Introduction

Who is Business Goals Workbook 2 for?

Business Goals Workbook 2 provides a clear focus on Business English for
Pre-intermediate students, either studying independently or with a teacher. It is
especially useful for those students who wish to take the BEC Preliminary exam.
Its recommended for use with Business Goals Students Book 2.
What are the aims of Workbook 2?
Preparing for BEC Preliminary
All the reading, writing, speaking and listening activities in Business Goals Workbook 2
are based on tasks found in Cambridge ESOLS Business English Certificate Examination.
This is so that when you have completed Business Goals 2 you will be prepared for an
examination that will provide you with an internationally recognised qualification in
Business English. Preparing for a Cambridge ESOL examination is very useful even if
youre not interested in actually taking the test because the skills required to successfully
pass the examination are essential for effective communication in the workplace.
As well as providing extensive practice of BEC Preliminary task types, tips are also given
in Business Goals Workbook 2 on examination strategies both at the preparation stage
and for taking the exam itself.
BEC Preliminary is suitable both for students who may be studying business, but have
not yet had any work experience and for those already in the workplace. It tests the
four skills: reading, writing, listening and speaking and covers general business topics,
vocabulary and business skills such as note-taking and letter-writing.
These examinations are recognised by many employers all over the world and
BEC Higher is accepted by many UK universities as a suitable entry requirement for
business study courses.
Skills development
The workbook contains strategies for improving performance in one of the four skills:
reading, writing, listening and speaking. By the end of the course, you will be equipped
with a range of strategies to help you deal effectively with everyday business tasks.
Each unit starts with listening and reading activities. These activities are used to provide
ideas and language for the productive writing and speaking tasks at the end of each unit.
Becoming a more independent learner
There are frequent error-awareness building activities to help with self-correction. You
are also encouraged to find the answers to listening activities yourself by reading the
transcript rather than relying on the answer key. There are opportunities for you to
compare your own performance with model speaking and writing answers and to re-draft
your oral presentations, emails and letters so that your production becomes more fluent
and accurate.
3
Cambridge University Press www.cambridge.org
Cambridge University Press
978-0-521-61467-2 - Business Goals 2 Workbook
Amanda Thomas
Excerpt
More information
Unit Skills Related BEC Exam tasks
1 Greeting visitors Listening to greetings Listening part 1
page 6 Reading short notices and messages Reading part 1
Listening for names and numbers Listening part 2
Making arrangements Writing part 1
Giving a mini-presentation Speaking part 2
2 Companies Matching sentences Reading part 2
page 10 Understanding short conversations Listening part 1
Reading for factual information Reading part 4
Taking notes Listening part 2
Giving a mini-presentation Speaking part 2
Writing a company profile Writing part 2
3 Occupations Reading job advertisements Reading part 1
page 14 Reading a job reference Reading part 6
Taking notes Listening part 2
Listening to a talk Listening part 3
Speaking about yourself Speaking part 1
Discussion practice Speaking part 3
Reading job applications Reading part 7
Writing a letter of application Writing part 2
4 Products Listening to short conversations Listening part 1
page 18 Reading for specific information Reading part 2
Listening for specific information Listening part 2
Reading about product information Reading part 4
Describing problems Writing part 1
Giving a mini-presentation Speaking part 2
5 Comparing services Listening to short conversations Listening part 1
page 22 Interpreting information Reading part 5
Listening to opinions Listening part 4
Looking at a report Writing part 1
Writing emails Writing part 2
Pairwork discussion Speaking part 3
6 Office systems Reading comprehension Reading part 6
page 26 Reading notices Reading part 1
Following instructions Listening part 2
Checking information Listening pat 4
Writing memos Writing part 1
Giving a mini-presentation Speaking part 2
7 Phone messages Taking messages Listening part 1
page 30 Reading for detailed factual information Reading part 4
Listening to phone messages and taking notes Listening part 2
Giving a mini-presentation Speaking part 2
Writing internal emails Writing part 1
4
Map of the Book
Cambridge University Press www.cambridge.org
Cambridge University Press
978-0-521-61467-2 - Business Goals 2 Workbook
Amanda Thomas
Excerpt
More information
Unit Skills Related BEC Exam tasks
8 Appointments Listening to a discussion on diary appointments Listening part 3
page 34 Transferring information Reading part 7
Writing an email Writing part 1
Pairwork discussion Speaking part 3
9 Meetings Listening and taking notes Listening part 2
page 38 Looking at text structure Reading part 6
Listening to opinions Listening part 4
Writing a short email Writing part 1
Pairwork discussion Speaking part 3
10 Negotiating Reading an article Reading part 4
page 42 Listening to offers and requests Listening part 1
Opening and closing letters Writing part 2
Giving a mini-presentation Speaking part 2
11 Money Listening to numbers Listening part 1
page 46 Interpreting visual information Reading part 3
Listening for specific information Listening part 2
Selecting information Writing part 1
Pairwork discussion Speaking part 3
12 Marketing Reading for specific information Reading part 2
page 50 Understanding the writers purpose Reading part 5
Taking notes Listening part 3
Using an appropriate style Writing part 1
Giving a mini-presentation Speaking part 2
13 Networking Reading invitations Reading part 1
page 54 Meaning from context Reading part 7
Phoning to follow-up Listening part 2
Using an appropriate style Writing part 1
Giving a mini-presentation Speaking part 2
14 Trends Interpreting visual information Listening part 1
page 58 Looking at text structure Reading part 6
Interpreting visual information Reading part 3
Writing an email Writing part 2
Pairwork discussion Speaking part 3
15 Presenting information Listening to short conversations Listening part 1
page 62 Reading for specific information Reading part 5
Listening for specific information Listening part 3
Writing an email Writing part 2
Giving a mini-presentation Speaking part 2
5
Cambridge University Press www.cambridge.org
Cambridge University Press
978-0-521-61467-2 - Business Goals 2 Workbook
Amanda Thomas
Excerpt
More information
6
Listening focus 1: greetings
e
a
For questions 14 you will hear four short
recordings.
