Uints IL. Basic listening practice 1. Script W: I bought a camera from your store. Heres my receipt. I know it's just warranty period, but the camera hasn't worked properly for some time, and now it's not focusing at all M: Were sorry you've has problem with one of our cameras. I t seems that the camera has suffered some damage, but youve been a regular customer, and we'd like to look after this problem for you. I'll just give you a replacement O: What will the man do? 2. Script W: We're upright all our staff equipment, and we'll need 50 laptops are Ist of next month. In the past I ve always found of your prices to the best M: You're right about that, we do have the lowest prices in the country. We'd be glad to fill your order. Just send me the specs for each, and I'll send you a quote that I'm sure you will tak Q What does the man mean? W: We ordered 50 from your company, but on the invoice I see theres an extra charge for shopping. I thought shipping was included in the quote M: Shipp ing is included there must be a mistake on the invoice. I'll straighten on the mistake and send you a new invoice Q Which of the following is true? 4. Script M: This was s time-sensitive document! There's no point in delivering it three hours w: I'm sorry, sir. Perhaps I could connect you to our complaints department if you sh to take it further Q What is true of the document? 5. Script M: We were very surprised to receive such bad service from a company we've done business with in the past. So now we have this problem, and Id like to know what you re going to do about it W: i think this is the result of a breakdown in communication and we need to look at our communication methods both internally and externally. Obviously we want to keep our clients happy, and unfortunately we've fallen short this time. I'm here to make sure it won t happen again
1 Uint5 II. Basic Listening Practice 1. Script W: I bought a camera from your store. Here’s my receipt. I know it’s just warranty period, but the camera hasn’t worked properly for some time, and now it’s not focusing at all. M: We’re sorry you’ve has problem with one of our cameras. I t seems that the camera has suffered some damage, but you’ve been a regular customer, and we’d like to look after this problem for you. I’ll just give you a replacement. Q: What will the man do? 2. Script W: We’re upright all our staff equipment, and we’ll need 50 laptops are 1st of next month. In the past I’ve always found of your prices to the best. M: You’re right about that, we do have the lowest prices in the country. We’d be glad to fill your order. Just send me the specs for each, and I’ll send you a quote that I’m sure you will take. Q: What does the man mean? 3. Script W: We ordered 50 from your company, but on the invoice I see there’s an extra charge for shopping. I thought shipping was included in the quote. M: Shipping is included; there must be a mistake on the invoice. I’ll straighten on the mistake and send you a new invoice. Q: Which of the following is true? 4. Script M: This was s time-sensitive document! There’s no point in delivering it three hours late! W: I’m sorry, sir. Perhaps I could connect you to our complaints department if you wish to take it further. Q: What is true of the document? 5. Script M: We were very surprised to receive such bad service from a company we’ve done business with in the past. So now we have this problem, and I’d like to know what you’re going to do about it. W: I think this is the result of a breakdown in communication, and we need to look at our communication methods both internally and externally. Obviously we want to keep our clients happy, and unfortunately we’ve fallen short this time. I’m here to make sure it won’t happen again
Q: What is the reason of the problem, accord ing to the woman? Keys: 1.C.D3. A4.B 5.C II. Listening In Task 1: Attending a Business reception Script Chris: I've been looking forward to this reception for weeks. I can't wait to get sure of my own leads. You know, start making new connections Nora: Smart thinking. But what are you going to do with all those brochures? Chris: The party ends at two, I figure I can have them all distributed by one-thirty, Nora: No, no, no, no. Let me clue you in. Those brochures will make you look like a Chris: What should i do then? Nora: Hand out business cards. That's the way to do it Chris: I dont understand what's wrong with these brochures about our company Nora: This room is going to be filled with potential clients, but there is an unwritten law; you leave your work at the door Chris: But how am I supposed to get anything of this if we cant talk business? Nora: You have business cards. Get out there and exchange cards. Just get a card for Chris: Then follow up on Monday? Nora: You catch on quick. Lets split up so we can cover more ground Chris: Great idea. This is going to be a piece of cake. I 'll meet you back here at two Chris and nora are going to a reception. Chris is eager to making new connections. As the party ends at two, he intends to have all those brochures distributed by one-thirty But Nora disagrees, say ing that those brochures will make him look like a green hand She advises him just to hand out business card and leave his work at the door. But Chris wonders how he can get anything out of this if she cant talk business. To this Nora insists that he should just get a card for a card. Chris catches on quickly and knows that he can hand out business cards now and follow up on Monday. Finally Nora suggests splitting up so that they can cover more ground. Chris feels it will be a piece of cake and promise to meet her back there at two Task 2: A Work Qualification Test
