similar problems. They all (12) _____________ (lose) sales because of counterfeiting. 2. Peter Fisher is Caferomas Head of Sales. He is introducing himself and the company to new sales recruits. Complete his speech with the past simple or present perfect forms of the verbs in brackets. Good morning and congratulations on becoming a member of Caferomas successful sales team. Im Peter Fisher, Head of Sales. First, Ill introduce myself and then Ill tell you a little bit about your new company. I (1) _____________ (leave) university 20 years ago and then I (2) _____________ (go) to the United States. I (3) _____________ (join) Caferoma 15 years ago and (4) _____________ (work) in the Sales Department for 10 years. I (5) _____________ (become) Head Of Sales last July and I (6) _____________ (not have) a holiday ever since. Caferoma (7) _____________ (be) the market leader for many years now. A year ago we (8) _____________ (reorganise) our Sales Department and, since November, our turnover (9) _____________ (increase) by 12% and our share price (10) _____________ (rise) sharply because of our excellent results. In the last three months we (11) _____________ (cut) costs by almost 5%. Bringing us up to date, last week Caferoma (12) _____________ (launch) an advertising campaign for a low-priced decaffeinated product. It will be your first job to sell this product.

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3. Read this fax sent by Nathalie Druot, a sales representative in France for Caribcool International. Complete the fax with the correct forms of the verbs in brackets.

FAX MESSAGE
To: Marten Bros. +44 132 1175 Attention: David Black From: Nathalie Druot th Date: November 7 Subject: Sales trip

CARIBCOOL INTERNATIONAL
20 Rue de Pontoise Paris 75005 France Telephone: + 33 1 92 08 56 67 Fax:+ 33 1 92 08 56 68

Pages including this: 1

Dear David, Ive tried to phone you several times but have been unable to contact you. I know you want to hear about my recent sales trip, so Im faxing you this short report. During the trip, I (1) _____________ (visit) a number of supermarkets and hypermarkets in Southern France where I (2) _____________ (give) presentations of our new products. There (3) _____________ (be) a great deal of interest in our relaunched cola drink, Gogo. I think itll be a winner over here. In Montpellier and Bordeaux, I (4) _____________ (meet) the owners of some large retail outlets and (5) _____________ (inform) them of our new discount policy. So far, no one (6) _____________ (complain) about the lower discounts we are offering. Last Saturday, I (7) _____________ (go) to Montpellier and (8) _____________ (have) an enjoyable lunch with Martine Roland one of our best customers. She promised to buy 20 cases of Gogo, but I (9) _____________ (not receive) an order from her yet. Ill let you know as soon as I hear from her. In Nimes, I ran into Francois Duperrier. He (10) _____________ (have) a difficult time lately. He (11) _____________ (leave) his last job in May and since then, he (12) _____________ (be) unemployed. He knows the French market inside out. Maybe he could be our area rep in the South of France. What do you think? As you know, our sales in the South (13) _____________ (fall) by almost 10% in the last nine months or so. This cant go on. We must do something to improve our performance, and Im simply not able to cover the whole of France by myself. Some good news now. Our TV commercial for Gogo was shown for the first time last night. This morning, several people (14) _____________ (phone) me, saying how much they liked it. They think it effective very clever and humorous! The commercial should really boost Gogos sales and get everyone talking about the drink. Finally a word about my October sales report. I (15) _____________ (just finish) writing it, so you should get it in a few days time. Sorry its a bit late. Best wishes,
Nathalie

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SKILLS FOCUS: Transactional Letter Applying for Holiday Jobs


1. Look at the advertisement below. Would you be interested in a job like this? What would you want to know about it before you decided to take it? What might the drawbacks be? 2. If you wanted the job, what would you say about yourself in your letter? How formal do you think your letter should be?

HOLIDAY JOBS! Need to improve your English? Want to spend some time abroad? Short of cash? Why not come and work for us at Home Farm! Youll be picking fruit and generally helping out with all the usual farm work. Well pay you by the hour, so the harder you work, the more youll earn! Well provide a place to sleep and all your meals. Interested? Why not drop us a line (and a photo). Well be happy to answer any queries. Mr and Mrs Bull, Cold Comfort Farm, Sussex, Great Britain SU3 8TZ Michael Dupont saw the advertisement and made these notes: QUESTIONS TO ASK When does the job start and finish? Will I be the only one there? Where exactly will I sleep? What is the minimum rate per hour? How many hours will I be expected to work? Can I have a photo of the farm? 3. Scan the letter below. Do you think the farmer would be satisfied with it? Why not? Now answer the questions.

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Rue Vichy Troyes France 15 May, 200Dear Mr and Mrs Bull, I saw your advertisement in the paper and I am very interested in working on your farm. Im a student and I need more practice with my English. I was hoping to come to Great Britain but didnt want to ask my parents for money. Working for you would be an ideal solution. I am 18 years old and very fit. Although Ive never worked on a farm before I have helped on a building site and I am used to working hard. Im very fond of animals and would be happy to help with the cows and sheep if needed. Could you please let me know how long you would want me for, how many hours a day and what the minimum wages per hour would be. I would like to know if there would be other students there too and where I will be sleeping. I enclose a photo as requested. My last employer will be happy to write me a reference, if you so wish. I look forward to hearing from you soon, Yours sincerely, Michel Dupont 1. Has Michel given the information he was asked for in the advertisement? Has he asked about all the points he noted down himself? 2. The advertisement was informal is Michels letter a. too formal? b. too informal? c. just right? 3. Has Michel used clear paragraphs for each new section of the letter? How does he show he is beginning a new paragraph? Mr and Mrs Bull received another letter on the same day but they were not very impressed? Why? Paris Tuesday, 16 May Dear Sir/Madam, I saw your advertisement in the newspaper and I am quite interested at the job. Im 16, a student and I really want a holiday away from the parents. Im fit and healthy and I adore to be outdoors. The only problem is that Im scared from cows but I could keep away from them, I expect? Please tell me how much I earn exactly and what there is to do in the evenings. No discos I suppose? My Friend Daniel, who goes to college with me, would also like a job. Could you let me know if you need any more helpers? 19

I am sending the only photo I have at the moment, but please dont worry. My leg would be out of plaster soon. Please write back soon! Regards, Didier Didiers letter contains errors in each of the areas below. Find examples of each type and underline them. - structure (grammar) - layout - inappropriate greeting - inappropriate ending - paragraphing - inappropriate language (too formal or too informal) - inappropriate content - style inconsistent (changes from formal to informal) Look back to Michels letter and complete this plan.
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4. You are interested in the job below. Write a letter giving the information required and including any queries you have. Do you like having fun? Do you want to be with young people? Can you organise sports and entertainments? Have you had experience of camping? Can you cook? Volunteers Needed at SUMMER CAMPS! We need helpers for our youth camps in the USA this summer. Accommodation and modest salary provided. Interested? Write and tell us a little about yourself. Send your letter to Samba Youth Camps 2214 Creek Drive Colorado USA P.S. Need more information? Just send us your queries with your letter and we will write back immediately!

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USEFUL TIPS: Planning: Underline the important points in the advertisement before you reply, and keep checking back as you write to make sure you have included all the relevant points. Paragraphing: Remember to group your ideas into paragraphs and to start each paragraph on a new line, preferable indented. A paragraph should normally contain more than one sentence! Style: Decide how formal your letter should be before you start writing. Make sure the style is consistent throughout your letter.

TRANSLATION
Translate the following text into Romanian: An informal business letter is a bit more relaxed than a formal business letter, but not relaxed enough to be casual. Instructions: Use writing that is breezy rather than casual. Be brief, straightforward and logical. Employ standard grammar, spelling and formatting rules, but relax your tone and construction slightly. Use contractions and conversational phrases to soften the letter. Begin with the date, both your address and the recipient's (or just your address) and a salutation. Choose "Dear" over "To Whom It May Concern." Place a comma after the salutation ("Dear Jane,") instead of a colon. Use personal statements to make the letter less formal: "I agree with your assessment of the highway construction project. I too commute that way." Close with "Best," "Cheers" or "Regards," rather than "Sincerely" or "Thank You." Translate the following sentences into English paying attention to the use of past simple and present perfect. 1. Ieri ne-am ntlnit i mi-a dat o carte. 2. A vorbit foarte ncet i nu am neles nimic. 3. Surorile mele tocmai au venit de la birou. 4. Am cunoscut-o pe actual mea ef n 1998. 5. Cnd l-ai vzut ultima dat? 6. Ce ora ai vizitat anul trecut cnd ai fost la conferin? 7. Ai ncercat vreodat s-l ajui? 8. Nu ne-am mai ntlnit de luni de zile, am fost foarte ocupai cu problemele de la serviciu. 9. De cnd este plecat? 10. Subiectul este discutat de cteva sptmni i nu s-a ajuns nc la nicio concluzie. 21

Unit 3: RECRUITMENT

OBJECTIVES This unit will help you: - understand how information is structured in a Curriculum Vitae - write a Curriculum Vitae according to the commonly accepted European criteria - revise and practice language related to recruitment

LEAD IN
1. Try and answer the following questions: 1. How do people find work? Which are the steps they have to take? 2. When you go to a job interview, what do you have to carry along with you? How do Americans call it? What does it contain?

