Practice Listening Business English Exercises for A2 – Research & development

A

1 echo   2 volume settings   3 mute button

4 cut out   5 blank (screen)   6 hang up

B

1   name, before

2   brief, speak

3   slowly, clearly

4   button, noise

Audioscript

S = Sam   A = Andrea

S:   … So, on behalf of the team, I’d like to thank Andrea for such an informative presentation. Thank you very much, Andrea, it was really interesting – I learnt a lot.

A:   No problem.

S:   Now, we’ve got about ­fifteen minutes for questions, but before we go into the question and answer session, I just want to mention a few ground rules. Firstly, could you just give your name and division before you speak, so that we know who you are? Can you keep your questions brief, so everyone has the chance to speak? Also, please help your colleagues by speaking slowly and clearly … and loudly enough. And lastly, don’t forget to use the mute button when you’re not speaking, to stop any background noise.

All:   Yeah, no worries. / Sure, yeah, no problem. / Yeah.

A

1   Donna c, b

2   Paul d, b

3   Carl f, e

4   Lena a

B

1   Donna turns off her camera.

2   Paul hangs up and Sam calls him back.

3   Carl moves closer to the microphone / checks the volume settings / moves his mobile phone away from his computer.

4   Lena uses the mute button.

Audioscript

S = Sam   D = Donna   P = Paul   K = Karl   L = Lena

S:   Right, is everyone ready? Donna, have you switched on your webcam? I can’t see you. Your screen is blank.

D:   Sorry, my camera doesn’t work properly. I’ll switch it off anyway because it slows down my internet connection.

S:   Oh, OK. That’s ­ ne.

P:   Hello … can, can I ask … easily, and … so that’s a problem if …

S: Paul, Paul? Paul, you keep cutting out.

P:   Sorry, what … say … Sam? … hear you … well.

S:   You keep cutting out, Paul.

P:   OK, ju … moment. Is that … better now? … I … can hear, hear … you.

S:   We still can’t hear you properly. The connection is bad. Would you mind hanging up and I’ll call you back. Hi, Paul, are you there?

P:   Yes. Can everyone hear me now?

All:   Yes. / Loud and clear.

K:   Karl here, HR. Sam, did everyone receive my notes from earlier?

L:   Karl, I’m afraid we can’t hear you very well, either. You’re very quiet. Could you move closer to the microphone?

K:   OK … Is that better?

S:   Not really. If you can just check your volume settings, please?

K:   Sure. Any better?

S:   Yes, but now there’s a bit of an echo. Can you move your mobile phone away from your computer?

K:   There we go, how about that?

S:   Much better, thanks. I got your notes, by the way, so thanks for those. If we … Sorry, is someone in a café? I can hear a lot of background noise.

L:   Sorry, it’s me: R&D. I’m not in the office today.

S:   No worries. Would you mind using the mute button? I can almost smell the coffee.

L:   Yeah, of course. Sorry, everyone.

S:   That’s better, thanks. Now, just one last request before we start. I know it’s getting close to lunchtime for some of you. So if anyone is hungry, please feel free to eat your lunch as we speak, but just remember to use that mute button!

A   C, B, A

B  

1 colours   2 production   3 line   4 yellow   5 colours

6 Why   7 What   8 When

Audioscript

Good morning everyone, and thank you for coming. Firstly today, I’m going to answer the question you’re all asking – why did we decide to make changes to the product packaging? Now, there are three main reasons for this.

One, we have received a lot of negative customer feedback about the packaging this year. Customers say it looks very old-fashioned and many have suggested they’d like it to be more colourful.

Two, as a result of the issues customers identi­fied, we’ve seen falling sales over the last twelve months. And ­finally – three – we feel we should be using more eco-friendly packaging.

So, what are we going to do? Well, we’ve already decided to change the colour and to make use of recycled materials for the packaging. And we plan to do all this in just three months.

But, before we look at the details of the schedule, let’s look more closely at the colours we’re thinking of. Obviously we’re keeping the yellow, but we are making it much brighter and we are thinking of adding one or two other colours, such as green or orange, which you can see here on this slide.

So, when exactly is all this going to happen? The first month, we’re going to decide on the colours and the designers will produce the ­final design. We’ll also choose the new material. In the second month, we will set up and start production. There’ll be a press release, and we’ll let everyone know about the launch date. And ­finally, in three months, we will launch our rebranded product line.

A

How long it takes to complete a shoe order; Making costs lower

B

1 3,000   2 12   3 20   4 30   5 skill

Audioscript

S = So­fia   O = Oscar

S:   That factory tour was really interesting, Oscar. Thanks.

O:   You’re welcome. I think we’ve got a great team here. And our customers are some of the biggest international companies. They must have quality.

S:   I can see that you’re giving them that. But what’s your production time?

O:   From our three production lines, we can do 3,000 pairs in twelve weeks. That’s a high-quality shoe with nice details.

S:   You mean twelve from order?

O:   Yes, usually. Maybe a bit longer.

