UNIT 1: INTRODUCTIONS AND GREETINGSIntroductionsFormal InformalMay I introduce you to Dr Petersen? Hello. I don’t think we’ve met before.

I don’t think you two know each other, do you?Neutral Hello, you must be Lena.I’d like to introduce you to Thomas Tauber. Hi, have we met before?Can I introduce myself? My name is / I’m Ralph Keller.Can I introduce a colleague of mine? This is Pedro Romero. I don’t know if you remember me. We met in Prague last year.Excuse me. Would you by any chance be Mr Tavatti? FormulasHow do you do? How do you do?Pleased to meet you. Pleased to meet you too.Please call me Anna. Then you must call me Bertrand.

GreetingsFormal or neutralGood/Nice to see you again. I haven’t seen you for ages!How are you? Very well, thanks. And you?How’s work? Not too bad, thanks. Very busy. How are things going? Fine, thanks. What about you?How’s business? Not too good. I’m afraid. InformalHi, Tom, how are you doing? How’s it going?Hi, Sam, it’s good to see you again. How’s things?Oh, hi there!

WELCOMING A VISITORThe visitor’s journey The visitDid you have a good flight? Is this your first visit to Prague?How was your journey? Have you been to Brussels before?I hope you had a good trip. What do you think of the city?How long was the flight? Do you like the food?Did you have any problems finding us? Are you here on business/holiday?How long are you here for?

Accommodation WeatherWhere are you staying? What was the weather like when you left London?What’s your hotel like? What’s the weather been like in England?I hope everything’s OK at the hotel? Isn’t this weather wonderful/terrible?

Home town/ country WorkWhich part of Canada are you from? What do you do?Where in France do you live? Who do you work for?Which part of the city is that? Where are you based?Have you always lived in London? How long have you been with the company?

Current affairs InterestsWhat’s the latest news on the Olympic bid? What do you do in your spare time?What’s the situation regarding unemployment? How do you spend your weekends?Is there any more news on the elections? Are you interested in sports?

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INTRODUCTIONS AND GREETINGS

1. 1.3 Eric arrives at NMP to meet Piet. Listen to the conversation

1. What does Piet say when he greets Eric? _________________________________________2. How does Piet introduce Eric to Claire?__________________________________________3. What do Eric and Claire say when they are introduced?______________________________

2. Work in pairs. Write what you would say in the following situations. 1. You are at a conference. Introduce yourself to the person sitting next to you.

2. You are meeting a visitor you have never met before in a hotel lobby. You see someone you think might be your visitor. Speak to her.

3. Introduce a person visiting your organization to a colleague.

4. You arrive at a new company. Introduce yourself to the receptionist.

5. Introduce two friends of yours at a party.

3. Read the introductions below. Match them with the situations in 2 above. Then, write F (formal), I (informal) or N (neutral) next to each of the introductions.

a) Signor Butani, I’d like to introduce you to a colleague of mine, Michelle Johns. b) Good morning. My name is Giles Truro. I have an appointment at 10.30.c) Can I introduce myself? I’m Javier Corzon from Global Auto, Madrid. d) Excuse me. Is your name Karen Miles?e) I don’t think you know each other, do you? Julia, this is Claude.

4. Match the phrases in A with appropriate responses in B.

A B1. How’s work? a. Pleased to meet you, too.2. How are you? b. Not too bad, thanks. A bit busy. 3. Pleased to meet you. c. How do you do4. I haven’t seen you for ages! d. Yes, that’s right. 5. How are things going? e. Very well, thanks. And you?6. How do you do. f. It’s good to see you again, too.7. Nice to see you again! g. No, I’ve been away a lot recently.8. You must be Marco. h. Everything’s going fine, thanks. What

about you?

5. Which of the phrases from 4 would you use

a) when you meet someone for the first time?

b) when you meet someone you already know?

WELCOMING A VISITOR

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1. Piet van Els is welcoming Bob Wyatt, a visitor from Toronto, Canada. Read the conversation. 1. What topics do they talk about?2. What questions do you think they asked?

Piet So, did you have any problems finding us?Mr W No, none at all. I walked here. My hotel is only a few minutes away.Piet Oh, really? Which ____________________________________________________¹?Mr W I’m staying at the Garrick. It’s in King Street. Do you know it?Piet I know the name. What_________________________________________________²?Mr W Oh, it’s very pleasant. I always stay there when I come to London. Piet How often____________________________________________________________³?Mr W Four or five times a year. What about you?__________________________________4?Piet Yes, I do quite a lot of travelling – mostly in Europe, but I go to Canada and the States as well – about two or three times a year. Mr W Canada? That’s interesting. ______________________________________________5?Piet No, I’ve never been to Toronto, but I had a wonderful holiday on Vancouver Island not long ago.

2. 1.4. Listen to the conversation and check your answers.

3. Read later extracts from the conversation between Piet and Mr Wyatt. What questions do you think they asked?

1. Piet ________________________________________________________________________? Mr W Just three days. I’m flying back the day after tomorrow.

2. Piet _________________________________________________________________________? Mr W I’ve been with Star TV for four years now.

3. Mr W________________________________________________________________________? Piet Yes, it is. We do get good weather in London sometimes!

4. Piet _________________________________________________________________________? Mr W I went to New Zealand with my wife and our two daughters.

5. Piet _________________________________________________________________________? Mr W Yes, I play ice-hockey in winter and I do some sailing in summer.

4. 1.5. Listen to the conversation and check your answers.

5. Study the conversations in 1.4 and 1.5 between Piet and Mr Wyatt. 1. Who asks questions? The host (Piet) only, or both the host and the visitor?

2. Do they give Yes or No answers only?

3. How do they show interest in what the other person is saying?

INTRODUCTIONS AND GREETINGS. WELCOMING A VISITOR

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1. Tom Wright worked with Jan on last year’s commercial. She sees him as she arrives at Sunshine holiday with the new one. Complete their conversation. Use the phrases in the box.

Everything’s going fine, thanks. ….it’s good to see you again, too.How are things going? Nice to see you again!I haven’t seen you for ages!

JAN Tim!_____________________________________________¹ Hello!TIM Yes, it’s been a long time. ______________________________________________²JAN And ____________________________________³ I suppose we last met a year ago.TIM That’s right. So…are you busy? _________________________________________4

JAN ________________________________________5 We’ve just finished your new TV Commercial. Look, this is it!

2. A young assistant, Lucy Lang, comes to take Jan to Stefan Herbst’s office. Complete the conversation. Use the phrases in the box.

