PRE-LISTENING

Task I

Consider the introduction to the unit. Answer the following questions and be ready to give a story line. Use the word combinations in brackets.

1. What is the purpose of Mr. Duncan’s telephone call to Harper & Grant?

(to get a telephone call from somebody; to have an introduction from a mutual acquaintance; to stay in London for a few days; to telephone to fix an appointment to see somebody)

2. What is Mr. Duncan’s reaction to the suggestion of a later date of his appointment with Mr. Grant?

(to be very busy; to suggest a later date; to be rather short-tempered; to expect to have an appointment whenever somebody wants one; to see over the factory; to see how some of the office furniture is made)

3. What proves that Elizabeth is a very good secretary?

(to have a good secretary’s sixth sense; to be a valuable customer; to fix an appointment for somebody)

4. How did it happen that Elizabeth showed Mr. Duncan round the factory?

(to tell somebody about the appointment; to suggest that somebody should do something; to show the customer round the factory)

5. Why was Mr. Grant reluctant to see G. Duncan?

(the mutual acquaintance; to be a great talker; to waste a lot of time and then buy very little; to be the same; to warn somebody to interrupt the interview after a short time; to do something with the excuse)

6. What was the reason of Mr. Grant’s sudden change of attitude towards Mr. Duncan?

(to indicate that someone wishes to do something; to place a large order for office furniture for one’s new office block; to complete construction in Scotland; to be interested in escaping from one’s visitor; to know one’s boss very well; to be surprised by something)

Task 2

Give the English equivalents for the following word combinations:

LISTENING

Exercise 1

You are going to hear a talk between Elizabeth and Hector Grant. Before you listen to the conversation look at these statements. After you have listened to the tape determine whether these statements are true (T) or false (F). Explain why.