S:   OK. Well, I think we can probably make some savings there – speed up production time and cut down on costs – you know, ­find ways to lower them – spend less in general.

O:   Well, maybe. What do you suggest?

S:   I think there are some new machines you might be interested in. More automation could increase your rate of production by maybe twenty or thirty percent.

O:   I was afraid you were going to say that.

S:   What?

O:   More automation. We take pride in working with our hands. We really value our workers’ skill. I’m not sure we’re ready to make any big changes there.

S:   OK, well, that gives us something to talk about!

A

Sofia – 1, 6

Oscar – 2, 4

Mario – 3, 5

B

b

Audioscript

S = So­fia   M = Mario   O = Oscar

S:   Before we decide on your shoe designs, we need to know how you’re going to make them.

M:   Sure.

S:   So if you’re going for a more handmade style, production will be slower, and there will be less automation. I’m not sure I’d recommend it at this point. It may not be very cost-effective. I think more automation is the best thing to do. Oscar, do you agree with what I am saying?

O:   Well, OK … . But these machines aren’t cheap. If we don’t improve the factory, we could probably take on a few more workers. And that will only cost us money if we really need to increase production.

S:   Sure. I think we’re probably talking about the highest quality footwear in that case. And to make it work ­financially, I’m pretty sure you’re going to need to be able to deliver more shoes more quickly.

O:   OK, I understand that. Mario – what are you thinking?

M:   The designs I’m working on are de­finitely very high quality – with some really nice details that are finished by hand.

S:   They sound great, Mario, but I think breaking into the market – you know, starting to sell a new product – may be harder with a really high-quality shoe …

M:   Yeah, I understand that. But it’s like this: Zapatos Trujillo S.A. have made other people’s shoes for forty years, and we’re good at it. Now we’d like to make some shoes that we are all really proud of – something we can take to the big trade shows, the big fashion footwear shows – you know, Paris, Berlin – and really show people what we can do. Those are the shoes we want to make.

S:   OK, that’s clear. So let’s see how we can make it happen.

Sofia’s worried that Oscar won’t accept the idea of automation. John recommends that she share some stories of other factories that have automated, but also points out that the decision is Oscar’s. He recommends that Sofia gives Oscar several options.

Audioscript

S = So­fia   J = John  

S:   Hi, John.

J:   So­ a, hello. How’s everything going in Mexico?

S:   Good, mostly. Zapatos Trujillo S.A. are doing a lot of things right already, so I feel good about the company …

J:   But something’s bothering you.

S:   Well, I really think automation is the answer here. If they want to increase their annual production, they really need to buy some machines.

J:   But they want to keep making handmade shoes.

S:   Right.

J:   Well, from our own experience, we can offer plenty of success stories about automation, right? I mean, most shoe makers who ­finally try it agree afterwards that it’s helped their business. So maybe you need to tell them about some of the other companies we’ve worked with.

S:   Yeah, that’s a good idea. I haven’t tried that, but I will.

J:   And give them some options. You can show them exactly what automation can do for their pro­fit, but the ­final decision has to be theirs. In some cases, it really isn’t about the money, and that’s OK.

S:   Yeah, you’re right. OK, well, I’ll get back to working out some of these numbers. Always good to talk to you!

J:   Good luck So­ a. I’m around if you want to talk again.

A   3, 5, 6, 7, 8

B

1 scientists   2 can’t   3 amusing   4 money   5 can

6 care homes   7 are   8 human communication

C

1 hospitality   2 China, India, Australia (in any order)

3 toys   4 food, medicine(s) (in any order)

5 common   6 robot dog

D

Marina is a bit more positive.

Audioscript

K = Karl   M = Marina

K:   Hi, Marina.

M:   Oh hi, Karl. Did you watch that programme about robots last night?

K:   Robots?

M:   Yes, it was all about robots in the hospitality industry – you know, in hotels and restaurants – but also in hospitals and in care homes where they look after old people.

K:   I didn’t see it, but it sounds interesting.

M:   It was. They interviewed some scientists who’ve developed a robot that can serve food in restaurants. They’re already using these robots in some restaurants in countries like China, India and Australia.

K:   I didn’t know that.

M:   Yeah, well, the robots can bring food to the table, but they can’t answer any questions.

K:   So you still need human waiters.

M:   Yes, at the moment. But the robots attract customers because they are new and funny, and some of them are like toys, so customers think they are really entertaining. People actually go to the restaurants just to see the robots.

K:   It sounds fun.

M:   Yeah … Actually, there will be robots doing lots of jobs soon, especially jobs in hospitals and care homes for old people.

K:   Really? Doing what?

M:   Well, there are already robots working in hospitals, carrying food or medicines all over the hospital, so nurses and other staff don’t have to do it.

K:   Wow! I didn’t know that.

M:   Yeah, they use them a lot in Japanese hospitals. They are like driverless cars, actually. You put medicine, equipment or even food inside the robot, which then takes it up in the lift, down corridors, all the way to the patient or the nurses or doctors who need it. People used to do these jobs, but now robots do them.

