Language input

Ex. 3. a) Learn the new conjunctions and connectors. The words or phrases in each line have similar meanings. Consult the dictionary if you don’t know the meaning.

To give an illustration or example of something just mentioned:	for example (e.g.) for instance
To give another argument or example:	furthermore moreover
To clarify (to express the same thing in different words):	in other words that is (i.e.)
To express reasons, and cause and effect:	as because due to owing to since	because of consequently therefore thus
To express contrast:	although conversely even though however nevertheless	on the contrary on the other hand though yet

Note: These words are usually used at the beginning of a sentence, or at the beginning of a clause, after a comma.

b) Now prepare a short summary of your opinions regarding big and small companies, explaining which you prefer to work for (or would prefer to work for in the future).

Give several reasons - either your own or from the list – but also mention various counter-arguments.

E.g. In a big company you can ... .

Furthermore, big companies allow you to ..., because of … .

Consequently, you can ... .

On the other hand, it is true that if you work for a small company, you can ... . Nevertheless, I prefer big companies because ..., even though ... can be a disadvantage.

Ex. 4. How important are the following in showing a person’s status in an organization? Give each one a score from 1 (not important) to 5 (very important). Prove your idea, using connectors and conjunctions studied before.

a reserved parking space		having a secretary
an office with a window		taking holidays when you like
a uniform		the size of your desk
a personal business card		more than one seat in your office
your own office		flying business class
a company car		a company credit card
your name on your door		having fixed working hours

Ex. 5. Practice the dialogue between Simon Taylor, a young entrepreneur, and his bank manager with your partner.

A: Good morning – is that the manager?

B: Speaking.

A: Hello. My name is Taylor, Simon Taylor. I’m from Germany, but I’m living in Cardiff and I’m a customer of your bank. Why I’m calling, I’ve been taking a business course at Cardiff Polytechnic, and I would like to set up a small business of my own here in South Wales.

B: Oh, yes. And what sort of business do you have in mind?

A: Well, I’d like to tell you about it personally, if I can come and see you.

B: Of course. You are almost welcome to come in here and have a talk, Mr. … Taylor did you say?

A: Yes, Taylor, that’s right.

B: Do you have a business plan? It can save a lot of time if … .

A: A business plan? Of course, I have already prepared one.

B: Splendid. Let me have a look in my diary. How about Monday morning, the seventeenth, at 10 o’clock?

A: Yes, 10 o’clock Monday morning will suit me fine.

B: I look forward to seeing you then, Mr. Taylor. Goodbye.

Ex. 6. Before Simon Taylor arrives, his bank manager spends some time preparing a list of what he will need to ask Simon. Start the list for him.

Ex. 7. Insert words or phrases you find appropriate and reproduce the dialogue.

A: Well, Mr. Taylor, it’s an interesting idea, everything’s very nicely presented, and you’ve obviously done your homework. Though some of your figures are perhaps a little on the optimistic side. And you appreciate the bank will need ………….?

B: Naturally. But the only fixed asset I can offer you ………….. .

A: Yes, I thought you might say that. Loans can be secured on ………….

B: I’ve found a dealer who will sell me …………. I think that ought to be acceptable as security for a fifteen-thousand-pound loan.

A: Hm. Do you see …………. .

B: Well – if we just stay with …………., yes.

A: Ah! So you might be looking to expand in a year or two. If you’re going to come back then borrow more money, then ……….. .

B: To be honest, Mr. Price, I want to ……….. .

A: I see. Well, I’m happy to approve your application for a loan of fifteen thousand pounds, to be repaid over five years. You’ll receive a letter of confirmation and a formal offer from the bank in a few day’s time. Repayments will be monthly, by direct debit. But remember, …………. .

Ex. 8. Complete the text with one of these words and give its main idea.

enterprise zone free enterprise corporation private enterprise

enterprise culture enterprise economy

Margaret Thatcher often talked about the benefits of (1) … or (2) … . She said that her achievement was to establish an (3) … in Britain, an economy where people were encouraged to start their own companies and where it was acceptable to get rich through business: an (4) … .

In some areas, the government reduced the number of laws and regulations to encourage business to move there. Businesses were encouraged to set up in the London Docklands, for example. The Docklands were an (5) … .

Ex. 9. Look at the sample definition and define the words and expressions below.

E.g. Hierarchy is a system of authority with different levels, one above the other.

Function; line authority; report to; subordinates; autonomous.