Did you have any problems finding us? How do you do.I’m Lucy Lang, Mr Herbst’s assistant. You must be Ms Phillips.

LUCY Er, excuse me. _______________________________________________________¹JAN Yes, that’s right. LUCY Hello. ______________________________________________________________²

How do you do. JAN ___________________________________________________________________³LUCY Mr Herbst is expecting you, so would you like to come this way?JAN Thank you. LUCY ___________________________________________________________________4

JAN No, not at all. You see. I’ve been here several times before.

3. Stefan is waiting in his office with a colleague. Complete their conversation with Jan. Find the suitable expressions in the box on the first page.

STEFAN Come on in, Jan, and take a seat. How are you?JAN _______________________________________¹ A bit tired though!STEFAN Of course. But listen, Jan, before we meet the branch managers, ______________

_______________________________________² Tina Marlowe. She’s Director of Retail Operations.

TINA _______________________________________³JAN It’s good to meet you, too. TINA Thank you for all the hard work, Ms Phillips.JAN Oh, ____________________________________4

TINA Then, __________________________________5

STEFAN Good, now, Jan, would you like some coffee?

1.5 Listen to the conversations and check your answers.

UNIT 2: POLITE EXPRESSIONS

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Asking people to do things AgreeingCan you....? Yes, certainlyWill you...? Yes, of course.Could you...? Would you …. ? Could you possibly? Would you mind... (-ing)? Not at all.

Refusing I’m sorry but .... I’m afraid ….

Asking for permission to do things. AgreeingCan I ...? Yes, certainlyCould I...? Yes, of course.May I...? Please do.Could I possibly...? (I) By all means. Would you mind if I ....(past tense)? No, not at all.

RefusingI’m sorry, but...I’m afraid....

Thanking RepliesThanks. You’re welcome.Thank you very much indeed. Don’t mention it.It’s very good of you. Not at all.

It’s a pleasure.

Apologizing RepliesSorry. It’s OK.I’m extremely sorry. No problem.

It doesn’t matter. Don’t worry about it.

OFFERING HELP AND INVITINGOffering help Accepting Refusing

Do you want a hand? That’d be great. No, it’s all right, thanks.Can I...? Yes, please. Thank you very much. That’s kind of you, but Shall I...? I can manage. Would you like me to...?

Inviting people to do something Accepting Refusingthemselves

Please.... Thank you. I’m all right, thanks.Do....Inviting people to do something Accepting Refusingwith you.

Would you like to...? Thank you. I’d like that. I’d love to, but...That would be lovely. I’m sorry, but...

NOTES:

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1. Request forms are listed with more informal examples at the top and more formal at the bottom. So, for example, we are more likely to use Can you...? if we are making a small request to someone we know well, and Would you mind...? when making a big request to someone we don’t know well.

2. Notice we use different forms for asking people to do things and asking for permission to do things. 3. The word mind means object to or be annoyed by, so to agree to requests that contain this word you

have to say No, or No, not at all. 4. The verb forms change in these two requests:

Would you mind lending me your pen? (mind + -ing form)Would you mind if I used your phone? (mind + subject + past tense)

5. Note the difference between these two: Would you like to go to the meeting? (Would you like + to infinitive)That means that you are offering somebody to do something himself/herself. Would you like me to go to the meeting? (Would you like + object pronoun + to infinitive)That means that you are offering somebody to do something for him/her.

6. If you’re refusing a request, it’s generally polite to give a reason. 7. We use the expression Do you want a hand? when we offer to work alongside someone. 8. We can invite someone to do something themselves by saying please or do.

Please sit down. Do help yourself.

9. Simply saying ‘yes’ is not enough when you are accepting an invitation. It’s important to sound positive and enthusiastic.

EXERCISES: Polite questions

A. Match each polite question on the left with a sentence from the right that has a similar meaning.

1. Would you mind if I went to the bank? a. Do you want to go to the bank?2. Would you mind going to the bank? b. Go to the bank, please.3. Would you like me to go to the bank? c. Please may I go to the bank?4. Would you like to go to the bank? d. Do you want me to go to the bank for

you?B. Now rewrite these sentences as polite questions. Begin each one with Would you...?

1. I can send you our latest annual report. Do you want me to?Would you_________________________________________________________________?2. I’d like a day off next week. Is that OK?Would you_________________________________________________________________ ?3. Do you want to fly Business Class?Would you _________________________________________________________________?4. Please wait a few minutes. The manager is busy at the moment.Would you _________________________________________________________________?5. Do you want to visit our showroom?Would you _________________________________________________________________?6. We can pay you in advance if you want. Would you _________________________________________________________________?7. May I pay by credit card?Would you_________________________________________________________________?8. Please don’t park here. The visitor’s car park is over there. Would you_________________________________________________________________?

POLITE PHRASES

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1. All these modal verbs are used to make requests in English. Which ones could be used in the requests below?

could may would can will

1. _____________you call me a taxi?

2. _____________ I use your phone?

2. We are generally quite formal when we are welcoming visitors to a company, so your would never hear any of the conversations below.

Rewrite these conversations, using more formal language.

1. Visitor I want to see Erling Lund. Receptionist Tell me your name. Visitor Kate Williams. Tell him I’m in a hurry. Receptionist He’s busy. Sit down there and wait.

2. Receptionist Sign the visitor’s book. Visitor OK. Give me your pen. Receptionist All right. Coffee? Visitor I don’t drink coffee. I want tea. 3. Visitor Put my briefcase somewhere safe. Secretary OK. Visitor I want another cup of tea. Secretary Pour it yourself, then. 4. Visitor I want to see your customer address list. Client You can’t. It’s confidential. Visitor Your colleague, Mr Lopez, said I could. Client Then he was wrong.

FACE TO FACE

WHAT IMPRESSION DO YOU TRY TO GIVE THE PEOPLE YOU DEAL WITH (IN BUSINESS)

I try to be:pleasant kind relaxed clever/intelligent

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sincere nice tranquil activeefficient open-minded composed proficientalert /lively-minded affable collected trainedclear amicable self-possessed/ experienceddistinct cordial self assured helpfulfriendly welcoming honest reliablewarm courteous upfront/upright trustworthypolite confident skillful/skilled honourablecertain/sure calm expert

I try not to be:unfriendly unpleasant unreliable unintelligentshy hostile dishonest prejudiced/aggressive unkind devious biasedasleep timid underhanded inefficientvague diffident inept nastyunclear anxious clumsy unhelpfulimprecise worried sleepy off-handambiguous nervous lazy brusquecold undecided stupid rudeunsociable uncertain unclever

1. You’ll hear each person above talking to a visitor.

a) Which of the visitors are greeted in a friendly and efficient way?b) Which of the visitor are made to feel welcome?c) What made the unwelcoming people seem unfriendly or unhelpful?

