BEC口语第三部分例题
剑桥BEC真题模拟中级第三辑口语解析Part3Discussion
剑桥BEC真题中级第三辑口语解析Part3Discussion第三辑Test 1Staff MagazineYour company is planning to introduce an internal magazine to keep staff informed of company developments.You have been asked to help plan the staff magazineDiscuss the situation together, and decide:●What type of information to include in the magazine●Which type of staff should contribute to the magazine●How often the magazine should be published【题目分析】企业内刊你所在的公司当前正计划发行企业内部期刊以帮助员工随时了解公司的发展状况。
要求你帮助策划企业内刊的设计。
你们一起讨论这个话题，并决定：●杂志包括哪些内容●杂志所定位的员工类型●杂志的发行周期【思路点拨】主题讨论要点讨论结果原因Staff Mag azine Contents ofmagazineNews, analysis,opinions, interviews,competitions andfeedbackCover a wide range oftopics, of interest tostaffOrienta tion of magazi ne Oriented to all thestaff membersA betterunderstanding of ourbusiness, knowledgeand experiences,interest andentertainment, a goodknowledgeCircula tion Monthly An easy, convenientway of keepingup-to-speed witheverything.【词汇、短语】特写feature 视觉的visual熟悉的，了解的up-to-speed 上交submit使适应，定位orient 承诺，奉献commitment 【句型点击】正面评价观点Good idea!I really appreciate what you’ve saidYou’ve made a very good point.That’s interesting!【参考范例】A: I think the staff magazine should be published four times a year and contains news and features about events in the company and the achievements of staff.B: I don’t think so. A monthly publication of news , analysis, opinions, interviews, competitions and feedback would be better, which can cover a wide range of topics, of interest to staff.C: I prefer the monthly. The magazine is an easy and convenient way of keeping up-to-speed with everything that’s going on in the company. In addition, staff magazine is designed to create a corporate culture that can connect all people in. so, the more, the better.A: Ok, maybe you are right. Staff magazine should involve everyone and everything in the company. A rich, prompt and diverse coverage satisfies all needs and expectations.By the way, what could be the target audience of the magazine?B: since every issue is designed to give staff a better understanding of our business, to share knowledge and experiences, to provide interest and entertainment and to show readers why the company is a good place to work, the magazine should be oriented to all the staff members. C: You can target the staff magazine to different groups, for individual department may want their version of themagazine. Moreover, staff should be encouraged to become involved in producing the magazine and buildinga sense of community and engagement.A: An employee magazine, um, sounds nice. And printed staff magazines can be out of date before staff even read them;so what about e-magazine, which allows content to be alive and up to date?B: Good idea! Then staff can get information across in an engaging and visual way. Down-loading and uploading old and new issues are really easy through the internet and intranet. Anyone can easily submit their article or update in the relevant section of the staff magazine.C: So many ways to improve the magazine and the staff magazine is such a great commitment to help staff to communicate better, and be better informed. Even the clients can get useful information and grasp business opportunities from the staff magazine.第三辑Test 2Video ConferencingThe company you work for is concerned about the amount of time staff spend traveling to meetings in other branches of the company, and is looking at alternatives.You have been asked to make recommendations about introducing video conferencing.。
BEC第三辑test3真题（试题仅阅读部分）及参考答案
这是我根据文库里的一份资料单独整理出来的BEC第三辑TEST3，可能又不完整及缺漏之处，望大家能够理解。
谢谢! PART 11 This businessman has successfully targeted a different group of consumers.2 With careful forward planning, this businessman is helping the company survive a difficult period.3 The company is now more open to change because of this businessman's way of thinking.4 This businessman has made and implemented certain decisions despite opposition to them.5 This businessman has achieved some success by misleading people about his intentions.6 The abilities of this businessman were previously doubted by the company that employs him.7 This businessman is admired for his ability to manage a number of business interests.'Businessman of the Year' AwardA :James King: Chief Executive of Fentons FinanceKing was nominated for the quality of his leadership, with the judges claiming that the Fentons Finance boss is almost revered by his team. He is credited with reinventing Fentons Finance - revitalising its culture of inflexibility, removing outdated pre-merger barriers and playing a brilliant tactical game. He led everyone to believe he was opposed to large mergers and then jumped on the Westcombe Bank opportunity at just the right moment. History will be the judge, but for now the markets consider King to be a star.B Keith Nash: Chief Executive of Hamley's SupermarketsNash took over as CEO when Hamley's systems and distribution were out of date and the brand badly needed freshening up. He began refocusing the brand at the higher quality end of the food market and launched several own-brand initiatives for the health conscious. As a result, the share price has gone up nearly 80 per cent. This should be extremely satisfying for Nash, who had left the retailer in 1986, disappointed after failing to secure the top job.C Jorge Marquez: Chairman of the Kenwick GroupMarquez was a popular choice for his achievements at Kenwick. The judges say he has been courageous in pushing through the appointment of controversial or inexperienced chief executives to companies within the group, and then sponsoring them as they transformed their businesses. He operates as a 'virtual' chairman, without a permanent office in any one company. He phones his CEOs regularly, and several of them have acknowledged the vital contribution he makes to their effectiveness. Everyone is impressed at how he also finds the time to be chairman of two other large companies.D Richard Jenkins: Finance Director of Centron AdvertisingLabouring in the shadow of a high-profile boss can sometimes draw attention away from the finance director, and the judges considered it was high time Jenkins got that attention. The CEO may be the public face of Centron, but Jenkins is the one who makes it run smoothly. Behind the scenes, he is constantly demonstrating that budgets and forecasts are what is needed to make a company successful, particularly now that the advertising market has been hit by recession. It is largely thanks to him that Centron is in much better shape than its rivals.Part 2(这个可能分段有错误)Setting up an appraisal schemeAppraisals can be a wonderful opportunity for your staff to focus on their jobs and make plans to develop their unused potential. (0) ..........So, if you have decided that an appraisal scheme should be set up in your company, you need to establish some formal procedures and make some decisions before you begin. Even if your company already has a scheme, you need to consider what you want to achieve and how you are going to do this.First of all, you need to decide on your key objectives and the real purpose of your scheme.(8).............A scheme should never be introduced at a time of redundancies, or simply for profit or competitive edge, because this will create fear and alienate staff. The next step is to decide how the scheme can most successfully be managed. It is essential that all senior staff are committed to the process and willing to make a positive contribution.The person given responsibility for designing the scheme and the appraisal forms needs to have knowledge of all roles within the organisation. He or she must also be aware of employees' potential needs. (9).............It should be someone who is trusted and whom staff will turn to if they are concerned about their appointed appraiser or the appraisal interview. The design of the scheme should indicate who will be appraising whom. This needs great tact and sensitivity. First, remember that no manager can effectively appraise more than seven or eight people. It is equally important to remember that, if significant numbers of staff are appraised by someone they dislike, or by a person whose values they do not share, the success of your scheme may be threatened.(10) ............. So bear this in mind from the beginning and, if necessary, establish anappeals procedure.Having decided on your policy and who will appraise which members of staff, you need to communicate this in the simplest possible way. Avoid lengthy documents - few people will read them. (11).............Most organisations choose a person's line manager to be the appraiser. This can be seen as an opportunity or a threat, so be ready to consider alternatives if necessary.Once you have established the appraisal process, make sure that appraisal interviews take place at a convenient time, and ideally on neutral ground. It should be borne in mind that some appraisals may involve the disclosure of confidential information. (12) .............These will show the decisions that were taken during the interview and will also indicate any new performance targets that have been agreed.A It is important to select a manager who can deal effectively with any suspicions staff may have about appraisals.B Such a measure can also reduce insecurity and unite staff in recognising the positive elements of appraisal.C Having even one staff member in such a position may affect how others respond to the process.D Ideally, this should be to provide a supportive framework that aids staff development.E Simply make sure that staff know who will appraise them and why, and what form the interview will take.F It is therefore important to decide who will have access to written records of the appraisal.G They can also be a means of getting the best out of staff, both as individuals, and as team members.PART 3(这个可能分段也有错误)SHEER GENIUS - OR