11) Чтобы разместить заказ

Алло, не могли бы Вы соединить меня с г-ном Филлипсом?

Соединила. Говорите, пожалуйста.

Доброе утро, г-н Филлипс.

Это г-н Павлов? Доброе утро.

Мы бы хотели разместить еще один заказ у вашей фирмы на запчасти для оборудования, поставленного Вами в 1-м квартале прошлого года.

Хорошо. Когда они Вам нужны?

Не могли бы Вы поставить их, скажем, в ноябре этого года?

Я полагаю, это возможно.

Смею надеяться, что запчасти будут поставлены по тем же ценам, что и раньше.

Это будет зависеть от заказанного количества.

Нет проблем. Нам нужно большое количество.

Тогда все в порядке.

Мы вышлем Вам на подпись письмо с подтверждением этой сделки и с приложением 2х экземпляров оформленного заказа со всеми данными.

Спасибо. Мы сразу же примем меры, чтобы выполнить Ваш заказ в нужный срок. До свидания!

До свидания!

12) Чтобы получить информацию

Алло, можно поговорить с г-ном Роджерсом?

Да, говорите, пожалуйста.

Это г-н Рогов. Доброе утро, г-н Роджерс.

Доброе утро! Что-нибудь случилось?

Нет, я просто хочу, чтобы Вы сказали мне, как выполняется наш заказ.

Ну, мы можем отгрузить первую партию товара досрочно. Это Вас устраивает?

Да, отлично.

Что касается второй партии, боюсь, она будет отправлена с небольшим опозданием.

На сколько дней?

Всего на пару дней.

Если это только на день-два – ничего страшного. Но не больше того.

Я обещаю, что вторая партия будет поставлена максимум с двухдневным отставанием от графика.

Очень хорошо. До свидания!

До свидания!

13) Чтобы подтвердить информацию

Г-н Грин слушает. Доброе утро, г-н Попов.

Доброе утро. Я бы хотел подтвердить, что наши инспектора прибывают в Лондон завтра. И Вы можете ожидать их на заводе в понедельник утром.

Прекрасно. Мы все подготовим. Еще что-нибудь?

Нет, до свидания!

До свидания!

14) О форс-мажорном обстоятельстве

Это г-н Рогов?

Слушаю. Добрый день, г-н Грин.

Добрый день. Вы, вероятно, знаете, что докеры порта Гуля бастуют, а все заказанное Вами оборудование доставлено на прошлой неделе в Гуль для погрузки на Ваше судно. Что же нам делать в таких обстоятельствах?

Это очень плохо. И наше судно к настоящему времени уже в порту.

Да, я в курсе.

Я полагаю, нам нужно подождать и посмотреть. Тем временем я постараюсь выяснить возможности со своей стороны, а Вы – со своей. После давайте свяжемся еще раз. А пока до свидания!

До свидания!

15) О задержке в отгрузке

Добрый день, г-н Павлов.

Добрый день, г-н Смит. Чем могу быть Вам полезен?

Боюсь у нас плохие для Вас новости. К сожалению, отгрузка первой машины задерживается.

Да? А что случилось?

У нас на заводе серьезная авария, которую не удастся ликвидировать до конца месяца.

Это очень плохо. Вам известно, что контрактом предусматривается, что продавец в случае задержки поставки должен уплатить штраф.

Да, нам это известно, но при сложившихся обстоятельствах мы ничего не можем сделать и приносим свои извинения за причиненные неудобства. До свидания!

До свидания! Надеюсь, Вы в скором времени свяжитесь со мной.

DISCUSSION

Task 1. Read the text and discuss the questions that follow.

The advantages of the telephone are obvious to everybody. It is so comfortable to have a telephone at your disposal at any time and how annoying it is not to be on the phone!

But although the telephone is extremely efficient, it can sometimes make you angry. Sometimes your telephone starts making funny little noises to itself. You pick up the receiver and there is no answer. Then you may have to listen to other people’s conversations. Every time you try to ring up a friend or a business partner, somebody else is talking and if you dare to say, “Excuse me, I…” an angry voice will say, “How dare you interrupt! Who are you? Will you please get off the line!” The telephone may awake you unnecessarily in the middle of the night. You begin to lose both your sleep and your manners. You ask nervously, “Who is it? What do you want?”, and hang up before they have time to reply. But your biggest shock is when the bill comes and you find that your phone has not only been talking to itself, but charging you for it.

1. Has your phone ever made you feel uneasy? Which way?

2. What do you usually undertake when your phone irritates you?

3. Would you be able to manage without a phone? How long?

Task 2. The telephone is very much an essential part of business life. But it brings with it not only certain advantages but also certain disadvantages. Compile your list of the two sides of the coin, then present it to the group. Discuss the lists presented.

Task 3. Imagine that you work for an international firm and that you need to appoint a new telephonist (switchboard operator) as your present one is leaving soon.

1. What qualities are you looking for in such a person?

2. What skills should such a person possess?

3. What kind of training does such a person require?

Task 4. ROLE PLAY. Work in pairs. Agree which of you is Student A and which is Student B. Then read your tasks, sit back to back and Student A should now “ring” Student B.

1)

A: You are Lesley Acheson from Sydney, Australia. You met Miss Kim Young Sim from Seoul Food Trading in Australia and said you would call her. Ring Seoul Food Trading and ask to speak to her.

B: You are the operator at Seoul Food Trading. The person the caller wants to speak to is on holiday. Take the caller’s name and any message.

2)

A: You are Reginald Johnson, manager of Spices Restaurant, Seoul. Ring Miss Kim Young Sim from Seoul Food Trading. You would like to have your order one week earlier than agreed.

B: You are Miss Kim Young Sim at Seoul Food Trading. You think it will be possible to make the change the caller wants. Get the reference number and say you will ring back.

3)

A: You are interested in importing fresh pineapples from the Philippines. Contact their Fruit Export Council agent in London and find out the name and the address of the best person to contact.

B: You are a London agent of the Philippine Fruit Export Council. The Marketing Manager for the Pineapple Division at the Council headquarters (2336 Roxas Boulevard, Pasay City, Metro Manila, Philippines) is Mr. Emilio Ribano.

4)

A: You are William Tegetmeier of Megadecorations Inc. Call Susan Chan in Hong Kong on her home phone number – 75 48 25. You would like her to confirm that she can meet you at 10 a.m. on Monday 14 May in your office.

B: You don’t know the person the caller wants to speak to. Has he got the right number? Your number is 75 40 25.

5)

A: Try the same call as in point 4.