For each question, circle one letter (A, B or C)
for the correct answer.
Play the four recordings twice.
1 What time did Michelle Roberts flight arrive?
A 6.00
B 9.00
C 9.30
2 When did the man last visit Spain?
A one month ago
B three months ago
C six months ago
3 What is Ben Harveys job?
A Marketing Manager
B Marketing Controller
C Marketing Assistant
4 Where does Hannah Kohler work now?
A Berlin
B Frankfurt
C Hamburg
b Look at the transcript on page 66 and underline the words which gave you the answers
to 14.
Greeting visitors
UNIT
1
Were there any words you didnt understand?
Was this because:
1 they spoke too quickly? ACTION:
Focus on KEY information. Dont try to understand every word.
Practise listening to small chunks (phrases/sentences) of English.
You will soon get used to the rhythm of spoken English.
2 you didnt know the words? ACTION:
Use a vocabulary book and write new words in it.
Follow-up
Cambridge University Press www.cambridge.org
Cambridge University Press
978-0-521-61467-2 - Business Goals 2 Workbook
Amanda Thomas
Excerpt
More information
NAME: (1)
TIME ARRIVING: (2)
FLIGHT NUMBER: (3)
HOTEL: (4)
PHONE NUMBER: (5)
Unit 1 Greeting visitors 7
Language focus
r
Complete the following questions using the
words in the box.
1 you met Robert before?
2 you like to go to your hotel
first?
3 you arrive in Paris last night?
4 this your first time in Oslo?
5 you know Martin Hammond?
6 you staying in Italy for long?
t
a Write a follow-up question for each of the
conversations.
Example
A: How long have you worked here?
B: Ive worked here for two years.
A: Where did you work before?
1 A: How often do you travel abroad?
B: About four times a year.
A: ?
2 A: Have you been to France before?
B: No, this is my first time.
A: ?
3 A: Does Emilia Johansson still work here?
B: No, she left a few months ago.
A: ?
b If you have a partner, practise the
conversations.
Reading focus: understanding
short notices
u
Look at questions 13.
In each question, which sentence is correct?
For each question, circle one letter
(A, B or C).
Is Are Do Did Have Would
Priority boarding
All frequent fliers travelling in any class
are invited to board the plane first.
Priority boarding
All frequent fliers travelling in any class
are invited to board the plane first.
NAME: (1) Mr Jake
TIME ARRIVING: (2)
FLIGHT NUMBER: (3) YH
HOTEL: (4)
PHONE NUMBER: (5) 00
Priority boarding
All frequent fliers travelling in any class
are invited to board the plane first.
We will only accept claims for travel
and accommodation expenses with
receipts attached.
Priority boarding
All frequent fliers travelling in any class
are invited to board the plane first.
Security notice
Passengers on all internal flights must
now have photographic ID.
1
Which passengers receive priority boarding?
A Frequent fliers with any type of ticket.
B Frequent fliers in first class.
C All passengers flying business class.
2
A You can only claim expenses for items on
the attached list.
B Send in hotel bills and travel tickets with
your expenses form.
C You can claim for all travel and
accommodation expenses.
3
A Passengers must show their identity card
at security gates.
B Proof of identity with a photograph is
required on internal flights.
C There are new security arrangements on
all external flights.
Listening focus 2:
names and numbers
i
Listen to the sentences and write down the:
a times
1 2 3
b prices
1 2 3
c surnames
1 2 3
o
Look at the notes below.
