Business Conversation Practice 1-40

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1. Packing for a business trip.

Dan: What should I bring on this business trip?

Phil: Haven't you been on a business trip before?
Dan: No. This is my first time.
Phil: You should bring your laptop, cell phone, and chargers.
Dan: Any other advice?
Phil: Bring a carry-on bag only, so you don't have to wait for your luggage.

1. What is Dan going on?

A cruise
A business trip
A trip around the world
A train ride

2. What does Phil tell Dan to pack?

Laptop
Cell phone
Chargers
All of the above

3. What other advice does Phil have for Dan?

Bring a lot of luggage
Buy everything during his trip
Bring a carry-on bag only
Ship his clothes

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2. What to pack on a business trip.

Mitch: I'm nervous about this trip.
Kobe: Why?
Mitch: I'm meeting with the CFO.
Kobe: Wow! That would make me nervous too.
Mitch: What should I pack?
Kobe: Well, you should definitely bring your laptop and tablet.
Mitch: I know. What else?
Kobe: Bring a nice suit.
Mitch: I don't own a suit.
Kobe: Well, you better go shopping then.

1. Why is Mitch nervous?

He's meeting with the CFO
He's traveling with his boss
He's afraid of flying
He doesn't own a suit

2. What does Kobe tell Mitch to bring?

Laptop
Tablet
Nice suit
All of the above

3. What does Mitch not own?

Laptop
Tablet
Nice suit
All of the above

4. What does Kobe tell Mitch to do?

Fly in First-class
Go shopping
 Pack light
Wear jeans and a T-shirt

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3. Business trip attire

Jennifer: Wow, Colleen! You look great!

Colleen: Thanks. I'm going on a business trip today.
Jennifer: Where are you going?
Colleen: San Francisco, our corporate headquarters.
Jennifer: Meeting any important people?
Colleen: Yeah, all of the top management.
Jennifer: Well, you're definitely dressed to impress.

1. What is Colleen doing today?

Going on a business trip
Going out to lunch
Returning library books
Planning an office party

2. Where is Colleen going?

Top floor of the building
Corporate headquarters
Mailroom
Library

3. How is Colleen dressed?

Like a slob
Like a kid
For a costume party
To impress
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4. Business trip etiquette

Lindsay: What are you reading?

Kathleen: A book about traveling etiquette in foreign countries.
Lindsay: Why?
Kathleen: I'm going on a business trip next week.
Lindsay: Where are you going?
Kathleen: To one of our offices in Saudi Arabia.
Lindsay: That should be interesting.
Kathleen: Have you been there?
Lindsay: No. I'm scheduled to go next month.
Kathleen: I'm reading about proper etiquette while I'm there.
Lindsay: Give me some tips after you return from your trip.

1. What kind of book is Kathleen reading?

Traveling etiquette
Best places to dine
How to speak a foreign language
Best places to sightsee

2. Where is Kathleen going?

Paris
Saudi Arabia
China
New York

3. Why is Kathleen traveling?

She is visiting her parents
She is taking a vacation
She is going on a business trip
She is writing a book about traveling
4. What does Lindsay tell Kathleen to do?
Buy a First-class ticket
Stay in a fancy hotel
Buy her a souvenir
Give her traveling etiquette tips

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5. Making a good impression.

Jack: I'm a little nervous about this business trip.

Kenny: Why?
Jack: I'm meeting with the vice-president of the company. I heard he is a drinker.
Kenny: So what?
Jack: I don't drink at all. I'm afraid he's going to think I'm boring.
Kenny: Then tell jokes. I heard he likes funny people.

1. How is Jack feeling about the business trip?

He's excited
He's not prepared
He's nervous
He's angry

2. What has Jack heard about the vice-president of the company?

He's a jerk
He's a drinker
He's a very nice guy
He's rude

3. What does Kenny tell Jack to do?

Drink
Smoke
 Tell long stories
Tell jokes

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6. Socializing

James: Are you ready for the business trip?

Paul: Yeah. I'm a little nervous.
James: Is this your first business trip?
Paul: No. I just don't know any of these people. Do you have any advice for me?
James: Just socialize. Get to know them. Go out for drinks one night.
Paul: Actually, two of our clients are taking me out for drinks the first night.
James: That's good. Don't stress about it so much.
Paul: I want to make a good first impression.
James: Then don't get drunk.
Paul: What if I get nervous and drink too much.
James: Then you'll have more things to worry about.