B: You are Peter Chan. Your wife is away on business in Tokyo for three days. Find out what the caller wants. You think the arrangement is OK, but tell the caller that you will get your wife to ring him when she gets back.

6)

A: You are Philip Brown. You have an interesting business idea that you want to discuss with Bruno Lampard (a friend of yours gave you his name). Ring him to arrange a meeting as early as possible next week. You’d like to take him out for lunch and then talk for an hour or so.

B: You are Bruno Lampard. You are busy all week except on Thursday from 11.45 a.m.

7)

A: Ring Global Travel and book a flight from London to Turin. You can decide on the date when you want to travel. You want the cheapest possible flight and you want to arrive in time for lunch. Your name is Eastholm.

B: You work for Global Travel. There are flights from London to Turin at 9.30 (arr. 11.40, British Airways, BA 552, Ј175) and at 12.00 (arr. 14.15, Alitalia, AL 791, Ј145 special price).

8)

A: You are meeting some important guests and would like to take them out to dinner. Ring the Grand Palace Restaurant and book a table for four people at 8 p.m. today.

B: You work at the Grand Palace Restaurant. The restaurant is fully booked today between 7 and 10 p.m. If you cannot help the caller, recommend the Minerva Restaurant. It belongs to the same restaurant group and has approximately the same standard and prices. Its phone number is 791 8181 and the address is 17, York Street.

9)

A: Make a call to the restaurant that has been recommended to you in point 8.

B: You work at the Minerva Restaurant. Accept the caller’s reservation, get his/her name and make sure he/she knows where the restaurant is.

10)

A: Use your name. You need a hotel room in Bergen, Norway, for five nights from 17 January. Your company pays you NOK (Norwegian Crowns) 2,000 per day for hotel accommodation. If the difference in price is not too great, you’d like your wife/husband to accompany you. Ring the Sola Beach Hotel. A friend has recommended it.

B: You work at the Sola Beach Hotel, Bergen, Norway. Your room rates are NOK (Norwegian Crowns) 1,950 single and 2,375 double, including breakfast. The hotel is not full in mid-January.

VOCABULARY

a press-button telephonea mobile phone/a self phonea payphonea (tele)phone boothan answering-machinean answerphonea buzzera beepa dial tonea number unobtainable tonean international code/prefixa country codea message a city codea call/ringan outgoing callan incoming callan international calla person-to-person/personal calla collect/transferred charge callIDD(international direct dialling)an engaged/busy linea bad linean extensionto hold the lineto hang on

a message pad to hang up

a receiver/handset to replace the receiver

a mouthpiece to get through

a party/prospect/interlocutor to put smb through to smb

a cue to connect smb with smb

a phone book/directory to put a call through

a switchboard to book a trunk/long-distance call

a switchboard operatora telephonistto call/ring/phoneto make/place a callto give smb a callto call on smb’s numberto call/ring backto return a callto reach a prospectto lift/pick up the receiverto dialto hold onan area/dialling code to leave a messageto take a messageto give a messageto cut off/disconnectto get/have the wrong number/extensionto misdialto speak upto transfer smb back to switchboardto catch a nameoff the hookout of order

UNIT 3

GOING ON BUSINESS/ VISITING

THEORY

1. Travel arrangements.

If you are going on business or a visitor is coming to your company travel arrangements should be made. You can either rely on a travel agent/your company’s travel department or do it yourself. Even if you are not the one responsible there may still be times when you will have to get involved, e.g. when you want to change an itinerary for a visitor or yourself or when things don’t quite go according to the plan.

Here are some phrases you might need to use:

Booking a ticket:

I want to fly to Miami on the 10th of the next month returning on the 20th. I’d like to reserve a seat on Flight (number) GJ414 to Milan. Are there any seats available for the 8.30 flight? What time is the connecting flight? I’d like to change/reconfirm my reservation on Flight (number) AR770 on the 16th of this month. I need to get to the airport/railway station as quickly as possible. One coach class/ round trip/one-way to Houston, please. One first class/club class/tourist class return/single to Glasgow, please. When/where do I collect my ticket?

Renting a car/a hotel room:

Can I reserve a rented car/a hotel room at the other end? I’d like a Mercedes/a Group C/an automatic car. Is it unlimited mileage? Does that include insurance? Is there a collision damage waiver? Can I drop the car off in another town? What time do I have to return it? With a full tank? Here’s my driving licence and passport.

Checking in:

What time do I need to check in? Is it too late/early to check in for Flight (number) IE009? Which platform/track/gate does the 13.40 to London leave from? Can you tell me what time Flight SQ60 is due to arrive/depart? Can you tell me why there’s a delay on Flight SZ111/the flight to Osaka/the 17.35 train for/from Birmingham?

2. Relationship building.

First impressions can be very important. Therefore, when you meet the other side you should try to establish a good atmosphere. This relationship building stage can often set the climate for the whole future business cooperation and for the definite negotiation in particular. At first meetings it is helpful to: identify yourself and other people clearly by name; add any other relevant details about your or their job or company.

Identifying yourself

I’m John Crow from British Inland. My name is Osorio da Silva. I’m the Technical Sales Manager at AMB. I don’t think we’ve met. I’m Mr. Burnell. (Informal)

Introducing other people

Let me/may I introduce my colleague, Peter Burnell. He is our new Purchasing Manager. I’d like you to meet Mr. Popov. This is Paulo Santos, head of AMB’s Overseas Sales Division. Mr. Brown, may I present/allow me to present Ms Crow. Mr. Hall, (this is) Mr. Frigerio. (informal) Mr. Guillet, have you met Ms Parsons? Let me introduce you to her. (informal) Miss Lannoy, do you know Mr. Hall? (informal) I don’t think you’ve met each other before, have you? (Informal)

Note: Introduce yourself and others by giving the full name if you are not sure of how the people you are meeting with deal with names.

I’m Marion Black. (not I’m Mrs Black.)

This is Yoshi Kitawara. (not This is Mr. Kitawara.)

If the other person is your host, listen to how he/she uses your name.

Pleased to meet you, Tom. – Pleased to meet you too, Rafael.

How do you do, Mrs Black? – How do you do, Mr. Kitawara?

If you think using first names will be acceptable, suggest it.

By the way, please call me Peter.

Checking other people’s identity

Excuse me. Are you John Crow from British Inland?

What was your name, please?

Could you kindly repeat/give again your name, please?

Greetings for first meetings

GreetingHow do you do?(I’m) pleased to meet you.I’m glad to meet you. (informal)Happy to meet you. (informal) ReplyHow do you do?Very pleased to meet you, too.I’m very delighted, too. (informal)

Greetings for second and subsequent meetings

Greeting It’s good/nice to see you again.How are you? Reply(It’s) good/nice to see you again, too.Very well, thanks. And you?