2. Now answer these questions using the adjectives from the list above:

a) What impression do you try to give to the people you deal with in business?b) What impression do you try not to give?c) Add some more adjectives to these lists:

I try to be: pleasant sincere efficient__________________________________________

I try not to be: unfriendly shy aggressive________________________________________

3. Read the text and underline the adjectives that describe personal attitudes and qualities.

UNDERSTANDING BODY LANGUAGE

What you say with your body can be as important as what you say with words. In meetings, negotiations, and social situations it is important to think about body language – gesture, posture, facial expression, eye contact, and other non-verbal signals. Look at these people, for example. Which of these words would you use to describe them: interested, bored, thoughtful, aggressive, neutral? How did you decide?

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Of course, body language can mean different things in different cultures. In western countries, crossing your arms can indicate you are suspicious or even hostile, but smiling and keeping your hands visible can indicate you are open-minded. If you play with a pen or even your hair, it can mean you are distracted; but putting your hand on your chin show you are thoughtful. Leaning back in your chair can sometimes seem rude, but leaning forwards slightly can indicate you are attentive. Nodding gently when someone is making a point can show you are supportive and encouraging. If you stare at someone they may think you are being intrusive, but establishing good eye contact is important if you are trying to be decisive.

4. Look at the list of adjectives in the box and answer the questions.

attentive bored decisive distracted encouragingfriendly interested intrusive neutral rude supportive

1. Find two pairs of opposite adjectives.2. Find five adjectives whose opposites are formed by adding either un- or in-. Give the full word. 3. The following words from the list do not take un- or in- to form their opposites. What are their opposites? You may need to use a dictionary.

encouraging neutral rude

5. Replace the phrases in italics with adjectives from the box.

analytical diplomatic flexible motivated responsibleconfident enthusiastic innovative punctual thorough

Employee profile

An excellent employee who is able to be trusted _______________1. He is always on time ______________2, and is clearly interested in his work and works hard _________________3. His ideas are new________________________4, and he is sure about his own ability_______________5 when putting them forward. He is also good at dealing with people in difficult situations _________________6, and is able to change to suit new situations___________________7. Perhaps he needs to be a little more logical and scientific _________________8 about his approach, but his reports are very detailed___________9. His best quality is that he is excited and interested______________________10 about everything!

UNIT 3: REQUESTS AND OFFERS (I = informal. All other forms = neutral)Requesting AgreeingCould you possibly…(call him)? Yes, certainlyDo you think you could … (come too)? Yes, that’s no problemWould you ….. (ring the company)? Yes, of course. Could you …. (translate this), please? Yes, I’ll do that. Can you …. (give me a hand)? (I)Would

you mind …. (checking these figures)? No, of course not.Do Not at all.

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Is it alright if … (I smoke)?

Refusing I’m sorry but that’s not possible… (It’s too late).I’m afraid not…. (I have to go now).I think that will be very difficult…. (I’m very busy).Sorry, but …. (I’m too busy). (I)

Offering AcceptingWould you like me to … (book a room)? Thanks. I’d appreciate that.If you like, I can… (find out)? That’s very kind of you.Shall I … (change the flight)? Yes, please. Thanks very much.Do you want me to … (call her)? (I) DecliningWould you like … (a lift)? Thanks, but that won’t be necessary.Can I get you a drink? (I) That’s very kind of you but….(I can manage)Do you need a hand? (I) Thanks, but please don’t bother.

EXCHANGING INFORMATION

Askingsome information on….(hotels).

I’d like to ask you about … (flights to Prague). to know … (how long the journey takes).

Could / Can you tell me … (how many flights a day there are)?Do you know (if the flight from Moscow has arrived)?Do you happen to know … (what time the airport bus leaves)?

Checking ConfirmingYou did say … (Tuesday), didn’t you? Yes, that’s right.That’s … (the 12th of this month), is it?So… (the flight leaves at 8.15)? Sorry, did you say … (thirteen or thirty)? I said … (thirteen).

Showing you understand Correcting informationI see. Sorry. I made a mistake. It’s forty, not fourteen.Right. I’ve got that. Sorry. That’s not correct. It should be 10.30.OK. I understand now.

REQUESTS AND OFFERS. EXCHANGING INFORMATION

1. Work in pairs. Which of the phrases in the box would you use to make the requests below? Give reasons for your choice.

Can you…? Could you…?Would you mind …. (+ ing)? I’d like you to …Do you think you could …? Do you mind … (+ing)?

Ask1. a colleague to translate a letter for you. 2. a friend to do some supermarket shopping for you.

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3. your secretary to work three hours overtime this week. 4. a colleague to give you a lift to the train station. 5. your secretary to make some photocopies. 6. your son or daughter to tidy their bedroom. 7. a colleague to help you move some office furniture.8. a friend to water your house plants while you’re on holiday.

2. 6.4. Listen to a conversation between Rosa and Claire. Write the information Rosa asks Claire to get.

3. Listen again. Write other phrases Rosa and Claire use under the correct heading below.

Requests and offersRequesting AgreeingCould you…? Yes, of course.

Offering Accepting DecliningWould you like me to …? Yes, if you could. Thanks, but you needn’t bother

4. What phrases can you use to refuse a request? How do we begin a refusal and what do we add to sound polite?

5. Work in pairs. You are colleagues. Practise making and responding to requests. Add two more requests each. Give a reason when you refuse a request. Student A Student BAsk Student B1. to help you translate a document. Agree.2. to give you a lift to the airport. Refuse.Student B Student AAsk Student A to1. explain a new computer system. Agree.2. look after a visitor next week. Refuse.

6. Work in pairs. You are preparing for a seminar. Practise making and responding to offers. Give a reason when you decline an offer. Add one more request each. Student A Student BOffer1. to set up the audio-visual equipment. Accept.2. to check the number of participants. Decline.Student B Student AOffer1. to open the windows. Decline.2. to get supplies of stationery. Accept.

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7. 6.5. Listen to the phone call. Claire makes to Executives Travel Services. Write the times of flights in her notebook.

FLIGHTFrom To Day/Date Departure ArrivalLondon Bilbao Sunday 2nd Bilbao Seville Tuesday 4th

Seville Valencia Friday 7th

Valencia Barcelona Saturday 8th Sunday 9th

8. 6.5. Listen again. Write the other phrases Claire and Jan use under the correct headings below.Exchanging information

Asking CheckingI’d like some information on … That’s … is it?

