BEC口语题库（部分）

Danshot

1.
Now I'm going to ask you both some questions about leadership.

What qualities do you think a good business leader should have, A? (Why?)
What do you think, B? (Why?)
Do you think everyone can learn to be a leader, B? (Why?/Why not?)
What do you think, A? (Why?/Why not?)
A, do you think a good leader can turn a failing company into a successful one? (Why? Why not?)
B, do you think good leaders delegate decision-making to their employees? (Why?/Why not?)


2
Now I'm going to ask you both some questions about communication skills.

Do you think good communication skills are important in business, A? (Why?/Why not?)
What do you think, B? (Why?/Why not?)
Should companies provide training for all staff in how to communicate effectively, B? (Why?/Why not?)
What do you think, A? (Why?/Why not?)
A, which method of communication do you prefer, face to face or telephone? (Why?)
B, do you think the use of email will affect people's communication skills? (Why?/Why not?)


3
Now I'm going to ask you both some questions about working hours.

How much of your time do you spend working/studying, A? (Why?)
What about you, B? (Why?)
How important do you think it is for employees to have relaxation time after work, B? (Why?/Why not?)
What do you think, A? (Why?/Why not?)
A, do you think companies should offer their staff flexible hours of work? (Why?/Why not?)
B, do you think more people will choose to work part-time in future? (Why?/Why not?)


4
Now I'm going to ask you both some questions about owning a company.

Have you ever thought of having your own company, A? (Why?/Why not?)
How about you, B? (Why?/Why not?)
What do you think is the biggest difficulty for someone setting up a new company, B? (Why?)
What do you think, A? (Why?)
A, why do you think family-owned companies can be successful?
B, do you think that young people can be successful company owners? (Why?/Why not?)


5
Now I'm going to ask you both some questions about working as part of a team,

Do you prefer working on your own or as a member of a team, A? (Why?)
How about you, B? (Why?)
Which do you think are more effective, small teams or larger teams, B? (Why?)
A, do you think teams always need to have a leader? (Why?/why not?)
B, do you think it's important for a team to have regular meetings? (Why?/Why not?)


6
Now I'm going to ask you both some questions about conferences.

How useful do you think it is for people in business to attend conferences, A? (Why?/Why not?)
What do you think, B? (Why?/Why not?)
What do you think makes a conference interesting, B? (Why?)
And what do you think, A? (Why?)
A, do you think companies should pay for staff to attend conferences? (Why?/Why not?)
B, do you think it's a good idea to attend conferences in other countries?
(Why?/Why not?)

Danshot

A: What is important when...?
Choosing new computer equipment
●  Cost of equipment
●  Staff training requirements
Is it sometimes better to buy second-hand equipment? (Why?/ Why not?)
How important is the reputation of the manufacturer? (Why?/ Why not?)

B: What is important when...?
Preparing a talk for a conference
●  Knowing about the target audience
●  Promoting the company
Is it important to use visual aids? (Why?/Why not?)
Is it important to prepare notes? (Why?/Why not?)

C: What is important when...?
Aiming to export to a new market
●  Market research
●  Distribution methods
How important is it to consider exchange rates? (Why?/Why not?)
Why is it important to consider advertising?


A: What is important when...?
Starting a new job
●  Getting to know colleagues
●  Understanding the company's business
Is it important to dress smartly? (Why?/Why not?)
How important is it to be on time for work? (Why?/Why not?)

B: What is important when...?
Aiming to improve an after-sales service
●  Speed of response
●  Staff expertise
How important is the cost of the service to the company? (Why?/Why not?)
Why is it important to consider customer needs?

C: What is important when...?
Planning a billboard campaign to promote a product
●  Location of posters
●  Amount of information
Is it important to have attractive pictures? (Why?/Why not?)
Is it important how long the campaign lasts? (Why?/Why not?)

A: What is important when...?
Offering to work on a team project
●  Type of project
●  Length of project
Is it important who the other team members are? (Why?/Why not?)
How important is the salary? (Why?/Why not?)

B: What is important when...?
Organising a meeting
●  Preparing an agenda in advance
●  Circulating the minutes of the previous meeting
How important is it to set a time limit for the meeting? (Why?/Why not?)
● How important is the location of the meeting? (Why?/Why not?)

C: What is important when...?
Deciding targets for individual sales staff
●  Last year's sales
●  Experience of staff
Why is it important to consider competitors?
How important is it to consider possible new markets? (Why?/Why not?)


A: What is important when...?
Choosing a taxi firm for a company contract
●  Reliability
●  Quality of drivers
Is it important to consider payment terms? (Why?/Why not?)
Is it important to choose the cheapest firm? (Why?/Why not?)

B: What is important when...?
Deciding whether to apply for a job in another country
●  Pay and conditions
●  Job security

Are opportunities for promotion important? (Why? Why not?)
Is it important to consider the working hours? (Why?/Why not?)