The best way to learn names is to use visiting-cards.

TIM Pharmaceuticals, York, UK

Juan Smith (Ms)

Purchasing Manager

At the stage of relationship building it is important to keep the conversation moving and to show interest in what the other side has to say. To do this a number of tactics are used. When answering questions a little more information than is asked for should be given or a related comment should be made.

- This is your first visit to Brazil, isn’t it? (Question)

- That’s right. (answer) Unfortunately, this is only a short visit, so we won’t be able to see very much. (Comment)

In order to show interest in what the other side is saying the following methods can be used: repeating key words, reacting, adding comments, asking related questions.

- Unfortunately, this is only a short visit, so we won’t be able to see very much. (comment)

- That’s a pity. (reaction) There are so many places to visit. (comment)

3. Looking after a visitor.

Even if you don’t travel on business yourself, it’s quite likely you may have to be a host, i.e. to look after a visitor/visitors. Here are some activities you may have to do:

- picking a visitor up at the airport/station;

- accompanying the visitor to his/her hotel;

- helping to fill in forms in your language;

- translating/interpreting for the visitor;

- explaining to the visitor how to get somewhere;

- accompanying the visitor on part of his/her journey;

- showing the visitor round your office/factory;

- introducing the visitor to your colleagues/superiors;

- eating/drinking with the visitor;

- explaining how to use the public transport system;

- explaining local customs/traditions/habits;

- helping the visitor with problems;

- showing the visitor the sights and tourist attractions;

- helping the visitor with shopping;

- seeing the visitor off at the airport/station.

Here are some expressions that can be used when meeting or being met:

Good afternoon. Are you Mr/Mrs … ? I’m ... .

Welcome to ... .

It’s a great pleasure to meet you.

I’ve been looking forward to meeting you.

Sorry I’m late — there is fog/a traffic jam at Schiphol/north of Florence.

I hope you haven’t been waiting too long.

- How was your journey/flight?

- Very smooth./Not too bad./Pretty tiring./Absolutely exhausting!

I think we’ll go to your hotel/our office first …

My car is outside./We’ll take a taxi./We’ll take the airport bus.

- Can/shall I take (one of) your bags?/Can I help you with your luggage?

- It would be very kind of you. Thank you./It’s all right. I’ll manage, thank you.

I’ll just find a trolley/a porter for your bags. Is there anything you’d like/need to do before we … ?

Would you like a drink or something to eat before we set off?

Before we set off, I’d like to have a coffee/beer/sandwich.

I’d just like to make a quick phone call, if that’s all right.

Here are some expressions that can be used when giving directions:

Can you tell me how to get to the airport?

It’s a bit complicated, I’d better show you on the map.

Take the M4 and turn off at the third junction onto the M25. Then go onto the slip road and stay in the right hand lane following the signs for the M1.

How far is it to the supermarket?

It’s just down there on the right. Opposite the station.

Go to the right as you leave this building and turn left when you get to the town hall. It’ll take about 20 minutes on foot.

Keep straight on and go across the river. You’ll see the railway station on your right/left.

Continue along that road for three blocks till you come to a church. Opposite the church there’s a big square. The restaurant is down a little back street on the other side of the square.

You can take a tram – it’s number 89, which says ‘Zoo’ on the front. You’ll need to get a ticket from the machine before you get on. At the fifth stop you get off and cross the road and walk on for about 100 metres. The theatre is on the left, you can’t miss it.

Here are some expressions that can be used when checking into a hotel:

Good evening. My name’s ... You should have a booking in my name.

Here’s the fax you sent in confirmation.

I reserved a double room en suite bathroom.

Does that include breakfast?

I’d like to stay an extra night. Would that be possible?

4. Socializing.

If you are with a guest or your host, having a meal or a drink or travelling together (what is also very important for building a good business atmosphere), you can’t spend all your time ‘talking shop’. Much of the time you’ll be socializing. An essential part of socializing is telling people about things that have happened to you – unusual, amusing or interesting experiences you’ve had.

Here are some expressions you can use when exchanging stories.

I’ll never forget the day …

Have I ever told you about …

The worst journey I’ve ever made was …

I had a surprise the other day when …

That’s interesting/amazing!

How embarrassing/awful/terrifying!

Really!

What happened then?

What did you do/say then?

Why did you do/say that?

How did you feel then?

5. Parting.

Here are some expressions you can use when parting.

Goodbye and thank you for everything/your hospitality.

Goodbye, it’s been nice to meet you/to have met you.

Goodbye, hope to see you again soon.

Goodbye and have a good journey.

I’d like to say goodbye to you all.

Goodbye and remember me to your wife.

My best regards to your wife. Farewell. (when parting for a long time)

So long and all the (very) best. (Informal)

So long. See you later./See you around./See you soon. (Informal)

Bye-bye.Good luck to you./Best of luck. (Informal)

Bye-bye. I’ll be seeing you. (Informal)

PRACTICE

Task 1. Look at these situations. Who would you speak to in each case to get the information you require? What exactly would you say in each situation?

1. You’ve heard that Flight BZ431 is delayed.

2. You want a rail ticket to Manchester.

3. You want to reconfirm your seat on Flight TR998.

4. You want a plane ticket to Berlin.

5. You are in a hurry to get to Manchester Airport from the city centre.

6. You’ve arrived at the airport three hours before your flight.

7. You have three minutes before your train leaves.

8. You’ve heard that the 17.55 train has been cancelled.

9. You want to make sure of a hotel room in Madrid before your flight departs.

10. You want to rent a car that will be available right at the airport.

Task 2. The questions and answers below come from the conversation between John Crow and a French supplier in Toulouse. Match each question with an answer and extra information/a comment.

Questions Answers Comments/Extra information

A. People drink quite a lot of wine in France, don’t they?B. Have you been to Toulouse before? NоJust two days. It’s my first visit, but I was in Bordeaux a couple of years ago.But the amount has dropped in recent years.

C. Are you staying here long?D. Would you like to eat outside?E. Do you like French food? That’s a good idea.Very much.Yes. In fact, I do a bit of French cooking myself.Then I have to go to Paris.It’s still very warm.

Task 3. Robin Orvich is visiting a customer, NIM S.A., Lisbon. Use the following prompts to complete the dialogue. Some phrases are already written for you. Include different forms of like, prefer, rather.

Receptionist: Welcome to NIM.

Robin Orvich: Thank you.

Receptionist: Offer a drink.

Robin Orvich: Respond in a polite way, request tea.

Receptionist: Offer tea with milk or with lemon.