1. Why is Paul nervous about this business trip?

This is his first business trip
He doesn't know the clients
He doesn't like to fly
He is meeting his boss

2. What advice does James give Paul?

Socialize
Don't stress
Go out for drinks
All of the above

3. What is Paul going to do the first night of his business trip?

Go out for drinks with his clients
 Sleep early
Work on his presentation
Order room service

4. What does Paul want to do?

Get drunk
Travel with his boss
Make a good first impression
Tell Jack to go instead

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7. Being Flexible

Doug: What are you going to do on your business trip?

Lou: I'm not sure.
Doug: What's the schedule?
Lou: I don't know. Our clients haven't sent me anything yet.
Doug: You're having a good attitude about it.
Lou: I know. I'm trying to be flexible.

1. Who is Lou meeting during his business trip?

Clients
Boss
Co-workers
Managers

2. What does Doug say about Lou's attitude?

It's bad
It's poor
It's good
It's negative

3. What does Lou say he is trying to do?

 Be focused
Be flexible
Be open-minded
Be positive

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8. Getting advice

Blake: When is your business trip?

Tom: Tomorrow.
Blake: Who are you meeting with tomorrow?
Tom: One of the managers, Kevin Johnson. Have you met him?
Blake: Yes. He's a nice guy, but he's very disorganized.
Tom: That's good to know. Any advice?
Blake: Be flexible because he changes his mind often.
Tom: That can be annoying.
Blake: Yes, it can. But have a good attitude about it.
Tom: Why?
Blake: Because he's the CEO's son.

1. Who is Kevin Johnson?

Lou's boss
One of the managers
A client
Lou's dad

2. What does Kevin change often?

His mind
Hi clothes
His hairstyle
His car
3. What does Blake say about Kevin?
He's nice
He's disorganized
He's the CEO's son
All of the above

4. What advice does Blake give Tom?

Be flexible
Have a good attitude
Both A and B
None of the above

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9. Emergency business trip

Bill: I need to make an emergency trip to our headquarters tonight.

Donna: There are no direct flights tonight. There are only non-direct flights.
Bill: How many layovers?
Donna: There is one layover in San Francisco for an hour.
Bill: That's fine. Can you book that flight please?
Donna: Do you need a ride to the airport?
Bill: No. I will park my car at the airport.

1. Where does Bill need to go tonight?

Home
Company headquarters
His parents' house
Out to dinner

2. How long is the layover?

One hour
Two hours
 Four hours
It's a direct flight

3. Where is the layover?

Los Angeles
Dallas
Seattle
San Francisco

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10. Changing Flight Schedule

Hue: I need to change my flight departure.

Nancy: When do you need to go?
Hue: I need to leave tomorrow morning.
Nancy: Can it be a non-direct flight?
Hue: I would prefer a direct flight.
Nancy: There is one direct flight leaving tomorrow morning at 7 AM. It's $100 more expensive.
Hue: I'll take it.
Nancy: When will you be returning?
Hue: Don't change the return flight.
Nancy: Ok.

1. What does Hue need to change?

His airline seat
His return flight
His flight departure
The time of his business meeting

2. What does Hue prefer?

First-class seats
Direct flights
 Non-direct flight
Window seat

3. When is Hue leaving?

Today
Tomorrow
At of the week
Next week

4. How much extra does the flight change cost?

No change in cost
$50
$100
$150

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11. Delayed flight

Rob: Hey, Todd. This is Rob. My flight has been delayed. I won't be there on time.
Todd: I guess I'll have to do the presentation alone.
Rob: Are you prepared to do that?
Todd: I have no choice.
Rob: Can we postpone the meeting?
Todd: No. The clients are catching a flight right after the meeting.

1. Why is Rob going to miss the meeting?

He overslept
He missed his flight
His flight was delayed
There is a traffic jam

2. What does Todd have to do alone?

Give a presentation
 Eat lunch
Go on a business trip
Finish a project

3. What do Rob and Todd's clients have to do after the meeting?

Go to lunch
Catch a flight
Make a decision
Go to another meeting

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12. Postponing a meeting

Bob: Lucy, where is Todd?

Lucy: He's in the conference room. He's been waiting for you.
Bob: Could you tell him my flight has been delayed?
Lucy: He's not going to be happy. He's been waiting for an hour.
Bob: My flight isn't leaving for another hour.
Lucy: Ok. I'll let him know.
Bob: Tell him I need to reschedule the meeting.
Lucy: I don't think I can tell him now.
Bob: Why?
Lucy: He's not here. I think he left.
Bob: I'll call him on his cell phone.