A WASTE OF TIME?Encourage your original thinkers and live with their strange habits, says Alan Worthin. If one of your research staff announced that he had worked out a way to propel a vehicle on a cushion of air, would you tell him to concentrate on something practical, or suggest taking it further? If a member of your development team asked if she could come in late because she had her best ideas at 3 am would you insist that she is in the office at 9 am like everyone else?Current business wisdom is that companies need creative, innovative people to beat competitors. The reality is that companies have always needed new ideas to survive and progress, but in the past they weren't particularly good at encouraging the people who produced them.Original thinkers don't always fit easily into the framework of an organisation. However, the advice from managing director, John Serrano is, 'Get rid of the dull people and encourage the unusual ones'. Essentially, he believes that companies need to learn how to manage their original thinkers in order to ensure that the business profits from their contribution. He also says, 'Original thinkers often find it difficult to drive change within the organisation, so they resign, feeling angry and disappointed. It is essential to avoid this.''You can't recognise original thinkers by the way they look,' says Ian Freeman. An apparently ordinary exterior can conceal a very creative thinker.' His consultancy, IBT Personnel, has devised a structured way to identify original thinkers. 'We define employees as champions, free-wheelers, bystanders and weak links, and most original thinkers come into the category of free-wheelers. They may miss deadlines if they become involved in something more interesting. They are passionate and highly motivated but have li ttle or no understanding of business directions and systems.'Headhunter George Solomon also thinks original thinkers have their disadvantages. 'They may have a bad influence within an organisation, especially given the current management trend for working in teams. The original thinkers themselves may be unaware of any problem, but having them around can be disruptive to colleagues. who have to be allowed to point out when they are being driven crazy by the original thinkers' behaviour.' Yet, in his opinion, the 'dream team' in any creative organisation consists of a balanced mixture of original thinkers and more practical, .realistic people.So, having identified your original thinkers, how do you handle them? One well-known computer games company has a very inventive approach. 'We encourage our games designers by creating an informal working environment,' says director Lorna Marsh. 'A company cannot punish risk-takers if it wants to encourage creativity. Management has to provide support, coaching and advice - and take the risk that new ideas may not work. Our people have flexible working hours and often make no clear distinction between their jobs and their home lives.'Original thinkers may fit into the culture of 21st century organisations, but more traditionalorganisations may have to change their approach. Business psychologist Jean Row believes that the first step is to check that original thinkers are worth the effort. 'Are the benefits they bring worth the confusion they cause? If so, give them what they want, allow plenty of space, but set clear limits. Give them extremely demanding targets. If they fail to meet them, then the game is up.But if they succeed, your organisation stands only to gain.'13 It is important for a company to encourage original thinkers because_____A this allows it to promote innovative products.B this enables it to stay ahead of its rivals.C they are very flexible about their working hours.D their talents are ideally suited to the market.14 John Serrano thinks that original thinkers should be_____A helped to develop better people management skills.B asked to manage change within the organisation.C supported so they can perform well for the company.D encouraged to follow company procedures.15 What does Ian Freeman say about original thinkers?A They are unenthusiastic and poorly motivated.B Their work standards are impossibly high.C Their abilities are hard to recognise.D They lack awareness of commercial processes.16 What problems can be observed when there are original thinkers in the workforce?A They may have a negative effect on other workers.B They dislike the concept of teamwork.C They rush tasks through to completion.D They cannot work with less creative colleagues.17 In what way is the games company's approach to original thinkers special?A It allows them to work from home whenever they wish.B It uses different forms of disciplinary action for them.C It promotes a relaxed atmosphere in the workplace.D It encourages them to reduce the risks that they take.18 A traditional organisation wishing to employ original thinkers needs to _____A provide them with projects they are interested in.B assess whether their contribution makes up for any problems.C have a flexible approach if goals are not always achieved.D be prepared to handle any negative feedback from colleagues.PART 4Who Benefits Most from Company Training?According to recent research, the better educated and the higher up the socio.economic scale you are, the more likely you are to be offered workplace training. And, incidentally, the more likely you are to then turn (19) the offer, pleading family and personal commitments or (20) of work. Less qualified staff, on the other hand, are offered fewer training opportunities, but are more eager to (21) them up. In fact, people with few or no educational qualifications are three times morelikely to accept training when it is offered.In the majority of companies, more (22) are allocated to management training than to other areas. Employers (23) their better qualified staff as more important to the business, so they pay them accordingly and invest more in them in (24) of training. This is (25) by the fact that organisations are dependent on properly (26) managers making the right decisions. But this (27) may mean that companies are (28) other parts of the workforce down.The researchers found a growing demand for training among the lower-skilled.Unfortunately this demand is not being (29)by employers, even though there are strong indications that companies would benefit from doing so. They also discovered that, despite the substantial (30) between the training provided for managers and that offered to other staff, there was still widespread endorsement of training.For the purposes of the research, training was defined as any (31) of planned instruction or tuition provided by an employer with the aim of helping employees do their work better. It therefore included a wide variety of approaches. On-the-job and classroom training (32) to be used equally by employers. But learning on the job, which involved observing a certain procedure and then practising it, was easily the most popular method for all categories of employee. While many felt that learning from colleagues was best,very few (33) the internet as an effective way to train.19 A back B over C down D off20 A force B pressure C strain D load21 A pick B keep C take D put22 A means B reserves C finances D resources23 A imagine B regard C suppose D know24 A requirements B specifications C states D terms25 A allowed B approved C justified D accepted26 A understanding B intelligent C informed D knowledgeable27 A stress B emphasis C weight D strength28 A letting B cutting C breaking D setting29 A reached B achieved C gained D met30 A space B gap C hole D room31 A frame B structure C form D order32 A showed B appeared C demonstrated D presented33 A rated B thought C marked D believedPART 5 没有找到答案PART 1 答案《‘Businessman of the Year' Award》年度企业家奖。
BEC商务英语(中级)口语模拟试卷3(题后含答案及解析)
BEC商务英语（中级）口语模拟试卷3(题后含答案及解析)题型有：1. INTERVIEW 2. MINI PRESENTATIONS 3. DISCUSSIONSECTION 1 INTERVIEW (ABOUT 3 MIN)1．Practise answering these questions. What kind of job would you most like to have? What are the main products made in your home town? How important do you think suitable packaging is for products? What attracts you to buy particular products? What types of business in general do you think will be most successful in the future?正确答案：How to approach Speaking Test Part One—In this part of the test you answer questions about yourself and about business topics, and express opinions.—Before the exam, think of answers to possible questions about your work or studies, business in your country, and a wide range of business-related matters. Below are some questions of the types which you might need to answer.—In the exam, listen carefully to the questions. Make sure you answer what the examiner asks you. Ask the examiner to repeat a question if necessary, Speak to both the examiner and the other candidate, and listen to what the other candidate says.—Try to give more than just basic answers, and give examples to show what you mean,—Remember that you are being tested on your ability to speak in English, not on your knowledge of specific areas of business. If you do not know an answer, say so, and try to speculate.SECTION 2 MINI PRESENTATIONS (ABOUT 6 MIN)In this part of the test you are asked to give a short talk on a business topic. You have to choose one of the topics from the three below and then talk for about 1 minute. You have 1 minute to prepare your ideas.2．In this part of the test you are asked to give a short talk on a business topic. You have to choose one of the topics from the three below and then talk for about one minute. You have one minute to prepare your ideas.A. WHAT IS IMPORTANT WHEN...? NEGOTIATING —COMPROMISE —DISPUTEB. WHAT IS IMPORTANT WHEN...? EMPLOYING TECHNICAL WRITERS —BEING ABLE TO WRITE WELL —MEETING TIGHT DEADLINESC. WHAT IS IMPORTANT WHEN...? MANAGING A COMPANY —COMMUNICATION —EXECLLENT MANAGER正确答案：Interlocutor:—I’m going to give each of you a choice of 3 topics. I’d like you to choose one of the topics and give a short presentation on it for about a minute. You will have about a minute to prepare for this and you can make notes if you wish while you prepare. After you have finished your talk, your partner will askyou a question.