Robin Orvich: State your preference.

Receptionist: Explain that Ms Majolica, Mr. Orvich has an appointment with, is out for a moment and will be along shortly. Propose to take a seat.

Robin Orvich: You feel better standing – you’ve been sitting in a car all morning.

Receptionist: Ask if this is Mr. Orvich’s first visit to Lisbon.

Robin Orvich: Your reply is negative. You’ve been here on business and also on holiday. Say you enjoy visiting Lisbon.

Receptionist: Say your preference is for the country compared with the city.

Task 4. Elena and Karin are in Barcelona on business. They are planning their evening. Change the underlined phrases for alternative ones using the words in brackets. Do not change the original meaning.

E: What do you think of this hotel?

K: It’s very good but I think the Hotel Opera. (prefer)

E: Yes, the Opera is splendid. I often stay there. Now, about this evening. How about going to a fish restaurant near the port? (like)

K: I think it would be more enjoyable to go to a restaurant in Las Ramblas. (prefer) Also, I like meat better than fish. (rather)

E: Sure, that’s okay! What time shall we meet?

K: Not too late. It would be better for me if we did not have a late night tonight. (prefer not)

E: Fine. We can meet at 8. Which do you think is better, to meet here or in Las Ramblas? (prefer)

K: I’ll come to your hotel. That’s the easiest.

E: Okay, fine. Now, I’ll have to go soon, but what about another drink? What do you want? (like)

Task 5. Two sales representatives meet in a hotel. They have very different ways of doing business. Complete the conversation using frequency expressions from the box so that Kerry always has quite the opposite way of doing things! Use each expression once.

seldom hardly ever nearly always nevernormally always sometimes

Lee: I always fly here.

Kerry: Do you? I 1) ... fly. I 2) ... come by car.

Lee: By car? How awful! What about this place? I rarely stay in this hotel. Do you often come here?

Kerry: I 3) ... stay here, though 4) ... I stay at the place opposite.

Lee: I see. What about your customers – is this a good place for you to meet them? Do you do much business here? I think it’s terrible. I 5) ... sell anything!

Kerry: Really? No, I think it’s great. I 6) ... sell a lot here. I have several good customers here.

Lee: Fancy a drink?

Kerry: Thanks, I’ll have an orange juice.

Lee: Orange? I 7) ... drink orange. I prefer apple juice.

Task 6. Read the dialogue and complete the sentences.

Michael: What are you doing now, John?

John: I’m finishing preparations for our meeting tomorrow morning.

Michael: Is Patrizia coming?

John: Yes, she’s arriving this evening.

Michael: Oh good. What are you doing this evening?

John: Nothing.

Michael: Well, I’m meeting Felix to discuss the trip to Japan next week. Could you join us?

John: Er, no, I don’t think so ...

1. Now John is … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … ...

2. Tomorrow morning Michael, John and Patrizia … … … ...

3. Tonight Michael … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … ...

4. Tonight John isn’t … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … ...

5. Next week they … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … ..

Task 7. Complete the sentences using travel, trip, journey, voyage, tour.

1. Do you make your а arrangements via a ... agent or on the Internet?

2. The goods must have been damaged during the ...; the weather was particularly bad in the Bay of Biscay.

3. Before your interview, Mrs Gould will take you on a ... of the factory.

4. All reasonable ... and accommodation expenses will be paid.

5. When we stayed in London we went on a day ... to Cambridge.

6. You’ve arrived! Did you have a good ...?

7. Business people are now often rewarded with incentive ...: a holiday in Thailand, a Mediterranean cruise and that sort of thing.

8. Do you usually go for a sightseeing ... while you’re on business?

9. ... is said to broaden the mind.

10. How long is your ... into work? How do you like to ... there: by car, on the metro or on foot?

Task 8. Read the directions from Heathrow Airport to a host’ office given to a visitor. Complete them using the words from the list below.

signscentremotorway distanceedgeway lightsexitterminal

Once you’ve got the car you leave the 1) ... and you go through the tunnel until you reach a roundabout. That’s the M4 interchange. You take the first 2) ... from the roundabout onto the M4. Going away from London, towards Reading. And then you go just one junction and take the next exit onto the M25. That’s about a mile. Depending on traffic it can take quite a long time but it’s not very far in 3) ... . When you go onto the slip road, you stay in the right-hand lane and follow the 4) ... for Watford and the M1. And the road crosses over the M4, that’s the road you’ve just left. And then you go down onto the M25. Be careful joining the M25 – it’s a very busy 5) ... . Stay on the M25 till Junction19 which is signposted Watford and the A41. And that leads also to a roundabout. You take the second exit, which is the A41, and you basically stay on that road for the rest of the 6) ... . It goes round the 7) ... of Watford, and you go through several roundabouts and sets of traffic 8) ... . You keep going until you reach another roundabout with a sign for Barnet. And it’s the first exit from that roundabout, and the road goes past a reservoir, which is called Aldenham Reservoir. And then you go up a steep hill to a set of traffic lights, and that’s the 9) ... of the village. Then you turn right, and my office is just after the traffic lights on the right hand side.

Task 9. Put the following cues from conversations in the correct order. The first phrase is shown.

I.

(2 people speaking)

1: Could you get authorisation for the increased cost?

2: Really? What’s that?

3: I’ll send the Finance Department the details and get in touch with you later.

4: The airline has raised its fares by 20 per cent so we’re above the budget agreed.

5: A problem has arisen over the travel arrangements to Switzerland. (1)

6: Really? Well, the problem lies in the budget being too small! We have rising costs and the budget that hasn’t been raised in two years.

II.

(3 people speaking)

1: Pleased to meet you, Mr. Wood.

2: That’s right.

3: Very pleased to meet you, too.

4: Excuse me. Are you Mr. Van de Kleu? (1)

5: How do you do?

6: Mr. Van de Kleu, I’d like you to meet Paul Wood from our Sales Department.

7: How do you do? I’m John Crow, the General Manager.

III.

(3 people speaking)

1: No thanks. Is there somewhere I can leave these bags?

2: Good morning. Can I help you? (1)

3: Pleased to meet you, Mr. Binns ...

4: Yes, of course. I’ll lock them away for you. So, did you have a good flight here?

5: Here you are.

6: OK, I’ll just ring through to tell her you’re here. In the meantime would you mind signing the register?

7: Oh right.

8: Yes, I’m Mr. Binns, from Beta Produx. I have an appointment to see Ms Jones at 11.00.

9: Thanks. Ms Jones says she’ll be ready in about ten minutes. Can I get you a tea or a coffee while you’re waiting?

10: Where do I sign?

