Questions

1. What did you decide to do not long ago?

2. Were you experienced in business activities?

3. Whom did you decide to consult?

4. What did the lawyer recommend you to do?

5. What is it necessary for a would-be businessman to keep in mind (помнить, иметь ввиду)?

6. What business did man decide to start?

7. Did you encounter any difficulties when starting your business?

8. Why were you “on the seventh heaven” when you solved your money problem?

9. What words of your lawyer do you still remember?

Tasks: 1. Read the story and learn unfamiliar terms.

2. Answer the questions.

3. Retell the story in your own words.

4. Read, learn by heart and dramatize the dialogues given below. Dialogue 1

• What’s the news, Mr. White? How is business?

• Pretty good, thank you. And how are things with you?

• Well, not too good, I’m afraid, and going from bad to worse. In fact, it’s the worst year we’ve had for a long time.

• I’m sorry to hear that. I hope things will improve.

• Yes, let’s hope for the better, though to tell the truth, there’s no ground for optimism.

• What’s troubling you in particular?

• The financial affairs of my business. Profits are becoming smaller and smaller. I’ve built up many debts, and it’ll come as no surprise if once I go bust.

• Oh, be calm. I’m sure things won’t go as bad as that.

Words

to tell the truth	- по правде говоря
there’s no ground for	- нет основания
it’ll come as no surprise	- будет неудивительно
to go bust	- обанкротиться

Dialogue 2

• Mr. Clark: Good morning. Is that Baker’s office?

• Secretary: Good morning. Backer’s office speaking. What can I do for you?

• This is John Clark. I was wondering whether Mr. Baker could see me today.

• I’m afraid Mr. Baker won’t be able to meet you today. He’s got several engagements.

• Then I’d better ask you to make an appointment for me. I suppose you won’t mind to do me a favour?

• No, certainly, not. I’ll just put it in his diary. Let me have a look at his schedule this week. unfortunately, Mr. Baker has got a very busy schedule Monday through Friday. What about Friday? Will 3.15 suit you?

• No, I’m awfully sorry, but I shan’t be in London on Friday.

• Then could you manage Monday, say eleven o’clock?

• Yes, that would be quite all right. Thank you ever so much.

Task: Compose the story, using the following words.

1. “How I started my business”.

Not long ago; to make up one’s mind; to set up a small business; by the way, doing business has become very popular nowadays; to be frank with you; to have no experience in ... ; to consult the solicitor; to advise; to choose a business; in the field of; to weight all pros and cons; to have to solve many problems (what many customers to serve, how to attract them, to produce goods or provide service finally/ in the long run/); to manage; to find the successful solution of now; to be satisfied with, the progress my business is making.

Thanks God! It’s prospering, and to make big profits.