—All right? Here are your topics.[Interlocutor hands each candidate a different topic card, and some paper and a pencil for notes]Interlocutor:—Choose one of the topics to talk about. You can make notes.[1 minute’s preparation time. Both candidates prepare their talks at the same time, separately.]Interlocutor:—All right now. Candidate Two, which topic have you chosen, A, B or C? Would you like to talk about what you think is important when managing a company?[Candidate Two talks]One of the most important features in any business is communication. Good communication is required at all stages of the business process.Within individual companies internal communication occur at, and between the various levels. Directors communicate with one another concerning the company’s overall strategy. They inform managers of their plans, and the managers then communicate with other employees. Negotiation are conducted concerning pay and working conditions. Managers communicate decisions and orders and try to improve morale and motivation through good communication. Employees also communicate with each other, for example, over production and wages.Reliable and effective communication is one of the key elements which lead to efficient management of a company.Interlocutor:—Thank you. Now, Candidate One, please ask Candidate Two your question about his/her talk.[Candidate One asks question.]Can you tell me other key elements which lead to efficient management of a company?Candidate Two: The efficient management of a company requires many aspects, both internal and external. We need good communication, good staff and managers, smooth flow of the capital, etc.Interlocutor:—Thank you. All right. Now, Candidate One, which topic have you chosen, A, B or C? Would you like to talk about what you think is important when employing technical writers?[Candidate One talks]—Firstly, it is very important to be able to write well. This means not only knowing the basics of spelling, grammar and punctuation, but also having the ability to condense and organise complicated information to make it simple to understand. A good writer must also be able to cope with meeting tight deadlines. As far secondly as career prospects are concerned, after gaining valuable experience, many technical writers have the opportunity of taking on management roles. They may then be responsible for the work of other writers within a particular company, or they may prefer to become contractors. This means selling their services through an agency employing many freelance technical writers, who services are charged to companies at an hourly rate.Interlocutor:—Thank you. Now, Candidate Two, please ask Candidate One your question about his/her talk.[Candidate Two asks question.]Which factor is more important, being able to writer well or meeting tight deadlines? Why?Candidate One: I think neither of them can be ignored. We need technical writers being able to write well as well as meeting tight deadlines.Interlocutor:—Thank you[Materials are collected.]SECTION 3 DISCUSSION (ABOUT 5 MIN)In this part of the test you are given a discussion topic. You have 30 seconds to look at the prompt card, an example of which is below, and then about 3 minutes to discuss the topic with your partner. After that examiner will ask you more questions related to the topic.3．In this part of the test you are given a discussion topic. You have 30 seconds to look at the prompt card, an ex ample of which is below, and then about 3 minutes to discuss the topic with your partner. After that the examiner will ask you more questions related to the topic.For two candidatesIneffective time management is one of the major problems throughout the Workforce. You have been asked to put forward some suggestions for improving the situation. Discuss the situation together and decide:—Why poor time management can become a major concern—What procedures could be adopted to ensure that time is managed effectivelyFor three candidatesIneffective time management is one of the major problems throughout the workforce. You have been asked to put forward some suggestions for improving the situation. Discuss the situation together and decide:—Why poor time management can become a major concern—What procedures could be adopted to ensure that time is managed effectively—What rules should top managers come up with 正确答案：Interlocutor:—Now this part of the test you are going to discuss together.[Interlocutor points to the card showing the task while giving the instructions below.]Interlocutor:—You have 30 seconds to read the task carefully, and then 3 minutes to discuss and decide about it together. You should give reasons for your decisions and opinions. You don’t need to write any thing. Is that clear?[Interlocutor places the card in front of the candidates.Interlocutor:—I’m just going to listen and then ask you to stop after 3 minutes. Please speak so that we can hear you.[Candidates have about 3 minutes to complete the task.]A: Hi, Ms B, you know, everything seem to be in disorder in our company. And that obviously has a lot to do with poor time management.R: That’s the point. So time should be planned ac cording to the importance of the tasks we need to deal with.A: So what do you think we can do so that time is managed effectively in our company?B: You mean what procedures we can adopt?A: Sure, That’s what our boss is asking us to do, Right?B: Right. I think we’ve got a lot to do. First, we should make all the staff members realize how important effective time management is to our company.A: Yes, Perhaps we can run a few training programs for them. If needed, we may invite some experts from outside to help us.B: Another thing we can do is to make all the managers, or even every staff member, come up with a job description of their own. in this way, they can be pretty sure about what they are responsible for and what they are not.A: Good idea. So to sum up, our company should run a few training courses, and every staff member should write a job description of their own.[Materials are collected.][The interlocutor asks one or two questions as appropriate, to extend the discussion.]What kinds of rules should top managers come up with? What’s your view, Ms B?B: Well, I think the top managers of our country should come up with a set of rules as what kind of jobs should be given priority to. in this way, we can make sure that important tasks ere dealt with first.。
剑桥商务英语高级(BEC3)口试真题及应考提示(2)
剑桥商务英语高级(BEC3)口试真题及应考提示(2)Samples（部分口语试题参考答案）1、Customer Relations: how to maintain customer interest in a company’s productsAs is know to all, it is very important for a company to maintain customer interest in their products. I think a company should try every possible way to retain its current customers.First, it should always make sure that it provides its customers with quality goods and after-sales service. Second, it should lay enough emphasis on the feedback from its current customers and take prompt action to take care of their needs and demands. Third, if possible it may provide some incentives to its old customers. For example, it can grant a certain discount to them if their purchases reach a certain amount. Apart from all these, a company should design strategies to attract new customers and create transactions with them, to expand their customer base, so to speak. These strategies include product diversification and upgrading.All in all, a company should try its utmost to keep its current customers satisfied with its products and services, and at the same time it should stay ahead of the market through product and pricing strategies.2、How to fill a key vacancyIn order to fill a key vacancy, a company will usually follow the same standard procedure.It will begin by producing an accurate job description of what it would like the successful candidate to do. From this, it can then produce a profile of this ideal candidate, which is a list of skills, experience, attributes and so on.Having produced this profile, the company must then decide on the best recruitment method to capture a candidate with this profile. This might be an internal advertisement or an external advertisement in a newspaper, on the Internet say, even an agency or perhaps a headhunter.Having decided on the best recruitment method, the advertisements are then placed or the headhunter contacted and a list of candidates will be then drawn up to be put through the company’s recruitment processes. This might be interviews, psychometric tests or even hand-writing analysis. This will then produce the ideal candidate for the company.The company will then have to negotiate terms with this candidate and, hopefully, this will result in terms which are both affordable for the company and attractive enough to get the candidate they want.Background Information3、Career Planning: how to assess the career opportunities provided by different types of companiesCareer PlanningEven after a job is offered and accepted, career decisions must be made. On-the-job experience may affect the desired path. Aspiring to achieve a position above the present position is natural. The planned career path to that position may involve either a series of promotions within the firm or switching to a different firm. While planning a career path is a useful motivator, the plans should be achievable. If everyone planned to be president of a company, most plans would not be achieved. This can cause frustration. A preferable career path would include short-term goals, since some