11: Thank you.

12: Ms Jones, this is Mr. Binns.

13: Oh sorry, this is the wrong page, here, right here. Ah, Sally, Mr. Binns is here. Shall I send him right up? OK. Ten minutes. I’ll tell him.

14: Well, actually the landing was a bit bumpy, but apart from that it was fine. Do you think you could tell me where the rest room is?

15: That’s it. Ms Jones is ready to see you now. Will you follow me, please? I’ll take you up. Oh, by the way, mind the floors. They’ve just been polished and they’re still a bit slippery.

16: Yes, it’s down the corridor, last room on the left.

IV.

(3 people speaking)

1: And what exactly do you do?

2: I’m quite new. I only started at the beginning of the year.

3: Ah. How do you do? I’m Simon Brown. I work in the Frankfurt office.

4: Thanks.

5: I see. And how many people do you employ in your office?

6: In the Zurich office.

7: Well, best of luck.

8: Hello, Paul. Nice to see you again. How are you? (1)

9: I’d like to introduce you to Mr. Robson.

10: Pleased to meet you, too. And where are you based?

11: 150? That’s quite a lot. So, how long have you been there?

12: Fine, Simon, thanks. And how are things with you?

13: Pleased to meet you. I’m Antonio Robson.

14: Oh, not too bad, not too bad.

15: In all about 150.

16: Well, I’m in charge of our financial services consultancy.

V.

(2 people speaking)

1: I’d love some, but I’ve already eaten too much. You seem to spend so much time eating here in England.

2: Unfortunately not. We export all our best beef to Europe.

3: No thanks. That was lovely. Also I couldn’t miss out on your desserts – they are always so good in England.

4: How nice of you to have invited me to the restaurant. The meal was absolutely delicious! (1)

5: Oh, I don’t know. The long business lunch has always been with us. Juan, will you have some more?

6: Yes, the best beef I’ve ever tasted in years. But I’m sure, Juan, you have tasted better beef in Argentina.

7: That seems to be a trend nowadays, exporting all the best stuff and leaving the locals with the left-overs! Oh, Juan, would you like some more? There’s plenty.

VI.

(2 people speaking)

1: Thanks a lot. That’s very kind of you.

2: Yes. Go left outside the main door. Keep going for 200 yards, and it’s on the opposite side of the road, next to Marks & Spencer.

3: I have a reservation in the name of Bond. (1)

4: OK. (pause) Before I go up, do you think you could tell me where the nearest tube station is?

5: Yes, your room is 137. Here is your key. Could you just sign here?

VII.

(2 people speaking)

1: Instead of leaving on the 14th, I’d leave on the 16th.

2: Yes, of course. Till 9 p.m., please.

3: Good afternoon. Can I help you? (1)

4: Sorry about that.

5: No, I’m afraid not.

6: Certainly.

7: Ah, sorry. There’s a fax.

8: That’s no problem. Shall I change the booking for you?

9: It’s all right.

10: I’m Mrs Haberland, room 312.

11: No, it isn’t definite yet. Could I confirm tonight?

12: Yes. I’m thinking of extending my stay by a couple of days. Would you check if it’s OK?

13: And are there any messages for me?

14: One moment.

15: Are you quite certain?

16: Thank you.

VIII.

(2 people speaking)

1: The quotation you requested. Do you remember?

2: It’s been a pleasure. Thank you for coming.

3: Oh, I nearly forgot.

4: Goodbye and have a good journey.

5: Thank you for helping me find the platform. (1)

6: Yes, thanks. And thank you for everything. Goodbye.

7: No, I can manage, thanks. Well, we must say goodbye. Thank you very much for having invited me and organized the tour of the plant.

8: But I don’t feel like eating just yet.

9: You’re welcome. Do you want a hand with the other case?

10: Not at all.

11: What’s this?

12: I think there’s a restaurant car at the front of the train.

Task 10. Follow the instructions.

1. Offer to carry someone’s suitcase. — Decline the offer.

2. Offer someone a drink. — Decline the offer.

3. Offer someone to visit you in Newcastle. — Decline the offer.

4. Comment on the terrible weather.

5. Comment on somebody’s job as a government agent.

6. Comment on a marvellous dish of strawberries.

7. Offer someone to have some more (of some dish). — Decline the offer.

8. Make follow-up remarks to the following statements:

‘She works 12 hours a day.’

‘I hate flying.’

‘English food has improved enormously.’

TRANSLATION

Task. Translate the following dialogues from Russian into English.

1)

- Простите… Вы м-р Картрайт?

- Да.

- Я Владимир Иванов из компании ТСТ Системз. Здравствуйте.

- Здравствуйте.

- Я заставил Вас ждать?

- О, нет…самолет только что прилетел. Спасибо, что пришли встретить меня.

- Не за что. Полет прошел нормально?

- Да, благодарю Вас. Меня немного укачало, но сейчас я уже в норме.

- Моя машина ожидает Вас. Мой водитель поможет Вам нести Ваш чемодан.

- Благодарю Вас.

2)

- Г-н Коул, разрешите мне представить г-на Вандейка.

- Здравствуйте, г-н Вандейк.

- Здравствуйте, г-н Коул.

- Присаживайтесь, пожалуйста.

- Приятная погода, не правда ли?

- О да, просто прекрасная. Чем могу быть Вам полезен?

- Мы прибыли, г-н Коул, чтобы обсудить очень важный вопрос.

- Буду рад Вам помочь.

3)

- Как долетели, г-н Макхау?

- Просто замечательно!

- А я до смерти боюсь летать. Самолеты меня всегда пугают.

- Нечего их бояться, г-н Иванов. Ведь каждый день летают сотни, тысячи самолетов. А как часто Вы слышите о крушении? Раз или два в год?

- Да, Вы правы, г-н Макхау. Воздушный транспорт действительно надежен по сравнению с сухопутным. Вот один мой коллега, например, никогда не путешествует в автомобиле, т.к. его тетя погибла в автомобильной катастрофе.

- О Боже! Какой ужас! Как это случилось?

- На ее машину упал самолет …

- Ха-ха-ха … Вы фантастический рассказчик, г-н Иванов!

- Спасибо. А теперь, прежде чем мы отправимся в офис, может Вы хотели бы перекусить, г-н Макхау?

- Я бы выпил чашечку кофе.

- Хорошо. Я составлю Вам компанию.

4)

- Г-н Павлов, это г-н Макхау.

- Здравствуйте, г-н Макхау. Рад с Вами познакомиться.

- Здравствуйте, г-н Павлов. Я тоже счастлив с Вами познакомиться.

- Присаживайтесь, пожалуйста. Как долетели?