READING AND COMPREHENSION


1. A job advertisement will usually ask you to send in a CV. Conventions as how to write one have been changing. Read the following text to see what is a personnel managers opinion on it, then answer these questions: 1. How many parts a CV should have? 2. What does each part should contain? 3. How should we order the information about our education and work experience? 4. Which are the words that the personnel manager uses about foreign languages? 5. Are our hobbies or interests important when we apply for a job? There has been a lot of variation in the way CVs are set out over the last few years, and indeed one still sees different formats arriving on ones desk. However, probably, the most common format these days, and certainly the one I most likely like to get because you can see at a glance whether it is worth reading the whole thing or not is the one that starts from the most recent job and works back, giving brief, but relevant information on each. There is a slight tendency, particularly among foreign (non-British applicants) to go for the hard sell. By this I mean almost to boast of their accomplishments and success in each post. But I confess I personally find it rather distasteful and it rather puts me off. Anyway, a good CV these days should begin by saying what it is: a CV. So, the persons name should be prominent. Then, there should be a brief section on personal details: address, telephone number, nationality and marital status. If you are applying for a post with a 22

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company in another country, or for a job that requires travel or the use of one or more foreign languages, you should add your proficiency in those languages: fluent, if you speak a language well; intermediate if it is OK, and basic if you can just about get by. Incidentally, if you have any nationally or internationally recognized examination demonstrating your proficiency, it is a good idea to mention that here (for English: one of the Cambridge Certificates or the London Chamber of Commerce level 2 or 3 etc.). This should be followed by a section on qualifications and training, again, as I said earlier, beginning with the most recent and moving back, so that I can see what you have been up to since your initial training. One difficult thing for us in personnel when evaluating applications from abroad and we are getting more and more is the problem of equivalences. It is of no help whatsoever to go round putting down diplomas which only exist in your country, unless you also put in brackets afterwards an approximate British equivalent that I can relate to. Another bad habit I have noticed particularly with the French, for some reason is to put down the name of what is, presumably, some highly prestigious establishment within their own country, on the assumption that everyone knows about it. It was only recently, for example, that I discovered HEC was a if not the leading French business school. Before that when I saw on a CV diploma from HEC, my reaction was simply Oh, this person wasnt good enough to go to a university. A related difficulty is candidates who just put the English equivalent. I had this problem recently with a young man who claimed he had an MBA. At interview, however, we discovered he had simply translated Studii Aprofundate de Management (literally, a masters degree in management science), so the excellent level of English we were expecting from someone who had studied in the UK or the States did not materialize. This brings me to another point; it is important to state when and where you got a qualification. The next section and the most important is the one on work experience. Again, this should be in order of most recent first, so I can see what you are doing at present and have been doing recently. For those who are applying for their first job, it is useful to mention any periods of occupational training you may have undertaken in a company or companies, or any relevant summer jobs you may have had. In this section, too, just briefly, in almost note form, list main responsibilities and successes, and so on. Finally, we in Britain like to know something about a candidates life outside of work, so a short final section on outside interests is always useful. Again, for those applying for a first job, this can sometimes be a crucial section. If you have been secretary of your local tennis club or something, it may be the only opportunity you have had to demonstrate that you are fit for positions of responsibility.

2. Find words in the text that mean: a. b. c. d. e. from the very beginning, immediately; using few words, concise not serious or important aggressive way of selling something talk with too much pride and satisfaction 23

f. make somebody feel dislike, disgust somebody g. in or to a foreign country or countries h. it may supposed to be true 3. Match the words in list A with the words in list B: A liceniat n conducerea ntreprinderii liceniat n arte liceniat n tiine umaniste diplom de studii aprofundate bacalaureat diplom de absolvire a unui colegiu liceniat n tiine B BA 2-year university diploma A level BSc MBA MA

VOCABULARY DEVELOPMENT
1. Choose the most suitable answer a), b) or c): 1) Which of the following does not mean recruiting new personnel? a) taking on b) employing c) dismissing 2) Which part of a Curriculum Vitae (C.V.) gives information about your past work record? a) Skills b) Experience c) Qualifications 3) Which word is a synonym for candidate? a) applicant b) interviewer c) employer 4) What is a cover letter? a) a letter from your former boss to your new employer b) a letter that you send with your CV to apply for a job c) a letter informing you that you have been unsuccessful at interview 5) Which word means to make a request for a job? a) to apply b) to hire c) to interview 6) Out of 400 applications, 10 candidates were for interview. a) collected b) rejected c) selected 7) Applicants are asked to supply from past employers. a) qualifications b) references c) requests 24

8) What does to screen candidates mean? a) to invite them for interview b) to examine their education and work background c) to inform them whether or not they got the job 9) What are routine tasks? a) special jobs b) ordinary work c) difficult jobs 10) In an interview, what are behavioural questions? a) questions about the candidates paper qualifications b) questions about their current position c) questions about how candidates react in certain situations 2. The following words and expressions are all related to RECRUITMENT. Read them carefully, finding a suitable explanation for each of them. Then, complete the following sentences with the right word or phrase (sometimes there is more than one possibility): to recruit (v) [BE] = to hire (v) [AE] o recruitment (n) [BE] = hiring (n) [AE]; recruitment agency o recruit (n) o recruiter (n) to employ (v) o employment (n); employment agency o employer (n) o employee (n) to headhunt (v) o headhunting (n) o headhunter (n) to advertise (v) o advertisement (n) o advertising (n) o advertiser (n) to apply for [sth.] (v) o application (n); application form o applicant (n) to candidate (v) o candidature (n) o candidate (n) to appoint sb. to a position o appointment (n) to interview (v) o interview (n); to attend an interview o interviewer (n) o interviewee (n) to select (v) o selection (n) to assess (v) o assessment (n) to shortlist (v) o shortlist (n) 25

CV [BE] = resume [AE] covering letter [BE] = cover letter [AE] selection process educational qualifications letter of application

group discussion to offer sb. the/a job to turn the/a job down to accept the/a job references

1. I hope she, because if she _______ the job, well have to start looking again. 2. That last applicant was very strong, but I understand hes had two other _______ already. 3. Theyve finally _______ a new receptionist. 4. I phoned to check on my application, but they said theyd already _______ someone. 5. This job is so important, I think we need to _______ someone. 6. Computer programmers wanted. Only those with UNIX experience should _______. 7. The selection process has lasted three months, but were going to _______ someone next week. 3. Replace the underlined phrases with correct forms of words and expressions from the previous exercise: Fred had already (1) refused two job offers when he went for (2) a discussion to see if he was suitable for the job. They looked at his driving licence and contacted (3) previous employers Fred had mentioned in his application. A few days later, the supermarket (4) asked him if he would like the job and Fred (5) said yes. Harry didnt hear anything for six weeks, so he phoned the company. They told him that they had received a lot of (6) requests for the job. After looking at the life stories of the (7) people asking for the job and looking at (8) what exams they had passed during their education, the company (9) had chosen six people to interview, (10) done tests on their personality and intelligence and they had then given someone the job. 4. Insert the following words in the gaps in the text below: applicant apply employment agencies job vacancies application candidate interview references application form curriculum vitae or CV (BE) or resume (AE) job description short-listed

Many people looking for work read the (1) _______ advertised in newspapers by companies and (2) _______. To reply to an advertisement is to (3) _______ for a job. You become a (4) _______ or an (5) _______. You write an (6) _______, or fill in the companys (7) _______, and send it, along with your (8) _______ and a covering letter. You often have to give the names of two people who are prepared to write (9) _______ for you. If your qualifications and abilities match the (10) _______, you might be (11) _______, i.e. selected to attend an (12) _______

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LANGUAGE FOCUS: Questions and Question Tags


Revision: QUESTIONS Here are some rules for forming Yes/No questions: when there is an auxiliary or modal verb in the statement, you use the auxiliary/modal+subject+verb: Can she speak English fluently? Has she been to the doctors yet? when there is no auxiliary or modal verb in the statement, you use do/does/did + subject + infinitive: Did Nigel go to the party on Friday? Do you like learning English? Here are some rules for forming Wh-questions: when there is an auxiliary or a modal verb, you use the wh-word + auxiliary/modal + subject + verb: Where should I hand in my homework? When are you going for your holiday? when there is no auxiliary or modal verb, you use the wh-word + do/does/did + subject + infinitive: What do you usually do at weekends? When did you pass your driving test? when the wh-word is the subject of the question, you use the word order of the statement: Who hasnt done the homework? What happened at the end of the lecture

Practice: QUESTIONS 1. Complete these questions: ________ people often ask you for advice? ________ you ever lost or found a lot of money? ________ you remember the first English words that you learned? ________ there something you are really afraid of? ________ would you like to be at the moment? ________ is the best thing that has ever happened to you? ________you like to change anything about yourself? ________ long have you known your best friend? ________ is your best quality and what is your worst quality as a person? ________ has had the greatest influence on your life?

a) b) c) d) e) f) g) h) i) j)

Answer three of the questions above.

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2. Correct the following sentences: a) Yes, English likes me a lot b) My mother is a wifehouse, but she used to be a typewriter. c) I have been learning English since 10 oclock. d) Im interested in spots. Im dying for the basket. e) I keep fit by joking and i only eat when Im hungry. f) My ankle has grey hairs and he is a begger. g) I am borned to 1992. I am only eighty. h) I learn English because I love them. i) I like travelling by sheep because it is safer and you know a lot of people. j) No, my father never bit me. What is the question in each case? Write the questions. Revision: QUESTION TAGS You use question tags to check information or to ask other people if they agree with you. You form a question tag with an auxiliary or a modal verb and a subject pronoun. The main patterns for question tags are: positive statement + negative question tag You like pizza, dont you? negative statement + positive question tag You cant speak French, can you? If you are checking information, your voice goes up on the tag: You havent been to Spain, have you? (You dont know the answer.) If you are asking somebody to agree with you, your voice goes down the tag: You live in London, dont you? (You expect the answer to be yes.)

Practice: QUESTION TAGS 1. Match the sentences in list A with the question tags in list B: A. B. 1. You couldnt lend me some money, (a) hadnt you? 2. You werent born here, (b) have you? 3. You havent read todays newspaper, (c) were you? 4. You usually get up late, (d) arent I? 5. You hadnt seen a university professor before, (e) do you? 6. Youd better study more, (f) could you? 7. You dont know of any good books on grammar, (g) did they? 8. It could be a bit warmer this time of year, (h) couldnt it? 9. Im older than you, (i) dont you? 10. No one failed the last exam, (j) had you?

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2. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

Complete these questions with a tag. Youve finished high-school, ________? You live in a flat, ________? You dont have a job, ________? Youd rather go to the seaside than back to work, ________? You had a difficult exam last year, ________? Youve been studying English since the second grade, ________? Youve never met any of your group mates before, ________?