ultimate goals may take twenty years or longer. The use of short-term goalscan reinforce confidence as goals are achieved.Career Development: the importance of acquiring a range of skills throughout your careerIt is important a person to have a range of skills in the course of his career development. When he has a range of skills, he is obviously more competitive than those who don’t and therefore has more chances of promotion. And it will be easier for him to find a job outside his company if he is not satisfied with his present job. In addition, a person with a range of skills is more likely to work his way up to the top of the corporate ladder.4、Human Resources: how to provide effective support for new members of staffTraining: The importance of a continuous programme of staff training within a companyStaff Management: how to achieve and maintain high motivation among a workforceMotivating Employees: Employees tend to be more satisfied with their jobs if they are provided (1) compensation that is aligned with their performance, (2) job security, (3) a flexible work schedule, and (4) employee involvement programs. Firms should offer job security, compensation that is tied to employee performance, more flexible work schedules, and more employee involvement programs. To the extent that job satisfaction can motivate employees to improve their performance, firms may be able to a higher production level by providing greater job satisfaction.5、Marketing ResearchManagers cannot always wait for information to arrive in bits and pieces from the marketing intelligence system. They often require formal studies of specific situations.For example, Toshiba wants to know how many and what kinds of people or companies will buy its new superfast laptop computer. Or Barat College in Lake Forest, Illinois, needs to know what percentage of its target market has heard of Barat, how they heard, what they know, and how they feel about Barat. In such situations, the marketing intelligence system will not provide the detailed information needed. Managers will need marketing research.We define marketing research as the systematic design, collection, analysis, and reporting of data and findings relevant to a specific marketing situation facing an organization. Every marketer needs research. Marketing researchers engage in a wide variety of activities, ranging from market potential and market share studies, to assessments of customer satisfaction and purchase behavior, to studies of pricing, distribution, and promotion activities.A company can conduct marketing research in its own research department or have some or all of it done outside. Although most large companies have their own marketing research departments, they often use outside firms to do special research tasks or studies. A company with no research department has to buy the services of research firms.。
BEC中级-口语第三部分常考话题
常考话题真题部分:(1)Staff MagazineYour company is planning to introduce an internal magazine to keep staff informed of company developments.You have been asked to help plan the staff magazine. Discuss the situation together, and decide:what type of information to include in the magazinewhich type of staff should contribute to the magazine.Follow-on questionsDo you think magazines are a good way to keep staff informed (Why?/Why not?)? Do you think companies of all sizes should have staff magazines? (Why?/Why not?) ? Is it important for senior managers to contribute to staff magazines? (Why?/Why not?)Would you like to contribute to staff magazines (Why Why not)Do you think an i nternal company website would be a good way of keeping staff informed? (Why?/Why not?)Do you think magazines for customers are a useful marketing tool (Why?/Why not?)(2)Video ConferencingThe company you work for is concerned about the amount of timestaff spend travelling to meetings in other branches of the company, and is looking at alternatives.You have been asked to make recommendations about introducing video conferencing.Discuss the situation together, and decide:what the company needs to know about the meetings that take place at present ? what the advantages and disadvantages of video conferencing might be.Follow-on questionsWould you prefer to have meetings face to face or through video conferencing? (Why?)In what other ways do yo u think a company could reduce the need for travelling to meetings? (Why?)Do you think the time spent on travelling to meetings is always time wasted? (Why?/Why not?)What do you think are the benefits to staff of business travel (Why?)Do you think modern technology has affected the amount of business travel in recent years? (Why?/Why not?)Do you think video conferencing will become more important for meetings in the future? (Why?/Why not?)(3)Seminars for StudentsYour company has been asked to deliver a series of one-day seminars to a group ofbusiness students to help them prepare for working in a large company.You have been asked to help with planning the seminars.Discuss the situation together, and decide:what kinds of information it would be useful to know about the studentswhat the most useful topics would be:Follow-on questionsWhat other preparations might the company need to make for the seminars?How do you think students can benefit from seminars like this (Why?)Would it be more useful at the beginning or the end of astudent's course to have advice from a company? (Why?)What other ways do you think there are for business students to prepare for work? (Why?)What areas of business would you like to have more experience of (Why?)What advantages are there for companies of offering work experience to students?(4)Sales Managers ConferenceYour company is organising a conference for the sales managers working in its offices around the world.You have been asked to help plan the conference.Discuss the situation together, and decide:what information you will need to send to the sales managers before the conference.what activities you could organise to help people to get to know each other better. Follow-on questionsDo you think a company benefits from holding conferences for its employees? (Why?/Why not?)Do you think you would enjoy going to a conference (Why/Why not?)How important is location to the success of a conference (Why?/Why not?)Could it be a problem if several managers in a company are away at conferences at the same time? (Why?/Why not?)Should a company stop sending staff to conferences if it is having financial difficulties? (Why?/Why not?)Apart from having conferences, w hat other ways can companies encourage teamwork among their employees? (Why?)其他常考话题:(1)Organising a stand in trade fairYour company will soon have a stand at a trade fair abroad for the first time. You have been given the job of organising the stand.Discuss the situation together, and decide:what information and products you will need to provide on the standwhat staffing requirements the stand will have.Follow up questions:Have you ever attended a trade fairHow useful do you think trade fairs can be in promoting a company’s products and services?Might there be any problems in attending trade fairsWhat other means are effective in promoting goods or servicesDo you think the role of marketing will change in the future(2)Promotional videoThe company you work for has decided to produce a promotional video about the company and its activities.You have been asked to make suggestions about the video.Discuss the situation together, and decide:which aspects of the company should be shown in the filmwhich members of staff should appear in the film.Follow-up questions:Have you seen examples of effective promotional videosWhat are the advantages to a company of having a promotional video?What other forms of promotion a re effectiveMight there be some forms of promotion which would not be effective?Do you think technology is changing the ways companies promote themselves?(3)Program for New StaffThe company you work for would like to introduce a full programme of training for new staff. You have been asked to help prepare the programme.Discuss the situation together, and decide:what should be covered in the training programmehow else new staff can be helped to settle into their jobs as quickly as possibl e(4)Negotiating DealsYou are the regional salesperson of a newly-established computer company. You have been asked to negotiate deals for the sale of the new range of computers.Discuss the situation together, and decide:what are the selling points o f your new range and how to display its advantages to "the potential customerswhat are the details of the products, e.g. special offer, price and delivery time.(5)Customer NewsletterYour company would like to introduce a newsletter to send to its customers regularly. You have been asked to co-ordinate the project.Discuss the situation together, and decide:what kinds of articles and information should be included in the newsletterwhat the newsletter should look like and how often it should be p roduced。
BEC高级真题口语part 3小卡片
第3辑Test 1P34 Travelling to Work Your company’s location in a busy city means that staff often complain about the time taken to get to work. You have been asked to make recommendations. Discuss and decide together: Whether it would be better for staff to use public to use public or private transport What the effects might be of allowing staff to work flexible hours
第2辑Test 3P70 Health and Fitness Facilities Your company is considering providing a fitness center on the premises to help employees improve their health and fitness. You have been asked to make recommendations for this scheme. Discuss, and decide together: What benefits the center would bring for the company How to promote the need for health and fitness to all staff
第3辑Test 4P88 Reducing Staff Turnover You work for the branch of your company that has been identified as having the lowest turnover of staff. You have been asked to suggest ways in which staff turnover could be reduced in the other branches. Discuss and decide together: What the reasons for high staff turnover in a company might be. What effect high staff turnover might have on future methods if selecting staff
BEC中级口试全真试题 Part III
BEC中级口试全真试题Part III1. Program for New StaffThe manufacturing company you work for would like to introduce a full programme of training for new staff.You have been asked to help prepare the programme. Discuss the situation together, and decide:--- what should be covered by the training programme--- how else new staff can be helped to settle into their jobs as quickly as possible2 Company Dress CodeYour Managing Director is unhappy with the general standard of dress among staff.You have been asked to make recommendations about introducing a dress code or company uniform.Discuss the situation together, and decide:---what the advantages and disadvantages of having a company uniform would be--- what kind of dress code would be appropriate for staff in different types of jobs3 Staff TrainingYour company has decided to use an outside agency for training sales staff.You have been asked to have preliminary discussions with the agency to organise this.Discuss the situation together, and decide:--- what information you will need to provide for the agency---what kinds of questions you will need to ask the agency4. Company VideoThe manufacturing company you work for is planning to make a video to show to potential customers and investors. You have been asked to help with planning the video.---Discuss the situation together, and decide:--- which departments and activities in the company should be included in the video---which company personnel should appear in the video5. Business Magazine ArticleAn international business magazine is sending a journalist to write about your region, and wants to include an article about the retail company you work for.You have been asked by your company to help the journalist plan the article.Discuss the situation together, and decide:--- what kinds of information should be included in the article--- how this article could benefit your company6. Opening a Branch AbroadThe retail company you work for has decided to open a branch abroad for the first time.You have been asked to help with the planning of the new branch.Discuss the situation together, and decide:--- what staffing arrangements might be necessary for the new branch--- which information about premises in that country it would be useful to find out about7. Entertaining Foreign ClientsYour company is entertaining a group of foreign clients for three days, including one non-working dayYou have been asked to plan a programme for the visit. Discuss the situation together, and decide:--- what kinds of activities would be suitable for the visit--- what information it would be useful to know about the clients before finalizing the program8. Work Experience ProgrammeThe manufacturing company you work for has decided to offer a two-week work experience programme for a small group of students from a local business college.You have been asked to help with the preparations for this programme.Discuss the situation together, and decide--- what kinds of work experience the company might offer --- how the participants should be selected9. English Language TrainingYour company is planning to offer 30 hours of English language training to employees.You have been asked to help with the planning and organization of the training.Discuss the situation together, and decide:--- how to encourage employees to take part in the training--- what kind of schedule would be suitable for the training10. T eamworkYour company is sending a small group of employees away together for three days to encourage them to work as a team. You have been asked to help plan the programme.Discuss the situation together, and decide:--- what practical arrangements the company needs to make before the trip--- what work and leisure activities would be suitable for the group11.Foreign Business TripYour company is attending a trade fair in a foreign country for the first time.You have been asked to help with the preparations for the trip.Discuss the situation together, and decide:---what travel and accommodation arrangements you will need to make before the trip---which kinds of business customs in the foreign country it would be useful to know about, and how to find out about these before the trip12. (For three candidates) Entertaining Foreign ClientsYour company is entertaining a group of foreign clients for three days, including one non-working day.You have been asked to plan a programme for the visit.Discuss the situation together, and decide:--- what kinds of activities would be suitable for the visit--- which members of staff should accompany the visitors--- what information it would be useful to know about the clients before finalizing the programme13. For three candidates Work Experience ProgrammeThe manufacturing company you work for has decided to offer a two-week work experience programme for a small group of students from a local business college.You have been asked to help with the preparations for this programme.Discuss the situation together, and decide:--- what kinds of work experience the company could offer . how the participants should be selected--- what feedback and evaluation should take place after the programme has finished14 For three candidates English Language TrainingYour company is planning to offer 30 hours of English language training to employees.You have been asked to help with the planning and organization of the training.Discuss the situation together, and decide:--- which staff would benefit most from English language training . how to encourage employees to take part in the training---what kind of schedule would be suitable for the training15 For three candidates T eamworkYour company is sending a small group of employees away together for three days to encourage them to work as a team.You have been asked to help plan the programme.Discuss the situation together and decide:--- what practical arrangements the company needs to make before the trip--- which work and leisure activities would be suitable forthe group--- how to evaluate the success of the tripBEC中级口试全真试题Part IIImost from English language training . how to encourage employees to take part in the training---what kind of schedule would be suitable for the training15 For three candidates T eamworkYour company is sending a small group of employees away together for three days to encourage them to work as a team.You have been asked to help plan the programme.Discuss the situation together and decide:--- what practical arrangements the company needs to make before the trip--- which work and leisure activities would be suitable for the group--- how to evaluate the success of the tripStage ThreeTime ManagementYour company has found that ineffective time management is one of the major problem areas throughout the workforce. You have been asked to put forward some suggestions for improving the situation.Discuss, and decide together:------why poor time management can become a major problem in companies------what procedures could be adopted to ensure that time is managed effectively.Zhang: Hi, Ms Wang, you know, our company is out of control these days. Don\'t you think so?Wang: Yeah. Everything seems to be in disorder here in our company. And that obviously has a lot to do with poor timemanagement.Zhang: You mean poor time management has caused all these problems. Why?Wang: When time is not well planned within a company, they usually do not allocate blocks of time to specified tasks. They do not have a definite idea of when they should complete a certain task. And …Zhang: And I think they often neglect the ordering of priorities. I mean certain tasks need our prior attention. But in our company every task is treated on an equal basis, even if it is a very urgent task.Wang: That\'s the point. So time should be planned according to the importance of the tasks we need to deal with.Zhang: So what do you think we can do so that time is managed effectively here in our company?Wang: You mean what procedures we can adopt?Zhang: Sure. That\'s what our boss is asking us to do. Right?Wang: Right. I think we\'ve got a lot to do. First, we should make all the staff members realize how important effective time management is to our company.Zhang:Yes, I think we can give them instruction in time management, especially those in supervisory positions.Wang:Right, perhaps we can run a few training programs for them. If need, we may invite some experts from outside to help us.Zhang: Another thing we can do is to make all the managers, or even every staff member, come up with a job description of their own. In this way, they can be pretty sure about what they are responsible for and what they are not.Wang: Yes, that\'s a good idea. And I think,the top managers of our company should come up with a set of rulesas to what kind of jobs should be given priority to. In this way, we can make sure that important tasks are dealt with first.Zhang: Good idea. So to sum up, our company should run a few training programs, and every staff member should write a job description of their own.Wang: And rules should be made as to what kind of job should be given priority to.Promotional VideoYour company has decided to make promotional video which will be sent to all potential new clients.You have been asked to make suggestions about the contents of the video. Discuss,and decide together: l（1）Which members of staff should be involved in making the video l（2）Which aspects of the company’s activities should be included in the video--------------------------------------------------------------------------------答案：A:You know, we are going to make a video topromote our products.(开题，背景的前一半)B:Yeah.And we are going to send them to out potencial ne clients. （背景的后一半）Really a good idea,isn’t it?（补充性发言）A:Sure.Which members of our staff should be involved in making the video,do you think?（第一个圆点后的问题，以问句形式提出）B:Well, I think there should be representatives from Marketing （对问题提出的观点1）because primarily it is their job to promote the sales,isn’t it? （观点1的发展句）A:Yes,I take your point.（呼应对方，就是表示赞同或反对的话，一定要说，否则对话无法进行，每句都是如此）And we should also involve R&D (Research and Development)people.（观点2）You know they certainly understand more than the others about our products.（观点2 发展句）B:That’s how I feel.（呼应）They know what characteristic features of our products we should present to our clients. （观点2 发展句）A:Right（呼应）.And we should assure our potential clients of the high quality of our products,so I would suggest we involve Quality Control also.（观点3）B:Good idea. （呼应）And also people on the after-sales sidetoo.（观点4）Y ou know after-sales service is one of the primary concerns of our clients.（观点4 发展句）A:Good. So we shall involve people fromMarketing,R&D,QC and After-Sales.（总结第一个问题的观点）B:Right. Now what aspects of our activities do you think we should include in the video?（提出第二个问题）A:There’s really a lot. First of all, I think we should let our clients know that ours is an established company in the line.（对观点1 的发展句提前放置了）So I think we can include the 50th anniversary of our company in the video,and……（观点1）B:And our research and development activities too.（打断，陈述自己的观点2。