1. Who is in the conference room?

Bob
Lucy
Todd
No one

2. Why is Bob running late?

 His flight has been delayed
He's stuck in traffic
He's sick
He didn't hear his alarm clock

3. How long has Todd been waiting?

15 minutes
30 minutes
45 minutes
1 hour

4. What does Bob want to do?

Cancel the meeting
Reschedule the meeting
Meet with someone else
Have a meeting over the phone

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13. A free trip

Donna: Your business trips have earned you enough frequent flier miles for a free airline ticket.
Bill: Really? That's great!
Donna: Our company lets their employees use the free airline ticket for personal use.
Bill: Wow! I didn't know that.
Donna: You should probably use it during your next vacation.
Bill: I think I will ask my wife where she wants to go.
Donna: Good idea!

1. What did Bill earn?

A free airline ticket
A free hotel stay
A free rental car
 A day off from work

2. What does the company allow?

One week paid vacation
Many sick days
Use the free airline ticket for personal use
Use the company car for personal use

3. Who is Bill going to talk to about his next vacation?

Donna
His wife
His mom
His kids

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14. Frequent flier miles

Isabel: Hi Vicky, this is Isabel. I'm the company's travel coordinator.

Vicky: Hi Isabel. Is there a problem?
Isabel: No. I see that you take quite a few business trips a month.
Vicky: Yes, I do.
Isabel: I noticed that you are not signed up for frequent flier miles.
Vicky: No, I haven't signed up yet.
Isabel: Please sign up before your next trip. You can earn miles and get a free trip anywhere in
the country.
Vicky: I didn't know that.
Isabel: It's easy to sign up. You can do it online.
Vicky: I will do that today since I have another business trip at the end of the week.

1. Who is Isabel?
Receptionist
Accountant
 Travel coordinator
Vicky's boss

2. What does Vicky take a few times a month?

Sick day
Vacation time
Medication
Business trips

3. What has Vicky not signed up for?

Company potluck
Frequent flier miles
Vacation days
Training

4. What can Vicky get if she earns enough miles?

Free airline ticket
Free gas
Free company car
Free hotel stay

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15. Complaining About hotel room

Hotel clerk: This is the Front Desk. How can I help you?
Hotel customer: This is Janet Lee from room 112.
Hotel clerk: Hello, Ms. Lee. How can I help you?
Hotel customer: I paid for a room with an attached office, but this hotel room has no office.
Hotel clerk: I'm sorry about that. I will change your room right away.
Hotel customer: Great! I'm on a business trip, so an office is important to me.

1. Who is Janet Lee?

Hotel clerk
 Hotel customer
Hotel concierge
Hotel housekeeper

2. What did the hotel customer pay for but did not get?
A room with a view
Double beds
An attached office
Internet service

3. What is the hotel clerk going to do right away?

Give her a discount
Upgrade her room
Give her free internet service
Change her room

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16. Talking to hotel staff

Hotel customer: I'm not happy with my room.

Hotel clerk: May I ask what is wrong?
Hotel customer: I asked for a room with a view. This room has no view.
Hotel clerk: I'm sorry, but we do not have any more rooms available tonight.
Hotel customer: When I made the reservation, I paid for a room with a view.
Hotel clerk: I understand. I'm very sorry, but all of the rooms are occupied.
Hotel customer: This is unacceptable.
Hotel clerk: We will discount your room rate.
Hotel customer: Our company does a lot of business with this hotel. I will be telling my boss
about this.
Hotel clerk: May we offer you a free stay next time? It will be a room with a view. I will
guarantee it.
1. What is wrong with the customer's room?
It has no view
It is in a noisy area
It smells
The sheets are dirty

2. What did the customer pay for?

A room on the top floor
A room with a view
A room with a King size bed
A room with a suite

3. What does the hotel clerk tell the customer?

There are no more rooms available tonight
She did not pay for a room with a view
He will change her room right away
He will talk to the hotel manager

4. What does the hotel clerk offer the customer?

A discount on tonight's stay
A free stay next time
A room with a view next time
All of the above

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17. Lost Luggage

Passenger: Is this all the luggage from this flight?