2 Q: What is the reason of the problem, according to the woman? Keys: 1.C 2.D 3. A 4.B 5.C III. Listening In Task 1: Attending a Business Reception Script Chris: I’ve been looking forward to this reception for weeks. I can’t wait to get sure of my own leads. You know, start making new connections. Nora: Smart thinking. But what are you going to do with all those brochures? Chris: The party ends at two, I figure I can have them all distributed by one-thirty, Nora: No, no, no, no. Let me clue you in. Those brochures will make you look like a green hand. Chris: What should I do then? Nora: Hand out business cards. That’s the way to do it. Chris: I don’t understand what’s wrong with these brochures about our company. Nora: This room is going to be filled with potential clients, but there is an unwritten law; you leave your work at the door. Chris: But how am I supposed to get anything of this if we can’t talk business? Nora: You have business cards. Get out there and exchange cards. Just get a card for a card. Chris: Then follow up on Monday? Nora: You catch on quick. Let’s split up so we can cover more ground. Chris: Great idea. This is going to be a piece of cake. I’ll meet you back here at two. Chris and Nora are going to a reception. Chris is eager to making new connections. As the party ends at two, he intends to have all those brochures distributed by one- thirty. But Nora disagrees, saying that those brochures will make him look like a green hand. She advises him just to hand out business card and leave his work at the door. But Chris wonders how he can get anything out of this if she can’t talk business. To this, Nora insists that he should just get a card for a card. Chris catches on quickly and knows that he can hand out business cards now and follow up on Monday. Finally, Nora suggests splitting up so that they can cover more ground. Chris feels it will be a piece of cake and promise to meet her back there at two. Task 2: A Work Qualification Test Script
Once there was a Scottish accountant. The business has been in the family for generations and generations. Over time, with the countless clients that had gone in and out of the office, the marble step in front of the build ing had developed a big, deep dip in it from all the wear and tear The accountant's friends kept telling him that he had better get it replaced otherwise hed be sued if anyone ever slipped and fell the stonemason got there, the accountant demanded a price for a new ste airs.When Reluctantly, the accountant called a stonemason to get a quote for the repairs. When Ah, big job, said the e stonemason, But I suppose I could give you a new step for a hundred pounds. The accountant was stunned. Are you crazy, man? I cant pay you a hundred pounds! Thinking about it for a second, he turned to the stonemason and asked, What would you charge me to dig up the step and turn it over so that the worn part is in the ground and I'd get a new square step? " The stonemason hesitated, Pounds. Do it! Demanded the accountant, And call me when you're done tant went back inside to read his books, but after only 15minutes the stonemason rang the bell. As the accountant opened the door, he saw the stonemason tand ing there pointing to a deep dip in the step. The stonemason laughed as he said Your great-great granddaddy thought of that a hundred and fifty years ago Keys: FTFFT For Reference 1. countless clients that had gone in and out of the office 2. He turn the step over so that the worn part was in the ground Task3 Where to Start Your business Script You have to consider the location when launching a business. You will be" planning your business tree"there and will have to maintain it for years to come. You have to keep in mind a few things when deciding on a place t open your business First of all, you have to take the local economy into consideration. Is your local ar growing and build ing? Are the market trends good? Even if you have to locate your business farther from your home, try to find a place that is building up and bringing
3 Once there was a Scottish accountant. The business has been in the family for generations and generations. Over time, with the countless clients that had gone in and out of the office, the marble step in front of the building had developed a big, deep dip in it from all the wear and tear. The accountant’s friends kept telling him that he had better get it replaced; otherwise he’d be sued if anyone ever slipped and fell. Reluctantly, the accountant called a stonemason to get a quote for the repairs. When the stonemason got there, the accountant demanded a price for a new step. “Ah, big job,” said the e stonemason, “But I suppose I could give you a new step for a hundred pounds.” The accountant was stunned. “Are you crazy, man? I can’t pay you a hundred pounds!” Thinking about it for a second, he turned to the stonemason and asked, “What would you charge me to dig up the step and turn it over so that the worn part is in the ground and I’d get a new square step?” The stonemason hesitated, “20pounds.” “Do it!” Demanded the accountant, “And call me when you’re done.” The accountant went back inside to read his books, but after only 15minutes the stonemason rang the bell. As the accountant opened the door, he saw the stonemason standing there, pointing to a deep dip in the step. The stonemason laughed as he said, “Your great-great granddaddy thought of that a hundred and fifty years ago!” Keys: FTFFT For Reference 1. countless clients that had gone in and out of the office 2. He turn the step over so that the worn part was in the ground Task3: Where to Start Your Business Script You have to consider the location when launching a business. You will be “planning your business tree” there and will have to maintain it for years to come. You have to keep in mind a few things when deciding on a place t open your business. First of all, you have to take the local economy into consideration. Is your local area growing and building? Are the market trends good? Even if you have to locate your business farther from your home, try to find a place that is building up and bringing