SKILLS FOCUS: WRITING CV (RESUME)


a. Read the answers to the questions from READING, exercise 1. b. Taking into considerations these answers, write your own CV. Type it or word process it if possible. Pay attention to the layout and features discussed. (You can download and use the model provided at europass.cedefop.europa.eu/europass/.../CVTemplate)

TRANSLATION
Translate the following text into Romanian, having in mind the tips given in the first unit: ScottishPower plans to create 1,500 new jobs over the next 10 years and has invested 3bn ($4.9bn) to improve its high-voltage transmission electricity network in Scotland. The energy company, which is owned by Iberdrola of Spain, said the project would include the connection of up to 5GW of renewable energy, helping Scotland achieve its 2020 carbon reduction targets, and extensive upgrades to the electricity grid links between England and Scotland. Four out of five energy industry employees are set to retire over the next 15 years, and ScottishPower said it wanted to attract a new generation of workers to the industry and was encouraging its contractors and companies in the wider supply chain to do likewise. The company hopes to recruit graduate engineers and apprentices over the next decade as well as retrain under-25s into highly skilled jobs. Some of the jobs will be completely new while others will replace people who have retired. Alex Salmond, Scotlands first minister, said: ScottishPowers plans to upgrade transmission will ensure the grid is capable of carrying increasing supplies of clean green energy generated to domestic and European markets. With [Scotlands] plans to harness up to 10GW of offshore capacity in Scottish waters by 2020, alongside other renewable sources, it will be essential that generators can distribute power to where it is needed.
(Financial Times, August 17, 2011)

Translate the following sentences into English:

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Potrivit ministrului Muncii, Sebastian Lzroiu, i companiilor de recrutare, angajatorii spanioli apeleaz n continuare la firme de resurse umane din Romania. Lzroiu a explicat ca, n pofida restriciilor impuse de ctre Spania, piaa forei de munca de acolo are n continuare nevoie de lucrtorii romani. Motivul este foarte simplu: cetenii spanioli nu sunt interesai sa activeze n anumite domenii i, prin urmare, angajatorii continua sa apeleze la fora de munca din Romnia. La 22 iulie, guvernul spaniol a introdus restricii pe piaa muncii n ceea ce privete angajrile de muncitori romni. Comisia Europeana analizeaz condiiile impuse de spanioli, ntruct, dei acestora nu le este interzis s procedeze n acest mod, trebuie totui, n cazul n care o fac, s aduc dovezi care s justifice necesitatea unei astfel de msuri.
(Financiarul, 9.08.2011)

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Unit 4: APPLYING FOR A JOB

OBJECTIVES This unit will help you: - understand how information is structured in an application letter - write an application letter according to the commonly accepted rules - revise and practice - revise and practice language related to jobs, job application

LEAD IN
1. Try and answer the following questions about yourselves. If you are still a student. 1. What job would you like to do in the future? 2. Do you think you have the right personal qualities and skills for the job? 3. Which of the items in the lists below would be most important in your job? If you have a job now. 1. What job do you do? 2. Why did you choose it? 3. What sort of personal qualities and skills do you need for your job? (Some of the words below may help you.) 1 patience honesty intelligence independence reliability efficiency confidence 2 humour ambition initiative stamina enthusiasm energy imagination creativity 3 4 good manners good communication leadership skills qualities a sense of a sympathetic humour manner ability to cope ability to work in a crisis under pressure

2. Now make adjectives where possible from the nouns in lists 1 and 2. 3. Look at these job advertisements. Which job would you prefer? Why?

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TOURIST GUIDE Do you want to work for one of the most up and coming companies in International Tourism? Do you: know this area well? have experience in dealing with groups? speak at least two languages? We have a vacancy for a Tourist Guide. You will need patience, hood humour and excellent communication skills. A smart appearance is essential. Excellent prospects and salary. Apply in writing to: Personnel Manager, Eurotours, Granada, Spain (Please enclose your CV) Trainee Sales Manager Required A confident, enthusiastic young person is required to train as a Sales Manager in our foreign book sales department. You will need excellent communication skills, plus a command of English. A smart appearance and pleasant manner are essential. Prospects are excellent for applicants who can take responsibility and who really want to get to the top. Apply in writing to: Shortman Publishing House 9, Clifton Street Kensington, London WC6 8LP WORK FOR NTV RADIO! New world service radio station is looking for talented young people for a variety of opportunities, both as presenters and behind the scenes. Applicants must be imaginative, reliable and self confident. Training will be given where required but a high degree of hard work and commitment will be demanded in return. Ability to keep cool in a crisis is essential! Applicants must speak good English. Salary negotiable, depending on experience. Apply in writing, to: NTV Radio, PO Box 892, London W1 4. What are all the qualities you think you would need for each of the jobs? Make some notes under these headings: Tourist Guide Sales Manager 32 Radio Presenter

5. Look at the Tourist Guide advertisement. Underline the most important details which you should refer to in a letter of application. 6. Now imagine you are the Personnel Manager of Eurotours. What sort of person are you looking for? What do you need to hear from a good applicant? How formal would you expect their letter to be? 7. Here are some lines from the letters of application of different candidates. Choose the most appropriate and convincing sentence in each group and give reasons for your choice. 1) a. I am familiar with this type of work. b. I am totally knowledgeable about this type of work. c. I know this type of work. 2) a. I am quite interested in this type of work. b. I have a genuine interest in this kind of work. c. I am incredibly keen on and interested in this type of work. 3) a. I feel sure my studies recommend me for the job. b. I hope I am right for this sort of work. c. I am sure I am the best person for the job. 4) a. I can make decisions when it is really necessary. b. I always make the best decisions. c. I am not afraid to make decisions if necessary. 5) a. I am well liked by everybody. b. I can maintain friendly relationships with people. c. I am a friendly person.

READING AND COMPREHENSION


1. What information should be included in a letter of application? What would you like a future employer to know about you? What do you think the future employer would like to know about you? Make a list. 2. This is the letter one of the applicants wrote for the job of Tourist Guide. Read it carefully, then answer the following questions: 1. 2. 3. 4. Do you think Eurotours will be impressed by his letter? Has he supplied all the details requested? Is the language and style he uses formal or informal? Is this appropriate? Has he included any unnecessary information? 4 Green Street Kensington London 5 August, 200-

5 Personnel Manager Eurotours Calle Principal Granada 10 Spain 33

Dear Sir/Madam, I saw your advertisement for a Tourist Guide in this weeks edition of Travel and would like to apply for the post. As my CV shows, I very well qualified for this job. I studied tourism at London University from 1997-2000 and obtained enclosed diploma. As you can see, this included a special course on tourism in Europe. Since leaving University, I have also done a number of training courses in different aspects of the tourist industry (certificates enclosed). For the past year, I have been working as a courier here in England. In this job, my main responsibilities include guiding groups around the city and dealing with bookings and accommodation. Before that I had a job with Smiths Travel Agency in London. There I answered telephone enquiries and dealt with holiday bookings. My mother is Spanish and I therefore have a perfect understanding of Spanish people, their language and the country. I know Andalucia especially well as I have spent most of my holidays around this region. As regards languages, I speak Spanish and French fluently. In addition to these, I am at present taking classes in German. I would now like to broaden my experience as a courier. I would also welcome the chance to work for a large company like yours, with the chances for promotion this would provide. In my spare time I play basketball for a local team of which I have recently been made captain. I also help out with the local youth club. As you can see from my references, I have plenty of patience and good humour. In fact have been named Courier of the Month by our local tourist board on two occasions. I would be able to come for interview at any time. I look forward to hearing from you. Yours faithfully, Chris Jones 3. The words in bold type are important because they help to link the text together. They refer back to words or information given earlier in the text. Find the words they refer to, as shown in the example. this job (line 16) -> Tourist Guide

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VOCABULARY DEVELOPMENT
1. Complete each sentence from a) to j) with one ending from 1 to 10. Use each ending once only. a) If you work hard, the company will give you 4. b) In a different job, I could get a higher c) The best way to find new staff is to put a/an d) Because he had stolen the money, we decided that 34

e) She has a pleasant personality but hasnt got the right f) In the meeting we are going to discuss the g) As he has three young children he doesnt want to h) I think it would be a good idea to send in your i) Im afraid that in this job there arent very good j) We cannot give you the job without 1. qualifications for a job of this kind. 2. advertisement in the local press on Friday. 3. application for the job as soon as possible. 4. promotion to a more responsible position. 5. full time employment at the moment. 6. references from your previous employer. 7. dismissing him was the only possible action we could take. 8. prospects for the future at the moment. 9. salary and better conditions of employment. 10. appointment of a new sales representative. 2. Choose the most suitable word or phrase underlined in each sentence. a) b) c) d) e) f) g) h) The building workers were paid their income / salary / wages every Friday. Shes only here for three weeks. Its a / an full-time / overtime / temporary job. When he retired he received a monthly bonus / pension / reward. Apparently she earns / gains / wins over $20,000 a year. While the boss is away, Sue will be in charge / in control / in place of the office. Could I have two days away / off / out next week to visit my mother? Paul was always arriving late, and in the end he was pushed / sacked / thrown. When I left the job, I had to hand in my application / dismissal / notice three weeks beforehand. i) How much exactly do you do / make / take in your new job? j) If you have to travel on company business, we will pay your costs / expenses / needs. 3. Rewrite each sentence so that it contains the word or words given, and so that the meaning stays the same. Do not change the words given in any way. 1. Terry works in a different place now. Terry has a new job now. 2. A good boss looks after everyone in the company. 3. Im sure you will learn a lot in this job. 4. This job is a good way to earn money, but thats all. 5. The firm gave me a rise after I had worked there a year. 6. The company was profitable last year. 7. I had to be interviewed at the head office. 8. My monthly salary is $1000. 9. Jill is employed by a firm of accountants. 10. We advertised the job in the paper. JOB EMPLOYER EXPERIENCE LIVING RAISED MADE ATTEND A YEAR WORKS PUT