Confirming Correcting Showing understandingYes, that’s right.

9. Rewrite the indirect questions as direct questions.

1. Could you tell me what time the 10.30 flight from Paris will arrive?________________________2. Do you know if there are any cancellations on the 8 am. flight to Moscow?________________________________________________________________________3. I’d like to know where I can get some foreign currency?_________________________________4. Can you tell me where you bought your tax-free goods?_________________________________

10. Rewrite the direct questions. Use introductory phrases from 9.

1. Are there any seats available on that flight?___________________________________________2. Has the plane from London Heathrow arrived yet?_____________________________________3. Is there a connecting flight to Manchester?___________________________________________4. Which terminal should I go to?______________________________________________

PRONUNCIATION1. 6.6. Listen to the corrections. Which word is 3. 6.8. Look at the examples of corrections

emphasized? and then listen. 1. No, not the 7th, the 17th. a. So travelling on the 7th …. (5th)2. No, not Málaga, Madrid. No, not the 7th, the 5th.3. No, not 10.35, 10.25. b. So, departing at 11.45 … (11.35)

2. 6.7. Listen to the corrections. Circle the 4. 6.9. Listen and correct the mistakes you correct information. hear using the information below. 1. 4th 14th 4. Frankfurt Berlin 1. 30th 4. Toronto2. 30th 13th 5. 12.45 12.30 2. 19th 5. 13.453. Zürich Geneva 6. 07.30 07.20 3. Rome 6. 15.50

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REQUESTS AND OFFERS1. After Sarah Vine has handed in her resignation at McAlister Homes, Tom Blanchard, the Managing Director, asked to see her. Complete the conversation. Use the phrases in the box.

….we’d like you to… Yes, of course. I’m very happy to…….would you like us to…. …thank you, but I’m afraid that won’t…

TOM Ah, Sarah. Come in and sit down. SARAH Thanks, Tom.TOM Now, Sarah. I’ve talked with the other directors about your plans, and we don’t want

to lose you if possible. So ________________________¹ consider a suggestion that we’ve come up with.

SARAH _____________________________________________² do that. TOM Well, here it is. If you can promise to get back in six months, __________________³

keep your job open? We’d be glad to do that. SARAH Ah, well, ______________________________________4 change things. You see,

I’ve already promised to take the placement in Guatemala for a year. TOM I’m really sorry to hear that, but of course I accept your decision.

2. Just before her departure, Sarah had a meeting with May Crawford, Placement Officer for the Guatemala project. Complete the conversation. Use the phrases in the box for Unit 2.

MAY Right, the next thing. _______________________¹ pick up your ticket and travel money from my assistant, Magda?

SARAH ___________________________² right after this meeting. Oh, and by the way, __________________³ take anything out to Guatemala for you – letters, for example?

MAY ______________________________________4 I’ve got several things here. SARAH Fine. MAY And now, I’ve got something else to ask. ____________________5 changing your role and

becoming our part-time administration officer out there?SARAH This is a surprise! Mmm… __________________________________________________6

MAY Please think about it. You see, our previous administrator has had to return to Canada suddenly, and we need someone with management experience to do the job – and you would be ideal!

SARAH Well, all right, I’ll try it for a while – but I still want to dig! OK?MAY Yes, of course. Thank you so much!

6.4 Listen to the conversations and check your answers.

UNIT 4: SOCIAL RESPONSESINVITATIONS

Inviting AcceptingI’d like to invite you to dinner. Thank you. That would be very nice.Would you like to join us for lunch? Thank you. I’d enjoy that. Would you like to come to our barbecue? Thanks. I’d love to. How about joining us tonight? That sounds like a good idea. What about going our for a meal? (I) That’s a good idea. (I)Do you fancy another drink? (I) Thank you. I’d like some more wine.

Declining I’d love to but… (I’m afraid I’ve made other arrangements)That’s kind of you but … (unfortunately I won’t be able to. I’m leaving). Thanks but … (I can’t. I’m too busy). (I)

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OffersDo try one of these canapés. Thanks, but I couldn’t eat anything else.How do you like your coffee? Black, one sugar, please/ White, please.Would you like a lift? That’s very kind of you, if it’s no bother.

Responding politelyOh, dear. I’ve just split some wine Never mind.I’m afraid Sarah couldn’t come. Oh, I’m sorry to hear that.Antonio sends his regards. Thank you. Do give him mine.I hope you have a good weekend. Thanks. The same to you.I hope the next programme goes well Thanks. I hope so too. I’m afraid I didn’t catch your name. It’s Claire. Claire Hallan.Do you mind If I opened this window? Not at all.

SAYING GOODBYE(I = Informal. All other forms = neutral)

I must be going now … (or I’ll miss my plane).I think I should get back to my hotel now … (as I’m leaving very early tomorrow)I think I should be going.I must be off. (I)It’s been very interesting meeting you. I have enjoyed meeting you. I’ve enjoyed meeting you, too.I hope to meet you again. I hope so, too.I look forward to meeting you again.(I hope you) have a good flight Thanks, and the same to you.

You, too. (I)

Thank you so much for all your hospitality. Thanks very much for inviting me out to lunch. I’ve really enjoyed it. Thank your for a really excellent meal. Thank you very much for all your help. I really appreciate it. Bye. I’ll be in touch (soon).See you (in May). So long. (I)Take care. (I)Gotta go. (I)

SOCIAL RESPONSES. COMMON EXPRESSIONS

1. 12.3. Listen to the telephone conversation between Rosa and María Ferrando. Answer the questions.

1. What good news does Rosa tell María?_______________________________________________________________________________

2. When did the investors make their decision?_______________________________________________________________________________

2. Match the offers and invitations made by people at NMP’s party in A with their replies in B.

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A B1. María, would you like another drink? a. Yes, I’d love to see it. When are you going?2. Do try one of this canapés. Eric made them. b. That’s very kind of you, if you’re sure it’s no They’re delicious. trouble. 3. We’re having a barbecue on Thursday evening. c. Did he? Then I must try one. Would you like to come? d. Oh, I’d love to but I’m afraid I’ll be away on4. We’re going to see the new musical next week. business then. How about coming with us?5. Would you like me to give you a lift back to your e. Thanks, Piet, I’d love some more wine. hotel after the party?

3. 12.5. Listen to some more comments made by people at the party. Tick the most appropriate response.