people in. The worst thing you can do is to pick a place that is in the"bad area of town"because it is less expensive. Your address can be the first thing people will ask for, and it can say a lot about your business The second thing you have to bear in mind is the job market. Since unemployment is low in most area in the Unites States, consider what type of employees you will need and find out if there are many in your area. The amount of money that you will have t o spend i the recruiting phase could be an indicator that you should or should not locate the business in an area with a different employee pool Another factor people have to consider is whether you can integrate with the local community and get to love it. To make the community warm to you, you should become involved in it by joining the local Chamber of Commerce, Business Association, City Council Committees, or other you help. Why plan on retiring one day to some great location? Why not move there now and start your dream business? 1. What is the speaker mainly talking about? 2. What must you find if you are going to locate a business at a distance from your 3. Accord ing to the speaker, what is the worst thing you can do? 4. What will the recruiting money tell you? 5. What can you do the get on well with the locate people? Kes: 1D 2. C3.C.A5.C To decide on a good business location, one has to consider the local economy, the job market there, and whether you can integrate wit the local community I. Speaking out MODEL 1 I am having cash problems Bill: Helen, you started this company only a year ago. If you want it to grow. I'm afraid you need to do something about cash flow
4 people in. The worst thing you can do is to pick a place that is in the “bad area of town” because it is less expensive. Your address can be the first thing people will ask for, and it can say a lot about your business. The second thing you have to bear in mind is the job market. Since unemployment is low in most area in the Unites States, consider what type of employees you will need and find out if there are many in your area. The amount of money that you will have t o spend I the recruiting phase could be an indicator that you should or should not locate the business in an area with a different employee pool. Another factor people have to consider is whether you can integrate with the local community and get to love it. To make the community warm to you, you should become involved in it by joining the local Chamber of Commerce, Business Association, City Council Committees, or other local organization that could offer you help. Why plan on retiring “one day” to some great location? Why not move there now and start your dream business? 1. What is the speaker mainly talking about? 2. What must you find if you are going to locate a business at a distance from your home? 3. According to the speaker, what is the worst thing you can do? 4. What will the recruiting money tell you? 5. What can you do the get on well with the locate people? Kes: 1D 2.C3. C 4.A 5.C For Reference To decide on a good business location, one has to consider the local economy, the job market there, and whether you can integrate wit the local community. IV. Speaking Out MODEL 1 I am having cash problems. Bill: Helen, you started this company only a year ago. If you want it to grow, I’m afraid you need to do something about cash flow
Helen: Bill, although you've worked here only for a couple of months, you already know this company inside out. I am having cash problems Bill: Clearly you dont have the money you need to buy the equipment to be competitive. You have just barely enough funds to cover your day-to-day operational expenses. Helen: I think my best bet is to secure a small-business loan Bill: I dont think thats possible. It seems to me you don't have the collared for a Helen: What can i do then? Bill Try the Small Business Association. They help underwrite loans for a small Helen: So, even though I dont have much collateral, I can still quality for a loan? Bill: Under this special program, possibly. Helen: That would really help me cover our overhead. I just need to get some time to get the revenues up Bill: Apply for the small-business loan, and keep your fingers crossed! Now Your turn SAMPLE DIALOG A: Youve worked as a consultant for a long time, so you know the company inside out. I'm having cash problem B: I see. If you want the company to grow, I'm afraid you need to have more fund Clearly you dont have the money you need to buy the equipment to be competitive. You just barely have enough funds to cover your day-to-day operating expenses A: I think my best bet is to ask the bank loan B: I don't think that's the best solution. Nowadays the interest rates are very high You'll have a difficult time paying back the loan A: What can i do then? B: Try a business incubator. A: What can i get from them? B: They offer a range of services such as consultancy, training, and more importantly venture capital A: Can I really get venture capital from them? B: Possibly, if you prove your company is promising A: Good, that would really help me cover our overhead. I just need some time to get revenues up B: Well, apply for a risk investment, and keep your fingers crossed