C: What is important when...?
Considering a merger with another company
●  Their markets
●  Their product range
How important is it to consider the different company cultures? (Why?/Why not?)
Is it important to consider the other company's salary levels? (Why?/Why not?)
A: What is important when...?
Choosing a location for a new business
●  Local workforce
●  Target customers
How important are transport links? (Why?/Why not?)
Is the location of competitors important? (Why? Why not?)

B: What is important when...?
Producing a sales brochure
●  Clear descriptions of products
●  Attractive pictures
How important is the layout of the brochure? (Why?/Why not?)
Is it necessary to include prices in the brochure? (Why?/Why not?)

C: What is important when...?
Aiming to improve health and safety procedures
●  Reviewing current procedures
●  Consulting with staff
How important is staff training? (Why?/Why not?)
Is it important to consider the cost involved? (Why? Why not?)


A: What is important when...?
Attending a business social event
●  Making new contacts
●  Personal appearance
Is it necessary to talk about work all the time? (Why?/Why not?)
Is it important to give out business cards? (Why?/Why not?)

B: What is important when...?
Aiming to improve a product
●  Customer feedback
●  Competitors' products
How important is it to consider costs? (Why?/Why not?)
Is it important to ask staff for their opinions? (Why?/Why not?)

C: What is important when...?
Setting an agenda for a meeting
●  Suggestions from colleagues
●  Length of meeting
Is it important to have a written agenda? (Why?/Why not?)
Is it important to send out the agenda before the meeting? (Why?/Why not?)

A: What is important when...?
Organising a training session
●  Equipment available
●  Location
How important is it to consider the amount of space available? (Why?/Why not?)
Why is it important to consider the cost?  

B: What is important when...?
Deciding to sell goods on the internet
●  Security for customers
●  Distribution system
Is important to look at competitors? (Why?/Why not?)
How important is the website design? (Why?/Why not?)

C: What is important when...?
Negotiating a service contract for office equipment
●  Frequency of servicing
●  Type of servicing
Why is it important to consider the length of the contract?
How important is it to consider the cost? (Why?/Why not?)

Danshot

A: What is important when...?
Welcoming a client from another country
●  Hospitality
●  Tour of company
Is it important to know about the business culture in the client's country? (Why?/Why not?)
Is it useful to speak a few words of the client's language? (Why?/Why not?)

B: What is important when...?
Aiming to improve personal efficiency
●  Clear goals
●  Time management
Why is it important to have a good filing system?
Is it important to keep a list of tasks every day? (Why?/Why not?)
C: What is important when...?
Deciding whether to change a product image
●  Market research
●  Cost of change
How important is it to consider competitors' products? (Why?/Why not?)
Why is it important to consider the current sales of the product?

A: What is important when..,?
Writing a job application
●  Giving reasons for applying
●  Supplying references
Is it important to type the application? (Why?/Why not?)
How important is it to send a photograph? (Why?/Why not?)

B: What is important when...?
Dealing with a sudden increase in workload
●  Deciding priorities
●  Working longer hours
How important is it to ask for help? (Why?/Why not?)
Is it useful to employ temporary staff? (Why?/Why not?)

C: What is important when...?
Choosing an accountancy firm
●  Reputation
●  Cost
How important is the size of the accountancy firm? (Why?/Why not?)
How important is the experience of the accountants in the firm? (Why? Why not?)

A: What is important when...?
Selecting staff for sales positions
●  Communication skills
●   Appearance
How important is it to consider experience? (Why?/Why not?)
Why is it important to consider motivation?

B: What is important when...?
Preparing for a negotiation with a customer
●   Getting accurate information
●   Deciding on bargaining points
How important is it to establish a good relationship with the customer?. (Why?/Why not?)
Is it important to consider where to meet? (Why?/Why not?)

C: What is important when...?
Setting up a production plant in another country
●  Costs
●  Labour supply
How important is it to consider the regulations in the country? (Why?/Why not?)
Why is it important to consider where your customers are based?
A: What is important when...?
Deciding whether to provide cars for employees
●  Type of cars
●  Maintenance of cars
How important is it to consider the number of cars required? (Why?/Why not?)
Is it important to consider which employees need a car for their work? (Why?/Why not?)

B: What is important when...?
Planning the schedule for a business trip
●  Prioritising tasks
●  Deciding who to meet
Why is the budget for the trip important?
Why is it important to check travel arrangements?

C: What is important when...?
Aiming to improve productivity in a factory
●  Offering bonuses to staff
●  Improving management systems
How important is it to consider maintenance of machinery? (Why?/Why not?) Why is it important to consider running staff training courses?
A: What is important when...?
Helping new employees on their first day
●  Discussing responsibilities
●  Tour of premises
How important is training on the first day? (Why?/Why not?)
Why is it important to introduce new employees to other staff?

B: What is important when...?
Maintaining customer loyalty
●   Discounts
●   Newsletters
How important is it to have regular meetings with customers? (Why?/Why not?)
Is it important to respond quickly to customer suggestions? (Why?/Why not?)