1. a. Never mind. 5. a. Black, one sugar, please. b. It’s Claire. Claire Hallan. b. It doesn’t matter. 2. a. Thank you. Do give him mine. 6. a. Really? b. Does he? b. Oh, I’m sorry to hear that. 3. a. It’s OK. 7. a. Never mind. b. Not at all. b. Don’t mention it. 4. a. Thanks. I hope so too. 8. a. Yes, I expect so. b. Do you? b. Thanks. The same to you.

4. 12.6. Listen and check your answers.

COMMON EXPRESSIONS1. Match the expressions in A with their uses in B.A B1. Talking of (weekends, why don’t you come a. to give an opinion, without being asked. and stay with us soon?) for one.2. As I was saying, (their daughter has just started b. to repeat and agree with what someone her own business) . has said.3. That reminds me, (I must get in touch with him again). c. to introduce a new topic by linking it to4. If you ask me, (I think he’s making a big mistake). a present one.5. As you say, (the economic situation isn’t getting any better).d. to say something that the present topic

has reminded you of.e. to take the conversation back to an earlier topic.

2. Complete the extracts from conversations with a suitable expression from 1.

1. ____________________________, Eric, I’d say good food is definitely one of life’s pleasures. (=that’s what I think)2. ____________________________, María, Señor Pérez sends you his regards. (=I’ve just remembered)3. ____________________________, Rosa, we’ve got a very busy year ahead. (=you said it before and I agree)4. ____________________________ good wines, Eric, what was the name of that wine you recommended? (= a new topic that links to the last one)5. ____________________________, Rosa, I think Jean Leblanc would be ideal as consultant for the programme on France. (=I was talking about this topic)

3. 12.7 Listen and check your answers.

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SAYING GOODBYE

1. 12.8 Listen to people saying goodbye at NMP’s party. Answer the questions. 1. What does María say to show she’s leaving?__________________________________________2. Do you think Piet wishes he had Rosa’s job? Why/Why not?_____________________________

2. Work in pairs. Decide what you would say in these situations. a. You’re on a business trip and your host has taken you out to dinner. It’s very late and you have to catch an early morning plane. b. Some colleagues invited you out to lunch for your birthday. You’ve got a meeting at work in ten minutes. c. You’ve just spent three days staying with some English friends. They’re seeing you off at the airport. You’ll see them again next summer. d. You’ve spent the day at a foreign branch of a company, learning how to use a new computer system. Everyone there has been very useful.

3. 12.9 Listen to four people saying goodbye. Match situations a-d from 2 with speakers 1-4.

Situation a b c d

Speaker

SOCIAL RESPONSES AND COMMON EXPRESSIONS

During the buffet supper at the end of the Opposition Party Conference, ‘shadow’ Transport Minister, Helen Price, talked with many people. Complete the conversations. Use the phrases in the box.

Black, no sugar, please.I’d love to, but I’m afraid I’ll be …I’m afraid I didn’t catch your name. Oh, I’m sorry to hear that. Thanks, I’d love some more wine. Thanks. The same to you.That’s very kind of you, if you’re sure it’s no trouble.

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Yes, I think I should get an early night tonight.

GUEST 1 Helen, would you like another drink?HELEN __________________________________________________________________¹

GUEST 2 We’re having a small lunch party next Friday. Would you like to come?HELEN __________________________________________________________________²

away at a conference in Brussels.

GUEST 3 Would you like me to email you a copy of the report I told you about?HELEN __________________________________________________________________³GUEST 3 No, none at all. It’ll only take a moment.

GUEST 4 My husband wanted to be here too, but he’s been doing too much and the doctor’s told him to rest for two weeks.

HELEN __________________________________________________________________4

GUEST 5 I’m so pleased to meet you at last. My name’s Juliette Rotherham.HELEN I’m sorry, it’s rather noisy. ____________________________________________5

GUEST 5 It’s Juliette. Juliette Rotherham.

GUEST 6 So I’m off to Rome next week, and you’re going to Brussels, aren’t you? I hope you have a good trip.

HELEN __________________________________________________________________6

GUEST 7 How do you like your coffee?HELEN __________________________________________________________________7

GUEST 8 Do you have to leave so soon?HELEN __________________________________________________________________8

I’m leaving at 6.00 in the morning.

12.4. Listen to the conversations and check your answers.

UNIT 5: ADVICE AND SUGGESTIONS

( S = strong, T = Tentative. All other forms = neutral)

Asking for advice and suggestions

What would you suggest we do? advise us to do?

What do you recommend?I’d like to hear your ideas on this. Do you have any suggestions?Do you think we should … (hire a consultant)?

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Giving advice and suggestions Accepting ideasI’d recommend (that) ….(we cut our prices). Yes, I’m definitely in favour of suggest doing that. (S)

I recommend (getting expert advice). Yes, I think we should do that. suggest Yes, that’s an interesting idea.

My advice would be to … (ask a lawyer). Yes, that sounds like a good idea.If I were you I’d … (advertise on TV). Yes, let’s do that. I think you should… (put up your prices).Have you thought of … (selling abroad)? Rejecting ideasWhy don’t we … (delay production)? I’m sorry, but that’s out of the question.(S)How about … (asking local people)? I’m afraid I’m not very keen on that idea. You could … (employ more staff). (T) I’m not sure about that. It might be a good idea to … (wait). (T) That’s very interesting, but it’s too soon.Perhaps we should… (take our seats). (T) No, I don’t think that will work.

1. María Ferrando, a friend of Eric Carlin, has agreed to act as a consultant for NMP’s programme on Spain. Read the extract from her book, A Taste of Spain. Why does she say ‘tapas are more than food’? What other examples of the connection between food or drink and national customs can you think of?

TAPAS

Tapas (small portions of food served in bars) are said to have originated in Andalucía in Southern Spain, where it was the custom in the 19th century to serve customers with a glass of wine or sherry covered by a lid (tapa) on which there was a free slice of ham. Today you can find an enormous variety of tapas in Spain: ham, sausage, squid, prawns, meatballs, salt-cod, and fried fish, to name just a few. But tapas are more than food, they’re a way of life. In Spain you can spend a whole evening on a tapeo, going from one tapas bar to the next, sampling the variety on offer in each one.

2. 4.3 Listen to the first part of María’s conversation with Rosa and Eric.1. Which three regions of Spain does María suggest for the programme?_____________________________________________________________________

2. What does she say about Basque cooking?___________________________________________

3. What is San Sebastian famous for?_________________________________________________

3. 4.3 Listen again. Write the phrases María, Rosa and Eric use to ask for and give advice and suggestions under the correct headings below.