5 Helen: Bill, although you’ve worked here only for a couple of months, you already know this company inside out. I am having cash problems. Bill: Clearly you don’t have the money you need to buy the equipment to be competitive. You have just barely enough funds to cover your day-to-day operational expenses. Helen: I think my best bet is to secure a small-business loan. Bill: I don’t think that’s possible. It seems to me you don’t have the collared for a loan. Helen: What can I do then? Bill: Try the Small Business Association. They help underwrite loans for a small business. Helen: So, even though I don’t have much collateral, I can still quality for a loan? Bill: Under this special program, possibly. Helen: That would really help me cover our overhead. I just need to get some time to get the revenues up. Bill: Apply for the small-business loan, and keep your fingers crossed! Now Your Turn SAMPLE DIALOG A: You’ve worked as a consultant for a long time, so you know the company inside out. I’m having cash problems. B: I see. If you want the company to grow, I’m afraid you need to have more funds. Clearly you don’t have the money you need to buy the equipment to be competitive. You just barely have enough funds to cover your day-to-day operating expenses. A: I think my best bet is to ask the bank loan. B: I don’t think that’s the best solution. Nowadays the interest rates are very high. You’ll have a difficult time paying back the loan. A: What can I do then? B: Try a business incubator. A: What can I get from them? B: They offer a range of services such as consultancy, training, and more importantly, venture capital. A: Can I really get venture capital from them? B: Possibly, if you prove your company is promising. A: Good, that would really help me cover our overhead. I just need some time to get revenues up. B: Well, apply for a risk investment, and keep your fingers crossed
ModeL2 I have some very bad news Helen: Bill, Ive been searching for a loan, but I was rejected everywhere. Now I'm afraid I have some very bad news Bill: What is it Helen: Well, the company has been experienc ing serious financial difficult ies for quite a long time now Bill: I know we've been operating in the red for the past few months Helen: Exactly. After a long discussion with my partners, I've come to the conclusion that the best course of action is to file for bankruptcy Bill: What? Bankruptcy? I didnt know you were in this kind of serious financial trouble Helen: Sales have been low all year long Now two of our lead ing competitors are discussing a merger. Then we'll have to face even stiffer competition. I feel the situation is going to go from bad to worse. We simply cant afford to keep our doors open for long Bill: When do you plan to make the announcement to tell all the employees? Helen: Early next week Bill: What kinds of severance package will we able to offer them? Helen: Unfortunately, the best we can do is offer one month's salary Bill: Oh! How terrible! OK. I'll contact Vivitek and see if they are interested in Now Your turn SAMPLE DIALOG A: I have some very bad news B What 's that? A: The company's products havent sold well for a long time, you know B: Yeah I know we've been operating a t a loss for several months A: Exactly. And after a long discussion with my partner, I' ve come to the conclusion that the best course of action is to file for bankruptcy B: What? Bankruptcy? Id suggest that you find a merger partner instead. With combined strength, we can face the stiff market competition A: Our sales have been low a long time. Who will be willing to merger with us? B: You can tell them we have a team of well -trained skilled workers and our quipment is not technologically backward. In fact, we have a lot of to offer A: Sorry, but I'm still not confident at all. I still prefer to declare bankruptcy B: When do you plan to make it known to the staff? A: Sometimes next month B: What kind of severance package are you going to offer them? 6
6 MODEL2 I have some very bad news. Helen: Bill, I’ve been searching for a loan, but I was rejected everywhere. Now I’m afraid I have some very bad news. Bill: What is it? Helen: Well, the company has been experiencing serious financial difficulties for quite a long time now. Bill: I know we’ve been operating in the red for the past few months. Helen: Exactly. After a long discussion with my partners, I’ve come to the conclusion that the best course of action is to file for bankruptcy Bill: What? Bankruptcy? I didn’t know you were in this kind of serious financial trouble. Helen: Sales have been low all year long. Now two of our leading competitors are discussing a merger. Then we’ll have to face even stiffer competition. I feel the situation is going to go from bad to worse. We simply can’t afford to keep our doors open for long. Bill: When do you plan to make the announcement to tell all the employees? Helen: Early next week. Bill: What kinds of severance package will we able to offer them? Helen: Unfortunately, the best we can do is offer one month’s salary. Bill: Oh! How terrible! OK, I’ll contact Vivitek and see if they are interested in acquiring our company. Now Your Turn SAMPLE DIALOG A: I have some very bad news. B: What’s that? A: The company’s products haven’t sold well for a long time, you know. B: Yeah. I know we’ve been operating a t a loss for several months. A: Exactly. And after a long discussion with my partner, I’ve come to the conclusion that the best course of action is to file for bankruptcy. B: What? Bankruptcy? I’d suggest that you find a merger partner instead. With combined strength, we can face the stiff market competition. A: Our sales have been low a long time. Who will be willing to merger with us? B: You can tell them we have a team of well-trained skilled workers and our equipment is not technologically backward. In fact, we have a lot of to offer. A: Sorry, but I’m still not confident at all. I still prefer to declare bankruptcy. B: When do you plan to make it known to the staff? A: Sometimes next month. B: What kind of severance package are you going to offer them?