Airline agent: Yes.
Passenger: I can't find my luggage.
Airline agent: It looks like your luggage is lost.
Passenger: I need my suitcase. I have a business meeting today and my suit is in it.
Airline agent: I'm very sorry. If we locate it, we will send it to you right away.
1. What did the airline lose?
Passenger
Ticket
Luggage
Wheelchair

2. What is in the passenger's suitcase?

Suit
Laptop
Cell phone
Files

3. What does the passenger have today?

A day off from work
A business meeting
A connecting flight
A date

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18. Reporting missing luggage

Passenger: I need to report lost luggage.

Airline agent: I'm very sorry that happened.
Passenger: What do I need to do?
Airline agent: Please fill out this lost luggage form.
Passenger: I have very important business papers in my suitcase.
Airline agent: I understand. I am very sorry.
Passenger: Will you contact me as soon as you find it?
Airline agent: Yes. We will send it to you right away.
Passenger: I am staying in a hotel downtown.
Airline agent: We will contact you as soon as we locate your suitcase.
1. What is the passenger reporting?
Lost luggage
Bad airline service
Too much turbulence
Rude passenger

2. What does the passenger have to fill out?

Airline service survey
Customs form
Lost luggage form
Passport application

3. What does the passenger have in his suitcase?

Suit
Passport
Laptop
Business papers

4. Where is the passenger staying?

Friend's condo
Hotel downtown
Parents' apartment
Rental house

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19. Rental Car

Joseph: Is anyone picking you up at the airport?

Karen: No. I'm going to rent a car.
Joseph: The boss approved your rental car?
Karen: Yes. Why?
Joseph: He didn't approve a rental car during my business trip.
Karen: I found a great deal for a rental car.

1. Who is picking Karen up at the airport?

Her boss
Joseph
Her client
No one

2. What is Karen going to rent?

An apartment
An office space
A studio
A car

3. What did Karen find?

A great deal on her airline ticket
A great deal on rental cars
Lost keys
A cheap hotel room

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20. Getting an upgrade

Kyle: Are you on the phone?

Jessica: Yeah, but I'm on hold.
Kyle: Do you have time for lunch?
Jessica: Not right now. I'm trying to get a free upgrade on my rental car.
Kyle: Are you having any luck?
Jessica: The rental car agent is talking to her supervisor right now.
Kyle: How are you negotiating?
Jessica: I told the agent that our company does a lot of business with this rental company.
Kyle: You're right. We do.
Jessica: Kyle, hold on. The agent is back on the phone.

1. Who is Jessica talking to on the phone?

Insurance agent
Real estate agent
Car rental agent
Travel agent

2. What does Kyle ask Jessica?

If she has time for lunch
If she's done with the report
If she's ready for the meeting
If she's working late

3. What does Jessica want a free upgrade for?

Hotel room
Cell phone
Cable service
Rental car

4. What is Jessica doing with the agent?

Demanding to speak with the agent's supervisor
Negotiating a deal
Telling jokes
Begging for a discount

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21. Financial trouble

Derek: I think the company is in trouble.

Sean: What kind of trouble?
Derek: Financial trouble.
Sean: What makes you think that?
Derek: I overheard Lou talking about bankruptcy laws.
Sean: We can't lose our jobs. I just bought a home.

1. What kind of problems does the company have?

Financial
Fraud
Unhappy employees
Unhappy customers

2. What did Derek overhear Lou talking about?

Discrimination lawsuit
Immigration investigation
Bankruptcy laws
Sexual harassment accusation

3. What did Sean just buy?

Car
House
Boat
Tickets to Hawaii

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22. Back in the black

Kevin: I think the company has finally made a profit.

Jordan: That's great news!
Kevin: We're all getting raises and bonuses this year.
Jordan: That makes me very happy.
Kevin: Me too. We haven't had raises in four years.
Jordan: We've never had bonuses.
Kevin: That's right!
Jordan: If the company is doing well financially, we should definitely receive some benefits.
Kevin: I agree. We work really hard.
Jordan: Let's celebrate over drinks after work.

1. What has the company finally made?

A profit
A website
A logo
A flyer

2. What is everyone getting this year?

Raises
Bonuses
Both A and B
None of the above

3. When was their last raise?

A year ago
Three years ago
Four years ago
Never

4. What are Kevin and Jordan going to do after work?

Go home
Have dinner
Celebrate over drinks
Work overtime

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23. New CEO

Olivia: Have you met the company's new CEO?