- Спасибо, хорошо. Погода благоприятствовала.

- Не хотите ли чашечку чая или кофе?

- Нет, спасибо. Г-н Павлов, нам хотелось бы обсудить наш новый контракт с Вами.

- Хорошо. Мы уже изучили Ваш последний каталог и остались очень довольны. Если Вас устраивает, мы можем назначить переговоры на завтра.

- Да, вполне. А теперь, если Вы не возражаете, мы бы хотели отправиться в гостиницу. Не затруднит ли Вас заказать нам такси?

- Зачем же такси. Вас отвезет мой водитель. А как насчет того, чтобы поужинать сегодня вместе?

- Прекрасная идея. Мы могли бы обсудить детали повести завтрашних переговоров.

- Договорились. Мой водитель заедет за Вами, скажем, в 19.00.

- Хорошо. До встречи вечером.

5)

- Добрый день. Меня зовут Эрнест Макхау. Я надеюсь, у вас забронирован номер на мое имя.

- Повторите, пожалуйста, Ваше имя, сэр.

- М-А-К-Х-А-У.

- Минуточку, я проверю. Да, правильно: одноместный номер с ванной. Заказ на 5 дней. Распишитесь здесь в журнале, пожалуйста. Вот Ваш ключ. Комната № 317. Ваш багаж я тотчас отправлю к Вам в номер.

- Благодарю. Кстати, в котором часу завтрак?

- В любое время с 7 до10 в ресторане. Или Вы можете заказать к себе в номер.

- О, это было бы здорово. Я предпочел бы завтракать в номере. Не могли бы Вы подать его в 8.30?

- Не хотите ли свежую газету к завтраку?

- М-м-м. Да, “Файнэншиэл Таймз”, пожалуйста.

- Хорошо.

6)

- Я полагаю, мы не сможем ничего решить сегодня. Нам нужны дополнительные сведения по данному вопросу.

- Я прихожу к такому же выводу.

- Более того, прежде чем обсуждать что-либо, я приглашаю Вас осмотреть наш завод. Вы согласны со мной, г-н Диккер.

- Да, я вполне с Вами согласен. Вы могли бы организовать нам посещение в ближайшее время, г-н Грин?

- С удовольствием. Как насчет среды утром?

- К сожалению, у нас это время уже занято. А вторник Вас устраивает?

- Да, возражений нет. Я позвоню Вам, чтобы подтвердить время.

- Договорились, спасибо. Очень мило с Вашей стороны.

- Не стоит благодарности. До свидания.

- До свидания. До встречи во вторник.

7)

- Спасибо Вам, г-н Грин, за то, что Вы показали нам Ваш завод.

- Пожалуйста, всегда к Вашим услугам. Что Вы о нем думаете?

- На мой взгляд, Ваше оборудование очень хорошее, но мы не сможем заключить контракт из-за высокой цены, хотя Вы, возможно, не согласны со мной в этом.

- Ну, г-н Диккер, это надо обсудить. У нас действует гибкая система скидок. Я думаю, мы сможем прийти к обоюдоприемлемому варианту.

- Ну что же, давайте обсудим.

8)

- Очень мило, что Вы пригласили меня в театр. Я получил огромное удовольствие от увиденного.

- Это я должен благодарить Вас за доставленное удовольствие.

- Представление было замечательным, не правда ли?

- Да, я вполне согласен с Вами. Но мне не совсем понравилась та молодая актриса, блондинка. Я не помню ее фамилию. Вам помочь надеть пальто?

- Да, пожалуйста. Спасибо.

- Не стоит благодарности.

- Я очень сожалею, г-н Коул, что не смогу прийти на встречу в понедельник. Видите ли, мне придется уехать из Лондона на пару дней.

- Ничего страшного. Я понимаю. Мы сможем встретиться в четверг?

- Мне можно позвонить Вам в среду после обеда, чтобы подтвердить нашу встречу?

- Да, пожалуйста. Но если меня не будет на месте, попросите секретаря передать мне об этом. Еще раз спасибо за приятный вечер.

- Это Вам большое спасибо, г-н Коул. До свидания.

- До встречи.

9)

- Не можете ли Вы сказать мне, который сейчас час?

- Конечно. Сейчас ровно 10 часов.

- Спасибо. Я так и знал – мои часы отстают. Наверное, это потому, что я перевел стрелки в самолете, когда летел из Москвы в Нью-Йорк. Здесь разница – 11 часов. Надо поставить их правильно. Вот так… Простите меня, я должен идти. У меня деловая встреча в 10.30.

- Ничего, пожалуйста.

10)

- Если хотите, г-н Лавров, я могу быть Вашим гидом по Нью-Йорку в свободное от встреч и переговоров время.

- Было бы очень мило с Вашей стороны, г-н Кэнтер. Спасибо. К сожалению, мои познания английского языка ограничены словами “пожалуйста”, “спасибо”, “до свидания” и “извините”. Боюсь, что с такими познаниями мне ни один путеводитель не поможет.

- Договорились. И называйте меня Фрэнком, пожалуйста.

- Тогда и Вы называйте меня Владимиром.

- Отлично, Владимир, скажите, куда бы Вы хотели поехать, что увидеть?

- Прежде всего проехаться по Манхэттану, посмотреть знаменитые небоскребы и, конечно же, почтить память жертв теракта 11 сентября. Потом я бы хотел взглянуть на Чайнатаун и Гринвич Виллидж.

- Если Вы хотите увидеть бедных художников, хиппи, панков и др., нам нужно поехать в Ист Виллидж, т.к. центр богемы переместился теперь туда. Это в Манхэттане. К востоку от Бродвея.

- О, а Бродвей мы посмотрим?

- Конечно, но он больше впечатляет ночью, весь в неоне, так называемый “Млечный путь”. Владимир, если Вы не возражаете, я бы хотел заскочить на Ментал Блок в Манхэттане. Это по пути. Мне там нужно уладить одно дело. Это нас не очень задержит.

- О, пожалуйста, пожалуйста.

11)

- Я рад, что мы разрешили все наши проблемы, г-н Спэрроу.

- Я тоже доволен этим.

- Мне бы хотелось, чтобы Вы позаботились о том, чтобы все было сделано в установленные сроки.

- Вам не о чем волноваться. Вы можете полностью на меня положиться. Когда придет время, мы встретимся еще раз и обсудим условия работы более детально. Это Вас устраивает?

- Вполне. Надеюсь скоро снова встретиться с Вами.

- До свидания. Желаю Вам приятного путешествия.

DISCUSSION

Task 1. Which of the following questions can you, as a host, ask your potential business partner when meeting him/her for the first time. Explain your choice.