BEC中级口语考试part 3 模板
Spoken part 3A: 陈述现象B：Yeah,that’s sounds exciting/ interesting,since we’re never done that before.We need to have a good preparation.To this topic,different people have different ideas.A:You are right. And there is a problem to us.Could you please tell me what do you think of.....(第一问）?B:（对一问进行回答）As for me ,I think .......What about your opinion on this problem?A:Firstly,i agree with what you said.Furthermore,i want to say......However,there is an other problemcan not be neglected,that is ......(第二问）what is your opinion about it?B:OK,I think it is a difficult question for me,and for my perspective,i think....Whatever,i want to know more advice/answer about theproblem,So,would you mind telling me something about it?A: As a supplement to the advice/measures you mentioned.I’d say we should also....(说自己的观点）B: OK,That’s great .I think all suggestions are constructive,aren’t they?So,we should put them into practice as soon as possible.A: Yes，let’s go and do it.●注A有5句话，B有4句话，其中画下划线的部分尽可能多说点，这样避免考官提问环节。
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Staff Suggestion SchemeYour company is planning to introduce a suggestion scheme and to encourage members of staff at all levels to contribute ideas. You have been asked to consider ways of setting up the scheme.Discuss, and decide together:How to set up the scheme so that all staff feel they can contributeHow suggestions from members of staff could be evaluatedHints:open to everyone. employs a variety of means. anonymous. not time-consuming.token reward.popularity. discussion or vote. comparison to current practice. utility and potentialA: You know our company is thinking of setting up a suggestion scheme now. （题目的前一半）B: Yeah, just to encourage members of staff at all levels to put forward some ideas and suggestions. （题目的后一半）Not a bad idea, I must say. （补充性发言）A: So how can we set up the scheme so that all staff members will feel free to contribute? （第一个圆点后的问题，以问句形式提出）B: Well, we should definitely make sure that the scheme is open to everyone, regardless of hierarchy in the corporate ladder. （观点1）A: You mean the scheme should cover everyone from top management to entry-level new staff members, right? （反诘澄清，非实质性发言）B: You got it. It’s difficult to imagine a scheme like this will be useful without significant input from ordinary folks. （观点1发展句）A: That’s how I feel too. (呼应) I also believe that we should employ a variety of means in conducting the scheme, say, questionnaires, email communication, and…（观点2，兼发展句）B: and things like a suggestion box. （打断，观点2发展句）A: Cool idea. （呼应）But one caveat: all suggestions should be made on an anonymous basis. （观点3）You know people may have certain concerns. （观点3发展句）B: Yes, I think you are quite right.（呼应）Anonymity should be guaranteed to dispel any hesitation folks may have. （观点3发展句）Oh, well, when it comes to that, I believe the suggestion scheme ought not to take up too much time either. （观点4）Otherwise…A: Otherwise our busy staff won’t be so happy, I am sure. （观点4发展句）B: Yeah. （呼应）And a token reward won’t be such a bad idea either. （观点5）How would you say? （反问）A: Sure. （呼应）Sooo, that’s all quite good, but when we have actually gotten truckloads of suggestions, how can we evaluate them? （第二个圆点后的问题，以半陈述半问句形式提出）B: Well, mmm, the one tool you can certainly use is to assess the suggestions democratically. （观点1）A: I don’t quite get it. What do you mean? （反问）B: I mean you can see what kind of suggestions makes the greatest showing and then decide. （观点1发展句）A: That’s worth thinking about. （半同意）But wouldn’t it be better to put all the suggestions to vote by all the staff members, or to take them up for discussion? （观点2）B: That’s certainly much more open and transparent. （观点2发展句）I will go along with you on that. （呼应）A: Well, I’ve just hit upon another good idea. （引出发言）We should make comparisons between the suggestions collected and our current practice, and see if anything we’re doing now can be ameliorated and perfected. （观点3）B: That’s a good point. （呼应）Popularity itself will of course not be sufficient to guarantee the adoption of any suggestion. （观点3发展句）We really have to look at its utility and potential, in such areas as…（观点4）A: Cost reduction, say. （观点4发展句）B: Correct. Profit maximization, too. （观点4发展句）A: I’m with you on that. So, to reca p, we should not only judge the suggestions by its popularity or number of votes, but also look into their use. （总结）B: Exactly.Time ManagementYour company has found that ineffective time management is one of the major problem areas throughout the workforce. You have been asked to put forward some suggestions for improving the situation.Discuss and decide together:Why poor time management can become a major problem in companiesWhat procedures could be adopted to ensure that time is managed effectivelyA: Hi, you know, our company is sort of out of control these days. Don’t you think so?B: Yeah. Everything seems to be in disorder here in our company. And that obviously has a lot to do with poor time management.A: You mean poor time management has caused all these problems. Why?B: When time is not well planned within a company, staff usually do not allocate blocks of time to specified tasks. They do not have a definite idea of when they should complete a certain task. And…A: And I think they often neglect the ordering of priorities. I mean certain tasks need our prior attention. But in our company every task is treated on an equal basis, even if it is a very urgent task.B: That’s the point. So time should be planned according to the importance of thetasks we need to deal with.A: You are absolutely correct. Besides, poor time management has caused much production downtime and revenue loss. Haven’t you noticed that?B: Well, no doubt. We also have a problem of low morale in the company. I think it might also have to do with time management.A: That’s just how I see it. So what do you think we can do so that time is managed effectively here in our company?B: You mean what procedures we can adopt?A: Sure. That’s what our boss is asking us to do. Right?B: Right. I think we’ve got a lot to do. First, we should make all the staff members realize how important effective time management is to our company.A: Yes, in other words, we’ve got to get across the message. It’s still an awareness problem. I think we can give them instruction in time management, especially those in supervisory positions.B: Right, perhaps we can run a few training programs for them. If necessary, we may invite some experts from outside to help us.A: Another thing we can do is to make all the managers, or even every staff member, come up with a job description of their own. In this way, they can be pretty sure about what they are responsible for and what they are not.B: Yes, that’s a fabulous idea. And I think, the top managers of our company should come up with a set of rules as to what kind of jobs should be given priority to. In this way, we can make sure that important tasks are dealt with first.A: Good idea. So to sum up, our company should run a few training programs, and every staff member should write a job description of their own.B: And rules should be made as to what kind of job should be given priority to. Responding to CompetitionYour company has recently begun to lose its share of the market due to competition from a new firm which charges customers less. You have been asked to suggest ways of solving the problem.Discuss and decide together:How advertising could help the company to deal with competitionWhat types of incentives the company could offer to customersA: You know our sales have fallen a lot during the past quarter.B: Yes, one of our competitors is charging a lot less than us.A: I know. It is a new company in this line of business. We really need to do something about it.B: What do you think we can do?A: I think we can launch an advertising campaign to promote our product.B: Yes, it’s good idea. But that will surely add to our cost and there push up our prices.A: I know what you mean. Price is a major consideration when a customer decides on a purchase. But there are certainly many other considerations on their part, for example, quality and after-sales service. Also advertising will boost our product image. You know some people only like to buy products they’ve heard of.B: That makes sense. Ours is high quality product and our after-sales service is good enough, I think. That’s why