4. Decide which answer A, B, C or D best fits each space:

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Choosing a job One of the most difficult decisions in choosing what to do for a (1) B. For example, do you want to follow a definite (2) ________, and (3) ________ a low (4) ________ at the beginning, but have good (5) ________ in a company that trains its (6) ________? Or are you more interested in taking any kind of work, because you need a/an (7) ________? You may have to (8) ________ the fact that a good (9) ________ can be difficult to find. In that case, why not take a (10) ________ one? You will gain some useful (11) ________. Remember that even if you have the right (12) ________, you may have to (13) ________ lots of application forms before you are asked to (14) ________ an interview. But dont worry if you dont know what you want to (15) ________ exactly. Youll enjoy finding out! 1. A) salary 2. A) company 3. A) earn 4. A) money 5. A) hopes 6. A) employers 7. A) money 8. A) face up to 9. A) work 10. A) temporary 11. A) experiences 12. A) qualifications 13. A) fall through 14. A) be 15. A) work B) living B) training B) gain B) profit B) prospects B) crew B) cash B) go over B) labour B) overtime B) experienced B) exams B) get on B) attend B) job C) employee C) business C) win C) cheque C) futures C) staff C) account C) come up with C) job C) profitable C) experience C) letters C) turn down C) make C) do D) work D) career D) take D) salary D) promotions D) persons D) income D) call off D) seat D) short D) experiencing D) degrees D) fill in D) advertise D) employ

LANGUAGE FOCUS: Nouns


REVISION

a/ an, zero article (), some, any Nouns are either countable or uncountable. Uncountable nouns are sometimes called mass nouns. Countable nouns have plural in s or an irregular plural. Some countable words do not have s plural e.g. people. A/an is used with singular nouns. Sue has got a motorbike. is used with countables and uncountables. I don't like fizzy drinks. I prefer still mineral water. Some is used with countables and uncountables. Any is used for questions and negatives. We've got some lemonade, but we haven't got any glasses. Have you got any cups? Some is used in questions when we ask about something we have a definite idea about. This is necessary in requests beginning Can/Could.,. ? Have you got some letters for me? (I think this is probable.) 36

Have you got any letters for me? (I don't know the answer.) Can/CouId I have some more tea, please? much and many Much is used for uncountables and many is used for countables. They are used mainly in questions and negatives. How much money have we got? There isn't much water here. How many chairs are there? There aren't many cushions. Materials Materials are uncountable Wood burns easily Words for materials often have a countable meaning. Problems with uncountables Some words are uncountable grammatically, although we might not expect this. Examples are: advice, hair, knowledge, spaghetti, English (language), health, luggage, travel, furniture, information, machinery, weather A singular verb is used: His advice was very useful. French is difficult. A/an cannot be used. Could I have some information? Do you have any luggage? Alternatives: a/some Some uncountable words have a different meaning with a/an or some. a fish (the animal) some fish (a portion of food) a loaf some bread (the material) a coffee (a cup of coffee) some coffee (the material) a paper (a newspaper) some paper (the material) a wood (a small forest) some wood (the material) an iron (for pressing clothes) some iron (the material) a glass (for drinking) some glass (the material) Alternatives: with a/an or s plural Some uncountable words usually with zero article have a different meaning with a/an or s plural. I can't stand noise. (in general) I heard a strange noise. I keep hearing noises. (specific) Nouns ending -ing usually have a general meaning and are uncountable, but some also have countable meanings. Do you like drawing/painting? (in general) I bought a painting/a drawing last week. (specific) Some nouns change meaning with a/an but cannot have s plural. Education is very important. (in general) Diana had a very good education. (her time at school) Knowledge can be dangerous! (in general) A knowledge of boats is useful. (knowing about a subject) Other problems

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news - singular verb The news is on. money - singular verb There isn't any money. police - plural verb The police are coming. Government/Army- singular or plural verb The Government has/have decided to resign. scissors/trousers always plural Where are my scissors? I bought some new trousers.

PRACTICE 1. Choose the correct word or phrase underlined in each sentence: 1. How much / How many spaghetti have we got? 2. Where is / are my new trousers? 3. I put some / any chocolate somewhere, but where is it? 4. Peter went to buy a / some glass so he could fix the broken windows. 5. Im afraid we havent got much / many time. 6. The news is / are on at 9.00. 7. How much / How many furniture shops are there? 8. Ive found the milk but I cant find a / some glass. 9. Could you give me some / any orange juice, please? 10.Marys advice was / were not very useful. 2. Put one word in each space. Put a dash (-) if the space should be blank. 1. My trousers need ironing. Have you got _____ iron? 2. Could you go to the bakers a buy _____ loaf, please? 3. Id like _____ information about trains to Paris. 4. Tina has _____ very good health. 5. The war ended _____ years ago. 6. Jane isnt very good at _____ drawing. 7. Harry didnt have _____ very good education. 8. Vanessa bought _____ paper and read it on the bus. 9. Could you give me _____ advice, please? 10. Do you know _____ people in this village? 3. Choose the most suitable word underlined: 1. Id love to go on a long journey/travel by train. 2. Whats the latest news? Can I look at your paper/journal? 3. I want to know about trains to Leeds. Can you give me a / an information / timetable? 4. Heres your ticket. Do you have any luggage/suitcase? 38

5. Dont forget to buy a sliced bread/loaf. 6. Why dont we leave the car in this car park/parking? 7. I cant come to work today I have a bad cold/flu. 8. Excuse me sir, but do you have a licence/permission for this gun? 9. Brighton has quite a good beach/seaside. 10.Im going out tonight with a few of my company/friends. 4. Put one suitable word in each space: 1. Im looking for ______. Do you know anywhere I can stay? 2. Take my ______, dont go out alone after dark. 3. The government plans to improve ______ by paying teachers more. 4. Can you lend me some ______? I want to type a letter. 5. I need some ______ about language schools. Can you help me? 6. Richard is unemployed, and he is looking for a ______. 7. Could I have some ______? Those apples and oranges look nice. 8. I used to have long ______, but I had it cut. 9. I cant do this on my own. Could you give me some ______? 10.If you cant undo the knot, cut the string with some ______.

SKILLS FOCUS: WRITING - Letter of Application


a. Study this spidergraph. It is the plan Chris Jones made before he wrote the letter of application you read earlier.
Hobbies basketball youth club Availability for interview anytime Knowledge of area Mum Spanish Holidays -

Andalucia
Languages Sp & Fr classes in German Past experience Smiths Travel Agency - telephone and holiday bookings

letter

Training / Qualifications Diploma London Univ. Training courses Present job courier here in England -guiding & booking

References patience good humour

b. Write a letter of application for one of the jobs advertised at the beginning of this unit.

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TRANSLATION
Translate the following text into Romanian: When you apply for a job you are typically asked to complete an employment application. You may be asked to complete a job application even if you have already submitted a resume and cover letter. That way, the employer has a record of your personal and employment history, verified and signed by the applicant. It's important for your job applications to be complete, correct (no errors) and accurate. Here is the information you will need to complete an application for employment and tips and suggestions for writing applications that make a great impression. Regardless of whether you complete an online job application or apply inperson, make sure you have all information you need ready before you apply for a job.
(http://jobsearch.about.com/cs/jobapplications/a/jobapplication.htm)

Translate the following text into English: Pentru cei decii sa-si gseasc un loc de munca, ofertele nu sunt extrem de greu de gsit. Site-urile specializate, trgurile de joburi, ageniile de recrutare, anunurile de prin ziare sau chiar cele afiate prin faculti pot fi de ajutor. Reprezentanii studenilor susin ns c cel mai fericit caz este acela n care oferta vine la student i nu invers, acest lucru fiind posibil daca tnrul sau tnra respectiv se evideniaz n activiti extracuriculare printre care se numr i cele organizate de asociaiile studeneti. Cum aceasta metod reprezint ns mai mult o excepie dect o regul, toate celelalte metode au avantajele lor i merit ncercate.
(http://www.9am.ro/stiri-revista-presei/Social/44289/Cum-sa-ti-gasesti-un-job-bine-platit.html)

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Unit 5: WORK AND MOTIVATION

OBJECTIVES This unit will help you: - understand how information is structured in a summary - write a short argumentative essay based on the topic of the unit - revise and practice language related to work and motivation

LEAD IN
Which words do the following sentences define? 1. To inspire, to induce, to give a reason or incentive for someone to do something. A. motivate B. promote C. provoke 2. A person employed by someone else, working for money. A. earner B. employee C. employer 3. Relations between employers, managers and workers, management and unions. A. human relations B. labour relations C. labour unions 4. Having control of something as part of your job. A. command B. power C. responsibility 5. Money paid (per hour or day or week) to manual workers. A. earnings B. salary C. wages 6. A fixed regular payment made by employers, usually monthly for professional or office work. A. earning B. salary C. wages 7. Advantages that come with a job, apart from wages or salary. A. benefits B. profits C. supplements 8. To be raised to a higher rank or better job. A. motivation B. promotion C. sales promotion 9. Knowing that there is little risk of losing ones job. A. bureaucracy B. job safety C. job security 10. Having particular abilities, acquired by training. A. educated B. skilled C. talented

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READING AND COMPREHENSION


1. Which of the following statements seem to you to be generally true? 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. People dislike work and avoid it if they can. Work is necessary to peoples psychological well-being. People avoid responsibility and would rather be told what to do. People are motivated mainly by money. Most people are far more creative and ingenious than their employers realise. People are motivated by anxiety about their security. People want to be interested in their work and, given the right conditions, they will enjoy it. 8. Under the right conditions, most people will accept responsibility and want to realise their own potential. 2. You may have noticed that the statements above can be separated into two groups reflecting two very different ways in which employers can treat their employees. These two approaches were summarised by a well-known American theorist of the psychology of work, Douglas McGregor, who named them Theory X and Theory Y. Read the following text and then classify the statements above according to which theory they support. Statement Theory 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

THEORY X AND THEORY Y In The Human Side of Enterprise, Douglas McGregor outlined two opposing theories of work and motivation. What he calls theory X is the traditional approach to workers and working which assumes that people are lazy and dislike work, and that they have to be both threatened (for example, with losing their job) and rewarded. It assumes that most people are incapable of taking responsibility for themselves and have to be looked after. Theory Y, on the contrary, assumes that people have a psychological need to work and want achievement and responsibility. Later theorists argued that Theory Y makes much greater demands on both workers and managers than McGregor realised. Abraham Maslow, for example, spent a year studying at a Californian company that used Theory Y, and concluded that its demands for responsibility and achievement are excessive for many people. He pointed out that there always weak and vulnerable people, with little selfdiscipline, who need protection against the burden of responsibility. Even strong and healthy people need the security of order and direction. Managers cannot simply substitute Theory Y for Theory X. They have to replace the security provided by Theory X with a different structure of security and certainty. 3. Read the text again and complete the following sentences, using your own words as much as possible. 1. According to Theory X, employers have to threaten workers because 2. According to Theory Y, employers should give their workers responsibilities because 42