1. How was your journey?

2. Have you got a family?

3. Did you find the way easily?

4. Do you like your boss?

5. What’s your job like?

6. Would you like a cup of tea or coffee?

7. What are your chances of promotion?

8. How old are you?

9. How much do you earn?

10. How do you do?

Task 2. Discuss the following situations with your groupmates. Answer the questions: What action would you take in each situation? Who would you speak to? What would you say to that person? Role-play each situation.

1. You arrive in good time at the airport but discover that you have lost your ticket. The ticket clerk says your name is not on the computer.

2. You find that your travel agent has entered the wrong check-in time on your itinerary and you have missed your flight. Your host is meeting you at the airport.

3. You are a non-smoker but the only seat available on the plane is in the smoking section. After take-off you find that your neighbour is a chain smoker and he doesn’t speak English.

4. You are on a business trip in India. You have a meeting tomorrow morning in another city. Will you take the overnight express or the plane at 6 a.m.? They both arrive at 8 a.m.

5. You arrive at Melbourne Airport, Australia, for a week’s visit. The immigration officer tells you that you may not enter the country because your vaccination certificate is not valid.

6. You are departing from an airport abroad. You are stopped by a security guard who clearly thinks you look very suspicious. He asks you these questions: What has been the purpose of your visit? Where have you been staying? Who have you been in contact with? Who packed your case? Before you open the case, please tell me exactly what it contains.

7. You want to get home before the weekend. The only flight tonight is on an airline with bad reputation. Your favourite airline has no flights until tomorrow.

8. Your train has missed the connection and now you are going to be an hour late for your appointment.

9. You are driving a rented car down a country road in an English-speaking country. You hear a bang and stop at once to find that you have a flat tyre. You open the boot but there is no spare. In the distance you can see a car approachingа

10. You are on your way by car to give a presentation to which people from ten different firms have been invited. 50 km from your destination you stop to fill up with petrol. You pay and drive off, but 200 metres down the road the car stops and you realize that you have filled up with diesel fuel.

Task 3. ROLE PLAY. Work in pairs. Agree which of you is Student A and which is Student B. Then read and carry out the instructions.

1)

A: You are at Birmingham International Airport in Alabama, USA. You wish to rent an automatic car for the next Monday and Tuesday.

B: You work for a car rental company at Birmingham International Airport. Student A wants to rent a car from you. The cost of the car Student A requires is below, along with other information that he/she will need. Remember to fill in the booking form: customer’s name/country of residence, pickup date/time, return date/time, renting location, return location, car type, hand controls (right/left), credit card number/expiry date, mobile phone number.

Charges per day

Rental chargeMileageTaxLiability insuranceLoss damage waiverPersonal property insurance $53.99Unlimited8%$8.95$16.99$4.95

Customer Information

Emergency breakdown numberCode for car park barrier (205) 111-59183817

Ensure customer has keysCar to be returned with full tank

2)

A: You want to book a single room with en suite bathroom at the Continental Hotel for the next Thursday and Friday nights. You will be arriving late Thursday evening from Heathrow Airport. Find out about price, breakfast and facilities. Make your reservation and ask for confirmation via fax.

B: You are a receptionist at the Continental Hotel. Student B wants to make a reservation. Fill in the booking form: customer’s name/company, type of room, number of nights, arrival time, departure time, credit card number/expiry date, fax number. Improvise any information that Student A asks you for.

3)

A: You have just arrived at a hotel. It’s late and you have an early start tomorrow. Check in using the information below. Name: Pat Westcott Company: Southern Parts PLC Type of room booked: single room for three nights ($180 per night) Booking made: via fax last week Requirements: champagne in room tonight, morning call tomorrow at 7.00

B: You are a hotel receptionist. Student A has just arrived at the reception. Check his/her name. You have no reservation in that person’s name. The only room you have available is an executive suite ($500 per night).

4)

A: Your name is Andy Hughes. You are booked Economy onto flight 127 from London to Rome on Tuesday. But you have an appointment in London on Wednesday afternoon, so you want to change your flight to Thursday. You must be in Rome by 12.00 for a meeting. Talk to your travel agent (Student B) and change your booking.

B: You are a travel agent. Deal with your client (Student A) using the information below.

Date Departure

(London) Arrival

(Rome) Seats available Price

Tuesday 09.30 11.00 Economy: 22Business: 3 ‡360‡890

18.30 20.00 Economy: 30Business: 5 ‡360‡890

Wednesday 09.30 11.00 Economy: 12Business: 3 ‡360‡890

18.30 20.00 Economy: 0Business: 10 ‡360‡890

Thursday 09.30 11.00 conomy: 0Business: 5 ‡360‡890

5)

A: You are a receptionist at your company. A visitor (Student B) has just arrived for a 10.30 appointment with Mr. Collins, your boss. It is now 10.20. Improvise a conversation around the following points: welcome Student B; ask about his/her journey; ask Student B to sign the register; phone Mr. Collins to say that Student B is here; offer Student B a drink; inform Student B that Mr. Collins is now ready; ask Student B to follow you down the corridor; stand aside for Student B to go into the lift before you; introduce Student B to Mr. Collins.

B: You have just arrived at Student A’s company for a 10.30 appointment with Mr. Collins. It is now 10.20. Improvise a conversation around the following points: announce who you are and why you are here; ask where you can leave your bags; ask where the meeting room is; talk about the company, office, weather, city, etc.; ask if you may make a telephone call.

6)

A: You are visiting a company (Student B) producing a product that you have been looking for over a long period of time. However you know that in order to get the best deal possible, you shouldn’t show too much interest. Student B will begin a conversation by trying to attract your attention. Improvise a conversation around the following points: pretend not to be interested; make neutral comments on the product; ask questions about price, performance, shipment, customs regulations, agents in your country, etc.; without reaching any kind of agreement, make an excuse and leave; allow the host to send you a quotation.

B: You represent a company producing a product that a visitor (Student A) has been looking for over a long period of time. Attract your visitor’s attention and improvise around the following points: explain your product; offer a demonstration, a tour of the factory; offer to send a quotation; ask if any further information is required; at all times keep Student A interested.

7)

A: You have been invited by the boss of your host company (Student B) to dinner at his/her house. Improvise a conversation around the following points: apologize for being late; comment on the house; give your host a gift; ask where the bathroom is; say something complimentary about the food; do something embarrassing (e.g. spill your wine over the table) and apologize; ask if you can make a telephone call; you’re not enjoying yourself – find an excuse to leave; thank your host for his/her hospitality.