A: Unfortunately, the best we can do is offer one month's salary B: That' s terrible MOdeL3 We've been looking for a merger partner Script Bill: I hear that Vivitek has been considering acquiring a CD manufacturer for some time Jessica: Thats quite true. What's on your mind? Bill: My boss Helen thinks that our company would be a good match for Vivitek And we've been looking for a merger partner. Jessica: Are you sure youroperation has much to bring to the table? Bill: Definitely. The quality of our products is first-rate, and we have man reliable sales out lets. What's more, Vivitek can propel us to even greater heights It will be an all-around excellent match Jessica: I think it might be, though we have yet to discuss details Bill: as a matter of fact. we' ve already received a few attractive bids Jessica: Well, we of curse need to come up with a plan that is attractive for both parties Bill: True, but my boss has to keep our shareholders'interests in mind Jessica: It's reasonable to keep your emplovees' welfare in mind Bill: Yes, we dont want to disappoint them Jessica: Then lets talk about specifics Now Your turn SAMPLE DIALOG A: I hear that your corporation has considered ac a software development company for some time B: Thats quite true. What's on your mind? A: We ve been looking for a merger partner. And we think our company would be a good match for you B: Definitely. We have a number of first-rate programmers(program writers software engineers), and one of our software products is a hit A: Then why do you want a merger? B: We can certainly survive on our own. The problem with us is that we dont as many reliable sales outlets as you have. We hope your company can propel us to even greater heights
7 A: Unfortunately, the best we can do is offer one month’s salary. B: That’s terrible. MODEL3 We’ve been looking for a merger partner. Script Bill: I hear that Vivitek has been considering acquiring a CD manufacturer for some time. Jessica: That’s quite true. What’s on your mind? Bill: My boss Helen thinks that our company would be a good match for Vivitek. And we’ve been looking for a merger partner. Jessica: Are you sure youroperation has much to bring to the table? Bill: Definitely. The quality of our products is first-rate, and we have many reliable sales out lets. What’s more, Vivitek can propel us to even greater heights. It will be an all-around excellent match. Jessica: I think it might be, though we have yet to discuss details. Bill: As a matter of fact, we’ve already received a few attractive bids. Jessica: Well, we of curse need to come up with a plan that is attractive for both parties Bill: True, but my boss has to keep our shareholders’ interests in mind. Jessica: It’s reasonable to keep your employees’ welfare in mind. Bill: Yes, we don’t want to disappoint them. Jessica: Then let’s talk about specifics. Now Your Turn SAMPLE DIALOG A: I hear that your corporation has considered acquiring a software development company for some time. B: That’s quite true. What’s on your mind? A: We’ve been looking for a merger partner. And we think our company would be a good match for you. B: Definitely. We have a number of first-rate programmers (program writers\software engineers), and one of our software products is a hit. A: Then why do you want a merger? B: We can certainly survive on our own. The problem with us is that we don’t as many reliable sales outlets as you have. We hope your company can propel us to even greater heights
A: As a matter of fact, we ve already received a few attractive bids. So we have to be cautious in making a decision B: I hope you will find our company an all-around excellent match. The merger wil turn out to be a win-win(double -winltwo-win)situation B: Well, we of curse need to work out a scheme that is attractive for both parties A: True, we have to keep in mind the interests of the shareholders of both sides B: Good. Thats why they call you headhunters V. Let' s talk Script Martin: Dick, would you review the result of the survey on leisure sporting activities We need to plan our proposal for this Fridays business meeting Dick: Sure. I've summarized the results in the handouts, broken down by customer age groups and sporting activ ities. The survey was administered to 550 men and women between the age of 18 and 55 years old, and the results have been compiled in the following age groups: 18to 26, 27to 35, 36to 45, and 46to 55 Accord ing to the results, the most active group involved in sporting activities is between 18 and 26 years old, followed by those 36to 45 years old Martin: Okay Dick: As far as particular sports are concerned, people in these two groups cited jogging as their favorite recreational sport followed by skiing, tennis, wimming, and cycling Martin: And what about these groups broken down by gender? active than women in the i8 to 26 year-old age group, but women seem more active in the other three groups Martin: Hmm Based on what you have said, I think we should consider targeting the 18 to 26 year-old age group more in the future. I also feel we should consider expand ing our line of athletic shoes, particularly jogging shoes and tennis footwear. We also have to come up with a more appealing slogan aimed at this age group Dick: I see what you mean. However, the 46 to 55 age group is becoming more concerned about staying fit. I believe this trend will continue, so we should not neglect them Martin: I see your point. Well, let's meet again on Wednesday to iron out more details of this proposal