Some information is missing.
You will hear a woman telling a man about
changes in a schedule.
For each question 15, fill in the missing
information in the numbered space using
a word, numbers or letters.
Play the conversation twice.
Cambridge University Press www.cambridge.org
Cambridge University Press
978-0-521-61467-2 - Business Goals 2 Workbook
Amanda Thomas
Excerpt
More information
8
Writing focus: making arrangements
p
a Read this email and underline the phrases for:
1 explaining why you are writing
2 suggesting
3 requesting
Did you get the answer to number 2 right?
In question 2 you have to choose from three different times which are all close together.
Look at the transcript on page 00. Underline the time which gave you the answer. Circle the
other two times which are not the answer. You have to be careful to focus on the information
you need.
Also notice that Sally says gets in meaning arrive.
Follow-up
b Are the following phrases used for explaining why you are writing, suggesting
or requesting?
1 Would it be possible for you to ?
2 The reason Im writing is to
3 Would you mind phoning the client?
4 How about ing?
5 Im writing because I need to
6 Would the 15th suit you?
a
You are planning a business trip to London soon.
Write an email to your business contact there:
explaining why you are writing
suggesting dates for your trip
asking him/her to make the hotel arrangements.
Write 3040 words.
Check you have included all the information required
and check you have written between 3040 words.
TIP
Model answer page 75
Dear Ulrika
Im writing because Im planning a trip to Stockholm from
June 22nd until June 25th. Id like to meet you then to
discuss plans for the sales conference in October. Would
lunch on the 24th be convenient for you? Id be grateful if
you could suggest a good restaurant as I dont know
Stockholm very well.
I look forward to meeting you in June.
Cambridge University Press www.cambridge.org
Cambridge University Press
978-0-521-61467-2 - Business Goals 2 Workbook
Amanda Thomas
Excerpt
More information
Unit 1 Greeting visitors 9
Speaking focus: giving a mini-presentation
s
a Look at the prompt card. What do you think?
Make some notes.
b Read the mini-presentation about business trips
and decide which word in 18 does not fit. Two
of the words are possible.
c Listen and circle the words you hear.
d
a Look at the prompt card and prepare a similar
mini-presentation.
b Give a one minute presentation.
c If you have a partner, ask them to listen to
your mini-presentation or record yourself.
Model answer CD Track 11
In part 2 of the BEC Speaking test you have to give a mini-presentation. You
can choose from two topics and you will have one minute to prepare your talk.
Your mini-presentation should last about one minute.
About the exam
When preparing your mini-presentation, dont write complete sentences.
You will lose marks if you read your presentation to the examiner. Just
make brief notes and use them to guide you.
TIP
Arranging a successful business trip requires (1) careful / good / more
planning. Its very important to (2) decide / arrange / focus on why you
are making that trip and what you want to (3) deal / achieve / know
by the end of it. If you havent planned your (4) schedule / timetable /
resources carefully, you could end up wasting a lot of time. And time is
(5) money / precious / difficult as we all know.
I dont always take gifts with me on foreign business trips. It depends
where Im going. If Im visiting an important (6) client / contact /
personnel for the first time, Id always take a gift, but on (7) regular /
routine / formal visits its not necessary.
Business cards are (8) essential / impressive / important. I always refer to
peoples business cards when Im writing my reports and following up on
new contacts. I meet so many people on my trips that I wouldnt be able
to remember them all otherwise.
WHAT IS IMPORTANT WHEN?
Arranging a foreign business trip
Planning
Gifts
Business Cards
WHAT IS IMPORTANT WHEN?
Welcoming foreign visitors to your office
Hospitality
Small talk
Cultural awareness
Cambridge University Press www.cambridge.org
Cambridge University Press
978-0-521-61467-2 - Business Goals 2 Workbook
Amanda Thomas
Excerpt
More information
10
Language focus
e
a Match 17 to the words ag with a similar
meaning.
1 building a shop
2 plant b location
3 representatives c Personnel
4 Human Resources d company
5 firm e factory
6 site f agents
7 retail outlet g construction
b Complete the following sentences using the
words above.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
Reading focus 1: matching
r
a Match the business categories ag to the
descriptions 17.
a building maintenance services
b business hospitality services
c courier services
d credit and finance companies
e employment agencies
f printers
g security services
1 organises activities such as visits to
sporting events for clients
2 provides systems to protect companies
from burglaries
3 finds staff to fill job vacancies for
companies
4 lends money to companies
5 looks after, repairs and redecorates properties
6 transports documents and other goods
7 produces brochures and other documents
for companies
b Look at the needs of the following companies
and decide which business categories ag
from 2a they will need to contact.