Asking for advice and suggestions Giving advice and suggestions

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My advice would be…

Accepting ideas Rejecting Yes, that sounds like a good idea!

4. 4.4 Listen to the second part of the conversation between María, Rosa and Eric.

1. How does María describe the cuisine of Catalonia?_____________________________________2. Why does she suggest Rosa and Eric go to the Penedés region of Catalonia?_________________________________________________________________________________________________3. Why does María suggest they go to Valencia?_________________________________________

5. 4.4 Listen again. Write other phrases the speakers use for advice and suggestions under the correct headings in 3. Two phrases for giving advice and suggestions are tentative. Write T next to them.

6. Match the phrases in A with a suitable ending in B.

A B1. My advice would be … a. filming the preparation or paella?2. If I were you … b. to include a visit to some cava vineyards.3. How about … c. explain what tapas are. 4. Have you thought … d. I’d describe how sherry is made. 5. Why don’t … e. (that) you include the Basque country.6. I think you should … f. of including some Spanish recipes?7. I would suggest … g. you interview some Spanish chefs?

PRONUNCIATION1. 4.5. Listen to the pronunciation of the following pairs of words. Repeat each pair.

// /t/

1. sh erry cherry2. sh oes choose3. dish ditch

2. 4.6. Listen to the sentences. Tick the sentence you hear, a or b.

1. a Would you like a sherry? 4. a Did you say they were sheep?2. b Would you like a cherry? b Did you say they were cheap?

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2. a Excuse me. This is my share. 5. a Shall I wash it? b Excuse me. This is my chair. b Shall I watch it?

3. a I can’t see any ships. 6. a Do you want me to cash it? b I can’t see any chips. b Do you want me to catch it?

3. 4.7. Listen to the sentences from 2 again and repeat them.

4. 4.8. Listen and repeat the words below.

1. chess 3. rich 5. merchant 7. ditch 9. chops2. shelf 4. shells 6. dish 8. shops 10. Czech

ADVICE AND SUGGESTIONS

The big supermarket chain Euro-Mart wants to reach people who live and work in city centres and do not usually travel to the company’s large out-of-town stores. Marketing Director Carlo Leone is talking with Teresa Smith, the Store Development Manager, and Publicity Manager Willi Heinemann.

1. Complete the first part of the conversation using phrases from the box.

Asking for advice and suggestions Giving advice and suggestions… do you think we should… …how about…… what do you think? I’d recommend we…

It might be a good idea…Accepting Rejecting … I think we should do that. …I’m afraid I’m not very keen on that idea.Yes, that’s an excellent idea!

CARLO Well, it’s time to discuss ideas for the new chain of city-centre stores. We’ve allstudied the market research reports, so let’s start with those. Teresa, _______________________________________________________________________¹.

TERESA I feel very positive about it. CARLO But_________________________________² go ahead and start buying city-centre

sites? It’ll be a big investment. TERESA ____________________________________³ to start with a limited roll-out in

perhaps five cities. CARLO And Willi, what do you think? Do you agree?WILLI Yes, ________________________________4 And here’s another idea. _________

____________________________________5 establish a special image for this newchain of stores and give it a new name.

CARLO Mm, _____________________________________6 The Euro-Mart brand name isvery important.

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WILLI But______________________________________7 combining that with somethingnew, something that really speaks to our city market? My suggestion is… Metro-Mart.

CARLO Metro-Mart! Yes, I like the sound of that. Teresa?TERESA _________________________________________________8

4.4 Listen to the first part of the conversation and check your answers.

2. Complete the second part of the conversation.

CARLO Now we come to the question of opening hours. Do we need to stay open all night every night?_______________________________________________¹ Teresa?

TERESA ________________________________² be open 24 hours a day, seven daysa week. We have to do this thing properly.

WILLI ____________________________________³ Some stores are already staying open all night, so we have to compete.

CARLO Good, I think we all agree on that. So next we need to think about the mix of foodand non-food products. Should we go for the 60-40 mix that we have in our big stores?

WILLI Mm, ________________________________4 I think we should focus mainlyon convenience foods – pre-cooked meals and so on.

CARLO And Teresa?_____________________________________5 TERESA Willi is probably right, ______________________________________6 do some

more research on that question.

CARLO _________________________________________________7 We have to get it right. And now let’s choose some cities for our first group of Metro-Mart stores.

4.5 Listen to the second part of the conversation and check your answers.

UNIT 6: OPINIONS( S = strong. All other forms = neutral)

Asking for opinions Giving opinions

What are your views on… (the location)? I’m quite sure … (it’s the best option).(S)What’s your opinion … (of the hotel)? I really do think …(we need more time). (S)What do you think about … (the design)? From a (financial ) point of view… (it’s fine).How do you feel … (about John’s proposal)? In my opinion… (it’s too expensive).Do you think … (we need more information)? I think… (it’s an excellent idea).

Agreeing DisagreeingYes, I agree completely.(S) In my opinion that’s out of the question. (S)Yes, definitely. (S) I’m afraid I disagree completely. (S)I agree I’m afraid I can’t agree with that idea.

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I’d go along with that. Sorry, but I don’t agree. Yes, you have a point there. I’m afraid that’s not how I see it.

Expressing reservations and doubts I agree up to a point, but… (we need more information) You could be right, but… (it’s very risky). Maybe, but … (I think you should speak to him first).

PARTICIPATING IN A MEETING OR DISCUSSION( I = informal. All other forms = neutral)Opening Stating objectivesRight. Shall we start? The aim of this meeting is to…OK. Let’s start. (I) In this meeting we need to decide…Shall we make a start? First, let me explain the aim of this meeting.I think we’re all here, so let’s get going. I’d like to start by outlining the aims of this talk.Beginning the discussion Moving onWould you like to start? Can we get back to the main point?Could you begin? So, let’s move on to the next topic…

Asking for clarification InterruptingSorry, I don’t quite follow you. Could I just ask something?Could you explain what you mean by that? Before you go on, could I say something?Would you mind repeating that? Excuse me, could I come in here?Could you go over that again? Can I interrupt a moment?Could you be more specific? Excuse me, could I just point out?

Checking agreement SummarizingSo, are we all in agreement? So, to sum up…Do we all agree then? We’ve agreed that…Concluding ClosingWell, I think that’s everything. Good, let’s call it a day, then.

GIVING OPINIONS. AGREEING AND DISAGREEING.

1. 3.3 Listen to the first part of a meeting between Rosa, Piet and Eric.