B: You have invited a guest from another company (Student A) to dinner at your house. Improvise a conversation around the following points: invite the guest into your house; ask him/her about the journey here; offer your guest a drink; socialize on any topic you wish; suggest moving to the dining room; ask if the guest would like this or that dish; suggest moving back to the living room; offer chocolate/liqueur/coffee or something similar; make arrangements for tomorrow; thank your guest for coming.

8)

A: You are a visitor. You want to know the important parts of your host’s city and how to get to all of them.

B: You are a host. Tell your visitor where he/she can go and explain how he/she can do it. Give directions, draw a rough street plan or make use of a map if necessary.

Task 4. Are you a good traveller? Complete the quiz and find out. Compare your answers and scores with your groupmates.

1. You have just arrived in Paris for an important business meeting. Your luggage is not in the first twenty items to appear on the carrousel. What do you say to yourself?

a. ‘Where’s the information desk? I’m really going to complain about this.’

b. ‘How nice to have a few minutes to think!’

c. ‘I hope it doesn’t turn up. Then I can buy some new clothes.’

2. You are checking in at the airport at the end of an exhausting business conference in Madras. The airline company tells you that your flight has been delayed for 9 hours. What do you do?

a. Threaten to write and complain.

b. Take a taxi back to your hotel and sleep.

c. Find another person to go on a sightseeing trip with.

3. On a long-haul flight from New York to Sydney for an important business conference. What do you do?

a. Take a couple of tranquillisers.

b. Talk to the person sitting next to you.

c. Drink a lot of water and get as much sleep as you can.

4. Your company has put you in a hotel which is cheap, full of atmosphere, but very dirty and has cockroaches. What do you do?

a. Change hotels immediately.

b. Complain and ask for a cleaner room.

c. Say nothing and enjoy talking to other guests.

5. You meet a business colleague of the country you are visiting. He/she invites you home to dinner. What do you say?

a. ‘I’m sorry, but I can’t. I am on a special diet for my health.’

b. I’m afraid I can’t. I have a report to do for the meeting tomorrow.’

c. Thank you very much. I’d be delighted.’

6. You are in a restaurant in Beijing with business colleagues. What do you do?

a. Ask them to explain every single thing and only choose something you recognize.

b. Pick something at random.

c. Ask your colleagues to recommend something.

7. You are in a restaurant in Indonesia with business colleagues. The dish that appears in front of you is nothing like what you thought it would be. What do you do?

a. Call for the waiter and send it back.

b. Leave most of the meal on the plate.

c. Start eating enthusiastically.

8. You are on a business trip in Africa. The first day you see a very large but attractive wooden sculpture in a local market. What do you do?

a. Look at it and think how nice it would be in your home.

b. Take a photo.

c. Buy it and find out how to get it sent to your home.

Scoring: score 0 for a answers, 2 for b answers and 3 for c answers.

17–24 — You are an excellent and adventurous traveller. You can’t get enough and you certainly get a lot out of your trips.

9–16 — You are an unambitious traveller. You could learn to throw caution to the wind and enjoy yourself more.

0–8 — There’s no place like home, is there?

Task 5. Do the quiz that offers a number of simple business-travel-related problems you could face, look at the comments and answer the questions that follow.

1. You are about to set off on a long business trip. You’ve planned to take the car but the forecast is ‘fog’. Do you:

a. catch a train instead?

b. think ‘Oh hell’ and take the car anyway?

c. ring in sick?

2. You’re travelling to meet the client for a ‘working lunch’ to celebrate the new contract. Do you:

a. assume ‘working’ means ‘wining’ and leave the car behind?

b. trust that – touch wood – you’ve often driven after a few drinks without ever being involved in an accident?

c. resent the mere suggestion that you might be more comfortable (not to mention safer) going by train?

3. The chairman asks you to represent the company at an all day conference in another city. Do you:

a. book an Inter-City Sleeper for the journey down there and back home?

b. reluctantly decide on a pre-dawn drive down, returning home at midnight?

c. get your secretary to find out about the nightlife in the city you are going to?

4. Your company car goes in for its annual service. Do you:

a. look forward to a period of civilized business travel by train?

b. insist on an equally prestigious car from the car pool?

c. sulk when the replacement turns out to be 7 years old?

5. Tomorrow you are to travel to an important business prospect. It’s crucial you make a good impression but pressure of work means you’re less prepared than you’d like to be. Do you:

a. take the train so you can catch up on your work?

b. hope you’ll be able to talk around any awkward points?

c. cancel the meeting?

6. When you get home from a business trip do you:

a. kiss your wife/husband?

b. scowl at your wife/husband?

c. kick your pet?

Comments:

If you answered a in each case you’re an excellent business traveller.

If you answered a only in some of the cases you could improve your effectiveness by making greater use of the train.

If you answered a only in none of the cases, write ‘This is the age of train’ 1,000 times.

Questions:

1. What do you think of the quiz? Do you agree to the descriptions given in the comments? What comments would you propose instead?

2. Is it very obvious that the quiz is encouraging the use of trains rather than cars? What makes you think so?

3. Do you agree to the idea that the train is a better form of business transport than the car? Why?/Why not?

Task 6. Work in pairs. Discuss your good travel experiences (e.g. going to exotic places, travelling first class on a second class ticket, etc.) and bad travel experiences (e.g. missing planes, losing luggage, etc.) and how each case influenced the results of your business travel.

Task 7. What would you say in reply to these remarks of your potential business partner, who has come to your company for the first time, in order to make him interested in your company and at the same time not to annoy him by your evident desire to get down to business?

1. A: Good weather is a good way to start business, isn’t it?

B: … … ...

2. A: Who smiles at the right moment makes good business.

B: … … ...

3. A: Business before pleasure, eh?

B: … … ...

4. A: All work and no joy made Jack a dull boy. Ha-ha-haа

B: … … ...

5. A: Business is to the strong.

B: … … ...

Task 8. These are some advertisements from various papers. Each is funny because of some mistake in the wording. Find what is strange about it and then correct.

Front room, suitable for two ladies, use of kitchen or two gentlemen.

Buy your car directly from the factory 100 per cent cheaper.

Wanted — farm horse. Must be reasonable.

For sale — A cowgiving three gallons of milk, two dozen chickens, and a cooker.

Cook your food at home. No one goes to restaurants any more, they are so crowded.

Spend your holiday on Queen Elizabeth. Luxury accomodation.

Buy “Shiny” stockings. A lot of women wear nothing else.

Why go elsewhere to be cheated when you can come to our department store?

(In a shop window:) Fifteen men’s wool suits. They won’t last an hour!

Tombstone slightly used. Sells cheap.