3. Maslow criticised Theory Y because 4. Maslow argued that even though they might want to be given responsibilities at work 4. One of the most important functions of a manager is to motivate the employees under his or her authority. But how? What kind of things motivates you? Which of the following factors have been or will be important for you in your choice of a job? Classify them in order of importance. good administration and good labour relations good working conditions: enough space, light, heat and time, not too much noise, and so on an adequate wage or salary, and benefits such as paid holidays, sick pay, a pension, and so on job security a challenging, interesting creative job responsibility contact with people opportunities to travel holidays

and

Are there any other important factors that are not listed here? 5. Another well-known theorist of the psychology of work, Frederick Herzberg, has argued that many of the featured listed above do not in fact motivate people. Read the following text and find out why. SATISFIERS AND MOTIVATORS It is logical to suppose that things like good labour relations, good working conditions, good wages and benefits, and job security motivate workers. But in Work and the Nature of Man, Frederick Hertzberg argued that such conditions do not motivate workers. They are merely satisfiers or, more importantly, dissatisfiers where they do not exist. Motivators, on the contrary, include things such as having a challenging and interesting job, recognition and responsibility, promotion, and so on. However, even with the development of computers and robotics, there are and always will be plenty of boring, mindless, repetitive and mechanical jobs in all three sectors of the economy, and lots of unskilled people who have to do them. So how do managers motivate people in such jobs? One solution is to give them some responsibilities, not as individuals but as part of a team. For example, some supermarkets combine office staff, the people who fill the shelves, and the people who work on the checkout tills into a team and let them decide what product lines to stock, how to display them every couple of hours, as doing four different repetitive jobs a day is better than doing only one. Many people now talk about the importance of a companys shared values or corporate culture, with which all the company can identify: for example, being the best hotel chain, or hamburger restaurant chain, or airline, or making the best, the safest, the most user-friendly, the most ecological or the most reliable products in a particular field. Such values are more likely to motivate workers than financial targets, which ultimately only concern a few people. Unfortunately, there is only a limited number of such goals to go round, and by definition, not all the competing companies in an industry can seriously claim to be the best. 43

6. Read the text again and complete the following sentences using your own words as much as possible. 1. Hertzberg suggested that good labour relations and working conditions 2. According to Herzberg, the kind of things that motivate 3. The problem with saying that only challenging, interesting and responsible jobs are motivating is that 4. Ways of motivating people in unskilled jobs include 5. The problem with trying to motivate workers by the belief that their company is the best is that

VOCABULARY DEVELOPMENT
1. Complete each sentence with a word formed from the word given. a) b) c) d) e) f) g) h) i) j) Nowadays it is very important to get a good education. EDUCATE Our company helps _________ people to find new jobs. EMPLOY Paul has good ideas, but writes very _________. CARE Helen has become a _________ businesswoman. SUCCEED I hope to leave school with some useful _________. QUALIFY Mr Dale was my _________ for ten years, and paid me well. EMPLOY According to the _________, the French lesson starts at ten. TIME Cathy has three jobs, so she has a high _________. COME Johns _________ of history is amazing for a boy of his age. KNOW All the _________ in this company are given free meals. EMPLOY 2. Match each sentence a) to j) with a sentence 1) to 10) with a similar meaning. a) b) c) d) e) f) g) h) i) j) She was given the sack. 7) She got a rise She got a promotion. She retired She applied for the job. She resigned She was unemployed. She did it for a living. She was ambitious. She was conscientious. 1) She was given a better job. 2) She answered an advertisement. 3) She decided to leave. 4) She did the job carefully. 5) She didnt have a job. 6) She earned her money that way. 7) She was dismissed. 8) She wanted a better job. 9) She was old and stopped work. 10) She was given more money.

3. Complete each sentence with a word from the box. The words can be used more than once. business job living work

1. Jack makes his living working as a journalist. 2. She has just left to go to _______, Im afraid. 44

3. They worked very hard and now they have their own _______. 4. There are still two million people without _______. 5. Some _______-men came and dug a hole in the road outside. 6. The cost of _______ has risen greatly over recent years. 7. Stop interfering! This is none of your _______. 8. Lucy has got a very good _______ in an international company. 9. I cant come out tonight. Ive got too much _______ to do. 10. An early _______ by Picasso was sold for $2,000,000.

LANGUAGE FOCUS: Articles


REVISION Zero article Zero article is used when a general statement is made.

Plurals: Dogs are not allowed in this shop. (Compare: The dogs next door bark all night. Here we are referring to some particular dogs, not to dogs in general.) Uncountables: Milk is good for you. (Compare: The milk on the top shelf is fat-free.) This group includes: War is a terrible thing. Abstract ideas Food and drink I love chocolate. I don't like orange juice. Spanish is spoken by about 300 million people. Languages This chair is made of plastic and leather. Materials Speaking is not permitted during the examination. Verbal Nouns Buildings and purpose Zero article is used with certain buildings when their purpose is important. Jim is in prison (He committed a crime. - Compare: My company is repairing the prison.) Words of this type are: - be in or go to: hospital, prison, bed, class, court - be at or go to: work, school, university, sea - others - be at home, go home Countries, states and cities Zero article is used with most countries. Marie comes from France. Countries which are a group or plural have a definite article. We left the Netherlands and crossed to the United Kingdom. Note that Great Britain has zero article. Zero article is used with most states and cities. Los Angeles is in California.

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Streets Zero article is used with most streets. I bought this dress from a shop in Bond Street. Definite article the is used in the High Street. Buildings Zero article is used with names of buildings preceded by place names. We visited Blenheim Palace and Coventry Cathedral. The is generally used when there is a phrase after the noun, often with of, which adds more information. We visited the Palace of Westminster. Names of people Zero article is used with names, bur the is used with titles. Carol Parker is the Minister of Communications. Meals Zero article is used with meals when we refer to them in general. Dinner is at 7.30. (Compare: At the end of the conference there was a dinner. The dinner they serve here is really fantastic.) Geographical features Zero article is used with geographical areas, lakes, mountains and islands. We visited Lake Victoria. It's in East Africa. They climbed Mt. Everest in record time. Helen spent her holidays on Crete. General historical references I'd like to have lived in Prehistoric Europe/Ancient Rome. Transport Zero article is used with by for general forms of transport. We went there by car. (Compare: We went there in a really old car.) Note that we say on foot. The Indefinite Article: a/an A/an refers to one thing, or to something indefinite or not described. I've got a brother and a sister. (not two) Tim works in a factory. (not described) Compare: Tim works in the factory down the road.

General descriptions An ocelot is a wild animal, similar to a leopard. Descriptions often use plurals. Ocelots are wild animals, similar to leopards. A/an are used when we describe the job or the character of a person. 46

Peter is a fool Mary is an engineer. The Definite Article: the The refers to something definite or described. We often use the when we refer to something already mentioned. We saw a good film last night. It was the new film by Berghini. Reference with of The film was about the love of a girl for her cat. Compare: Love is a wonderful thing! Other references The war between the two countries lasted for six weeks. Compare: War is a terrible thing. Unique objects and known references. Definite article the is used with objects which are unique. How many astronauts have landed on the moon? The is used when the context is known, and we understand what is meant. Where's the newspaper? Groups. Definite article the is used with nationalities and other groups. I really admire the Italians. Classes. Definite article the is used with adjectives to describe groups. The old, the sick and the unemployed need our special care. Other uses

Playing musical instruments: Do you play the guitar? Time: In the past/ In the future But: at present Superlatives: This is the biggest one. Fixed phrases: the sooner, the better Names of ships: We sailed on the Neptune. Rivers: The Amazon. the Danube Oceans: The Pacific. the Atlantic

PRACTICE 1. Put a/an or the in each space or leave the space blank (). 1. Is that _____ present Bill gave you for _____ Christmas? 2. We went by _____ train to _____ west of England. 3. _____ people who live in _____ are called _____ Dutch. 4. _____ judge sent me to prison for _____ ten years. 5. _____ Columbus was one of _____ first people to cross _____ Atlantic. 6. As _____ Captain of the ship, I have _____ complete authority. 7. David learned to play _____ violin when he was at _____ university. 8. _____Trafalgar Square is near _____ Charing Cross Station. 9. Did you read _____ book I lent you _____ last week? 10. Well put up _____ shelves and then go to _____ pub for _____ drink. 47

2. Choose the most suitable phrase underlined. 1. Is this a person/the person you told me about? 2. This is the only cinema/an only cinema in the area. 3. Philip has just bought the Thames barge/a Thames barge. 4. Here is a thousand/ the thousand pounds I owe you. 5. Are you going to church/the church on Sunday? 6. Do you have a milk jug/milk jug? 7. The Prime Minister/ Prime Minister will give a speech this afternoon. 8. The computer/Computer has already changed our lives dramatically. 9. I havent been to an open-air/ open-air theatre before. 10.Im going to the British Museum/British Museum this afternoon. 3. Put a/an or the in each space or leave the space blank (). 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. Neil Armstrong made _____first footprint on _____ moon. There was _____ accident yesterday at _____ corner of _____ street. I need _____ time to think about _____ offer you made me. _____ recipe for _____ success is _____ hard work. _____ people who live in _____ glass houses should not throw _____ stones. _____ worst part of _____ living in a caravan is _____ lack of space. _____ book you ordered _____ last week is now in _____ stock. _____ dancing is _____ more interesting activity that _____ reading. _____ people we meet on _____ holiday in _____ north of England sent us _____ postcard. 10. _____ little knowledge is _____ dangerous thing.

SKILLS FOCUS: SHORT ESSAY WRITING


Write a short essay (about 200 words) of the factors that have been or will be important for you in your choice of a job.

