Practice Listening Business English Exercises for A2 – Describing your job and contacts

1

1   sales rep

2   sales department

3   a team of two other reps, customers

4   time

2

1 produces   2 calculate, product   3 supplier

4 employs   5 organize, training

Audioscript

Interviewer   So what do you do, Simon?

Simon   I work for a company that produces software.

Interviewer   And which department are you in?

Simon   I’m in the sales department and I’m a sales rep.

Interviewer   So who do you work with?

Simon   I work with a small team of reps. There are three of us. And obviously I have a lot of contact with my customers.

Interviewer   So who are your customers?

Simon   Our customers are international companies that work with producers and suppliers abroad. They use our software to calculate the cost of making a product in different countries.

Interviewer   And how does this help your customers?

Simon   Well, they know the production cost in each country. Then they choose the supplier with the best price.

Interviewer   OK, I see. So what sort of problems do you deal with in your work?

Simon   Hmm … I think the biggest problem is time – my company only employs 12 people, so there’s a lot to do. As I said, I sell software, but I also train our customers to use it. I organize the training courses, and that’s a lot of work. Five days a week just isn’t enough to do everything.

1   I’m a sales rep.

2   I’m travelling a lot more.

3   I’m just finishing this report.

Audioscript

1

So tell me, what do you do?

I’m a sales rep.

Who do you work for?

I work for a company that produces software.

2

I’ve not seen you at work for ages. What are you doing these days?

I’m travelling a lot more.

So that’s why I never see you. What are you working on at the moment?

I’m working with our new suppliers in Hungary and Poland.

We’re setting up a new ordering system.

Sounds great.

3

Hi. What are you doing?

I’m just finishing this report.

Got time for a coffee?

Give me a minute.

1

Conversation 1

      1   access her files

      2   NADI1374

      3   a problem with the server

Conversation 2

      1   He’s giving a training course.

      2   a group of six people in telesales

      3   Johann and the telesales team (but not Anabelle)

2

1 am, speaking   2 ‘m trying   3 isn’t accepting

4 Is, working   5 is having

Audioscript

1

A   Technical Support. Aidan speaking.

B   Hi, Aidan.

A   Who am I speaking to?

B   Sorry, this is Nadira. I’m trying to access my customer files, but the computer isn’t accepting my log-in. The log-in details are still the same, aren’t they? The first four letters of my name, N-A-D-I, then the last four of my mobile number: one three seven four.

A   Yes, that’s right. But you’re not the first person to call me today! There’s a problem with the server.

B   Is somebody working on it at the moment?

A   Yes, I am. But it’s not easy, because I’m on my own here. Everybody else is having lunch. Try again in half an hour.

B   OK, Aidan. Thanks.

2

A   Good to see you again, Johann.

B   Yes, you too, Anabelle.

A   Are you staying here all week?

B   Yes, I am. I’m giving a training course.

A   So who are you training this time?

B   It’s a group of six people. They all work in telesales.

A   Ah yes, I know Sonya and her team. So is it going well?

B   Yes, they’re making good progress. Do you work with the telesales team, then?

A   No, I don’t, but we have lunch together from time to time.

B   Well, I’m going to a restaurant with them right now. Do you want to come?

A   Sorry, but I always go to the gym on Wednesdays.

1

mobile: 0625 978033

code for UK: 0044

2

1 Geoff Eccleston   2 Aliny Reis

Audioscript

1

A   My landline is oh-one-eight-six-five, double five-six, seven-six-seven.

B   Sorry, double five-six …

A   Seven-six-seven. If there’s no answer on that number, he can try my mobile number. That’s oh-six, two-five, nine-seven, eight-oh, double three. Those are UK numbers. If he’s phoning from Germany, the code is double oh-double four.

B   Zero-zero-double four. OK

2

Conversation 1

A   Can you give me your name, please?

B   Sure. It’s Geoff Eccleston. That’s E-double C-L-E-S-T-O-N.

A   Eccleston. With a double C.

B   That’s right.

A   And your first name, Jeff … is that J-E-F-F?

B   No, it’s Geoff with a G. G-E-O-double F.

A   G-E-O-double F. OK

Conversation 2

A   Can I have your name, please?

B   Yes, it’s Aliny Reis. That’s A-L-I-N-Y …

A   A-L-I-N-Y. And your last name? Reis, did you say?

B   Yes, that’s R-E-I-S.

A   R-E-I-S. OK

1   Conversation 1 b   Conversation 2 a

2   1 c   2 a   3 b   4 e   5 d

Audioscript

1

A   Ackers and Shipton. How can I help you?

B   Is Mrs Ackers there, please?

A   Speaking. Who’s calling, please?

B   This is Simon Ilago from AOS – Ace Office Supplies.

A   What can I do for you, Mr Ilago?

B   I’m calling to offer you a special price on printers, Mrs Ackers.

A   I’m sorry, I’m busy at the moment.

B   Can I call you back tomorrow?

A   Sorry, but I’m out of the office tomorrow. But thanks for calling. Goodbye.

B   Er … you’re welcome. Goodbye.

2

A   BFC Consulting. Ralf Guterson speaking.

B   Hello. Could I speak to Leo Keliher, please?

A   I’m afraid he’s out of the office at the moment.

B   Could I leave a message?

A   Yes, of course. Could I have your name, please?

B   This is Natalie Kent, from NT Consulting. Could you ask Leo to call me back? It’s quite urgent. He’s got my number.

A   Yes, sure. Could you tell me what it’s about?

B   Yes, I’m phoning to offer him some consultancy work.

A   OK. I’ll give Leo the message.

B   Thanks for your help. Goodbye.