we are charging a higher price than our competitors. So we should emphasize our quality and after-sales service in our ad so that…A: So that people will try our products out of curiosity and then get to know the high quality of our product and after-sales service and then more people will buy our products.B: But I am still worried about the price. You know customers always like low prices. A: Yes, indeed. In fact, we can cut down a bit on our price. You know when sales increase after our advertising, we are likely to increase our total profit even if we slash our price a little bit.B: Yes, a low price high volume strategy.A: That’s it. We may even consider some other incentives, such as a coupon to go with our newspaper ad, and…B: And I think we can offer free delivery for our customers.A: Yes, but we cannot afford to offer free delivery for all our customers.B: Only those who are within the free delivery area, I think.A: OK, not a bad idea.New Computer SystemYour company is planning to buy an up-to-date computer system to replace the existing system. You have been put in charge of supervising the changes.Discuss and decide together:What would be the best way to find out what new computer systems are available What practical and staffing considerations would be involved in replacing an existing systemA: Well, you know our company is considering buying an up-to-date computer system.B: Yeah, just to replace the system we’re using now. I think it’s a sensible decision. A: We need to find out what new computer systems are available first.B: Yes, so that we can choose one that is most suitable for our company. I figure we can find some information from the internet.A: Of course, but I’m afraid not all the information on the web is reliable, really.B: I know what you mean, but we can also find some information from newspaper advertisements. I tend to think they are more trustworthy.A: Sure, I have the same feeling.B: But I think the best way is to visit some of the providers and have some face-to-face talks with them so that they can know our needs and we, in turn, can seefor ourselves how their systems work…A: And then make our own decision as to what best suits us.B: Right. Let’s do that! And in replacing the existing system, I think there are a few factors we need to take into account. First of all, do we have to buy up-to-date models if we decide to use new systems?A: Well, I think we’ll have to.B: In that case, what shall we do with these replaced computers?A: Mmm, well, as far as I’m concerned, I think we’ll just have to dispose of them at very low prices, ‘cuz they are obsolete.B: Yeah, I don’t think there’s any other alternative, unfortunately.A: Another thing. I think we’ll have to retrain our people. I bet not many of them are familiar with the state-of-the-art system.B: That’s for sure, so let’s recommend it to the HR department. I think they can run some training programmes for the staff involved.A: Right, I couldn’t agree more.Promotional VideoYour company has decided to make a promotional video which will be sent to all potential new clients. You have been asked to make suggestions about the contents of the video.Discuss and decide together:Which members of staff should be involved in making the videoWhich aspects of the company’s activities should be included in the videoA: You know, we are going to make a video to promote our products.B: Yeah. And we are going to send them to out potential new clients. Really a good idea, isn’t it?A: Sure. Which members of our staff should be involved in making the video, do you think?B: Well, I think there should be representatives from Marketing because primarily it is their job to promote the sales, isn’t it?A: Yes, I take your point. And we should also involve R & D people. You know they certainly understand more than the others about our products.B: That’s how I feel. They know what characteristic features of our products we should present to our clients.A: Right. And we should assure our potential clients of the high quality of our products, so I would suggest we involve Quality Control also.B: Good idea. And also people on the after-sales side too. You know after-sales service is one of the primary concerns of our clients.A: Good. So we shall involve people from Marketing, R&D, QC and After-Sales. B: Right. Let’s do that. N ow what aspects of our activities do you think we should include in the video?A: There’s really a lot. First of all, I think we should let our clients know that ours is an established company in the line. So I think we can include the 50th anniversary of our company in the video, and…B: And our research and development activities too.A: Yes, but…B: But what?A: But we cannot go into too much detail in our presentation. You know it’s sort of business secret, isn’t it?B: Just enough to convince them that ours is of very high quality.A: And naturally, we can include our Quality Control procedures and also after-sales services.B: And also we can demonstrate our product in the video. Don’t you think so?A: A neat idea.Cutting Departmental CostsCosts involved in running your department have recently risen sharply. You have been asked to consider how these costs could be reduced.Discuss and decide together:What reasons there might be for the sudden increaseHow staff can be encouraged to help reduce costsA: You know our departmental costs have risen a lot recently.B: Yes, I think we are exceeding our budget. Literally, costs have gone through the roof.A: So what do you think are the reasons?B: I think there are many reasons for this. You know last month we ran a series of promotion campaigns. That meant a lot of money, didn’t it?A: Yes, But I think we spent way too much on other sorts of things. I mean we could have spent less.B: Uh?A: you know we have been traveling a lot around the country. And most of us travel by air.B: You mean some of the travels are not necessary?A: Exactly. You know, some of the face-to-face talks may simply be replaced by email correspondence.B: There’s a lot in what you’ve said. I think we should make ful l use of our modern facilities and we can certainly forgo some expensive travels.A: Not only that, I think modern facilities, like computers, should be made full use of within the company, too. You can bet tons of money could have been saved if we had done that.B: What do you mean?A: You see, each month we spend a good deal of money on office supplies likeprintout paper.B: Yes, some of the managers always ask for printouts instead of retrieving information from the computer system.A: Especially those senior managers, who are usually older than others. They are simply not accustomed to the advanced computer system.B: And young people are also responsible for the increase in costs, too. You know many of them often keep their computers on for the whole night.A: And very often they forget to turn off lights when they leave their offices.B: So, something must be done before things become any worse.A: Right. I think we should offer some incentives to those who save costs in their jobs.B: Like what?A: Like a quarterly award for them.B: Neat idea. Maybe some small gifts like a shopping voucher will also work wonders. And personally I see an absolute need for a training course for our staff members.A: On computers?B: Yeah. So that they can make better u se of them. And in this way, I believe we’ll be able to bring down our costs effectively.Corporate ImageYour company is keen to improve its image by organizing events for the local community. You have been asked to be on the committee which will plan the program of activities.Discuss and decide together:Which types of activities would be suitableWhat benefits there would be for the company in providing a program of eventsA: You know we are going to run a series of activities for the local community.B: Yes, just to improve our corporate image. But what can we do for the community? A: I think we can do something for the needy people.B: You mean we can contribute to the local community charity?A: Exactly. And apart from that, I think we could sponsor a few programs of sports or entertainment.B: Like an orchestra or a singing performance or something?A: Yeah. And I think we should also do something for the primary pupils. Do you realize how important they are nowadays?B: Yeah. We may provide them with some school things.A: You mean school things they can buy anywhere or those that we have made to our special order?B: I think we can have them made to our order, with our name or logo on them.A: All these shall benefit us in many ways.B: Yes, that’s just how I see it. Obviously, they help establish a favorable corporateimage.A: Yeah, more people in the community will come to see us as a company willing to help them.B: Yeah, and we’ll be able to get additional new customers. In this way our customer base shall be expanded and reinforced.A: Just like our revenue.B: Indeed.Customer InvolvementYour company has decided to try to increase customer involvement in the range and quality of its products. You have been asked to make some suggestions.Discuss and decide together:How customer opinion of products can be obtained most effectivelyWhat use a company should make of information provided by customersA: You know our management has decided to get our customers involved in our range and quality of products.B: That’s a very good idea. Customers’ opinions are really important to us if we want to stay ahead in the market. But how to get their opinions?A: It’s certainly not easy. I think we can do that through the Internet. We can invite our customers to email us their opinions about our products whenever they have any.B: But not all the customers have access to the Internet.A: No, of course not. I bet we can take advantage of our helpline service.B: Yes. And we can also design a questionnaire for this purpose. And give it