8 A: As a matter of fact, we’ve already received a few attractive bids. So we have to be cautious in making a decision. B: I hope you will find our company an all-around excellent match. The merger wil turn out to be a win-win (double-win\two-win) situation. A: I think that might be, though we still have to discuss specifics. B: Well, we of curse need to work out a scheme that is attractive for both parties. A: True, we have to keep in mind the interests of the shareholders of both sides. B: Good. That’s why they call you headhunters. V. Let’s Talk Script Martin: Dick, would you review the result of the survey on leisure sporting activities. We need to plan our proposal for this Friday’s business meeting. Dick: Sure. I’ve summarized the results in the handouts, broken down by customer age groups and sporting activities. The survey was administered to 550 men and women between the age of 18 and 55 years old, and the results have been compiled in the following age groups: 18to 26, 27to 35,36to 45, and 46to 55. According to the results, the most active group involved in sporting activities is between 18 and 26 years old, followed by those 36to 45 years old. Martin: Okay. Dick: As far as particular sports are concerned, people in these two groups cited jogging as their favorite recreational sport followed by skiing, tennis, swimming, and cycling. Martin: And what about these groups broken down by gender? Dick: Oh, Martin, thanks for bringing that up. Men appears to be slightly more active than women in the 18 to 26 year-old age group, but women seem more active in the other three groups Martin: Hmm. Based on what you have said, I think we should consider targeting the 18 to 26 year-old age group more in the future. I also feel we should consider expanding our line of athletic shoes, particularly jogging shoes and tennis footwear. We also have to come up with a more appealing slogan aimed at this age group. Dick: I see what you mean. However, the 46 to 55 age group is becoming more concerned about staying fit. I believe this trend will continue, so we should not neglect them. Martin: I see your point. Well, let’s meet again on Wednesday to iron out more details of this proposal
esults of the survey The two most active age groups in Age Groups sporting activities are those between 18 and 26 years old and those 36-45 years The sports those two groups like are Sporting Activities the order of jogging skiing. tennis In the 18-26 year-old group, men appear Gender to be slightly more active than woman. In the other three groups, women seem to be more active Decisions Based on the survey The 18-26 vear-old Expanding The line of athletic shoos, particularly The 46 to 55 age group, because they are Not neglecting becoming more concerned about stain fit Discussion SAMPLE A: How many people do you think we have to survey before we can have a clear idea about the sales potential for each product? B: I think our survey must be administered to at least 300 men and women of various ages, incomes and occupations. Otherwise the results wont be reliable A: Perhaps we can use our common sense to predict the results B: Obviously, young people pay more attention to their clothes than older people, and they tend to buy more A: It's clear that women are more active in buying dresses. Our production should arget women B: What do you think about the various income groups? Do you think we should aim mainly at the high income group? A: It's hard to say. Some rich people are very careful with their money. So, we have to wait until the investigation results come out B: Now lets switch to sports shoes. Which group do you think may be active? A: I guess the young people may buy the most because many of them like sports a at deal
9 Results of the Survey Age Groups The two most active age groups in sporting activities are those between 18 and 26 years old and those 36-45 years old. Sporting Activities The sports those two groups like are in the order of jogging skiing, tennis, swimming, cycling. Gender In the 18-26 year-old group, men appear to be slightly more active than woman. In the other three groups, women seem to be more active. Decisions Based on the Survey Targeting The 18-26 year-old age group Expanding The line of athletic shoos, particularly jogging shoes and tennis footwear Not neglecting The 46 to 55 age group, because they are becoming more concerned about staying fit Discussion SAMPLE A: How many people do you think we have to survey before we can have a clear idea about the sales potential for each product? B: I think our survey must be administered to at least 300 men and women of various ages, incomes and occupations. Otherwise the results won’t be reliable. A: Perhaps we can use our common sense to predict the results. B: Obviously, young people pay more attention to their clothes than older people, and they tend to buy more. A: It’s clear that women are more active in buying dresses. Our production should target women. B: What do you think about the various income groups? Do you think we should aim mainly at the high income group? A: It’s hard to say. Some rich people are very careful with their money. So, we have to wait until the investigation results come out. B: Now let’s switch to sports shoes. Which group do you think may be active? A: I guess the young people may buy the most because many of them like sports a great deal