C: What is important when...?
Monitoring company performance
●  Sales figures
●  Share price
How important is it to look at staff turnover? (Why?/Why not?)
Is it important to consider annual costs?

Danshot

Part III
Now, in this part of the test you are going to discuss something together.
[Hold the Part 3 booklet open at the task while giving the instructions below.]
22A

…………
You will have 30 seconds to read this task carefully, and then about three minutes to discuss and decide about it together. You should give reasons for your decisions and opinions. You don't need to write anything. Is that clear?
[Place the booklet open at task XX in front of the candidates so they can both see it.]
[Candidates begin to read the task for 30 seconds …………………]
        
I'm just going to listen and then ask you to stop after about three minutes.
Please speak so that we can hear you.
[Candidates begin to discuss for about three minutes …………………]

Can I have the booklet, please?
[Select one or more of the following questions as appropriate, to redress any imbalance between candidates in Part 3, or to extend the discussion.]

22A
Recruiting temporary staff
The company you work for is about to inform consumers about a fault with one of its products. It is expected that there will be a lot of enquiries.
You have been asked for your ideas on recruiting staff to deal with these enquiries.
Discuss the situation together and decide:
● what kind of people need to be recruited
● what kind of training they will need

Danshot

22B
● What do you think is the best way of recruiting temporary staff? (Why?)
● Do you think faulty products will damage a company's reputation?
    (Why?/Why not?)
● Which would you prefer, a replacement for a faulty product or your money back? (Why?)
● How do you think customers should be informed about faulty products? (Why?)
● Do you think it's useful to make recordings of telephone conversations between staff and customers? (Why?/Why not?)
● Do you think product quality will become more important in the future? (Why?/Why not?)


23A
Updating a Supermarket Chain
The supermarket chain you work for needs to modernise its stores in order to make them more attractive.
You have been asked to make recommendations about modernising the company's stores.
Discuss the situation together and decide:
● What kinds of changes the company might want to consider
● Who the company should ask about possible changes
23B
● What are the main things that make you choose a supermarket? (Why?)
● Do you think that every company should ask its customers before making changes? (Why?/Why not?)
● Do you think it's useful to hire consultants when making major changes in a company? (Why?/Why not?)
● How do you think companies can find out if changes have been successful? (Why?)
● Should companies modernise regularly in order to remain competitive? (Why?/Why not?)
● Do you think there are some things which companies should never change? (Why?/Why not?)

24A
Training Consultants
The company you work for is considering whether to use external consultants to run its staff training programme
You have been asked to make recommendations about using external consultants.
● Discuss the situation together and decide:
● How to select a suitable training consultant
24B
● What kinds of business experience do you think a consultant should have? (Why?)
● What do you think are the disadvantages for a company of using consultants? (Why?)
● What personal qualities do you think are needed to be a good consultant? (Why?)
● Why do you think some people are attracted to working as a consultant?
● Would you like to do consultancy work? (Why?/Why not?)
● Do you think companies will use consultants more in the future? (Why?/Why not?)

25A
Night Shifts
The manufacturing company you work for has difficulties recruiting enough staff to work at night.
You have been asked to suggest ways to solve this problem.
Discuss the situation together and decide:
● Whether all staff should be asked to work some night shifts each week
● How the company could attract new employees to work night shifts
25B
● Do you think that people can work as effectively at night as in the day? (Why?/Why not?)
● Would you be willing to work night shifts? (Why?/Why not?)
● Do you think people prefer to have the same working hours each day?
(Why?/Why not?)
● Do you think that staff should expect to have to work extra hours sometimes? (Why?/Why not?)
● Why do you think companies sometimes limit the number of hours staff can work?
● Do you think the working conditions are the most important thing about a job? (Why?/Why not?)

26A
The New Product
The food company you work for is developing a new, healthy snack for children.
You have been asked to prepare ideas about how to launch the product successfully.
Discuss the situation together and decide:
● How to advertise the new snack
● Whether to offer a discount for the first few months
26B
● Do you think you are influenced by advertisements for food products?
(Why?/Why not?)
● What do you think is most important to customers when choosing food products? (Why?)
● Do you think that companies should advertise products to children?
(Why?/Why not?)
● What do you think companies need to consider when advertising a product in several different countries? (Why?)
● How important do you think it is for companies to consider which shops their products are sold in? (Why?/Why not?)
● Do you think companies should try to sell their products at the highest possible price? (Why?/Why not?)

27A
Business Growth
You work for a group of sports and leisure clubs which opened two years ago. The business is growing more slowly than expected.
You have been asked to suggest ways of increasing membership of the clubs.
Discuss the situation together and decide:
● What the reasons for the slow growth might be
● How the clubs should be marketed
27B
● Apart from memberships, what other activities might generate income for the clubs?
● Should sports clubs ever limit the number of members they have? (Why?/Why not?)
● What are the advantages to companies of paying for their staff to join sports clubs?
● How important do you think recommendations from customers are for businesses like sports clubs? (Why?/Why not?)
● Do you think it can be a problem for a company when it grows too quickly? (why?/Why not?)
● Do you think that new businesses can predict sales accurately? (Why?/Why not?)