TRANSLATION
Translate the following text into Romanian: Nothing stops a conversation like the words, "I really love my job." It's not rude or controversial, and it doesn't violate any social norms. It is just a conversational rarity. Like "I despise baby bunny rabbits." Or, "I wish I had fewer handbags." It's just not seen as normal'. The sad fact is that while people may take jobs that they think they will get some satisfaction from, more often than not going to work becomes less about personal enjoyment and achievement, and increasingly about paying the bills. Some may have absolutely loved their well-paid job in the beginning, but now feel trapped 48

by the lifestyle commitments it has afforded, and would rather give it all up to go sell coconuts from a beach hut in Bali, if only there were free schooling and satellite TV included. Others know from the start that their new job is not one that is going to set their soul on fire, but what is the alternative?
http://www.albawaba.com/editorchoice/are-you-suffering-career-fatigue-391261

Translate the following sentences into English paying attention to the correct use of articles: 1. Cnd l-am cunoscut era nc student. 2. O oarecare domnioar Brown vrea s-i vorbeasc. 3. Mama mea a fost secretar, dar acum a devenit contabil. 4. Nu am putut discuta cu seful meu deoarece era grbit. 5. Ce pcat c nu putei participa la interviu. 6. Managerii ar trebui s fie consultai mai des atunci cnd acionarii iau decizii importante, 7. Nu tiu ct ctigi tu pe lun, dar acum ai avea prilejul s fii bogat. 8. Spre deosebire de Olanda, Marea Britanie nu a adoptat nc moneda euro.

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Unit 6: TYPES OF BUSINESS COMPANY STRUCTURE

OBJECTIVES This unit will help you: - understand different types of businesses, specific to the British economic system - distinguish between a memo and a letter - revise and practice language related to companies - write a short essay debating the importance of private companies for a countrys economy

LEAD IN
1. Try and answer the following questions:

1. Can you define a business company? Think of three examples of companies. 2. What are the characteristics of A/B/C company? Think of size, type, profile, products, number of employees etc. 3. What do Ltd. and plc, following the name of a company, mean? 4. What do you need in order to start a business? 5. If you invest money in a business, you are an ...? 6. Where can you raise capital for your company from? 2. Now read the following text and see if your answers were good: Businesses can be of several types. They can be owned and run by one person (a sole proprietor) or by two or more people, called partners. A partnership can be backed up by investors (also called backers), who invest money in the business. Partners who invest money in a business but do not own 5 it are called sleeping partners. Both sole proprietors and business partners have unlimited liability for debts to creditors. Sleeping partners can have either unlimited or limited liability for debts. Larger companies are owned by shareholders (people who own shares in a company), who have limited liability for debts. If someones shares amount to 10 over 50% of the business, they are called majority shareholders and have a controlling interest in the company. A basic requirement for any business to start and expand is to have a certain amount of capital. One way of raising the money is to borrow it from a bank. In order to grant a loan or an overdraft, a bank will request some security 15 (also called collateral). Capital can also be obtained from investments. If the money is borrowed, it is called loan capital. If it comes from investments, it is called share or equity capital. A company with a high proportion of loan capital is said to be highly geared, while a low gearing company has a high proportion of equity capital.

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3. In the text above, the phrase limited liability has been used. How many times? Which line/s? What do you think it means? 4. Do you know which of the organisations (enterprises) listed below are privately and which are publicly owned? Can you supply examples for some of these types of organisation? public limited liability company (plc) (unlimited) partnership public corporation mixed enterprise (limited) private company multinational company limited partnership local government departments sole proprietor central government departments

READING AND COMPREHENSION


1. The text that follows is about privately owned business organisations in Great Britain. Read the text and list information under the following headings.
Type of organisation Profit-and-loss responsibility Public availability of accounts Day-to-day management of business responsibility

Ownership

Finance

Examples

Sole traders

Partnership

Private limited company Public limited company

Private ownership 1. Sole traders These are businesses which are owned by a private person who uses its own money to run the business. Consequently, the sole trader is entitled to all the profits, but he must also bear any losses which are incurred. A sole trader has no legal obligation to make his accounts publicly available; and he is responsible for the day to day management of the business. Examples of sole traders are small shopkeepers, jobbing builders, plumbers and hairdressers. 2. Partnership These are unincorporated associations and the legal rules which govern them were established in the Partnership Act of 1890. The association or partnership does not have a separate existence from its members, the number of which ranges from 51

two to twenty. The partners provide the organisation, and the profits and losses will normally be shared in an agreed proportion depending on the individuals contribution to the partnership. The partners agree on the day-to-day running of the business: some members can be sleeping partners, in that they do not take part in the daily operations. Partners have unlimited liability: each partner is jointly liable with the other partners for any debts. Like sole traders, there is no obligation for the partners to publish their accounts. Well-known examples of partnership occur in the professions such as solicitors, accountants and estate agents. But partnerships can be formed by any group of people carrying on business with a view of making a profit; consequently, partnerships are found in all types of trade and business activity. 3. Private limited companies This type of organisation is a corporation incorporated by the Companies Act 1948-85. The number of members can range from two to fifty and they provide the financial resources for the undertaking. Membership of the company is restricted to private individuals: members of the general public cannot buy shares in a private limited company. The profits are distributed to the members as dividends on their shareholding. Losses are borne by the company. The day-to-day management of the company is carried out by a board of directors. Private limited companies are often local family businesses and are common in the building, retailing and clothing industries. 4. Public limited companies Public limited liability companies, despite their name, are the best known form of private company. They are corporations and obtain their share capital from members of the public. They are similar to private limited companies in that profits are distributed as dividends to shareholders and liability of members is restricted to their shareholdings. Any losses are borne by the company. Management of the company is conducted by a board of directors, who are responsible to the shareholders. Most industries include public limited companies and many of them, by developing a corporate image, have become household names: Barclays, RowntreeMackintosh, Tate & Lyle, EMI, Beecham, Ford and Courtaulds are public limited companies. Some public limited companies have developed into massive organisations such that a few private corporations are as large as some sovereign states. 5. Match each type of organisation with the type of economic activity it is engaged in: TYPE OF ORGANISATION 1. public limited liability company 2. public corporation 3. central government departments 4. partnership 5. (limited) private company 6. multinational company 7. local government WHAT THEY ARE ENGAGED IN a. personal services, e.g. hairdresser, painter, decorator b. administrative services to the public, nationwide c. large-scale organisations, e.g. construction, manufacturing d. services to local community e. key areas of economic activity; profitable for public concern f. personal services, small industrial commercial concerns g. large-scale organisations, variety of interest areas 52

departments 8. sole proprietor

activities h. medium-sized or small organisations, wholesalers, manufacturing, transport

building,

VOCABULARY DEVELOPMENT
1. Fill in the blanks with words from the box below: (a) sole trader/proprietorship (b) private limited company (c) partnerships (d) joint venture (e) multinational (f) holding (g) public limited company (h) subsidiary (i) franchise

1) A ... (Ltd. Co. / LLC) cannot offer its shares or debentures to the general public. Nor can shares be transferred between members without the consent of the other shareholders. 2) A ... or parent company owns more than half the share capital of another company which is known as a ... 3) A ... is a private individual who runs a one-man business. He/she takes all the profits but also all the risks. 4) A ... (MNC) is a business organization which owns or controls production or services outside the country in which it is based. 5) A ... (PLC) must have a minimum nominal share capital of 50,000. Shares can be freely bought and sold by members of the public. 6) There are different kinds of ... but they are all associations of two or more people sharing the risks and the profits in agreed proportions. 7) A ... is an agreement by which a company gives another company/ person (the franchisee) the right to sell goods or services using the franchiser's name in return for a royalty. 8) A ... consists in the pooling of resources of two or more companies in a common undertaking in which each partner contributes assets and shares risks. 2. Match the following terms with their correct explanations: (a) authorised capital (b) debentures (c) working capital (d) share capital (e) ordinary share (f) preference share (g) equity capital (h) dividend

1. The most common form of long term loan taken by a company. 2. A fixed unit of the share capital of a company. 3. The part of the share capital of a company owned by ordinary shareholders. 4. The total amount of capital a company is authorized to raise according to its articles of association. It is also called registered or nominal capital. 5. The part of the capital of a company that is employed in its day-to-day trading operations. 53

6. The part of the capital of a company that arises from the issue of shares. 7. A share in a company yielding a fixed interest rather than a variable dividend. 8. The distribution of part of the earnings of a company to its shareholders. 3. Put each of the following words in its correct place in the passage below: Industry (1) produce (5) natural resources (9) plants (2) shipyards (6) slump (10) import (3) products (7) economy (11) markets (4) export (8) boom

The health of a big, developed countrys (a) (7) depends largely on its industry. Factories have to keep busy. They must (b) __________ and sell their (c) __________ in large quantities. (d) __________ must make and sell ships, car (e) __________ must make and sell cars. A period of industrial success, when everything goes well and large profits are made is called a (f) __________. On the other hand, a period when there is not much industrial activity is called a (g) __________. To maintain a high level of production is not simple. For example, Japan, a very successful industrialised country, has very few (h) __________ such as oil or coal, and has to (i) __________ them from other countries in order to keep its industries going, and thus to supply needs at home and also to (j) __________ its goods to its overseas (k) __________. Agriculture (1) livestock (6) harvest (2) crops (7) irrigate (3) agricultural (8) self-sufficient (4) dams (9) fertile (5) fertilizers (10) farmers

A country which wishes to be (a) 8 in food will encourage its (b) __________ to produce as much as possible so that it will not be dependent on food imports. If there is not much rain, (c) __________ must be built on rivers to provide water to (d) __________ the land. If the land is not naturally rich, chemical (e) __________ must be used to make it (f) __________. Then (g) __________ (of wheat, rice etc) will grow, the (h) __________ will be good, and in addition the (i) __________ (cattle, sheep etc) will have grass to eat. If this does not happen, the (j) __________ sector of the countrys economy will suffer and the country will have to import food from abroad. 4. The following phrases are from a letter and a memo. They are all mixed up. Put them in the correct order. 1) I have asked the Secretarial Supervisor to come and speak to you and she may wish to arrange a later demonstration for her staff. 2) Please ring my secretary to arrange a time to meet the Sales Manager. A later demonstration can be arranged for members of your staff to see it.

