LISTENING FOR MAIN IDEAS
Match the pairs of phrases
LISTENING PRACTICE
Listen to the conversations and choose the correct answers
What are Alicia and Ali doing?
A They're looking for the Placement Center
B They're looking for summer jobs
C They're looking for jobs in Maryland journalism staff members sales profitable award-winning the market
What are the speakers discussing?
A The clothes to wear to an event
B The size of the conference room
C The number of people expected
What is the topic of the conversation?
Listen and decide whether the following statements are TRUE or FALSE
1 They’re discussing what products should be bought ……
2 They’re looking for exciting and profitable toys ……
3 The man’s recommending a sports product suitable for all ages …….
NOTE-TAKING SKILLS: IDENTIFYING NEW WORDS
Listen to an advertisement and complete the notes.
Listen to two people describing how they got their job Take notes about how each person was lucky
Identifying main ideas in a listening task involves paying close attention to recurring words and concepts Moreover, speakers often emphasize specific words or sentences to highlight key points Additionally, listening for summaries at the conclusion of the speech can provide a concise overview of the main ideas covered.
UNDERSTANDING CAUSE AND EFFECT
NOTE-TAKING SKILLS: USING VISUAL ELEMENTS
Make a drawing of the infographic below Then, listen to a lecture about a successful businessman, and complete the gaps
To listen for causes and effects, pay attention to connecting words like so and because
PREDICTING
NOTE-TAKING SKILLS: ORGANIZING NOTES
Listen to the next part of the presentation in the Exercise 3 above The presenter will discuss the ‘in-store interview’ Prepare a page to take notes using the outline below
The sales team at ADH Graphics is receiving a call from a potential client Listen to the conversation and take notes using the form below
Phone Contact Form ADH Graphics
Client information Purpose of call Action required
It is useful, though not always possible, to predict what you are going to hear
You can prepare to listen by finding out about a topic and asking yourself what you already know about it
LISTENING FOR SPECIFIC INFORMATION
NOTE-TAKING SKILLS: USING SYMBOLS AND ABBREVIATIONS
Listen to a trainer talking about the importance of relationship-building as a competency Take notes using symbols and abbreviations Use the outline below to help you organize the information
When extracting specific information from audio, it is essential to concentrate on identifying keywords from the query The answer to the question is typically located in close proximity to or immediately following the keyword within the audio recording Additionally, paraphrases of the keywords should be considered as they may also provide relevant information.
LISTENING FOR REASONS AND EXPLANATIONS
NOTE-TAKING SKILLS: USING SIMPLE OUTLINE
Listen to an interview with Tara Ganesh, the marketing director of a business support service called Entrepreneur Complete the notes
- Which three kinds of advice can ‘Entrepreneur’ give?
- Most common way to fund a new business: 4 ………
- Bank managers want to see 5 ………
- Types of assets to guarantee bank loans:
- Company which provides start-up money is called a 8 ………firm
- Minimum percentage growth these companies require: 9
- Can find business angels through 11 ………
Good speakers give reasons and explanations to support what they say When you hear a speaker make a statement about something or express an opinion, ask yourself, ‘Why did the speaker say this?’ Then listen for reasons or explanations
LISTENING FOR DATES AND OTHER NUMBERS
NOTE-TAKING SKILLS: REVIEWING AND EDITING NOTES
Listen to four telephone calls and correct two mistakes in each message
Dates and numbers are often important details when you are listening Pay attention to numbers and dates as you listen Write them down with some notes to remind yourself why they are important
RECOGNIZING A SPEAKER’S ATTITUDE
NOTE-TAKING SKILLS: USING NOTES TO WRITE A SUMMARY
Listen a presentation about teamwork and make notes using the following outline Then write a summary based on the notes
How to apply this knowledge of teamwork:
RECOGNIZING FACTS AND OPINIONS
Find the following words and phrases in the puzzle
Work together to explain the meaning of those words and phrases You can use a dictionary to help you
Match the words with the definitions
1 terminology a a very important change in the way people do things
2 revolution b likely to continue and not fail or be lost
3 phenomenon c not lasting or needed for a long time
4 permanent d relating to work done in an office
5 secure e special words or expressions used in relation to a particular subject or activity
6 redundancy f lasting for a long time or for ever
7 temporary g calculate an amount / a number over a year
8 clerical h to divide the duties and the pay of one job between two people who work at different times during the day or week