28A
Customer discount scheme
The electrical goods manufacturer you work for is planning to introduce a discount scheme on purchases of its products.
You have been asked for your recommendations about how the scheme could be organised.
Discuss the situation together and decide:
● Which types of customers should be offered discounts
● What the discounts should be
28B
● Do you think discounts are a good way to increase sales?  (Why?/Why not?)
● Are you attracted to buying products because of discounts? (Why?/Why not?)
● Why do you think some companies refuse to give discounts?
● Do you think it's a good idea for small businesses to offer discounts?
(Why?/Why not?)
● Do you think customers should always try to negotiate a discount?
(Why?/Why not?)
● What other ways do you think there are for companies to increase sales? (Why?)

29A
Meeting a potential supplier
The manufacturing company you work for is considering changing one of its main suppliers.
Representatives from your company will visit a potential new supplier before making a decision.
You have been asked to advise on their programme.
Discuss the situation together and decide:
● What the representatives from your company should ask to inspect
● Which matters the representatives should discuss with the supplier.
29B
● Why do you think companies sometimes change suppliers?
● Do you think companies should choose suppliers which are well known? (Why? /Why not?)
● Do you think it's better for companies to have a single supplier, or more than one? (Why?)
● Why might a supplier decide to stop doing business with a client?
● Do you think suppliers should offer discounts to regular customers? (Why?/Why not?)
● Do you think face-to-face meetings between a supplier and a customer are essential? (Why?/Why not?)

30 A
Improving the working environment
The company you work for is considering spending a sum of money on creating a more pleasant workplace for its employees.
You have been asked for your views on improving the working environment.
Discuss the situation together and decide:
●What the advantages would be for the company
●What kinds of things the company could do to create a pleasant workplace.
30B
● Is a comfortable working environment important to you? (Why?/Why not?)
● Do you think companies pay enough attention to the working environment? (Why?/Why not?)
● Do you think changing the working environment can be a problem for a company? (Why?/Why not?)
● Do you think multinational companies should have the same work environment in all their offices? (Why?/Why not?)
● Which do you think is more important to people, a pleasant working
environment or a good salary? (Why?)
● Do you think staff should be asked about changes in a company? (Why?/Why not?)

31A
Helping staff to study
The company you work for is reviewing its policy on helping staff to study in their free time.
You have been asked for your views on helping staff to study.
Discuss the situation together and decide:
● Which types of course would benefit the company
● What kind of help the company should provide.
31B
● Would you be willing to study after work? (Why?/Why not?)
● What do you think are the advantages of allowing staff to take a year off to study? (Why?)
● Do you think employees should get a pay rise when they finish a course of study? (Why?/Why not?)
● Which do you think is more important, formal study or on-the-job training? (Why?)
● In what ways could companies find out if training has been successful?
● Is the possibility of training important to you when you apply for a job? (Why?/Why not?)

Danshot

1.        What is important when monitoring the quality of service provided?

        Feedback from customers

        Checking sales figures

Is feedback from customers the most important thing to consider? (Why/Why not?)

How important is it to check sales figures? (Why?)

How important is it to get feedback from staff? (Why/Why not?)

Is it important to consider competitors' services? (Why/Why not?)

2.        What is important when planning a presentation?

Ÿ        Finding out about the audience

Ÿ        Researching the topic

Practice the presentation

Equipment such as slider projector

3.        What is important when aiming to improve customer service?

Ÿ        Staff Training

Ÿ        Customer Satisfaction Surveys

Is staff training the most important thing to consider? (Why/Why not?)

Why is it essential to consider surveys of customer satisfaction?

How important is it to review prices and discounts? (Why/Why not?)

How important is it to consider rewards for customers? (Why/Why not?)

4.        What is important when motivating staff?

Ÿ        Financial benefits

Ÿ        Career development Opportunities

How important are financial benefits for motivating staff? (Why/Why not?)

How important is it to offer opportunities for career development? (Why?)

Is it important to offer training opportunities? (Why/Why not?)

Why might social events be important for motivating staff?

5．        What is important when dealing with competition?

Ÿ        Pricing policies

Ÿ        Advertising strategies

Why are pricing policies important to consider?

How important is it to consider advertising strategies? (Why?)

Why is monitoring customer service essential?

How important is it to develop a wider range of goods or services to offer to customer

6．What is important when planning health and safety training?

Ÿ        Selecting topics

Ÿ        Selecting staff to attend

Why is selecting the right topics important?

Why is it essential to select the right staff to attend the training course?

How important is the length of training? (Why?)

Is it important to offer re-training to staff? (Why? / Why not?)

7．What is important when choosing new office equipment?

Ÿ        Prices and discounts

Ÿ        Brand names

Are prices and discounts the most important things to consider? (Why/Why not?)

How important is the brand name? (Why/Why not?)

Why is it important to consider after-sales service?

It is important to consult staff before buying new equipment? (Why/Why not?)

8．What is important when entertaining foreign business clients?

Ÿ        Venue for entertainment

Ÿ        Cultural Differences

How important is the venue for the entertainment? (Why?)

Why is it important to consider cultural differences?

What kinds of information about the clients is it essential to have? (Why?)

How important is the cost of entertaining business clients? (Why/Why not?)

9．What is important when aiming to reach new markets?

Ÿ        Market research

Ÿ        Advertising

Why is it essential to carry out market research? How important is it to consider advertising? (Why?)

How important is it to consider the cost involved? (Why?)

Is it essential to consider competitors' products? (Why/Why not?)

10.        What is important when choosing a management training course to attend?

Ÿ        Programme Contents

Ÿ        Length of course

Why is it important to consider the programme contents carefully?

How important is the length of the course? (Why/Why not?)

How important is the reputation of the course provider? (Why?)

Is it essential for the course to offer formal qualifications? (Why/Why not?)
11.        What is important when relocating a business?

Ÿ        Local workforce available

Ÿ        Location of site

How important is it to consider the local workforce available? (Why?)

Why is it important to consider the location of the site?

Why is it important to consider the transport network? How important is it to consider the costs involved? (Why?)

12.        What is important when advertising a new product?

Ÿ        Target markets

Ÿ        Choice of media

Why is it essential to consider the target markets?

How important is the choice of advertising media? (Why?)

Why is the timing of the advertising campaign important?

How important is the cost of advertising?

13. What is important when starting a new job?

Ÿ        Knowledge of company procedures

Ÿ        Help from company staff

It is essential to know about company procedures? (Why/Why not?)

How important is it to have help from existing staff? (Why?)

Are opportunities for training important? (Why/Why not?)

How important is it for people to know how to use company equipment when they start a new job? (Why/Why not?)

14.        What is important when selecting staff for marketing trips abroad?

Ÿ        Position in the company

Ÿ        Previous experience of other countries

Is the position of members of staff the most important thing to consider? (Why/Why not?)

How important is it for staff to have previous experience of working in other countries? (Why/Why not?)

Are foreign language skills essential on trips abroad? (Why/Why not?)

How important are social activities during marketing trips abroad? (Why?)

15.        What is important when aiming to reduce production costs?

ü        Efficiency of production line

ü        Cost of raw materials

Is increasing the efficiency of the production line the most important thing to consider? (Why/Why not?)

How important is it to make savings on the cost of raw materials? (Why?)

Is it important to consider introducing shift work? (Why/Why not?)

How important is it to monitor overheads?

16. What is important when choosing people to work in teams?

Ÿ        Variety of experience

Ÿ        Personal qualities

Is variety of experience the most important thing to consider? (Why/Why not?)

Is it essential to consider personal qualities? (Why/Why not?)

How important is it to consider people's qualifications? (Why/Why not?)

Is it essential to consider your own impression of people? (Why/Why not?)

17. What is important when dealing with a heavy workload?

Ÿ        Time management

Ÿ        Sharing tasks

Why are time management skills essential?

How important is it to share tasks with other staff? (Why/Why not?)

In what ways is technology important for saving time? (Why/Why not?)

Is it important to ask for assistance from colleagues? (Why/Why not?)

18. What is important when developing new products?

Ÿ        Market research

Ÿ        Pricing

Is it essential to carry out market research? (Why/Why not?)

How important is the pricing of a new product? (Why?)

What aspects of product testing might be important? (Why?)

How important is it to consider competition from other products? (Why/Why not?)

19. What is important when being interviewed for a job?

Ÿ        Information about the company

Ÿ        Personal appearance

How important is it to have information about the company? (Why/Why not?)

Is personal appearance important? (Why/Why not?)

Is self-confidence essential? (Why/Why not?)

Is it important for the candidate to ask questions at the interview? (Why/Why not?)

20. What is important when exhibiting at a trade fair?

Ÿ        Quality of display

Ÿ        Staff selected

How important is the quality of the company's display? (Why?)
Why is it essential to select appropriate staff for the exhibition stand?

How important is it to provide written information for visitors? (Why/Why not?)

Is it essential to get feedback from visitors? (Why?)

21. What is important when introducing a reward system for staff?

Ÿ        Purpose of the reward system

Ÿ        Types of reward offered



Why is it essential to consider the purpose of a reward system?

How important is it to consider the types of reward offered? (Why/Why not?)

How important is it to consider the kinds of achievement to reward? (Why/Why not?)

Why is it essential to ensure that the system is fair to all staff?

22. What is important when entertaining clients?

Ÿ        Types of activities

Ÿ        Cost

What types of activities are important to consider? (Why?)

Is it essential to consider cost? (Why/Why not?)

How important is the venue? (Why/Why not?)

Is it important which company personnel are involved in entertaining clients? (Why/Why not?)

23. What is important when choosing retail premises to rent?

Ÿ        Location

Ÿ        Length of contract

Is location the most important thing to consider? (Why/Why not?)

Why is the length of the contract important?

How important is cost? (Why/Why not?)

How important is it to consider the condition of the premises?(Why/Why not?)

24. What is important when deciding on packaging for products?

Ÿ        Image

Ÿ        Production process



Why is image important?

How important is it to consider the production process? (Why?)

How important is the cost of the packaging? (Why/Why not?)

Is it essential to carry out market research before deciding on the packaging? (Why/Why not?)

25.

What is important when selecting staff for promotion?

Ÿ        Attitude to work

Ÿ        Current performance

Is the employee's attitude to work the most important thing to consider? (Why/Why not?)

Is it essential to consider an employee's current performance? (Why/Why not?)

How important is it to consider the employee's ambition? (Why/Why not?)

How important is it for the candidate to have appropriate skills for the new post? (Why?)

26. What is important when considering a career change?

Ÿ        Financial rewards

Ÿ        Opportunities for future promotion

Is it important to consider opportunities for further promotion? (Why/Why not?)

Is it essential to consider financial rewards? (Why/Why not?)

How important are flexible working arrangements when considering a career change? (Why/Why not?)

27. What is important when planning an advertising campaign?

Ÿ        Market research

Ÿ        Selecting appropriate media

How important is it to carry out market research? (Why/Why not?)

Is selecting the appropriate media the most important thing? (Why/Why not?)

How important is it to budget effectively? (Why?)

Is it essential for the advertising campaign to support the image of the product? (Why/Why not?)

28. What is important when choosing transport for a business trip?

Ÿ        Convenience

Ÿ        Cost-effectiveness

How important is the convenience of the type of transport? (Why?)

Is cost effectiveness the most important consideration? (Why?/Why not?)

Is it important to have facilities for working? (Why/Why not?) Is comfort essential? (Why/Why not?)

29. What is important when aiming for promotion?

Ÿ        Quality of performance

Ÿ        Company loyalty

Is it essential for people to show a high level of performance in their present job? (Why/Why not?) How important is it to show loyalty to the company? (Why?)

Is it important to consider gaining extra qualifications? (Why/Why not?)

How important are skills and personal qualities? (Why?)

30. What is important when exporting goods or services for the first time?

Ÿ        Personal Contacts
rofessional advice

How important are personal contacts? (Why/Why not?)

Is it essential to get advice from professionals? (Why/Why not?)

How important is it to know about the target country (Why?)

Is it essential to make a preliminary business trip to the target country? (Why/Why not?)

31. What is important when dealing with complaints from clients?

ü        Offering an apology

ü        Suggesting a solution to the problem

Is offering an apology the most important thing? (Why/Why not?)

Is it essential to suggest a solution to the problem? (Why/Why not?)

How important is it to offer compensation? (Why/Why not?)

Why is it important to investigate the cause of the problem?

32.        What is important when setting prices for new products?

Ÿ        Production costs

Ÿ        Competitors’ prices

Are production costs the most important thing to consider? (Why/Why not?)

Why is it essential to consider competitors' prices?

How important is it to consider average spending levels of the target markets? (Why?)

Why is it important to consider product image?

33. What is important when aiming to reduce staff turnover?

Ÿ        Financial incentives

Ÿ        Career structure

Are financial incentives the most important thing to consider? (Why/Why not?)

How important is it to have a career structure for employees? (Why?)

How important is organising social events for staff? (Why/Why not?)

Is it important to involve staff in decision making in the company? (Why/Why not?)

34.  What is important when planning the layout of a new store?

ü        Attractiveness

ü        Security of goods

Is attractiveness the most important thing?  (Why /Why not?)

Why is it essential to consider the security of the goods?

How important is the number of staff? (Why/Why not?))

Why is it important to consider the safety of staff and customers?

35. What is important when choosing a new sales agent?

Ÿ        Experience of agent

Ÿ        Number of contacts

Is the agent's experience the most important thing? (Why/Why not?)

Is it important how many contacts the agent has? (Why/Why not?)

How important is it to consider the agent's reputation? (Why?)

Is it important to consider the agent's charges? (Why/Why not?)

36.  What is important when arranging a conference

ü        location

ü        hotel facilities

37. What is important when looking for a new supplier

ü        Delivery times

ü        Discounts

38. Your company is going to launch a new food product.

ü        How you can encourage people to try your product

ü        If you want to use a celebrity to promote the product

讨论部分

1.        Programme for New Staff

The 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:

Ÿ        what should be covered by the training programme

Ÿ        how else new staff can be helped to settle into their jobs as quickly as possible

What was your first day at work/college like?

What advice would you give to a new colleague joining your company or college? (Why?)

