Speech practice

Task 1. Read the reports on the sales results of different divisions of Sony and match each one to the correct graph.

1 Music Group sales went up slightly in 1991, then fell slightly in 1992 and 1993. But best-selling record releases by Michael Jackson, Billy Joel, Mariah Carey, Pearl Jam and many other artists led to a recovery in 1994.

2 There was a sharp increase in Audio Equipment sales in 1991 and another increase in 1992. But European market conditions were difficult in 1993 and 1994 and as a result, sales fell.

3 Other sales increased steadily between 1990 and 1994 as a result of the strong performance of semiconductors, telephones and CD-ROM drives.

4 There was a dramatic rise in Pictures Group sales in 1991 and sales continued to increase in 1992 and 1993. But the strong yen resulted in a fall in 1994. In fact, hit films such as Sleepless in Seattle and Philadelphia resulted in a rise in sales on a local currency basis in the US where we achieved a 19% market share.

5 Video Equipment sales rose sharply in 1991 but then fell in 1992 and 1993. The decline in the camcorder market led to a further sharp drop in 1994.

6 Television sales went up in 1991 and continued to rise steadily until 1994 when they dropped slightly. This was in spite of the fact that sales of computer displays and wide-screen TVs were strong.

Task 2. A Write the descriptions in the box on the appropriate lines 1-6.

considerably more than 50% around 50% a little over 50% exactly 50% almost 50% a little under 50% much less than 50% about 50% precisely 50% slightly more than 50%

40% 1 _______________________________

48% 2 _______________________________ and __________________________

48% - 52% 3 _______________________________ and __________________________

50% 4 _______________________________ and __________________________

52% 5 _______________________________ and __________________________

60% 6 _______________________________

Some words can express a personal view. Match the words in italics with the meanings.

7 as many as 200 units were sold 8 only 200 units were sold 9 nearly 200 units were sold 10 barely 200 units were sold

a 190 sold. I'm disappointed. b 190 sold. I'm pleased. c 200 sold. I'm disappointed. d 200 sold. I'm pleased.

B Numbers can be written as symbols (10) or words (ten). Match the rules with the examples.

1	Use symbols for dates, large amounts	a	About two hundred employees
2	Use words for ordinals (first, second)	b	There are three main recommendations
3	Use words for two numbers in succession	c	$100,000 will be paid on 28 August
4	Use words at the beginning of a sentence	d	We will need twenty four-person teams
5	Use words for estimates	e	Twelve countries took part in the talks
6	Use words for numbers below ten	f	This is our third annual report

C Choose the correct words to complete this report extract.

1995

	population m	GDP $bn	GDP per head $
Argentina	34.3	282.7	8,250
Brazil	156.0	676.0	4,350
Paraguay	4.9	8.9	1,800
Uruguay	3.2	17.2	5,400

The (1) graph/graphic (2) by/on the left shows the growth in trade between the four Mercosur countries of South America in the early nineties. (3) Like/As can be seen from the chart, trade grew from a little less (4) that/than $5bn in 1990 (5) to/until nearly $16bn in 1995. The (6) table/chart on the right refers to (7) numbers/figures for 1995. It shows that Brazil was by far the largest country, with a population of (8) around/nearly 150 million. However, Argentina had the highest living standards - see third (9) column/row. The poorest country was Paraguay, with a GDP per head of (10) almost/only $1,800. Further details on living standards can be found in (11) section/chapter 2.2 of the (12) supplement/appendix.

Task 3. A Work with a partner. Put the parts of the presentation into the correct order. The first one has been done for you.

The previous month sales had reached a peak at £290m. They now dropped by $40m.

Sales had been constant for a month when they soared from $230m by $60m to reach $290m, a new record for the company.

S

1

ales increased again, by the same amount they had risen the preceding month, which brought them up to $250m.

Sales had finished the previous year at $220m. They started the new year with a rise of $30m over the first month.

Sales had remained above the $200m mark since the beginning of the year, but they now dropped by $70m to reach £ 190m, the lowest point for the year.

Sales had reached $250m. They now fell by $20m.

In spite of a $ 10m drop in the last month we finished $20m up on the same month in the previous year.

The most difficult period had now finished and in the following month recovery began. Sales increased by $30m to reach £220m.

Sales stabilised at $250m, the level they had reached the previous month.

Sales had decreased to $230m in the preceding month and they levelled off at that figure in the last month of the quarter.

Sales had reached their worst level for the year and they bottomed out at £ 190m for a month.

Sales had been steady for a month at £250m. They now increased slightly, picking up by $ 10m to reach $260m.

B Complete the graph using the information from section A.