Madison: No. Have you?
Olivia: Yes. She's very nice.
Madison: Really? I heard she was very mean.
Olivia: She asked us a lot of questions about employee happiness and concerns.
Madison: I heard if she doesn't like what you say, she will fire you.

1. Who is new to the company?

Olivia
Madison
President
CEO

2. What did the new person ask questions about?

Employee happiness and concerns
Employee attendance
Company vacation policy
Maternity leave

3. What did Madison say the new person will do if she doesn't like your answers?
She will give you a raise
She will take your office
She will fire you
She will put you on probation

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24. New CTO

Olivia: Gloria is stressed out.

Madison: Why?
Olivia: The new CTO is visiting our office.
Madison: So what's the big deal?
Olivia: It is a big deal to Gloria. She's one of the managers.
Madison: Gloria is a great boss.
Olivia: She wants to make a good first impression.
Madison: She hasn't met the new CTO yet?
Olivia: No. This will be her first time meeting him.
Madison: No wonder Gloria is nervous.

1. Who is Gloria?
Olivia and Madison's boss
The new CTO
The receptionist
Olivia and Madison's co-worker

2. Why is Gloria stressed out?

She didn't finish her report
She's not ready for her presentation
The new CTO is visiting
She has to fire Olivia and Madison

3. What does Gloria want to make?

Lots of money
Good friends
A cake
A good first impression

4. Who is Gloria meeting for the first time?

Olivia
Madison
The new CTO
The new vice-president

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25. Hospitality event

Anna: I'm planning our company's hospitality event.
Joann: What are you doing this year?
Anna: We've invited a couple of professional golfers. We're going to do a celebrity golf
tournament.
Joann: Wow! That's going to be a lot of fun!
Anna: I just need to hear back from the golfers.
Joann: What if no one accepts the invitation?
Anna: Then I'm in big trouble!

1. What is Anna planning?

Birthday party
Retirement party
Hospitality event
Office party

2. Who did Anna invite?

Professional golfers
Board of directors
Her friends
The competition

3. What if no one accepts the invitation?

Anna will quit
Anna will be in big trouble
Anna will take a vacation
Anna will go home

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26. Swag Bags

Anna: Are you going to the hospitality event?

Joann: Yes. I have a few clients attending.
Anna: Great! This year we're doing a raffle and gift bags.
Joann: Raffle and gift bags? Isn't that a little childish?
Anna: The raffle prize is a sports car and the gift bags are filled with jewelry.
Joann: Are you serious? Can our company afford this?
Anna: The CEO wants to keep our clients happy.
Joann: That's definitely going to keep them happy.
Anna: It'll probably attract more clients to our company too.

1. Who is attending the hospitality event?

Joann's clients
Joann and Anna's friends
Family members
Employees' children

2. What is the company offering at this event?

Raffle
Goodie bags
Both A and B
None of the above

3. What is the raffle prize?

Jewelry
Sports car
Boat
Furniture

4. What does the CEO want to do?

Fire everyone
Close the company
Buy a yacht
Keep the clients happy
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27. Company dress code

Susan: Do we have a company dress code?

Linda: Yes. On Mondays through Thursdays, we have to wear business attire.
Susan: What about Fridays?
Linda: On Fridays, we can dress casually.
Susan: What does casual dress mean?
Linda: You can wear jeans and t-shirts, but not shorts.

1. What do employees have to wear on Mondays through Thursdays?

Business attire
Casual clothes
Formal clothes
Costumes

2. What do employees wear on Fridays?

Suits
Jeans
Shorts
Pajamas

3. What is not allowed?

Pants
Dresses
T-shirts
Shorts

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28. No dress code

Linda: Do we have a company dress code?
Susan: No. The president of the company doesn't care how you dress.
Linda: Really? You can wear jeans and t-shirts or shorts?
Susan: Yeah. He only cares about the quality of your work.
Linda: That's great! We had to wear suits to work every day at my old job.
Susan: Even on Fridays?
Linda: Yeah. Our president was very conservative.
Susan: Was that uncomfortable?
Linda: Yes! Wearing pantyhose every day is very uncomfortable.
Susan: I know!

1. What is the company dress code here?

Business suits every day
Business suits Monday through Thursday
Casual Fridays
There is no dress code

2. What does the company president care about?

Dress code
Quality of work
Attendance
Revenue

3. When did Linda have to wear suits?

At her old job
At church
At this job
In court

4. What is very uncomfortable?

Her desk chair
Her office
 Her jacket
Pantyhose

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29. Flexible Schedule

Stan: I really like my work schedule.

