Vocabulary tasks

A Synonyms

1. The writer uses the phrase “trailing spouse” to describe the wife or husband of an expatriate executive. What other phrase is used in the article with the same meaning?

2. The text also refers to “overseas postings” (line 5).

1. Find three other words in the article with a similar meaning to 'posting'

2. Find two other words in the article that could replace the word 'overseas' in that phrase.

B Words that seem similar

1. The words “cite” (line 29) and “site” (line 38) are pronounced in the same way but have completely different meanings. Match these definitions to the two words.

1. mention or quote something

2. put a building in a particular location

2. The money Shell spends on giving advice to expatriate couples at its spouse employment centre is very cost efficient (line 25). A similar expression is cost effective, but it has a slightly different meaning. Which of the following definitions fits the word efficient and which fits the word effective.

1. producing the result that was wanted or intended

2. working well without wasting time, money or energy

C Word search

Find a word or phrase in the text that has a similar meaning.

1. available employees from which you can select the ones you want (para 2)

…pool of potential emploees…

2. going abroad to work for your company (para 2)

o………………… p…………………

3. emphasise or stress an idea (para 2)

u…………………

4. reject an offer of a job (para 2)

t………………… d…………………

5. in all parts of the world (para 3)

w…………………

6. pay money back to someone after they have spent their own money (paragraph 3)

r…………………

7. giving financial support (para 4)

f…………………

8. try to prevent something (para 5)

t………………… p………………… a…………………

9. bring an executive back from an overseas posting, usually because of a problem (para 5)

r…………………

10. something that makes it difficult to do something (para 7)

o…………………

11. show you have strength and may use it to get what you want (para 8)

f………………… your m…………………

12. try to persuade the government to do something or to change a policy (para 8)

l…………………

D Complete the sentence

Use an appropriate word or phrase from Exercise C to complete each sentence.

1. At the end of every month companies usually …reimburse… employees for travel expenses.

2. Some people welcome an ………………… because they learn more about the world.

3. In most democracies, companies and large interest groups ………………… Members of Parliament to try to influence government policy.

4. In tropical countries it is important to ………………… diseases such as malaria or yellow fever.

5. Most large multinationals operate on a ………………… scale, with activities in almost every country.

6. Most urban transport projects such as metro systems or light railways receive ………………… from central government.

7. We had to ………………… ten international managers last year due to family problems.

8. Lack of confidence can be a big ………………… to success in most careers.

Unit 18. Returning home