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3) From: Vicenta Enjuanes, Purchasing Manager 5) Subject: Demonstration of word processor 7) We would be pleased to have you with us on the 3 of April as you suggest. 9) The Sales Manager of Smart Offices Ltd will visit the firm on 3 April to demonstrate the AX3000 word processor which I am sure you will be interested in seeing. 11) I look forward to meeting you. memo 6

4) Dear Ms Devereux,

6) To: Secretarial Supervisor 8) Thank you for your letter of 12 March offering to come to our firm to demonstrate the AX3000 word processor.

10) Yours sincerely, Vicenta Enjuanes, Purchasing Manager

12) V.E. letter

LANGUAGE FOCUS: Expressing Condition


Revision TYPE 0 IF CLAUSE Present Tense Simple If you press this button
Dac apei pe buton

MAIN CLAUSE Present Tense Simple the machine starts. maina pornete. Future (will + Infinitive) we will be late. vom ntrzia. Present Conditional
(would + Infinitive)

VALUE - true, real

Present Tense Simple 1 If we walk so slowly,


Dac vom merge aa de ncet

-possible, achievable

Past Tense Simple 2 If I had a helicopter


Dac a avea un elicopter

I would fly to school.


m-a duce cu el la coal..

- imaginary, hypothetical

Past Perfect Simple 3

Past Conditional
(would + have + Past Participle)

If I had left home earlier


Dac a fi plecat de acas mai devreme,

I would not have lost the plane. nu a fi pierdut avionul. 55

- impossible condition, past hypothetical

Practice 1. Choose the correct word or phrase underlined in each pair. 1. If were / we would be late for class, our teacher will be / was angry. 2. If we lived / would live on another planet, wed see / we will see the Earth in the sky. 3. If we take / will take a taxi, well arrive / we arrived sooner. 4. If we dont hurry / wont hurry, well be / we would be late. 5. If we were / are birds, we would be able to / are able to fly. 6. If you dont wear / wouldnt wear your pull over, youll feel / you felt cold. 7. If I studied /will study harder, I would get / get better marks. 8. If I had / have a motorbike, Id ride / I rode it to school. 9. If you lend / will lend me your bike, Ill let / I let you borrow my skateboard. 10. If I had / would have lots of money, Id give / I gave some to all my friends. 2. Complete each sentence a) to j) with an ending from 1) to 10). a) b) c) d) e) f) g) h) i) j) If you play the music too loud, 8 If the North Pole melted, If we dont have enough ice-cream, If I found someones wallet, If a burglar broke into this house, If my train isnt late, If you were famous, If my father lends me the money, If you took more exercise, If you tell me what you want, 1. the alarm would go off. 2. Ill buy a new bike. 3. Ill be in Paris a t 6.00. 4. you wouldnt see me anymore. 5. you would feel better. 6. the water would flood many cities. 7. Ill buy it for you. 8. youll wake up the neighbours. 9. well get some more. 10. Id take it to the police station.

3. Choose the correct word or phrase underlined in each sentence. 1. If you phoned / had phoned me yesterday, I had given / would have given you the news. 2. If you took / would have taken more exercise, you might feel / had felt better. 3. If Tim drove / had driven more carefully, he wouldnt have crashed / didnt crash. 4. If you had come / came to see the film, you would have enjoyed / had enjoyed it. 5. If Id known / I would know it was your birthday, I would send / would have sent you a card. 6. If people helped / had helped one another more often, the world might be / was a better place. 7. If your team had scored / scored more goals, it had won / could have won. 8. If you would have worn / wore a coat, you wouldnt get / didnt get wet. 4. Choose the most suitable tense. 1. If the machine stops / will stop, you press / will press this button.

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2. I cant understand what he sees in her! If anyone treats / will treat / treated me like that, I am / will be / would be extremely angry! 3. If you help me / helped me with this exercise, I will do / would do the same for you one day. 4. According to the timetable, if the train leaves / left on time, we will / would arrive at 5.30. 5. If it is / it will be fine tomorrow, we go / will go to the coast. 6. If we find / found a taxi, we will get / would get there before the play starts. 7. Its quite simple really. If you take / will take / took these tablets every day, then you lose / will lose / lost / would lose weight. 8. I dont like this flat. I think I am / I will be Id be happier if I live / will live / would live in a house in the country. 9. I dont know how to play basketball, but Im sure that if I will / do / did, I play / will play / would play a lot better than anyone in this awful team! 10.If I phone / will phone / phoned you tonight, are you / will you be / would you be in? 5. Choose the most suitable tense. 1. Why didnt you tell me? If you told / had told me, I had helped / would have helped you. 2. If Bill didnt steal / hadnt stolen the car, he wasnt / wouldnt be / hadnt be in prison now. 3. If Ann wasnt driving / didnt drive / hadnt driven so fast, her car didnt crash / wouldnt crash / wouldnt have crashed into a tree. 4. Let me give you some advice. If you smoked / would smoke / had smoked less, you didnt feel / wouldnt feel / wouldnt have felt so tired. 5. What bad luck! If Alan didnt fall / hadnt fallen / wouldnt fall over, he won / would win / would have won the race. 6. If you invited / had invited me last week, I was able / had been able / would have been able to come. 7. Im sure your letter hasnt arrived yet. If it came / had come Im sure I noticed / had noticed / would have noticed it. 8. We have a suggestion to make. How do you feel / would you feel if we offered / would offer / had offered you the job of assistant manager? 9. If you lent / had lent us the money, we paid / would pay / had paid you back next week. 10.Terry never catches anything when he goes fishing. And if he catches / caught / had caught a fish, he throws / would throw it back.

SKILLS FOCUS: SHORT ESSAY WRITING


Not so long ago (before 1989), in our country there were no private companies. Do you think it was good or bad? Justify your answer. (10 15 lines)

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TRANSLATION
Translate the following text into Romanian: Business Corporation Of all types of companies, the business corporation is the most complex type. Whenever a business corporation is incorporated or registered with the government, a new separate entity is created. This is distinct from the owners and therefore irrespective of the personal financial condition of all shareholders, the organization continues to function until dissolved. The shareholders, or owners, decide and elect directors who form necessary policies and rules for the proper functioning of the organization. Various managers and officers are appointed by these directors who actually control the daily on goings of the organization. There are numerous legal formalities like approvals and meetings which need to be adhered to by corporations. There are basically 4 types of business corporations - General Corporation, Close Corporation, S Corporation and Non-profit corporation. With basics remaining same, there are a few differences in terms of number of share holders and profit sharing polices, which separate them from each other.
http://www.buzzle.com/articles/types-of-companies.html

Translate the following sentences into English paying attention to the use of conditionals: 1. Dac i vei face datoria, vor fi mulumii. 2. Dac ne-am fi oprit acolo, am fi ajuns napoi foarte trziu. 3. Nu ar fi fost concediat, dac ceilali angajai l-ar fi susinut. 4. Dac l vei ntreba ce nseamn pentru el s fie patron, nu i va da un rspuns prompt. 5. Dac ai lua un revist economic, ai gsi probabil un numr de cuvinte pe care nu le nelegi. 6. Dac din ntmplare nu voi veni la timp, nu m atepta. 7. Dac a fi n locul tu, a face orice mi-ar spune. 8. Dac a fi fost att de obosit, mi-a fi luat cteva zile de concediu. 9. n caz c m-ar fi cutat, secretara i-ar fi comunicat c nu sunt la birou. 10. S fi tiut ce m ateapt, nu m-a fi angajat acolo.

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Unit 7: STARTING A BUSINESS

OBJECTIVES This unit will help you: - understand text organisation - distinguish between various types of managers - revise and practice language related to business - write an informal letter

LEAD IN
1. Thinking of starting a business? First take a clear-headed look at yourself to see if you have got what it takes. Try and answer the following questions: What qualities and skills would you need in a business venture? What kind of difficult situations would there be? 2. Read the following Self-Analysis Questionnaire (Parts A and B). Answer the questionnaire individually. Mark (tick), (cross) or ? (dont know) to give a true picture of your entrepreneurial strengths and weaknesses. Compare the results with the answers given for the questions in exercise 1. A. Personal Characteristics Yes ()/ No ()/ I dont know (?) 1. Can you lead and motivate people? 2. Do you like to make your own decisions? 3. Do people ask you for help in making decisions? 4. Do you enjoy competition? 5. Do you have willpower and self discipline? 6. Can you plan ahead? 7. Do you like people? 8. Do you get along well with others? 9. Do you enjoy taking risks? 10. Do you strongly believe that your future and success depend on you and your abilities? B. Personal Strains 11. Are you willing to work up to 16 hours a day, six or seven days a week? 12. Do you have the physical stamina to handle the workload and schedule? 13. Do you have the emotional strength to withstand the strain? 14. Are you prepared to temporarily lower your living standard until your business is firmly established? 15. Is your family prepared to go along with the strains they, too, must bear? 16. Are you prepared to lose your savings?

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Discuss and compare results in groups, then with the entire class. The more YES-es ticked, the more successful youll be in starting your business.

READING AND COMPREHENSION


1. Read the following text and list the steps that one should take when starting a business: Nearly every person who makes the decision to start a business is an entrepreneur because he or she is willing to take a risk. Usually people decide to start a business to gain profits and to do something on their own or to be their own boss. Entrepreneurs then gather the factors of production and decide on the form of business organization that best suits their purposes. Anyone hoping to become an entrepreneur must also learn as much as possible about the business he or she plans to start. This process includes learning about the laws, regulations, and tax codes that will apply to the business. Elements of Business Operation To start a business, you must make potential customers aware that your services are available for a price. You could have one-page fliers printed to advertise your business and pass them out. You could also buy advertising space in the local newspaper. Every business, regardless of size, involves four elements: expenses, advertising, receipts and record keeping, and risk. Expenses If you own a painting business, you will need to purchase brushes and paint. As your business grows, you might invest in paint sprayers so that you can complete jobs faster. This new equipment would add to your income, but will probably take more money capital than you have on hand. Advertising You will quickly find out that letting potential customers know that you are in business is costly. Once you have customers, however, information about your business will spread by word of mouth. Receipts and Record Keeping No matter how small your business is, having a system to track your expenses and income is key to your success. All receipts should be safely filed and saved. Risk Every business involves risks. You must balance the risks against the advantages of being in business for yourself - including profit versus loss. Depending on the kinds of jobs you do, you will need equipment and replacement parts. At first, you might buy parts as you need them for a particular job: In time, you will find it easier to have an inventory. An inventory is a supply of whatever items are used in a business. Probably one of the first things you want to do, if you have not already done so, is buy a computer. With the computer, you also should purchase the programs that will allow you to keep track of all your expenses and all your receipts. Many such programs exist and are relatively inexpensive. Programs write checks for you, calculate your monthly profit and loss, tell you the 60

10

15

20

25

30

35

40

difference between what you own and what you owe (called net worth), and so on. As an entrepreneur, you are taking many risks, but the profit you expect to 45 make is your incentive for taking those risks. For example, if you spend part of your savings to pay for advertising and equipment, you are taking a risk. You may not get enough business to cover these costs. Whenever you buy a special part for a job, you are taking a risk. Suppose you do the work and your customer never pays you. You are even taking a risk 50 with the time you spend. You are using time to think about what you will do, to write ads, to set up the bookkeeping, and so on. This time is an opportunity cost. You could have used it to do something else, including work for someone for a wage. If you work for someone else, you take only the risk of not being paid, which is usually small. As an entrepreneur your risks are great, but so are the 55 potential rewards. 2. Using words from the text that you have already read, try and fill in the following summary: People who want to start their own businesses are regarded as (1) _____________. The first step in starting a new business is to (2) _____________. Along with the desire to be one's own boss, most people are motivated by the hope of gaining (3) _____________ from the business. The second step involves gathering the (4) _____________ and then choosing the most suitable form of (5) _____________. New business owners must learn all they can about the laws, regulations, and tax codes that apply to their operation. Every business involves four elements. Through (6) _____________, owners let others know about the business and the services offered. Once customers know a business, information spreads by (7) _____________. As the business grows, there will be more (8) _____________ incurred for supplies, raw materials, equipment, and so on. In time, an owner will want to have an (9) _____________ of replacement parts to make the business more efficient. State and federal tax laws require that an owner keep (10) _____________ for every expenditure. (11) _____________ will enable an owner to keep track of all transactions related to the business. Together with specialized software, a computer can help maintain business files. Finally, an entrepreneur needs to be aware of the (12) _____________ of starting a business and balance them against the potential (13) _____________.

VOCABULARY DEVELOPMENT
1. Match the words on the left with their definitions on the right. The first match has been done for you. 1. business (h) 2. a business 3. employer a. a person who works for an organisation b. an inventory of goods and components c. income 61

4. entrepreneurship 5. employee

6. stock 7. turnover 8. revenue 9. fixed assets 10. working capital

11. cash flow 12. asset 13. liability 14. premises 15. sole proprietorship

d. difference between current assets and current liabilities e. property and possessions owned by an individual or business, which has a money value and can be set against debts etc. f. financial obligation; (pl) debts for which one is liable g. willingness to assume the risks of a business venture h. commercial activity or occupation i. person or company that pays people to do work j. a supply of cash needed by a business to meet its regular expenses; movement of money in and out of a business k. property owned by a firm and meant to be used over a long period of time l. total value of goods sold over a certain period m. a building which is used to produce a good or provide a service n. one-owner business o. a firm

2. Choose the correct word or phrase underlined in each sentence: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. Dora earns / gains / wins more money in her job than I do. The factory workers asked for a rise in their income / reward / wages. Paul borrowed / lent / loaned some money from me but didnt pay it back. Im sorry, but we dont accept credit cards, only cash / coins / money. Is it all right if I pay with credit card / by credit card / from credit card? We dont exchange goods unless you still have the bill / cheque / receipt. Im afraid Ive got only a $50 note. Do you have change / money / rest? I still debt / owe / own the bank more than $5000.

3. Use the words in the box to fill in the text: (a) adequate (d) strategies (b) low price (e) issue (c) failing (f) successful

You should set realistic objectives for your business and develop appropriate (1) d to achieve them. These objectives must be compatible with your personal ambitions and values. Most (2) __________ strategies tend to be simple and concentrate on the businesss strengths while building an (3) __________ defence against its weaknesses. An over-elaborate strategy which prevents management form concentrating on the key issues is a common (4) __________. So too is failing to define the true nature of your business and its markets. For example, does a manufacturer of home computers serve the market for personal computers or that for executive toys? Price strategy will be a key (5) __________ for the new business. It is surprising how often new companies underprice their products. It is generally unwise to choose a strategy involving high volumes of (6) __________ products. In addition to the manufacturing and distribution problems which could arise, you will be vulnerable to attack from an established competitor by sustained price cutting.

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4. Fill in the missing words in the letters below. Choose from the following: (a) appreciate (f) faithfully (k) Regarding Dear Ms. Chan, Thank you for your letter of 24 April, (1) (c)the exhibition in Berlin in August. We are (2) __________ to hear that your company will be taking part and that you will address the opening conference. (3) __________ the conference, we would (4) __________ it if you could send us details of all the delegates so that we can prepare security passes. We would also (5) __________ you to let us have details of equipment you need for your presentation. We look forward to (6) __________ your reply. Yours (7) __________, Jan Mayer Dear Sir/ Madam, Your company has been recommended to us by a business associate and I am (8) __________ to enquire about your translation services. My company has recently entered the export market and we need advertising material translated into Chinese, Russian and Turkish. We would be (9) __________ if you could send us your prices and terms of payment. We look forward to (10) __________ from you. Yours (11) __________, Jose Garcia Dear Mr Dupin, I was very (12) __________ to hear about your problems with the new super vacuum. I have investigated the compliant and I (13) __________ to tell you that the problem is the result of faulty operation. I (14) __________ a copy of the inspectors report with this letter. If you require us to repair the machine, (15) __________ contact me at the number above. Yours sincerely, Tim Brody (b) ask (g) grateful (l) regret (c) concerning (d) delighted (h) hearing (i) please (m) sincerely (n) sorry (e) enclose (j) receiving (o) writing

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LANGUAGE FOCUS: Noun Combinations


Revision 1. We use s to express a relationship between a person or an organization and another person or thing. Mr Blakes secretary BAs employees her husbands car Volvos reputation When two nouns are used together, the first noun functions as an adjective and describes the second noun. a business card a job description an office complex a travel agency 2. Sometimes three or more nouns occur together. a company credit card (a credit card issued by a company) a management training programme (a training programme designed for management) 3. Two nouns are joined by of when the ideas are more abstract the cost of living independence of mind the joy of working and lifelong learning 4. Some compound nouns are written as one word. database answerphone letterhead headquarters 5. When compound nouns are used with a number in expressions of measurement, the first noun is singular. a six-lane motorway a four-day week

Practice: 1. Find noun combinations in the text from READING COMPREHENSION. Write them under the following four headings: s possessive one noun used as adjective phrases of with AND

compound nouns forming one word

2. Change the following phrases into noun combinations: a) b) c) d) a job with a salary of a hundred thousand pounds a research project costing five million dollars a takeover bid worth two million pounds a meeting which lasts 45 minutes

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3. Match the nouns in each box below to make common noun combinations. You may want to use some of the nouns in the second box more than once. For example: business consultant block consultant business department drive equipment management gurus hours leaders office staff talk tax sales teams trip 4. Choose the correct or the best phrase in each group. 1. a) the secretary of Mr Lorenzo b) Mr Lorenzos secretary c) Mr Lorenzo secretary 2. a) our company future b) our companies future c) our companys future 3. a) last years results b) last year results c) the results of last year 4. a) our sales target b) our sale target c) our target of sales 5. a) last month board meeting b) last months board meeting c) board meeting of last month 6. a) a personnels policy b) a policy of personnel c) a personnel policy 7. a) a salary increase b) an increase of salary c) a salaries increase 8. a) a contract breach b) a contracts breach c) a breach of contract 9. a) unemployment figures b) figures of unemployment c) unemployments figures

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SKILLS FOCUS: INFORMAL LETTER WRITING


Imagine that you have just started up a business. Write a letter to a friend and describe him/her the steps you have taken. (10 15 lines) Pay attention to the style you use it is an informal letter!

TRANSLATION
1. Translate the following text into Romanian. India is becoming an easier place to do business and starting a business, according to a World Bank report doing business 2011, but only incrementally. The country climbed one place in the global rankings to become the 134th easiest place to do business globally, far behind China which was placed at 79th position in the same rankings. An entrepreneur starting out in India needs to go through 12 procedures, all of which can take up to 29 days complete. So it comes as no surprise then that only 10 per cent of alumnae from the Indian Institute of Management - Ahmedabad, the countrys top business school, have taken to starting their own businesses. Entrepreneurs in India find it easier to establish themselves in services than manufacturing. We are not doing enough to encourage entrepreneurs, setting up is not easy. Regulations need to be simplified for entrepreneurs, Pankaj Chandra, Director of the Indian Institute of Management Bangalore told Financial Times. But while the business environment remains difficult for start-ups, it is getting better. http://blogs.ft.com/beyond-brics/2011/06/03/india-where-are-theentrepreneurs/#ixzz1XM8QwDz0 2. Translate the following text into English. Nu eti mulumit cu locul tu de munc actual, i urti seful, crezi c ai putea face mai mult sau pur i simplu ai nevoie de o suplimentare a veniturilor pentru a-i dezvolta un stil de via mai bun, ca i ali mii de oameni n fiecare zi, s-ar putea s fii printre cei care se gndesc la pornirea unei afaceri. Problema este ca cei mai muli oameni doar se gndesc la acest lucru in loc s ntreprind ceva in acest sens. n condiiile actuale de criz financiar, recesiune economic, concedieri si disponibilizri colective, poate nceperea unei afaceri ar putea reprezenta o soluie. tiu c poate suna a clieu c n orice criz este o oportunitate, dar eu cred c n fiecare om exist un izvor de inspiraie. Persoanele care au reuit in via sunt de fapt cei care au transformat decizia de a-i schimba viaa n realitate, acionnd n acest sens.
http://bizcafe.ro/articole/nu-te-gandi-sa-incepi-o-afacere-fa-o.html

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