to our customers when they buy our products.A: Good. But then, how can we make use of their opinions when we have got them? B: We can pass them on to R&D and QC. I think it’s mostly their job to diver sify our products and improve their quality.A: Yes, I’m with you on that. I think R&D can take into consideration the feedback from the customers when they try to upgrade our products or develop new products. B: And QC can have a better idea as to how to ensure our quality or how to make it even better.Factory SiteA foreign client of your company wants to build a factory in your region. You have been asked to produce a report suggesting a number of alternative sites.Discuss and decide together:Which places the foreign company could consider building the factory in and why What special information the company would need about work practices in yourcountryA: You know, ABC Company Ltd, one of our clients in the UK, is considering building a factory in Shanghai.B: Yes. I think it’s a wise decision. More and more multinational corporations are coming here to invest.A: They want to know where to build their factory. Have you got anything in mind? B: Well, I think they could build their factory in Pu Dong High-Tech and Development Area.A: Yeah, sounds like a great idea. It’s a very nice place, with a very friendly investment environment.B: You said it. They provide first-rate service for foreign investors. And the traffic there is really convenient, better than most other parts of Shanghai.A: And there are quite a lot of preferential policies for foreign investors.B: But the fee for land use is a bit too high there.A: Yeah. That’s about the only thing some of the foreign investors complain about. B: I hear some of the development areas around Shanghai, like those in Kunshan and Suzhou, are also quite ideal and they charge a much lower fee for land use. Unbeatable bargains, so to speak.A: So ABC could also invest in those cities, I suppose?B: I think so. And what do you think the company need to know about work practices in the country?A: There are quite a number of things, I would think.B: Like what?A: I think they should get to know if there is any restriction on the employment of the local people.B: And especially the policies in relation to overtime and paid holidays.A: That’s right. Of course, health and safety procedures are not joking matter, either. B: Certainly. It is actually to the benefit of the enterprise to prevent injuries and accidents. Oh well, don’t forget all about environmental regulations.A: I’m not too concerned about that. I don’t think they would allow a heavily polluting business in the development area nowadays.B: That’s true.Language AuditYour company intends to carry out a survey of the foreign language skills of all members of staff. You are responsible for organizing the survey.Discuss and decide together:How to convince members of staff that this survey would be of benefit to themIn what ways the results of the survey could be of use to the companyA: You know we are going to make a survey of all our staff members in terms of theirforeign language skills.B: Good idea. This will be beneficial to both the management and the staff members themselves.A: That makes sense. But how can we convince the staff members that the survey would be beneficial to them?B: I don’t think it’s difficult. Just let them know that we are running a series of training classes for them. A survey of their skills in foreign language will help us place them in a class appropriate for them.A: And I think that we should also get across to them that we are thinking of assigning some sales reps to the States. Those whose English is better than the others have a better chance of being selected.B: Excellent idea. I think that will be convinc ing enough. And we’ve actually touched upon the question of how to put into use the survey results.A: Yeah. And I think there’s more uses that we can put the results into. For example, some of our staff members have been complaining about our foreign language textbook being too difficult. This way, we shall be able to compile books appropriate for them.B: Good. And it also helps us in placing our staff members. You know, some of the positions need people with better foreign language skills than others. Mostly those guys dealing with foreign clients. Or maybe we’ll break into the global market in a few years. What do you think?A: Yes, indeed.Job SharingYour company is considering introducing a system which enables particular jobs to be shared between two members of staff. You have been asked to advise the company whether this scheme should be introduced.Discuss and decide together:Which types of jobs this scheme would be suitable forWhich types of people would be most suited to working in this wayA: You know our company is considering a job sharing system.B: Yeah, a system that allows some jobs to be shared by two staff members.A: So if we introduce this scheme, which types of job do you think it would be suitable for?B: Not many, I’m af raid. Obviously most of the managers cannot work on a job-sharing basis.A: That makes sense. It would be difficult to split a managerial task between two managers.B: But I think this scheme would be perfectly suitable for some clerical work. For example, two clerks can share a typing task. And two customer service reps can share one job in the call center. Or we can hire two different drivers for the morning andevening shuttle buses.A: Right. Then what kind of people do you think would be most suited to sharing jobs?B: Mostly working mothers, who need to take care of their babies while working with a company.A: And also employees who hope to pursue a higher degree.B: Yeah, they can share a job with a colleague so that they can afford some time to attend lectures in colleges or universities.A: Anyway, do you think this scheme should be introduced in our company?B: Well, there are quite a lot of young people in our company, who are thinking of a higher degree, an MBA or something. If they are allowed to share their jobs with others, they can have more flexibility in arranging their time schedules.A: And then they’ll have more chances to get a higher degree.B: Exactly.Foreign Trade MissionA foreign trade mission will soon be arriving in your country. You have been asked to give a talk about your company to the visitors.Discuss and decide together:What kinds of information about your company you should and should not include in your talkWhat types of social activities your company could provide for the visitors after the talkA: You know a foreign trade mission from the USA is coming to visit our country early next month.B: Yeah, I was told that one week ago. And we are supposed to give a talk to them about our company.A: What do you think should be included in the talk?B: Naturally, we should brief them on the track record of our company.A: You mean to emphasize that our company has a long history of more than 100 years old.B: Not only that. We should let them know that we have been very successful in our line of business.A: Do you think we should let them know that we are a leading exporter of silk garments in East China?B: Exactly. I think we can give out some pamphlets about our company before the talk.A: Good idea. But mind you, do not bare everything about us at the meeting. I mean there’s certainly a lot that we have to keep as a secret.B: You mean marketing intelligence?A: Sort of. I mean there is no need for us to tell them how our products are priced.And also our detailed plan to expand into overseas markets.B: I know what you mean. Well, what types of social activities do you think we can provide to them after the talk?A:I think we can show them around some famous places of interest here.B: A city tour?A: Exactly. Also, do you like the idea of having some golf or bowling?B: It’s OK with me. And we may invite them to a dinner at a restaurant nearby.A: That’s what we usually do. I don’t think we need to make this trade mission an exception.No-Smoking PolicyYour company is considering introducing a No-Smoking policy. You have been asked to give your opinions on this policy.Discuss and decide together:What are the advantages and disadvantages of having a No-Smoking policy in a companyHow the company could deal with any objections from staff who are smokersB: Good. I don’t smoke anyway. I figure the overall advantages outweigh disadvantages.A: Well, as I see it, one of the major drawbacks of smoking is health concern. In this regard, a No-Smoking Policy appropriately addresses this issue.B: I couldn’t agree more. The damages smoking poses to health need no further clarification, I think. Oh, yeah, another advantage in having the policy in place will be the reduction of fire hazard, don’t you think so?A: Without doubt. Even though all our buildings are equipped with sprinklers right now. Still…B: Still more, smoking is ethically and aesthetically quite unacceptable to the vast majority of our staff members, I would suppose. So banning smoking on our premises will definitely upgrade our company culture and, consequently, enhance our staff retention.A: There’s something in what you said, I suppose. But of course there will be many other factors in our effort to retain the best staff.B: Of course, don’t forget there are people who won’t like this policy. They may feel their freedom is being limited.A: That’s a possible disadvantage. Some staff members will feel marginalized.B: Yeah, I think so too. But what could the company possibly do to deal with objections from smokers?A: The most effective thing to do will be to let smoking staff undergo health education in order to increase awareness of the harms inherent in smoking.B: That’s just what I was thinking about. I think we can let the HR depa rtment sponsor an educational programme and possibly invite some external health experts.。