1. The Changing Shape of British Industry

Since the beginning of the 20th century, there has been a big change in the shape of British industry. Until fairly recent times, the principal British exports were coal, ships and textiles. The mining, shipbuilding and textile districts of the north had some of the worst working and living conditions in the country.

The output of coal has dropped. Similarly, the demand for coal at home and abroad has also dropped, so coal is no longer a major export. Oil has taken its place as a fuel for many purposes. The British shipbuilding industry has had to face stiff competition from overseas yards especially in Japan. And the textile industry has also suffered-partly because demand for British textiles has dropped and partly because man-made synthetic fibres have appeared.

On the other hand, the British exports of machinery, oil by-products and chemicals, vehicles and electrical goods have increased, so the shape of industry has changed. These new industries have tended to grow up in the midlands or the south. Consequently, people have moved into these districts and today over a quarter of the population of Britain lives in the London area. People have even begun to talk of the ‘Two Nations’ the prosperious south and the depressed north.

The new level of production based on the new technology demands computerized planning, socialized capital investments, a planned socialized system of distribution, a plan that synchronizes production and human needs, a world-wide division of labour, a plan creating abundance while protecting the environment.

2. At the Moscow Fair (Business Interview)

(Mr. Smith, an English visitor to the Fair, approaches

Mr. Petrov, the information officer at the cars stand)

Mr. Smith: Do you speak English?

Mr. Petrov: Yes, I do. How can I help you?

Mr. Smith: I represent an English firm of importers dealing in case. I’d like to know which items displayed here are available at short notice.

Mr. Petrov: What are you particularly interested in, sir? As you can see, there’s quite a choice of cars here. And delivery time varies according to the model and quality required.

Mr. Smith: I see. Well, I can’t single out any model at the moment. I just want to get the general outline of your delivery dates. I must be sure if I order them I can get them to my customer before the market is flooded by more fashionable and attractive models.

Mr. Petrov: I take your point. After receiving your order, we can deliver any model either at once, or within three to four months. For the delivery dates of the particular model, I’ll give you a copy of this illustrated catalogue with the price-list. The models marked in red are available for immediate delivery.

Mr. Smith: Thank you. I’ll take the catalogue with me and come back when I’ve looked through it.

Mr. Petrov: Certainly. I’m sure you’ll find some items of interest in it. And I’ll be very pleased to help you.

Mr. Smith: Thank you. See you later, then.

Mr. Petrov: Good-bye, Mr. Smith.

1. Choose the interrogative word to the marked words.

I represent an English firm of importers dealing in car. I can’t single out any model at the moment. After receiving your order, we can deliver any model. He speaks English very well. I’ll take several catalogues with me. I’m sure you’ll find some items of interest in the catalogue.

who what where when how how many

2. Choose correct answers to the following questions:

What is your name, please? Which firm do you represent? What is the purpose of your visit, sir? Are there any chances of extending our mutual contracts? Shall I give you the copy of this catalogue? Could you tell me which items are displayed at the fair? What items, listed in this catalogue are available for immediate delivery? Could you give me some information about the delivery time? When are you leaving?

I have come to tell you about our latest products. Here is my card. Tomorrow morning. Certainly, we could do more business with each other. There is a choice of cars here. The models are marked in red. Yes, please. I’ll look it through. An English firm of importers dealing in cars. We can deliver any model either at once or within three or four months.