1. How many programmes will NMP finance?___________________________________________2. Which countries does Eric think should be in the first three programmes?___________________3. Why does Piet disagree with Eric?__________________________________________________4. Which three countries do they agree on?_____________________________________________

2. 3.3 Listen again. Write the phrases which Rosa, Piet and Eric use in the meeting under the correct headings below.

Asking for opinions Giving opinionsWhat are your views? In my opinion…

From a financial point of view…

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Agreeing Expressing reservations DisagreeingYou could be right, but…

3. 3.4 Listen to the second part of the meeting.

1. Which two groups of people must the pilot programme impress?________________________________________________________________________________2. Why does Rosa want to find a consultant for each programme?________________________________________________________________________________3. What does their choice of Spain for the pilot programme depend on?________________________________________________________________________________

4. 3.4 Listen again. Add other phrases the speakers use under the correct headings in 2.

PRONUNCIATION1. 3.5 Listen to the same sentence, spoken twice. Tick the one which sounds polite. a. Could you explain that again? b. Could you explain that again?2. 3.6 Listen to five more sentences, spoken twice. Tick the one which sounds polite. 1. a. Could you begin, James? b. Could you begin, James?2. a. Excuse me, could I come in here? b. Excuse me, could I come in here?3. a. Can we get back to the main point? b. Can we get back to the main point?4. a. Would you mind repeating that? b. Would you mind repeating that?5. a. Could you go over that again? b. Could you go over that again?3. 3.7 Listen to and repeat the polite versions of all the sentences in 2.

PARTICIPATING IN A MEETING OR DISCUSSION.

1. Some of the phrases used in the meeting are given below. Complete the list with other phrases you remember from the meeting.

Opening Stating objectives_______________________________ The aim of the meeting is to…___________________

Beginning the discussion Interrupting Eric, would you like to start? Just a minute, Rosa, could I just ask something? __

___________________________________________

Asking for clarification Checking agreement_______________________________ ___________________________________________

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Moving on Concluding_______________________________ Well, I think that’s everything. Is there anything else

you want to discuss?

Summarizing Closing________________________________ Good. Let’s call it a day, then___________________

2. Work in groups. Each person chooses one of the topics below and starts a short discussion of that topic. Give your opinions and explain why you agree or disagree with your colleagues.

1. Public transport should be state-owned, not privatized. A public transport system can either make a profit or provide a good service. It cannot do both.

2. University education should be free and the state should pay the cost of students’ accommodation, food, and books.

3. All employees should get a share of a company’s profits, not only senior management.

4. Unemployed people who get payments from the state should do some kind of work in exchange for the money they receive.

Claudia Stamitz, CEO of Data-Flash, is discussing the new Baltic region operation with her Sales Director, Harry Brice, and Finance Director, Michel Marat. Complete the conversation using phrases in the box.

You could be right, but…Sorry, but could you explain what you mean by that?Personally, I think…Then let’s move on to the next topic.Excuse me. Could I come in here?…would you like to start?Do we all agree then?Yes, I’d go along with that. The aim of this meeting is to…

CLAUDIA Right. Let’s start._____________________________________________________¹discuss our new operation in the Baltic region. First, we have to decide on the best

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place to open. So, what are your views?Harry, _____________________________________________________________²

HARRY Well, until recently, I thought we should open in Stockholm, but now I feel that weshould look to the east.

CLAUDIA __________________________________________________________________3.HARRY Yes, I mean the eastern Baltic states – Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. They’re small,

But they’re dynamic and their economies are growing fast. MICHEL _______________________________________________4. Costs are also much

lower there than in Sweden – or Finland. CLAUDIA That’s a very good point. But which one should we choose?HARRY _______________________________________________5 Estonia could be the

right place. There are a lot of skilled technical people there.MICHEL _______________________________________________6 Estonia is very small.

What about Lithuania? The population is bigger, and it’s got probably the fastest-growing economy in the whole EU. I think we need to find out more about all threeBaltic states in order to-

HARRY ______________________________________________7 I have to make a tripover there next week, so I suggest that I do some research and report back to ournext meeting.

MICHEL Good idea!CLAUDIA I think so, too. ____________________________________________________8

MICHEL Yes, definitely.CLAUDIA Good. ___________________________________________________9 That’s our

new Baltic Regional Director…

3.4 Listen to the conversation and check your answers.

U.7: INTERVIEWING LANGUAGEIntroducing a topic

Could I start by asking you about…Perhaps I could ask you first about… (the area of production)?I wonder if you could tell me about…Could we talk about… (production methods) now?

Statement questions

I imagine… (a lot of sherry that’s produced is exported). Is that the case?So… (all sherry comes from this area)?So if… (70% is exported), then… (only 30% is drunk in Spain)?

Asking for more informationYou say… (tastes are changing). Could you explain in what way?Earlier you referred to…(the solera system). Could you describe how…(it works)?

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You said…(a new image was needed). Could you expand on that?

Asking for more clarificationBy…(DO wine), do you mean… (the wine produced in classified areas)?Could you explain what you mean by… (DO wine)?

Getting clarification So you mean that…So basically what you’re saying is…If I understood you correctly…

DESCRIBING A PROCESS. INTERVIEWING TECHNIQUES

Describing a process

1. 10.7 Listen to Eric Carlin interviewing Javier Pérez, a sherry producer in Spain. Tick True or False.

T F1. Sherry is produced in several different areas of Spain. 2. Nearly three quarters of the production is exported. 3. Britain is the biggest export market today. 4. Most of the big sherry companies are Spanish-owned. 5. The sherry producers want to attract younger markets.

2. 10.8 Listen to a later part of the interview. Answer the questions.

1. In which row of barrels in the solera is the oldest wine?_______________________________2. How long does it take for a premium sherry to progress through the solera system?______________________________________________________________________________

3. Work in pairs. Use the verbs in the box to complete the following extract from the interview. Use the appropriate passive form of the verb for describing a process.

add fill keep need reach take take on top

When wine __________________¹ for bottling, it ______________² from the barrels on the bottom row, and these barrels__________________³ with an equal amount of wine from the next row up. Then, the barrels on that row____________________4 up with wine from the row above and that process continues until the top row __________________5. Finally, at the end of the process, new wine____________________6 to the barrels on the top row. In this way, the characteristics of the older wine____________________7 by the younger wine and the quality of the wine_____________8

consistent.

4. 10.8 Listen again and check your answers.

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Netti Caprotti, a young lawyer from Milan, is being interviewed for a job in London by Peter Blake, partner in an international patent firm law firm. Complete the interview using phrases from the box.

Introducing a topic Using statement questionsCould I start by asking you about… I imagine you….Is that the case?…. could we talk about… So you want to… Is that it?Asking for more informationCould you expand on that?…could you explain a bit more about that?

