WINTER SEMESTER 2000 / 2001
WUERZBURG-SCHWEINFURT UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES
DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
EXERCISE 1. BRITISH & AMERICAN ENGLISH
Please convert the following text into American English by carrying out the necessary
changes. Underline the relevant words and write the correct term above them.
Note: There are 20-22 alterations to be made. The term 'car' remains unchanged.
The first word has already been underlined for you, as an example.
Dear Angela
Our trip to Coventry was really worthwhile ... something to remember.
We had promised Desirée and Jason that we would visit their grandparents during the Easter
holidays, so we travelled up by car and crossed the English Channel on an enormous Sea
Link ferry.
The twins were quiet for the first few hours - they had their noses buried in their favourite
comics - but then we ran into a traffic jam on the motorway near Brussels and were compelled
to wait an eternity before the traffic started flowing again. Jason took the opportunity to
secretly stuff himself with crisps and sweets. The result was that, when we boarded the ferry,
he got seriously sea sick and spent most of the time in the public toilet retching and bringing
up everything he had eaten. He was as pale as a ghost and very quiet by the time we
reached Dover.
My parent have bought a lovely flat next to Warwick Castle. They have a magnificent view of
the castle and its vast, well-tended grounds. My father knows the Head Groundsman well and
we were allowed to come and go as we wished. The kids spent entire days roaming around
the castle and playing on the banks of the river. They were enchanted and only came back to
the flat on the ground floor to refuel and rest.
Since Alan and Jason are car freaks, we also visited the Jaguar plant in Coventry. It was very
impressive. It is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, is very clean and well organised.
Most of the assembly is automated. The windscreens, for instance, are sealed in place by
robots in a single smooth movement. The cars are customized, with various parts of each the boot, the bonnet, the car doors, the wings - arriving on a conveyor belt and each model
being assembled according to the spefications of the buyer. Alan is still dreaming of owning a
Jaguar one day. We'll see.
Coventry itself was more attractive than I expected. The centre of the town has been
converted to a colourful pedestrian precinct and we spent quite some time window shopping
there at the weekend.
 PROF. DR G. DE MEUTER
IBEC / BUSINESS ENGLISH EXERCISES / SCRIPT 1
2
WUERZBURG-SCHWEINFURT UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES
DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
The ten days were over far too quickly - a sign that we really enjoyed our holiday. I'll post you
the films and photos we made soon. They will give you an idea of what the house looks like
and you'll see how the twins have grown.
An affectionate hug
Michele
EXERCISE 2. COLLATION / IDIOMATIC USES OF 'CATCH'
Link the expressions in the left column to the appropriate synonymous expression in
the right column.










to catch sight of
to catch on
to catch out
to catch up with
to catch one's eye
a catch
a catch-phrase
catchy
to catch fire
to get caught up in
to attract s.o.'s attention
to draw level with
to start burning
pleasant and easily remembered
to become involved with
to notice suddenly
a trick or trap
to become fashionable / to understand
to trap s.o.
a phrase which becomes popular for a while
Complete the following sentences with suitable variants of 'catch':