Bill: Do you work flexible hours?
Stan: Yes. I can choose my own hours.
Bill: I wish I could work flexible hours.
Stan: Why don't you?
Bill: I can't. I'm in Accounting, so I have to work regular business hours.

1. Why does Stan like his work hours?

They are flexible
He only works on the weekends
He only works three days a week
He only works 5 hours a day

2. What does Bill wish he could do?

Quit his job
Start later in the day
Get off work early
Work flexible hours

3. What department does Bill work in?

Human resources
Accounting
Customer service
Technical support

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30. Working from home

Bill: Were you here yesterday?

Stan: No. I don't come into the office every day.
Bill: Do you work from home?
Stan: Yes. I just make sure I work 40 hours a week.
Bill: You're so lucky.
Stan: I know. My boss gave me a flexible schedule because I am a single parent.
Bill: You have a very understanding boss.
Stan: I know. I'm very lucky.
Bill: I would love to work from home. The traffic to work is terrible.
Stan: Maybe you should ask your boss about working a flexible schedule too.

1. Why wasn't Stan in the office yesterday?

He was sick
He was on vacation
He doesn't come into the office every day
He was on a business trip

2. How many hours a week does Stan work?

10
20
30
40

3. Where does Stan work when he is not in the office?

Home
Library
Coffee shop
Friend's house

4. Why does Stan work flexible hours?

He hates traffic
 He is a single parent
He lives too far away
He doesn't have enough work to do

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31. Maternity Leave

Jessica: Veronica, when is your baby due?

Veronica: Next month.
Jessica: Are you going on maternity leave?
Veronica: Of course!
Jessica: How long will you be gone?
Veronica: Three months.

1. Who is having a baby?

Jessica
Veronica
Jessica and Veronica's boss
No one

2. When is the baby due?

Next month
In three months
In four months
In six months

3. How long will Veronica be on maternity leave?

One month
Two months
Three months
Six months
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32. Extending Maternity Leave

Mariah: Did Katherine have her baby?

Fiona: Yes. She's on maternity leave right now.
Mariah: How long will she be gone?
Fiona: Three months.
Mariah: That's all? That's so short.
Fiona: I know. She's sad about it.
Mariah: Is it paid maternity leave?
Fiona: Yes.
Mariah: That's good.
Fiona: Katherine wants to take an extra month of maternity leave.

1. Who had a baby?

Jessica
Veronica
Katherine
Their boss

2. How long is paid maternity leave?

One month
Two months
Three months
There is no maternity leave policy

3. What do Fiona and Mariah think about the maternity leave?

Too short
Too long
Perfect amount of time
There shouldn't be any maternity leave

4. What does Katherine want to do?

 Come back to work as soon as possible
Take an extra month of maternity leave
Bring her baby to work
Quit her job

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33. A lunch meeting

Dan: Do you have time for lunch?

Phil: No, I have a lunch meeting with the boss today.
Dan: The boss? Is something wrong?
Phil: No. We're going to discuss my raise.
Dan: Good luck!
Phil: Thanks. I'll need it.

1. What does Dan ask Phil?

If he has time to read his report
If he has time for lunch
If he can fix his computer
If he can leave early

2. What is Phil doing today?

Lunch meeting with his boss
Going to the doctor
Going to the dentist
Eating with Dan

3. What is Phil going to discuss today?

His raise
His promotion
 His attendance
His report

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34. Employee Reviews

Andrew: I'm so busy.

Manny: Are you done with the report?
Andrew: No. I've been in meetings all day.
Manny: That's why I haven't seen you.
Andrew: Yeah. I have another meeting at 4 PM.
Manny: Why do you have so many meetings?
Andrew: The managers are discussing annual employee reviews and raises.
Manny: Is it that time of the year?
Andrew: Yeah. The end of the year is always the busiest.
Manny: You're right. It's almost 4 PM. You'd better go.

1. Why is Andrew so busy?

He's working on a large project
He's fixing a report
He's been in meetings all day
He was sick for a few days

2. What does Andrew have to do at 4 PM?

Go to another meeting
Leave work
Submit a report
Make a phone call

3. What are the managers discussing?

Employee reviews
Raises
 Both A and B
None of the above

4. When is the busiest time of the year?

Beginning of the year
Summer
Fall
End of the year

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35. Remodeling the office

Sharon: I'm meeting with an architect today.

