Advanced Business English Group Y7 John Silberstein

Review of Wednesday’s Class New Words: Stimulus: dictionary.com: something that incites to action or exertion or quickens action, feeling, thought, etc. John’s Definition: an action or thing that promotes increased activity. Bill: dictionary.com: a form or draft of a proposed statute presented to a legislature, but not yet enacted or passed and made law. John’s Definition: an idea introduced to a legislative body (Congress, Parliament, etc.) for consideration as a new law or other new legislation. Draft: dictionary.com: a first or preliminary form of any writing, subject to revision, copying, etc. John’s definition: the written proposal of legislation which is sent to a legistlative body for consideration as a new law.

Review of Wednesday’s Class New Words: Sap: dictionary.com: to undermine; weaken or destroy insidiously. John’s definition: to weaken and idea, person or thing by draining vital components. Precedent: dictionary.com: any act, decision, or case that serves as a guide or justification for subsequent situations. John’s definition: a legal judgement that acts as a guideline for future decisions. Prowl: dictionary.com: to rove or go about stealthily, as in search of prey, something to steal, etc. John’s definition: The act of stalking your prey in a stealthy manner so as not to be seen or heard until you are ready to strike.

Review of Wednesday’s Class New Words: Conglomerate: dictionary.com: a corporation consisting of a number of subsidiary companies or divisions in a variety of unrelated industries, usually as a result of merger or acquisition. Falter: dictionary.com: to hesitate or waver in action, purpose, intent, etc. John’s definition: to pause in an action or process due to a sudden and unexpected environmental change. Leaping: dictionary.com: to move or act quickly or suddenly. John’s definition: to move in a direction quickly, perhaps bypassing certain steps. Hibernate: dictionary.com: to spend the winter in close quarters in a dormant condition, as bears and certain other animals. John’s definition: time spent inactively due to lack of strategic vision or ability to react to changing environmental factors.

Listening Exercise Joan Woolley, CEO of Xsellnet, a Management solutions provider for mobile systems, is making a speech. We will listen to the speech and then place the events in order they occurred. Won the “Technology Company of the Year Award” Was taken over by Wireless Ltd. Started trading independently. Took a difficult decision. Went through a difficult financial period. Borrowed money from a bank. Experienced a difficult period of integration. Which tense does she use when talking about ‘the last few years? Which tense does she use when talking about 2002? Which tense does she use when talking about the alliance? What are four reasons Ms. Wooley gives for the failed merger?