B: I think this group will be followed by the old group instead of the middle-aged group. The old people are becoming more concerned about stay ing fi A: I agree. And I believe this trend will continue, so we shouldnt neglect them B: What may be the result broken down by gender? A: Many people think men are more active than women, but I'm not quite sure B: Ok, lets carry out our survey as early as possible and let facts speak for themselves VI. Further Listening and Speaking Taskl: Hot business ideas Script Business ideas are all around you. Many business ideas come from a careful analysis of market and consumer needs. If you are interested in starting a business, but dont know what product or service you might sell, here are some ways that may help you find one First of all, you should study how to value to an existing product. The difference raw wood and finished wooden products is a good example of putting a product through an add itional process that increases its value But add itional processes are not the only way value can be added. You might also add services, or combine one product with other products. For instance, a local farm which sells produce can also offer a vegetable delivery service-for a free What business ideas can you develop along these lines? Focus on what products you might buy, and what you might do to them or with them to create a profitable Some people have another way of making profit. They improve an existing products or service. We all know that the person who can build a better mousetrap will make a lot of money. That person could be you! A local entrepreneur has created an improved version of the hula hoop. It's bigger and heavier, so hula-hoopers can control it more easily and do more tricks. How d id she come up with this business idea? She thought hula hooping would be a fun thing to do with her daughter, but found the ommercially available product too flimsy There are very few products or services that cant be improved. Start generating business ideas by looking at the products and services you use and brainstorming ideas as to how they could be bette 1. What is the first way the speaker mentions that helps you produce a business idea? 2. Which of the following methods does the speaker NOT mention? 3. Why does the speaker mention the mousetrap?
10 B: I think this group will be followed by the old group instead of the middle-aged group. The old people are becoming more concerned about staying fit. A: I agree. And I believe this trend will continue, so we shouldn’t neglect them. B: What may be the result broken down by gender? A: Many people think men are more active than women, but I’m not quite sure. B: Ok, let’s carry out our survey as early as possible and let facts speak for themselves. VI. Further Listening and Speaking Task1: Hot Business Ideas Script Business ideas are all around you. Many business ideas come from a careful analysis of market and consumer needs. If you are interested in starting a business, but don’t know what product or service you might sell, here are some ways that may help you find one. First of all, you should study how to value to an existing product. The difference raw wood and finished wooden products is a good example of putting a product through an additional process that increases its value. But additional processes are not the only way value can be added. You might also add services, or combine one product with other products. For instance, a local farm which sells produce can also offer a vegetable delivery service—for a free. What business ideas can you develop along these lines? Focus on what products you might buy, and what you might do to them or with them to create a profitable business. Some people have another way of making profit. They improve an existing products or service. We all know that the person who can build a better mousetrap will make a lot of money. That person could be you! A local entrepreneur has created an improved version of the hula hoop. It’s bigger and heavier, so hula-hoopers can control it more easily and do more tricks. How did she come up with this business idea? She thought hula hooping would be a fun thing to do with her daughter, but found the commercially available product too flimsy. There are very few products or services that can’t be improved. Start generating business ideas by looking at the products and services you use and brainstorming ideas as to how they could be better. 1. What is the first way the speaker mentions that helps you produce a business idea? 2. Which of the following methods does the speaker NOT mention? 3. Why does the speaker mention the mousetrap?