9 job share i something that exists and can be seen, felt, tasted, etc., especially something unusual or interesting
10 annualise j a situation in which someone loses their job because their employer does not need them
A fact is something that is true An opinion is a person’s belief or attitude about something
To recognize opinions, pay attention to words like I think, I feel, I’d say
Listen to an interview with Rita White This note contains 8 mistakes Cross out the mistakes and write the correct information instead
Many women choose to play the markets through the growing number of small investment clubs in which a group of individuals get together and contribute a fixed monthly sum to be invested Over half the members of investment clubs are women even though women make up only about 15 per cent of investors as a whole
One female investor of this type is Rita White Rita runs a small hotel in Wales and is also the founding member of an investment club Her father worked as a stockbroker and she took some advice from him in the beginning
Her first shares were in a building society
The investment club is for women only Several men wanted to join but the women were determined to make this a ladies-only organisation and refused After an initial investment of £100, the members now pay in £25 a month They agree which stocks to invest in at a weekly meeting held at one of the members’ homes So far, their investments have made modest but steady returns, always between 5 and 9 per cent
Like many local investment clubs, the Llandudno club’s portfolio contains only one local business, namely the local racecourse This has been one of their most successful investments
Listen to talk show about the world’s wealthiest and most successful countries
Task A: Decide whether the statements are true or false
1 Alberto supports the anti-global movement that is against the globalisation of trade
2 This is the first time that people have said that Brazil will be a great economic power
3 Alberto is optimistic that predictions of Brazil’s success may be right this time
4 Rich people in Brazil live in the favelas
5 Today there is a big gap between the rich and the poor in Brazil
6 Alberto wants Brazil to have an education system similar to the one in China
7 According to Alberto Brazil needs to develop its own industries, not just export raw materials
8 If the money Brazil earns from trade is spent on health and education, Brazil could become a wealthy country
Task B: For the topic discussed in each of the statements above, do the speakers refer to an opinion or a fact?
III NOTE-TAKING SKILLS: USING NOTES TO WRITE A SUMMARY
Listen to an interview with Nicola, a social commentator, on changes in patterns of working Task A: Which of these subjects does she mention?
Task B: Take notes on the information she gave about those subjects Make sure you include both her opinions and the facts she used to support her views
Task C: Use your notes to write a summary of the changes in patterns of working
Word PoS Definition Unit admit v agree that something is true, especially unwillingly 8 advocate v publicly support or suggest an idea, development, or way of doing something
8 annualize v calculate an amount / a number over a year 8 asset n something valuable belonging to a person or organization that can be used for the payment of debts
5 award-winning a having won a prize or prizes 1 backlog n a large number of things you have to do or deal with that has increased over a period of time
6 capital n money and possessions, especially a large amount of money used for producing more wealth or for starting a new business
5 cash flow n the amount of money moving into and out of a business 5 chain n a set of connected or related things 2 charitable trust n an organization that provides money for charity 6 clerical a relating to work done in an office 8 committed to a loyal and willing to give your time and energy to something that you believe in
7 compensation n money that is aid to someone in exchange for something that has been lost or damaged or for some problem
38 competency n an important skill needed for a job 4 consult v get information or advice from a person, book, etc with special knowledge on a particular subject
5 contract n a legal document that states and explains a formal agreement between two different people or groups
5 courtesy n a polite action 4 credit voucher n a document that shows the company has received cash from their customer, bank or other parties it can be used for cash receipt from the sale
3 crisis n a time of great disagreement, confusion, or suffering 7 cultivate v try to develop and improve 4 designer goods n expensive things, such as jewelry, clothes and accessories made by a famous designer, usually called luxury goods
Discounts provide reduced pricing, while divisions represent significant organizational units Founders establish organizations or initiate projects Domination implies control, and fizzle out describes a gradual decline These terminologies collectively enhance understanding within relevant contexts.