Firms are willing to pay a lot of money for ................................ slogans, like the 'Just do it'
slogan of Nike. Ideally a slogan should become a .............................................................,
a part of the everyday culture. If this happens, then the marketing experts have achieved
an ideal level of 'penetration'.
He is a bright fellow, he won't have any difficulty .................................................................
The Chairman didn't want to ....................................................................... in the argument
and sat quietly on the sidelines.
I couldn't help noticing the new firm logo. It's very attractive. In fact, it ................................
................................................ the moment I walked into the building and saw it above the
reception desk.
I almost missed John this morning. Fortunately, I .................................................... when
he left the conference room and was able to corner him. He has, at last, admitted to
changing the contents of the file. I had to ..................................................................... (ihn
reinlegen) and trick him into telling the truth.
EXERCISE 3 : TO MAKE
Complete the following sentences by adding the word. The English sentence should
acquire the same meaning as the German expression in brackets.
 He retired from his post as Chairman of the Board and made ...................
(übertragen) his power of attorney to his successor within a fortnight.
 We cannot afford a new photocopier yet. We will have to make .................
(auskommen) with the one we have until next year.
 We are a team and cannot work effectively if there is tension in the air, so please
make ............ (sich versöhnen) and be more patient with each other in future.
 PROF. DR G. DE MEUTER
IBEC / BUSINESS ENGLISH EXERCISES / SCRIPT 1
3
WUERZBURG-SCHWEINFURT UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES
DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
 He made ................. the counter (gehen direkt auf) as soon as he entered the
bank and made ...................... a cheque (ausstellen, ausschreiben) for $ 100,
000 on the spot.
 His outline of the project is rather complicated. I don't understand how he expects
to finance the new extension to the workshop. I would appreciate your opinion.
What do you make ............. it ? (Was halten Sie davon.)
 The accountant embezzled a huge amount of money over the years and then
made ........... with it (sich davon machen) before his employers realized what had
happened.
 The strike has delayed production and but we must meet our delivery deadlines.
We will have to introduce an extra shift to make ........................... for lost time
(wettzumachen).
EXERCISE 4: BEST ANSWER
Give the best answer to each question.
A. Many people find out about the jobs which are available in their area by reading the
'Appointments' or 'Situations * Free, Vacant, Clear, Open*' section of the newspaper.
B. To apply for the job, you should write a letter to Mr Lawson, the * Personal, Personell,
Personnel, Personnell* Manager.
C. Applicants for a job are usually asked to fill in an application * sheet, formula, form,
paper*.
D. Are you married, single or divorced? This question refers to your * mental, sex, marital,
family* status.
E. Before starting work, a new employee may be asked to sign a(n) *contract, treaty,
agreement, deal* of employment.
F. 'Job prospects'. This is an expression which refers to *chances of promotion,,job
description leaflets, people looking for jobs, applicants for a job*.
G. You work on the shop floor. This probably means that you are employed in a
*manufacturing industry, service industry, retailers, department store*.
H. Mr Rumpole is on the dole. This means that he is *self-employed, unemployed,on
company expenses, on the company payroll *.
I.
Longer holidays, more pay, profit-sharing schemes etc. are all ways of encouraging
employees to work harder. They are called * fringe benefits, incentives, perks, bribes*.
J.
Salaries without deductions are called * net, tax, take-home, gross * salaries.
K. If you give your notice then you are * working to rule, going on strike, fired, leaving the
company,*.
L. Which of these does not refer to the time you start or stop work? * flexitime, piece-work,
overtime, shift-work*.
M. In many countries, employees stop working for a living at the age of 65. This is known as
their *retirement, resignation, dismissal, pension*.
 PROF. DR G. DE MEUTER
IBEC / BUSINESS ENGLISH EXERCISES / SCRIPT 1
4
WUERZBURG-SCHWEINFURT UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES
DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
N. Many advertisements for jobs ask for a C.V. This is a document that in the main contains
details of the applicant's *character and value, car and other vehicle licences,
qualifications and experience, vital statistics*.
O. An *attendant, apprentice, assistant, accountant* is someone who is learning a trade or
profession on the job and who has agreed to work for someone for a limited time, usually
for a low wage, in return for being taught.
P. *Commuters, Carboys, Travellers, Trainers* are people who travel regularly by car or
train from their homes in the country or suburbs to their work in a big town.
EXERCISE 5 : COLLATION / BUSINESS TERMINOLOGY
Which of these verbs collocates best with the noun in the right hand column ?
a)
to grant
a complaint
b) to chair
an order
c) to meet
an account
d) to settle
a meeting
e) to open
a debt
f)
prices
to remit
g) to negotiate
an invoice
h) to submit
an agreement
i)
to debit
an offer
j)
to second
a discount
k) to launch
a cheque
l)
a delivery date
to place
m) to quote
a proposal
n) to lodge
a product
EXERCISE 6: REPORTING
Read the text and then convert it into reported speech as directed in the instructions.
Yesterday afternoon, Dr. Tanaka, an important customer from Japan phoned the VP of
Production and Operations at our American subsidiary in Kalamazoo.
Tanaka: Good afternoon, Tanaka of Sanyo Electronics speaking. Could I speak to Mr.
Cotton, please.
Ms. Shaw: Hello, Dr. Tanaka. Mr. Cotton has been expecting your call, but I'm afraid he is in
an emergency meeting at the moment. He told me to inform you that the head of our
department has just suffered a severe heart attack and has been taken to hospital. Mr. Cotton
has been forced to change his normal schedule to cope with the emergency.
Tanaka: Oh, I'm very sorry to hear that Mr. Parks is ill. What happened ?
Ms. Shaw: We don't really know. Mr. Parks was taking his morning shower when he
suddenly collapsed. His wife was dressing in the adjoining bedroom and heard him fall. She
found him lying unconscious in the shower and called the ambulance and doctor straight
away. The physicians expect Mr. Parks to remain in the intensive care unit for at least three
days. It will be weeks, if not months, before he is back at work.
 PROF. DR G. DE MEUTER
IBEC / BUSINESS ENGLISH EXERCISES / SCRIPT 1
5
WUERZBURG-SCHWEINFURT UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES
DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
Tanaka: Please tell Mrs. Parks that I wish her husband a rapid and complete recovery and
ask Mr. Cotton to contact me when he has a free moment. I have to clarify a number of
important details concerning the latest assigment before we can ship the screens.
Basing yourself on the above text, report what happened when Mr. Tanaka phoned, like
this:
Yesterday afternoon when Mr. Tanaka phoned, he asked to speak to Mr. Cotton.
Ms. Shaw, the secretary, told him that ......
NOTE: The introductory verb is in the past tense, so please convert all the verbs used
in the reported text accordingly.
EXERCISE 7: MAKE & DO
Put the correct form of "make" or "do" in the blank spaces.