PETER Well, let’s begin. ______________________________________¹ your background?

NETTI Certainly. I studied in Milan and completed my degree two years ago. I specialized in European patent law.

PETER _________________________________________________________________²NETTI Yes, of course. I wrote a dissertation on the European Patent Convention. PETER _____________ discussed the benefits of a Europe-wide scheme._______________³NETTI Very much so. In fact, I focused particularly on the advantages to smaller companies.PETER Good. Now, _____________________________4 your experience since graduation?NETTI Well, for the last two years I’ve been working for a patent law firm in Milan, and

now I think I’m ready to move on.PETER _______________get some wider experience abroad._______________________5?NETTI Yes, I do, particularly in the area of world-wide patent work.PETER Yes, I see. Now, your CV also mentions that you had some work experience in

America while you were a student. That sounds useful, so__________________________________________________6?

NETTI Yes, I had a year as an intern with a law firm in Philadelphia. I helped with American Firms wanting to apply for European patents.

PETER Well, you’ve certainly done some interesting things already!

1. 10.4 Listen to the conversation and check your answers.

U.8: GIVING TALKS AND PRESENTATIONS

Introducing the topic

This morning I’m going to… (talk about…)Today I’d like to … (describe…)The aim of my presentation this morning is to… (explain…)I’ve divided my presentation into…. /My talk will be in … (three parts).In the first part of my talk, I’ll be looking at…First, I’d like to … (give you an overview of the project).Second, I’ll move on to… (the role of technology).Then, I’ll focus on… (the financial side).After that we’ll deal with… (the technical aspects).Finally, we’ll consider… (what new skills will be needed).

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Referring to questions

Please, fell free to interrupt at any point. Do interrupt me if there’s anything you don’t understand.If you don’t mind, we’ll leave questions till the end.

Introducing each section Summarizing a section

So, let’s start with… (the objectives…) That completes my…(description of…)Now, let’s move on to… (the next part…) So, to summarize, … (there are…)Let’s turn our attention to… (design) In other words, the key issues to remember are...This leads me to… (my next point…)Finally, …(let’s consider)

Referring to visual information Referring

This slide illustrates how… I mentioned earlier… (the role of…)This diagram shows… I’ll say more about this later.If you look at this graph you can see… We’ll come back to this point later.I’d like to draw your attention to… As you know…/ As I’m sure you’re aware…

Checking understanding Clarifying and paraphrasing

Is that clear?/Are there any questions? OK, what I’m trying to say is…Do you see what I mean? Let me explain what I mean.Does that seem to make sense? Well, let me put it another way.Are you with me? In other words…

Closing Dealing with questions

This brings me to the end of my presentation. That’s a good point/I’m glad you asked that.If you have any questions, I’d be pleased to Can I get back to you on that later?answer them. I’m afraid I don’t have …(this information at Thank you for your attention. present)

GIVING TALKS AND PRESENTATIONS

1. Carol Hunt is a freelance consultant for NMP. She gives talks and presentations on a variety of subjects.

1. What is the title of her talk?_______________________________________________________2. What do you think is meant by ‘signposting language’?_________________________________

NMP BUSINESS TRAINING SEMINAR Carol Hunt

Communication skills at work

Giving talks and presentations1. Preparation2. ‘Signposting language’3. Delivery

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NMP BUSINESS TRAINING SEMINAR Carol Hunt

Communication skills at work

Preparation: six key points1. Objectives 4. Organization2. Audience 5. Visual Information3. Content 6. Practice

3. Which of the six key points on Preparation do you think these questions refer to?

1. Who are you talking about? 7. Have you checked the timing?2. What is the aim of your talk? 8. Can you use the visual display equipment correctly?3. Is the talk clear and logical? 9. Are you using ‘s.l.’ that makes the talk easy to follow?4. Have you practised giving the talk? 10. Are you showing too much information?5. What is the important information to get across? 11. What do you need to know?6. What do you want to achieve? 12. Are you sure what you are saying is interesting?

4. 7.6 Listen to the first part of Carol Hunt’s talk and check your answers.

5. 7.7 Listen to the last part of Carol Hunt’s presentation. Complete the key points about delivery on the screen. NMP BUSINESS TRAINING SEMINAR Carol Hunt

Communication skills at work

Delivery - key points1. nerves 4. _______________2._____________ 5. _______________3. _____________

6. 7.7 Listen again. Make notes to help you remember what the presenter says about the five areas. Then compare notes with a partner.

GIVING TALKS AND PRESENTATIONS

Alan Fraine is giving a presentation about HydroGen at a conference on clean energy. Match the underlined phrases in the talk with phrases from the box with a similar meaning.

Introducing the topic Referring backwards and forwardsa. … the purpose of my presentation f. .., as I mentioned previously, …this morning is to… g. …we’ll come back to this point later.b. My presentation will be in…Referring to questions Referring to visual informationc. …please feel free to ask any h. As you can see from this first chart…questions you may have.

Referring to common knowledgeIntroducing each section i. …, as you are aware, …d. First of all, I want to take a brief Concludinglook at… j. ..that concludes my presentation.

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e. Now, let’s begin with…

Section 1ALAN Good morning everyone, and thank you for your interest in HydroGen. Now, the aim of my

talk today is to ¹ ____a ______ explain the company’s mission as we move into a new phaseof development. I’ve divided my talk into ²_______ three sections. First, I’d like to give youan overview of ³_____ the company’s origins. Then I’ll move on to our development intoconsultancy on water resources in North America. Finally, we’ll focus on our new stage ofdevelopment with partners around the world. So let’s start with 4 _______ the company’s early days. HydroGen was founded back in 1936…

Section 2ALAN During the last ten years, we have widened our attention to many areas of water resource

management and, as I mentioned earlier, 5______ this development has taken the form of a consultancy business. It has met a big demand because, as you know, 6______ the need forclean, reliable water and energy supplies is large and growing. This is true both here in the States and Canada and, of course, globally. And I’ll say more about this later. 7_____Now let’s turn to some facts and figures. If you look at the first chart, 8_____ we nowprovide a wide range of technical support. And, …

Section 3ALAN …and, with our highly-experienced French, Norwegian, and Turkish partners, our project

In central Turkey is now progressing well, and we expect to complete in two years. Well, that brings me to the end of my talk. 9______ Now, I know that there are many areaswhich I have not discussed in detail, so if you have any questions, I’d be pleased to answer , them. 10_____

1. 7.1 Listen and check your answers.

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