Kate: Why? Are you remodeling your house?
Sharon: No. We are going to remodel the office.
Kate: That's a good idea. The layout is not very good.
Sharon: I know. Some areas are too small and some are just a waste of space.
Kate: I agree. Can I get a bigger office?

1. Who is Sharon meeting today?

A doctor
A lawyer
An accountant
An architect

2. What does Sharon want to do?

Have surgery
Sue her former employer
Remodel the office
Do her taxes

3. What does Kate want?

A raise
 A promotion
A company car
A bigger office

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36. Confusing office layout

Erin: This office layout is confusing.

Wendy: I agree.
Erin: Our clients have a hard time finding the exit and our offices.
Wendy: I know. Bill got lost the other day looking for the restroom.
Erin: Should we redesign it?
Wendy: That would be a good idea.
Erin: I don't think we have the budget for it.
Wendy: That's too bad.
Erin: But we should do something soon.
Wendy: I know. The layout looks like a maze.

1. What is confusing?
Erin's report
Wendy's calculations
The office layout
The parking garage

2. What was Bill looking for when he got lost?

His keys
The restroom
His office
The exit

3. What do Erin and Wendy want to do?

Go out to lunch
 Get raises
Buy a new printer
Redesign the office layout

4. What does the layout look like?

A maze
A puzzle
A jungle
A school

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37. Vacation policy

Tim: What is the vacation policy?

Karen: You earn one week of paid vacation after you've been at the company for one year.
Tim: I've only been here for nine months, but I would like to take one week off next month.
Karen: Is it a medical situation?
Tim: No, my parents live in Italy and it's their 50th wedding anniversary.
Karen: You can take one week off with your supervisor's approval, but it will not be a paid week.

1. How much vacation time does Tim get after being at the company for one year.
One week paid
One week unpaid
Two weeks paid
Two weeks unpaid

2. How long has Tim been at the company?

Six months
Nine months
One year
Two years

3. Where does Tim want to go?

 France
Japan
Italy
England

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38. Changing the vacation policy

Walt: I think we should change the vacation policy.

Whitney: Why?
Walt: Other companies have paid vacation. We do not.
Whitney: We are a small company. We can't afford paid vacations.
Walt: Paid vacations would make employees work better.
Whitney: How?
Walt: Give employees good benefits and they will work harder.
Whitney: You have a point, but we cannot afford it.
Walt: This company is never going to grow if we don't take care of our employees.
Whitney: I agree, but I don't make the rules.

1. What does Walt want to change?

His office
The printer ink
The attendance policy
The vacation policy

2. What do other companies have that Walt and Whitney's company does not have?
Paid vacations
Lunchroom
Free parking
Offices with a view

3. What does Walt think paid vacations will do?

 Make employees lazy
Make employees work harder
Make the boss mad
Bankrupt the company

4. What does Whitney say about paid vacations?

They are a waste of money
They are unnecessary
The company cannot afford it
Employees will abuse the policy

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39. Work-life balance

Lisa: How do you balance your work life and your personal life?
Mary: I don't bring my work home.
Lisa: What do you mean?
Mary: Don't do more than you can handle.
Lisa: What if you have a lot of work to do?
Mary: Then I stay at the office and finish it. When I go home, I focus on home only.
Lisa: I wish I was like you.

1. What does Lisa need help balancing?

Her diet
Her work-life
Her eating habits
Her checkbook

2. What is Mary's advice?

Bring work home
Do more than you can handle
Don't do more than you can handle
 Forget about your personal life

3. Who does Lisa wish she was like?

Mary
Her boss
Her mom
Her friends

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40. No personal life

Emma: I'm so stressed right now.

Stella: Why? Is there something wrong?
Emma: I'm so busy at work. I'm forgetting about my personal life.
Stella: I understand. That happened to me too.
Emma: How do you balance it all out?
Stella: I just set a strict schedule. Work is work and home is home.
Emma: It's not that easy.
Stella: I know. But if you don't do that, you're going to get sick.
Emma: I think that's my problem. I feel sick all the time.

1. What is wrong with Emma?

She is angry
She is sad
She is lonely
She is stressed out

2. What is Emma forgetting?

Her personal life
Her work life
Her keys
Her homework
3. How does Stella balance her work-life?
She wakes up very early
She eats at the office
She sets a strict schedule
She takes work home

4. How does Emma feel all the time?

Happy
Sick
Satisfied
Angry

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End @ 5712 words.