Our subsidiary in Nigeria ................ a substantial profit last year.

At the interview, I was asked whether I had ................ a similar job before.

The Marketing Department are busy ................ preparations for the launch of the new
product.

I'll ................ a note of your suggestion, and bring it up at the next meeting.

We could ................ with a new salesman for that area.

What do you ................ here ? I'm an apprentice.

What do you ................ here ? We produce compressors.

When the machine has been repaired we'll have to work overtime to ................ up for lost
time.

Although his wife works full-time, she still finds time to ................ the housework.

Does your company ................ much business in China?

Our Maintenance Engineer will come on Tuesday and ................ the necessary
adjustments to the machine.

Will you ................ me a favour, please?

*................ sure that both sides of the crate are marked `fragile'.

Mr Thomson used to be Chief Accountant but now he has been ................ Chairman of
the Board.

I can't promise anything, but I'll ................ my best.

Working on an oil rig is hell, but you can ................ a fortune.

If you're not ................ anything this evening, I'd like to invite you for a meal.

The Chairman spoke so quietly that nobody could ................ out what he was saying.

Such decisions are always ................ by the Managing Director.
 PROF. DR G. DE MEUTER
IBEC / BUSINESS ENGLISH EXERCISES / SCRIPT 1
6
WUERZBURG-SCHWEINFURT UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES
DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

If you ask my secretary, she'll ................ all the arrangements for you.

Some firms even provide facilities where the employees can have their hair .................

They apologized for the mistake they had ................ in the invoice.

What time would you like to ................ an appointment?

We look forward to ................ business with you.

Who ................ the production planning in this company?

His secretary asked him what he expected her to ................ with the old typewriter when
the new word processing system was installed.

He left work early to ................ the shopping.

It ................ no difference to me whether you do it now or later.

As a result of the production bottleneck they were forced to ................ a lot of changes in
their delivery plans.

If you ................ a mess of it again, you'll be fired.
EXERCISE 8. PASSIVE VOICE
Rewrite the following sentences in the passive voice without the words in bold print.

They told him last week that they were going to promote him and that they would
organise a party to celebrate the occasion.

The secretary said that she couldn't find the documents because someone
had
inadvertently misplaced them after the conference last week.

We will have to delay the shipment because somebody has made a serious mistake
and had not passed on the order to the shop floor.

Since you promised us a discount of 10%, we would like to know why your accounts
department billed us for the full amount.