1 C & H Building Society needs to install
closed circuit TV cameras and update their
alarm system.
2 Northern Bank wants to organise an
entertainment programme for some
important visitors.
3 Fast Print is interested in getting a
commercial loan to invest in new printing
equipment.
4 Stow Couriers Ltd wants to recruit some
long-distance lorry drivers.
5 Griffin Office Services needs some
important business documents delivered
within 24 hours.
Companies
UNIT
2
I work for a large insurance
based in Paris.
The where we
manufacture our goods is on a huge
industrial estate.
I work as a surveyor in the
industry.
I work in the
department as a trainer.
We use in
our overseas markets to manage our
business for us.
We need to find a
which has good
transport links for our new Head Office.
Our fashion franchise business
has recently opened a new
.
firm/company
Cambridge University Press www.cambridge.org
Cambridge University Press
978-0-521-61467-2 - Business Goals 2 Workbook
Amanda Thomas
Excerpt
More information
Unit 2 Companies 11
Listening focus 1: understanding short conversations
t
a
For questions 13 you will hear three short recordings.
For each question, circle one letter (A, B or C) for the correct answer.
Play the three recordings twice.
1 Which department does the woman work in?
A Purchasing
B Sales
C Accounts
2 What does the company specialise in?
A exports
B consulting
C the tourist trade
3 What type of buildings does the firm
of architects design now?
A houses
B office blocks
C public buildings
b Look at the transcript on page 67 and underline the words which gave you the answers
to 13.
Reading focus 2: reading for factual information
u
Read the newspaper article below about a food manufacturer.
Are sentences 14 Right or Wrong? If there is not enough information to answer
Right or Wrong, choose Doesnt say.
For each sentence 14, circle one letter (A, B or C).
1 Groupe Danone used to sell a wider range of products.
A Right B Wrong C Doesnt say
2 Groupe Danones dairy products are sold under several different brand names.
A Right B Wrong C Doesnt say
3 Groupe Danone operates only in Europe.
A Right B Wrong C Doesnt say
Groupe Danone
Groupe Danone is a leading worldwide food manufacturer focused on
three product categories: fresh dairy products, bottled water and biscuits.
After selling off its other product lines in recent years, these three
categories now make up 97% of its total sales. Groupe Danone is the
worlds largest producer of fresh dairy products. Its bottled water
includes two of the worlds best known brands, Evian and Volvic, and
accounts for a third of Groupe Danones revenue. 70% of sales in this
sector are of local brands, such as Wahaha, the market leader in bottled
water in China.
Groupe Danone employs over 92,000 people in 120 countries and has
an annual turnover of more than 13 billion euro.
Its a good idea
to underline the parts
of the text which give
the answers.
TIP
Notice that the
answer is often not the
exact word you see in the
question, but a word which
has a similar meaning. In
question 1, the woman says,
shes responsible
for buying office supplies.
Buying means purchasing.
TIP
Cambridge University Press www.cambridge.org
Cambridge University Press
978-0-521-61467-2 - Business Goals 2 Workbook
Amanda Thomas
Excerpt
More information
12
Listening focus 2: taking notes
i
a
Look at the notes below.
Some information is missing.
You will hear a telephone conversation between a journalist and a receptionist talking
about a training company.
For each question 15, fill in the missing information in the numbered space using
a word, numbers or letters.
Play the conversation twice.
b Look at the transcript on page 67 and underline
the words which gave you the answers to 15.
Speaking focus 1: talking about companies
o
a Look at the transcript again. What does the journalist say when he doesnt hear one
of the answers?
b Here are two more ways to ask someone to repeat something.
Put the words in the correct order.
1 catch Sorry, didnt I that
2 that could Sorry, say again you ?
c Match the type of companies 15 to the descriptions ae.
1 a firm of auditors
2 a retail company
3 a market research company
4 a warehouse storage firm
5 a subsidiary
a a company that sells goods in shops
b a company that checks the accounts in other companies
c a company which rents out space for storing things
d a company which is owned by a larger organisation
e a company which provides information about markets for other companies
d Explain in your own words what the following companies do.
import business
estate agency
wholesaler
If you dont know
the word for something,
you can explain it in a
simpler way.
TIP
If you dont
understand something,
dont be afraid to ask
the person to repeat
what they said.
TIP
NAME OF COMPANY: (1)
TYPE OF BUSINESS: (2)
ESTABLISHED IN: (3)
NAME OF MANAGING DIRECTOR: (4)
CURRENT NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES: (5)
People
19
Staff Development programmes
Cambridge University Press www.cambridge.org
Cambridge University Press
978-0-521-61467-2 - Business Goals 2 Workbook
Amanda Thomas
Excerpt
More information