Should all staff continue to receive training after they join a company? (Why/Why not?)

Is there any training that you would like to receive? (Why/Why not?)

Why is it important for staff to receive feedback on their performance at work?

How should a company deal with a member of staff whose performance is poor? (Why?)

2         Company Dress Code

Your 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

Ÿ        what kind of dress code would be appropriate for staff in different types of jobs

What do you think about people wearing uniforms at work? (Why?)

Do you think it is important what people wear to work? (Why/Why         not?)

Do you think business dress is becoming less formal nowadays? (Why/Why not?)

What other kinds of rules for staff should companies have? (Why?)

Is there any rule you would like to introduce or change at your place of work or study? (Why/Why not?)

Do you think relationships between employers and staff will change in the future? (Why/Why not?)

3         Staff Training

Your 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:

Ÿ        what information you will need to provide for the agency

Ÿ        what kinds of questions you will need to ask the agency

What other arrangements would have to be made for the training programme? (Why?)

If you were offered training by your company, would you accept?         (Why/ Why not?)

What are the advantages of using an external agency to train staff? (Why?)

Are there any disadvantages in using an external agency to train staff? (Why/Why not?)

How would you decide which training agency to use? (Why?)

What kinds of benefits, apart from training, are appropriate for companies to offer staff? (Why?)

4.        Company Video

The 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.

Ÿ        Discuss the situation together, and decide:

Ÿ        which departments and activities in the company should be included in the video

Ÿ        which company personnel should appear in the video

If you were asked to appear in a company video, would you be happy         to do so? (Why/Why not?)

Why do you think a company video might be a good idea?

Are there any disadvantages in investing in a company video? (Why?)

In what other ways can companies promote themselves to potential customers? (Why?)

What other methods can companies use to attract potential investors? (Why?)

Why is image important to companies?

5.         Business Magazine Article

An 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:

Ÿ        what kinds of information should be included in the article

Ÿ        how this article could benefit your company

Which people in the company should the journalist meet? (Why?)

Are there any possible disadvantages in allowing journalists inside a company? (Why/Why not?)

What kinds of business articles do you find m_st useful? (Why?)

How can companies ensure they maintain good relationships with the press?

What other effective ways are there for companies to publicise what they do?

Do you think international business magazines will continue to be important in the future? (Why/Why not?)

6.         Opening a Branch Abroad

The 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:

Ÿ        what staffing arrangements might be necessary for the new branch

Ÿ        which information about premises in that country it would be useful to find out about

What other preparations might be necessary before opening a branch abroad? (Why?)

What are the advantages to a company of employing local staff?

What advantages could there be for a company in transferring staff between branches in different countries?

If you were offered ajob in a new branch abroad, would you be happy to accept it? (Why/Why not?)
How can good communication links be maintained between a new branch and the head office?

How can companies help staff to settle into a new country?

7. Entertaining Foreign Clients

Your 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:

Ÿ        what kinds of activities would be suitable for the visit

Ÿ        what information it would be useful to know about the clients before finalising the programme

What kinds of arrangements need to be made before foreign visitors arrive? (Why?)

Are there any disadvantages for a company in having a visit from foreign clients? (Why/Why not?)

Where would you take foreign visitors in your home town? (Why?)

Would you enjoy looking after business visitors for a few days? (Why/Why not?)

What problems might there be when socialising with foreign business         people? (Why?)

What are the long-term benefits of establishing personal contacts with foreign clients?

8. Work Experience Programme

The manufacturing company you work for has decided to offer a twoweek 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:

Ÿ        what kinds of work experience the company might offer

Ÿ        how the participants should be selected

What other preparations would the company need to make before receiving work experience students? (Why?)

What are the advantages to a company of offering a work experience programme to business students?

What do you think is the most useful kind of work experience for business students? (Why?)

What help would you give a student on their first day of work experience? (Why?)

Which areas of business would you like to have more experience of?         (Why?)

In what ways can businesses develop close links with the community?

9.        English Language Training

Your company is planning to offer 30 hours of English language training to employees.

You have been asked to help with the planning and organisation of the training.

Discuss the situation together, and decide:

Ÿ        how to encourage employees to take part in the training

Ÿ        what kind of schedule would be suitable for the training

What practical preparations would be necessary before running a foreign language course for employees? (Why?)

What are the advantages of learning a foreign language with work colleagues?

Are there any other foreign languages you would like to learn? (Why/Why not?)

What ways of learning English are most helpful for people working in business? (Why?)

What kind of help with language would you give to a foreign colleague who has just arrived to start a job in your company?

Do you think foreign language skills will continue to be useful for business in the future? (WhylWhy not?)

10.        Teamwork

Your 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:

Ÿ        what practical arrangements the company needs to make before the trip

Ÿ        what work and leisure activities would be suitable for the group

What preparations might the participants need to make before going away? (Why?)        .

What might be the disadvantages of working as part of a team?

Would you like to take part in a programme for developing teamwork? (Why/Why not?)