We accept cheques in payment providing you send them in at least two weeks before the
delivery of the goods.
 PROF. DR G. DE MEUTER
IBEC / BUSINESS ENGLISH EXERCISES / SCRIPT 1
7
WUERZBURG-SCHWEINFURT UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES
DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
EXERCISE 9: GERUND & INFINITIVE
Complete the following text using the correct form of the verb in brackets. The
verb is in brackets is occasionally a prepositional verb and this means that the
correct preposition must be inserted as well.
BUSINESS TITANS OF THE PAST
Historians don't hesitate (concede) ………………………….. that three men - Andrew
Carnegie, John. D. Rockefeller and Pierpont Morgan -
were mainly responsible
(shape) …………………….. the industrial infrastructure of the United States during
the Victorian Era and (prepare) …………………………… it for world leadership in the
20th century. They have attempted (identify) …………………………… the common
traits
of
these
three
tycoons,
……………………………………..
and
have
extraordinary
suggested
business
(consider)
acumen,
greed,
ruthlessness and a faith in Americ's future as their most striking features.
Rockefeller (1839-1937) began his career as an assistant bookkeeper in a
Cleveland,
Ohio,
commodity-brokerage
house
and
then
decided
(invest)
……………………….. in his first refinery during the Civil War. A man of tremendous
energy, he disliked (waste) …………………….…… time and started (build)
…………………………… an empire immediately. He founded Standard Oil in 1870
and
decided (buy out) …………………............……. his rivals and (modernize)
…………………………………….….. his plants.
Rockefeller then began (employ)
………………………………… the tactics that made him a legend. There is no (deny)
........…………………. that his business strategies were highly unorthodox and
frequently illegal. He did not hesitate (bribe) ………………….....…. state legislators
nor (make) …………………………….. behind-the-scene deals with the railroad to
gain prefential freight rates. He also admitted (engage) …………………….....………..
in industrial espionage. His tactics included secretly (own) ………………………....
rival firms. When his net worth peaked at $900 million in 1913, it was equivalent to
more than 2% of the GNP. Such a share would be worth $ 190 billion today.
In search of work, Carnegie (1835-1919) and his parents were obliged (emigrate)
.…..…………. from Scotland to foul Pittsburgh slums when he was 12. Quick-witted,
schrewd, and resilient, he survived a Dickensian adolescence that included (work)
……………………………. in a textile mill.
His first breakthrough came when he
landed himself a job as secretary and telegrapher to Tom Scott, a powerful executive
of the Pennsylvania railroad. By the time he was 23 Carnegie headed the Pittsburgh
division and began (rake in) ………………………………. a small fortune from outside
investments. He admitted (be) ……......………. fiercely competitive and obsessed
with
innovation
and
 PROF. DR G. DE MEUTER
efficiency.
Carnegie
succeeded
IBEC / BUSINESS ENGLISH EXERCISES / SCRIPT 1
(reduce)
8
WUERZBURG-SCHWEINFURT UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES
DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
……....……………………….. the price of rails - the product which initially drove the
steel industry - from $160 a ton in 1875 to $17 by 1900. His empire continued (grow)
…........………………… rapidly and he didn't mind (incur) …………………………...….
new expenses if it promised (raise) ……....……………………… production capacity
or profit in the log run. He provided the country with the steel it needed to build its
burgeoning towns and factories.
An autodidact, Carnegie somehow managed (write) ….....……………………… eight
books and some 70 magasine articles. After decided (sell) …………….……….. his
empire to J.P. Morgan in 1901 to form the centerpiece of the new behemoth, U.S.
Steel, the magnate preferred (devote) ………………………….......…. himself to good
deeds. He is responsible (create)
…………………………………….. 2,800 free
libraries worldwide and he enjoyed (give) ………………......…. his fortune way in the
form of large corporate foundations. By the time he died he had donated $ 350
million for philanthropic purposes - almost everything he owned.
EXERCISE 10 : VERB FORMS
Put the verbs in brackets into the most appropriate form of the present perfect or past
simple. Be careful with the word order if there is a question, a negative or if there is an
adverb in the sentence.

Someone (ring up) ................................................................. half an hour ago and (say)
................................................ there was a virus in the computer data bank. We (check)
................................................ it but we (not find) ................................................ anything
yet. This is the third alarm we (have) ................................................ this week.

Niyang Chang (be) ................................................ our agent in Singapore until the end of
last year. After we (terminate) ................................................ his contract, we opened our
own sales office there, and we (sell) ................................................ our products without a
middleman ever since.

Unfortunately, you (not pay) ................................................ yet for the goods that we
(deliver) ................................................ last month. If you (settle) .......................................
the invoice in the meantime, please ignore this reminder.

Joan: Your English is excellent. I don't think anyone could tell that you are a foreigner.
You (be) ................................................ here for a long time, haven't you?
Pauline: Yes, I (be) ................................................ here for over three years.

