© Oxford University Press 2008 Business Result Intermediate Student’s Book Answer Key 1 │ Working life Working with words 1 Possible answers positive: glamorous, varied tasks, regular exercise, never dull, the views negative: uncomfortable conditions, demanding schedule, routine tasks (maintenance / safety checks), lonely, stressful 2 1 Ingrid is an NGO worker. (NGO stands for Non-Governmental Organization and is an organization that is not run by any government, but which may receive funding for certain projects from a government’s development fund.) Mansour is an air traffic controller. 2 Ingrid likes her work because she sees results and has a sense of achievement. She dislikes it because the bureaucracy and corruption can be depressing. Mansour likes his work because it’s challenging and rewarding. He dislikes it because it can be exhausting. 3 Possible answers Ingrid is helping people in need, so this is similar to being a doctor in some ways. Mansour’s job isn’t really like being a pilot, although he works with them. 4 1 worthwhile 4 challenging 7 routine 10 stressful 2 dull 5 fun 8 depressing 11 rewarding 3 demanding 6 glamorous 9 varied Business communication skills 2 The second listening is more formal for the following reasons: the speakers use titles (Mr, Dr); they use more formal phrases, such as I’m delighted to meet you. © Oxford University Press 2008 3 Luc Akele: area manager, in charge of sub-Saharan Africa operations, oversees projects and makes sure money is well spent, reports to main sponsors. Jo Johansson: deals with fund applications. Walter Mayer: responsible for medical donations programme, handles inter-government work. 4 1 e, h 2 a, b, g 3 c, d, f Phrases c, d, and g are slightly more formal. Phrase f is appropriate in both formal and informal situations. 5 1 deal with 3 oversee 5 handle 2 in charge of 4 responsible for 6 involves Practically speaking 1 Phrase 4 isn’t a response to show interest - it is generally used to get more information about the other person. 3 1 A recruitment consultant? 3 So tell me, … 5 Really? 2 That sounds … 4 Oh, right. Language at work 1 Suggested answers works – a general fact focus – a general truth about the organization’s activity visit – an action often repeated (used with an adverb of frequency) 2 1 Sentence b. Sentence d can also be answered yes / no, although 2 is more likely. 2 Sentences a, c, and d. 3 Sentence d is indirect. Check students realize that the verb moves to the end because of the phrase Can I ask …? Ask students for other similar expressions: I’d like to know …, Could you tell me …?, I was wondering … . 4 Sentences c and d don’t use an auxiliary verb. This is because they are questions where the answer is the subject of the question. 5 0% 100% │ │ │ │ │ │ │ Never rarely occasionally sometimes often usually always 6 1 occasionally 2 always 3 rarely 4 sometimes 5 rarely Case study Discussion 1 Possible answer Networking is important for companies as it enables them to establish connections with individuals and other companies, who might become clients or partners. It is also important for individuals, as it may help them progress in their careers. 2 Possible answers advantages: a fast and efficient form of business networking, a good way to get results, it also sounds fun and means you meet a lot of different people at one event. disadvantages: it costs money to attend, you may not have enough time to decide whether someone is a useful contact, it could be seen as an unnatural way of meeting people. 3 Possible answers In theory, international speed networking could work via videoconferencing or webcams in order to avoid the problems of travel. Alternatively, it could be combined as part of a conference event over a few days. © Oxford University Press 2008 © Oxford University Press 2008 2 │ Projects Working with words 1 1 Volunteerism is a movement within some businesses to encourage staff to offer some of their time and skills for free to help a good cause. 2 Employees in the reading have worked on • community and social projects • conservation, teaching, caring, or building • building an extension to a school • redecorating a community centre. 3 As well as benefiting the people who receive the help from volunteers, such as the local community, the volunteers themselves also benefit in the following ways: • gain new skills • improve teamwork • gain new ideas and insights • learn from the experience of others • learn how to organize a project. 4 Samira has learnt how to organize a schedule and how to deal with a budget. 