4 hammer out v.phr come to an agreement through argument or discussion 4 headquarters n the main offices of a business company 4
39 incorporate into v.phr include something in 4 infrastructure n the basic systems and services, such as transport and power supplies, that a country or organization uses in order to work effectively
8 initiate v make something begin 3, 4 invoice n a document that lists things provided or work done, gives their cost and asks for payment
6 job share n to divide the duties and the pay of one job between two people who work at different times during the day or week
8 market n the business or trade in a particular product 1,
2, 7 market research n the collection and examination of information about things that people buy or might buy and their feelings about things that they have bought
2 market share n the number of products or services that a company sells compared to the number that other companies sell
4 merge with v.phr combine or join together 6 original a not the same as anything or anyone else and therefore special and interesting
6, 7 pension n an amount of money paid regularly to a person who does not work anymore
6, 8 permanent a lasting for a long time or for ever 8
40 phenomenon n something that exists and can be seen, felt, tasted, etc., especially something unusual or interesting
8 philanthropist n a rich person who gives a lot of money to help poor people 6 principle n a moral rule or standard of good behavior 7 redundancy n a situation in which someone loses their job because their employer does not need them
8 refund n an amount of money that is given back to you, especially because you are not happy with a product or service that you have bought
3 reliability n the quality of being able to be trusted or believed because of working or behaving well
4 resolve v to solve or end a problem or difficulty 6 revenue n the income that a government or company receives regularly 4 revolution n a very important change in the way people do things 8 savings n the money you keep, esp in a bank or other financial organization
5 secure a likely to continue and not fail or be lost 8 secure a loan v.phr be able to borrow a sum of money you need, often after a lot of effort
5 selling point n a characteristic or a product that will persuade people to buy it 2 slum n a very poor and crowded area, especially of a city 8 small talk n conversation about things that are not important 4
41 social work n the job of giving help and support to people who have difficulties
6 stake n a share or a financial involvement in something such as a business
5 stereotype n a set idea that people have about what someone or something is like, esp an idea that is wrong
7 sustainable a able to continue over a period of time 8 take over v.phr take control of something 6 target n a level or situation that you intend to achieve 4,
5, 7 temporary a not lasting or needed for a long time 8 terminology n special words or expressions used in relation to a particular subject or activity
8 trace v find the origin of something 6 welfare n health and happiness 6
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Grant, D., Hudson, J., & Hughes, J (2018) Business result: Pre-intermediate (2nd ed.)
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Jang, Y H (2009) TOEIC icon: LC basic Nhan Tri Viet
Johnson, C (2006) Intelligent business: Pre-intermediate Pearson Education Limited Lee, T (2018) New economy TOEIC: LC 1000 Nhan Tri Viet
Lee, L., & Gundersen, E (2011) Select readings: Pre-intermediate (2nd ed.) Oxford
Lougheed, L (2006) Longman preparation series for the New TOEIC ® Test: Introductory course (4th ed.) Pearson Education Limited
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University Press https://learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/business-english/podcasts-for-professionals
UNIT 1: LISTENING FOR MAIN IDEAS
1 Award-winning: Having won a prize or prizes
2 Sales: The total number of products that are sold
3 Journalism: The job or activity of writing news reports for newspapers, magazines, or television
4 Profitable: Making or likely to make money
5 Staff members: The people who work for an organization
6 The market: The business or trade in a particular product
1 An introduction to the company
III NOTE-TAKING SKILLS (Suggested answers)
Sent application 2 mins by midnight
Interviewer not like me, not interested in my answers
Got qualifications (technician) but no experience
How lucky? Last person to send CV
Met old teacher after that, his job recruiting service technicians
UNIT 2: UNDERSTANDING CAUSE AND EFFECT
Step 1: Develop a new product idea
Step 3: Prepare a good business plan
2 Usually it’s because people don’t understand the market / because market research is usually ignored
3 Demand for your product/service and your competitors
4 It helps you to focus on what you want to do and get finance
5 Staff, management, production, marketing, and finance
6 The fifth/last step: to build a customer base because it is key to making a success of your business
III NOTE-TAKING SKILLS (Suggested answers)
Channels: Email, phone call, online chat, social media, face to face, etc
2 It stopped talking (after two days)
3 He wrote an email (to report the problem)
4 Less than one day / On the same day
5 The company sent a replacement, along with a £10 credit voucher
III NOTE-TAKING SKILLS (Suggested answers)
Feedback station not used no figures
20 people with positive feedback why? no data
Recommended to others (5 more people)
Phone Contact Form ADH Graphics
Client information Purpose of call Action required
Nature of business: Elevator manufacturer
E-mail: clarkson.bellstone@lineone.com
Wants printing estimate for a manual (over 100 pages)
Estimates also for 10,000 and 30,000 copies
Colour: Black and white Cover in colour
Will supply material on disk or
Visit client with samples/estimates
UNIT 4: LISTENING FOR SPECIFIC INFORMATION
III NOTE-TAKING SKILLS (suggested answer):
- Practise simple courtesies, e.g saying Good mor to 3 ppl
- Get to know colleagues outside office, ask for interests, plan social events
- Target sb in office, small talk, updated w current affairs
- Conflict: focus on issue, not person
- Learn sth new a/b an acquaintance
UNIT 5: LISTENING FOR REASONS AND EXPLANATIONS
1 Because the fruit and vegetables are always fresh and because the service is better
2 The assistants know his name and what he likes They’re friendly and make conversation They help with his bags and they always give him something free
4 She doesn’t complain, but she doesn’t tip and she doesn’t go back
5 She mentions bad service in a restaurant and poor technical support from an Internet service provider
III NOTE-TAKING SKILLS (Suggested answers)
UNIT 6: LISTENING FOR DATES AND OTHER NUMBERS
- Wed flights: Air France 06:40 or British Airways 06:20
The flight that the secretary books:
III NOTE-TAKING SKILLS (Suggested answers)
1 Caller’s company: AS Associates // Tel: 0632 158431
2 Message for: Mr Horbaczewski // Message: email the tax form
3 Caller’s company: Hofmann gmbh // Message: see Ms Junge on the 18 th
4 Message: he has accepted the first offer // From: Martin Kraemer
III NOTE-TAKING SKILLS (suggested answer)
Good leader: committed to team & aims, calm in crisis, trust & listen to members not most intel b/c members not ustand & dominate => ave intel + right personality
Very important, but lots of these => fights & arguments b/c they not good at ustand & work w other creative ppl
Most important principle: balance of diff personalities
Enthus sales w g8 comm Skills => sell
Careful & thoughtful person pay attention to details => checks / tests / prod ready 4 market
How to apply this knowledge of teamwork:
UNIT 8: RECOGNIZING FACTS AND OPINIONS
One female investor of this type is Rita White Rita runs a small hotel in Wales and is also the founding member of an investment club 1 No one in her family is a broker and 2 she took her initial advice from proShare Her first shares were in a building society
An exclusive investment club caters to women, prohibiting male membership despite initial requests from spouses Members initially contributed £150 and currently pay monthly dues of £25 Decisions regarding stock investments are made during monthly meetings held at members' residences.
So far, 6 some of their investments have given returns of over 10 per cent
Like many local investment clubs, Rita’s club’s portfolio contains 7 several local businesses 8 One example is the local health club This has been one of their most successful investments
III NOTE-TAKING SKILLS (suggested answer)
Alicia: Thanks for coming to the Placement Center, Ali
Ali: Don't mention it It's nice to have your company Besides, I need to find a summer job, too!
Alicia: What kind of job are you looking for, Ali?
AU: I'm hoping to find one in my major, public health
Alicia: I'm sure you can Do you have any experience in public health?
Ali: Yes, I do I worked part-time in a lab in Maryland last summer
Alicia: That's great I want to find a job writing for a local newspaper I'd like to be a reporter Ali: Your major's journalism, isn't it?
Alicia: Uh-huh I had a great job last summer when I was in Mexico City
Ali: Really? What did you do?
Alicia: I worked part-time for Excelsior It's the biggest newspaper in Mexico
W: How many people are expected to show up tonight? Around fifty like the last time?
M: I would say probably more because this time around Jack and his staff members at our Westhill branch office have decided to join us How many chairs did you prepare?
W: We've set up 100 chairs Do you think we should have more?
M: Yes, let's bring in about 20 more, just to be on the safe side
A: I just have a few questions about the product
B: Yes, of course Please go ahead
A: On your website, it says the guarantee is for three years
B: That's right That's for parts and labour
A: And how soon can you deliver?
B: Well, the order process is a little longer than usual, because we don't have it here in our main warehouse
A: So where does it come from?
B: It's sent from China But we can ship the product to you in the next 48 hours It generally takes about 12-14 days
A: So can you give me a definite delivery date?
B: I can confirm that very quickly I just need to check with the warehouse first
A: That's fine OK, I'll order now, but please call me back with a delivery date
W: Let’s talk about new products, Jim Do you remember last year we bought that electronic tennis game from Sportsline? It was a great product, it brought a lot of people into our stores M: Yeah, it was one of our best buys I seem to remember our sales increased a lot after it went on sale in November
W: Mmm, I want to do the same thing this November Buy a really exciting product, advertise it on television and get plenty of customers into our stores
M: Good idea Are you thinking of a new sports game?
W: Well, maybe, but any toy that’s exciting and will get people into our stores Something we can sell at a high price and make a good profit on Any ideas?
M: Mmm, OK, if it’s a new sports product - how about skateboards? Skateboarding’s very popular with young people, and the market’s growing fast They’ll pay a lot for a skateboard that’s a bit different
Speaker 1 Good morning, everyone My name is John Hawkins, and what I want to do today is give you a short introduction to the company I won’t take more than ten minutes because we have a lot to get through today But if you have any questions, please feel free to interrupt