2. Letter writing:

Asking for information on a company

Your Role: You work for Light Imports, a company in the electrical light trade. You are given this advert by your boss and asked to write a letter to Luxor International.

Points to note:

1. Tell them your company works in the electrical light trade

2. Explain that your company is interested in knowing more about their company

3. Say you are looking for a partner in Sweden

4. Explain that you read their ad in a trade journal

Luxor International AB is an international group whose operations are focused on electrical lighting applications. For information on the company and for a complimentary brochure outlining our world-wide activities and product range write to: Luxor International AB, Marketing Communications, Lighting Division, PO Box 673, Jonkoping, Sweden.

V. SPEAKING

1. 00The Paul Reichmann story.

Listen to the story of one of the greatest property developers- Paul Reichmann and his company, Olympia &York. Speak about Reichmann’s career and his company.

2. How do you compare with the competition?

Student A is looking for a job and ask student B about competition. Student B is fortunate, because Minitex’s main competitor, Cassandra, is in difficulty, and s/he can compare the two companies with confidence.

Contrasts (comparisons which concentrate on the differences between two things) are made using whereas or while. Example Minitex is taking on more staff whereas/while Cassandra is declaring redundancies.

Now, contrast the fortunes of the two companies, using the information below.

MINITEX

• is taking on more staff

• is enjoying steady growth

• is making profits

• is in credit and has no liquidity problems

• has an increased market share

• is launching new products

• enjoys high productivity

• has a capital investment programme

• has good workforce morale

• is highly competitive

• seems a sound and reliable investment

• has a secure future.

CASSANDRA

• is declaring redundancies

• has a falling turnover

• is making heavy losses

• has an overdraft and cash-flow problems

• has a reduced market share

• has a limited product range

• is inefficient in production

• cannot afford new investment

• suffers from industrial unrest

• is no longer competitive

• seems a high-risk investment

• may soon: collapse

• go bankrupt

• fold up

• be wound up

3. Speak about a British/ American/ Russian company (its foundation, structure, business activities, main markets etc.)

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