2 1 objectives 3 schedule 5 budget 7 resources 2 update 4 deadline 6 skills 8 teamwork 3 1 & 2 deadline - the end of the week schedule - they are behind schedule because of the holiday resources - at first it was hard to know how to allocate these budget - she has stayed within it teamwork - it’s essential update - she receives updates every two days 2 1 meet 4 on 7 within 10 get 2 behind 5 ahead of 8 delegate 3 up 6 allocate 9 on with © Oxford University Press 2008 3 Possible advice for the colleague • meet all the deadlines • don’t fall behind schedule - if you do, try to catch up and even finish ahead of schedule • find out what resources you have and allocate them to your team members • always stay within the budget • make sure your team members get on with their jobs • ask for regular updates from each person in order to maintain control • make sure everything is on track Business communication skills 1 decorating - still painting the ceiling, needs another day or so lighting - it’s finished carpets - still waiting, need to call suppliers action - meet team to allocate tasks for final stages 2 1 are things going 4 happening with 7 finished that 2 so good 5 still painting 8 to recap 3 back on track 6 are we with 9 to plan 3 a 1, 4, 6 b 2, 3, 5, 7 c 8, 9 5 1 Bruno 2 Josie and Samira 3 Josie and Samira 6 1 A 3 O 5 O 7 O 9 D 2 A 4 O 6 D 8 A 10 S Practically speaking 1 1 a I’m returning your call. c It’s (name) here. e What can I do for you? f I’m calling about / for / to … 2 b Thanks for your help. d Thanks for calling. © Oxford University Press 2008 Language at work 1 Sentence 1 uses the present continuous because it describes an action at the moment of speaking. Sentence 2 uses the present simple because it describes a repeated or regular action. 2 Both questions refer to ‘now’ or time ‘around now’, rather than ‘in general’. However, question 1 uses the present continuous because it refers to a current or temporary action taking place at, or around the time of speaking. Question 2 also refers to a moment at the time of speaking, however, the verb need is a state verb. State verbs are not normally used in the present continuous form. If students are having problems with this, then the rule completion in 3 will help. 3 1 simple 2 continuous 3 continuous 4 1 is he doing 2 is fixing 3 knows 4 repairs 5 1 What are you working on this week? 2 Do you like travelling? 3 How often do you work late? 4 Are you having any problems at work at the moment? 5 Who are you talking to right now? 6 How many people are in your English class today? 7 What are you thinking at the moment? 8 Do you understand the word ‘deadline’? Case study Discussion 3 1 unfriendly: large amounts of energy, uses a lot of water, wastes glass and plastic, new furnishings. 2 friendly: energy-generating dance floor, low-energy lighting, rain water used in toilets. © Oxford University Press 2008 3 │ Leisure time Starting point Possible answers 1 Work-life balance is the balance between the time a person spends on work and on leisure. 2 If employees are not expected to work long hours, this might actually improve productivity. Employees could be more motivated and less tired. If employees are less stressed and have fulfilling lives outside work, they might also be less likely to take time off sick or leave the company. 3 Answers will vary. Note that there could also be rules or laws relating to working hours in their countries. Working with words 1 1 In his old job Todd worked fifteen-hour days. In his new job he usually finishes by 5.10 p.m. Students can comment on the hours they work. 2 Todd tells his employees to go home by 5.10 p.m. and not to work at the weekend or take work home. 3 Students comment on their own workplace. 3 Possible answers (with relevant quotes from listening) Nina (Student A) Statement 2 (Score = 1) I got home at midnight … Statement 7 (Score = 0) I’ve still got five days holiday left from last year … Florin (Student B) Statement 5 (Score = 2) Did you go out again last night? Statement 6 (Score = 1) … this Saturday … I’ll join him and the sales team from Kyoto for golf. Statement 7 (Score = 2) I used it (holiday) all for my walking tour in Morocco. Florin appears to have a slightly better work-life balance than Nina because he manages to take his holiday and he has free time to watch TV. Nina has to work late and has difficulty finding time for leisure. © Oxford University Press 2008 4 1 do 2 take 3 work 4 make 8 1 tired 2 excited 3 boring Having completed this, students should be able to answer the question as follows: The -ed form describes how a person feels. Business communication skills 1 Department in week 1: human resources Department in week 2: marketing Travel to: Copenhagen Weekend plans: go to the country with Kris Need to buy: a few things for the room 2 Questions Mirella’s responses 1 Do you like Yes, it’s great. 2 Is this Yes, it’s my first time out of Brazil. 3 What sort of Walking around the city. 4 How is It’s fine. 5 How do you find … the family has been very nice. 4 1 ’s interested in 3 isn’t crazy about 2 ’s fond of 4 isn’t keen on 6 Extension no: 351 Press 9 for an outside line. Company no.: 00 46 096 745 6745 Email: