Student: __Stefania Valle Jaramillo_____________________________

Read the dialogue and answer the questions.

Reporter: Hi and welcome to business talk. There is so much jargon these

days in the workplace. But what characterizes Business Buzzwords?

Expert: Well, these are words that might not mean that much literally, but
have a kind of hypnotic power. For instance, the word: empowerment. People
use it a lot in companies, but companies have hierarchy and structures of
power. Most employees don’t really have that much power. You want to give
people the illusion of power by using big powerful words.

Reporter: Exactly. So if you use a fancy expression, it makes some people

feel powerful. Like if you say I’m really ‘in the loop’ or if you have your ‘ear
to the ground’. These expressions mean that you are really conscious and
aware, but the literal meanings are quite strange. So tell me, why are these
expressions so hard to translate or understand for learners of English?

Expert: Many of them come from specific situations or from sports. Let’s
look at the example of the word ‘ballpark’. A ballpark is a field for watching a
baseball game with seats for the spectators. We can, however, be ‘in the
ballpark of’ one million dollars, which means an approximate amount or
estimate. If you know nothing about baseball, this doesn’t make much sense
does it? It’s important to understand and know what these words mean, but
they shouldn’t be overused.

Reporter: Thanks for being on our program.

Expert: It’s been a pleasure.

1. Business buzzwords ...
a. should be understandable literally
b. are particular to certain cultures
c. often have strange literal meanings

2. Buzzwords make people think that ...

a. they are fashionable
b. people can communicate smoothly
c. they have power and control

3. What characterizes business buzzwords?

a. They are a way of sounding powerful.
b. They are a way of being clear.
c. They are neutral.

4. Business buzzwords ...

a. help one to think clearly.
b. are hypnotic
c. should always be used at business meeting

5. A ballpark in business means...

a. a field for watching a baseball game.
b. one million dollars
c. an approximate amount