K:   So it will save money and people will lose their jobs.

M:   Maybe. But it will mean that people can do other jobs, like taking care of patients instead of running around the hospital getting medicines.

K:   Yeah, that’s true.

M:   Robots are also becoming quite common in care homes – again, in Japan they are using robots to look after old people: to help lift them and to help them to remember to take their medicines. People love them.

K:   Actually, I saw a programme about robot pets in care homes. They had a robot dog and it was so life-like, so real, that the old people were touching it and playing with it as if it was a real dog. It made them so happy.

M:   Yes, I’ve heard about robot pets. They’re a great idea.

K:   Still, it’s quite strange, really. I mean, I’m not sure I want to end up as an old man in a care home with a robot dog …

M:   That’s the future, though. Robots will certainly be looking after old people – doing most of the heavy work. And hopefully, it will mean that there will be more time for human helpers to talk to patients and to old people.

A   1 C   2 A   3 B

B

1 transport   2 sales   3 factory   4 marketing

5 plastics   6 cardboard

Audioscript

1   We need to think about packaging for our new products. We don’t want to use plastics and we don’t want to use any materials that you can’t recycle. Glass is too heavy and expensive. Recycled cardboard is a good option.

2   We have to increase our prices for the following reasons: our materials have become more expensive; transport has also gone up because of higher petrol prices; and workers’ salaries have gone up in all our factories.

3   We are planning to employ more staff in the new year as sales are increasing all the time and we have to keep up with production. We need a total of eight new members of staff: five more workers in the factory and three more in our office to help with marketing, sales and admin.

1 b   2 c   3 a   4 a   5 a

Audioscript

1   I’m afraid we can’t hear you very well.

      a   Would you mind using the mute button?

      b   Can you move closer to the microphone?

      c   Your screen is blank.

2   The connection is bad.

      a   Would you mind using the mute button?

      b   I’m afraid we can’t hear you very well.

      c   Would you mind hanging up and I’ll call you back?

3   My screen is blank.

      a   Have you switched on your webcam?

      b   I can hear a lot of background noise.

      c   Could you move closer to the microphone?

4   There’s a bit of an echo.

      a   Can you move your mobile phone away from your computer?

      b   You keep cutting out.

      c   Have you switched on your webcam?

5   I can hear a lot of background noise.

      a   Can you go somewhere quieter?

      b   Can you move your mobile phone away from your computer?

      c   I’m afraid we can’t hear you very well.

1 a   2 b   3 b   4 b   5 c   6 a   7 c   8 c

Audioscript

1   What do all hotel guests need to do?

Here at the Sunrise Hotel, we have a fully automated service. You can book in advance or walk in and make a reservation. If you book in advance, don’t forget your reservation number. We don’t have reception staff – we have booking machines. We ask all guests to insert their passports into our booking machines. We will keep them while you stay with us. This is a government requirement. You’ll then be allocated a room.

2   What is the new product?

A:   So, how’s the product development coming along?

B:   Really well, actually. We think we’ve got something that nobody else has designed. So, our new smart sports watch can recognise what games you’re playing … for example … football and tennis, and feed it in to your fitness data. You can also listen to daily advice about your fitness.

A:   It sounds amazing!

3   What did they discover in their feedback?

A:   So, we’ve had all the feedback in from our product testing on the app, but I’m afraid it’s not all good. I think we’ll need to do some more work on it.

B:   Yes, it’s a shame. People loved the design but they said that sometimes it wasn’t easy to use. This has got to change, because we want people to use this phone app all the time.

4   Why can’t the woman attend the meeting?

A:   Could you go to this meeting for me tomorrow morning?

B:   Why? Can’t you go?

A:   No. I was sick yesterday and my boss said I need to stay at my desk and finish writing a project report.

B:   OK. I’ve got another meeting at midday, but I think I have enough time.

5   What do people need to bring to the meeting?

OK, so we’ve had lots of ideas and now it’s time to review some of the initial drawings and we’ll make some prototypes. Let’s meet next week to look at these designs. That’s your department, so please bring them with you. We’ll put a budget together after we know the costs.

6   What is the next stage of the project?

A:   OK, so how are we going with the project? Are we nearly finished?

B:   Yes, we’re doing well. The final designs have been completed, and we’ve tested the prototypes and they seem to work well.

A:   Great, so all we’ve got to do is create the final version. It sounds like we are on schedule!

7   What is the final stage of the payment process?

The new finance billing system is quite easy to use. First, please let the recipient know via email that we have a new system. When you’re ready to bill them, add the recipient’s details and email address here. Then, add the amount. The system automatically adds VAT. Finally, when you’re ready, click ‘Submit’ to save it in PDF form. Finance will take it from there.

8   What is the problem with the presentation?

A:   Argh! This is impossible!

B:   What are you trying to do?

A:   I’m trying to listen to this online presentation, but I can’t hear very well. It sounds like there is a dog barking or something! I can see the slides, but the sound is very distracting.

B:   There may be a box you can type in and say you can’t hear. Although I don’t know what they can do about it!