What other kinds of activities would you like to participate in with colleagues outside work? (Why?)

How might a company measure the success of a training programme?

Do you think staff training is always of benefit to a company? (Why/Why not?)

11. Your company is looking for a new salesperson.

ü        What qualities you are looking for in the candidates

ü        Whether you would like to employ a man or a woman
12.

Your company is sending three representatives to a Trade Fair, a manager and two assistants.

ü        What is more important, distance from the Trade Fair or cost

ü        If they should all have the same standard of room







PART I

1.        How long have you studied English?

2.        How did you learn your English?

3.        When did you start learning English?

4.        How did you come here today?

5.        What will be the most popular mode of transportation in the future?

6.        Why do you take part in BEC test?

7.        How can BEC help your career development?

8.        Do you work or study?

9.        What do you do in your spare time?

10.        What kind of sports are you interested in?

11.        How do you usually spend your holidays?

12.        How important is English for you work?

13.        Do you like traveling?

14.        Do you have any hobbies?

15.        Do you plan to have further study abroad?

16.        Do you like your study (or work)?

17.        Do you want to run a company yourself?

18.        Where are you from?

19.        Do you have a large family or a small one?



PART II

Task Sheet 1

A: WHAT IS IMPORTANT WHEN…?

aiming to improve customer relationship

l        Quality goods and after-sales services

l        Incentives

l        

l        

B: WHAT IS IMPORTANT WHEN…?

deciding whether to attend a conference

l        venue

l        speakers

l        

l        

C: WHAT IS IMPORTANT WHEN...?

aiming to make staff satisfied

l        incentives

l        promotion

l        

l        

Task Sheet 2

A: WHAT IS IMPORTANT WHEN...?

making a career plan

l        personal interest

l        career development opportunities

l        

l        

B: WHAT IS IMPORTANT WHEN...?

developing products

l        high quality

l        diversification

l        

l        

C: WHAT IS IMPORTANT WHEN...?

applying a new technology on a company

l        staff training

l        effective supervision

l        

l        



Task Sheet 1

A: WHAT IS IMPORTANT WHEN...?

running a meeting

l        schedule of the meeting

l        facilities

l        

l        



B: WHAT IS IMPORTANT WHEN...?

making a business plan

l        business history

l        involving staff

l        

l        

C: WHAT IS IMPORTANT WHEN...?

drafting internal staff training schemes

l        budget

l        involving staff

l        

l        

Task Sheet 2

A: WHAT IS IMPORTANT WHEN...?

measuring the operation of a company

l        management

l        production
l
B: WHAT IS IMPORTANT WHEN...?

purchasing raw materials

l        price and delivery time

l        stock control
C: WHAT IS IMPORTANT WHEN...?

aiming to provide effective support for new members of staff

l        orientation

l        adequate support from other employees

l        

l        

Task Sheet 1

A: WHAT IS IMPORTANT WHEN...?

ensuring appropriate levels of confidentiality over the long-term plans of the company

l        increase staff awareness

l        heavy fines for violations

l        

l        



B: What do you think makes a successful manager?

l        Management skills

l        Human relations

l        

l        

C: WHAT IS IMPORTANT WHEN...?

maintaining staff morale

l        working environment

l        competitive salary

l        

l        

Task Sheet 2

A: WHAT IS IMPORTANT WHEN...?

aiming to improve production management

l        quality control

l        speed of production

l        

l        

B: WHAT IS IMPORTANT WHEN...?

aiming to improve relationship with suppliers

l        secure orders

l        on time payment

l        

l        

C: WHAT IS IMPORTANT WHEN...?

improving company efficiency

l        restructuring an organization

l        improving managerial styles      

Task Sheet 1

A: WHAT IS IMPORTANT WHEN...?

selecting a job to apply for

l        type of company

l        salary
        

B: WHAT IS IMPORTANT WHEN...?

selecting a company to join

l        personal opportunities

l        company prospect

   
   
C: WHAT IS IMPORTANT WHEN...?

coping with stress in a job

l        time management

l        leisure activit

Task Sheet 2

A: WHAT IS IMPORTANT WHEN...?

organizing recruitment

l        accurate job description

l        recruitment metood      

B: WHAT IS IMPORTANT WHEN…?

offering incentives to staff

l        current performance

l        length of employment
l        

C: WHAT IS IMPORTANT WHEN...?

designing an advertisement

l        visual impact

l        choice of media
      

其他：

WHAT IS IMPORTANT WHEN …Managing a project

• Encouraging teamwork

• Keeping to schedule

PART III

Product Presentation

You are working for a manufacturing company. You will go abroad with your partner for a new product presentation.

Discuss with your partner and decide:

l        What preparations are necessary?

l        What kind of information should you provide in the presentation?

Questions:

1.        Will you give free samples to the potential customers?

2.        Traveling abroad is very expensive, so what will you do to reduce the costs?

Time Management
Your 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.