Harry Smith (work) ................................................ as our Production Manager for 25
years. Then he (retire) .............................................. and (go) ............................................
to live in Spain. We are finding it very difficult to replace him although more than 15
people (already apply) ................................................ for the job.

The machine we (deliver) .................................................................... two weeks ago
(break down) ................................................................. once again. Our Service Engineer
still (not repair) ............................................................. it and the customer is threatening
to sue us for all the production he (lose) .................................................

Trevor: (ever try) ................................................ to give up smoking, Bob?
 PROF. DR G. DE MEUTER
IBEC / BUSINESS ENGLISH EXERCISES / SCRIPT 1
9
WUERZBURG-SCHWEINFURT UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES
DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
Robert: Yes, I (try) ................................................ last year, but then I found that I was
getting too fat. I (just complete) ................................................ an acupuncture session,
and I hope that I'll be able to give it up again.

I don't know what's wrong with the computer at our Newark branch. I (try) ........................
................................................ to log in to it all morning with no success. They're probably
servicing the equipment although I (tell) ................................................ them again and
again to do it outside normal office hours.

Pat: Why is Mike not in his office?
Graham: I'm not sure, but I think he (have) ................................................ a car accident.
Pat: When you (see) ................................................ him last?
Graham: I (not see) ................................................ him all week.

I (know) ................................................ him for many years and can recommend him
without hesitation. He is one of the most reliable workers we (ever have)
.....................................................

Sarah: What's the matter?
Alan: I think I (forget) ...................................................................... the password for the
computer.

Although we (work) ................................................ on the problem for two days now, we
are no nearer to finding a solution. It (prove) ................................................ to be much
more difficult than we (expect) .........................................................................................

Sam: The clock is slow.
Jane: It isn't slow, it (stop) ...................................................................................... again.

We must economize next month. We (spend) ................................................ far too much
money on paper since we (install) ...................................................... the new word
processing equipment.

Please check this translation for me and tell me
........................................................................... any mistakes.

They (pay) ................................................ the last invoice promptly, which is why I am so
surprised that they (not pay) ................................................ this one yet. Perhaps there
(be) ................................................ a mistake in their bookkeeping department.

When he (arrive) ....................................................... at his posting in Taiwan he (start)
................................................................... learning Chinese. I wonder whether he (finish)
................................................ the course yet?


Peter: Why are you smiling?
Paul: The boss (just tell) ................................................................ me that I (be promoted)
........................................................................................, and that's the best news I (have)
................................................ for weeks.
 PROF. DR G. DE MEUTER
whether
IBEC / BUSINESS ENGLISH EXERCISES / SCRIPT 1
I
(make)
10
WUERZBURG-SCHWEINFURT UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES
DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
EXERCISE 11: SAYING IT DIFFERENTLY
There are many ways of saying something. A knowledge of the most common
verbs which describe the way we address others is essential for practical
fluency in a foreign language.
Link the English and German terms below correctly
1. to order
bemerken / feststellen
2. to urge
bestätigen
3. to beg
behaupten / beanspruchen
4. to inquire
fordern
5. to advise
befehlen / bestellen
6. to encourage
befehlen
7. to suggest
bitten
8. to command
sich erkundigen
9. to state
fragen
10. to assert
flehen
11. to instruct
betteln
12. to propose
anflehen / beschwören
13. to announce
vorschlagen / empfehlen
14. to point out
argumentieren / streiten
15. to confirm
unterweisen / belehren / anweisen
16. to demand
vorschlagen
17. to implore
behaupten
18. to add
beraten
19. to conclude
anspornen
20. to claim
ermutigen
21. to argue
erklären
22. to maintain
aufzeigen / hinweisen
23. to request
hinzufügen
24. to ask
schließen / enden / folgern
25. to plead
behaupten
26. to explain
ankündigen
EXERCISE 12 : GRAMMAR REVISION
Which of these words fits in each of the sentences?
since for until by
during
ago
yet
1. He has been working here ........................ 1984.
 PROF. DR G. DE MEUTER
IBEC / BUSINESS ENGLISH EXERCISES / SCRIPT 1
11
WUERZBURG-SCHWEINFURT UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES
DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
2. I'll be away at the conference ..................... a week.
3. If Morris telephones ..................... my absence, tell him I'll be in New York in good time for
the meeting.
4. The production of the parts should be finished ........... the end of the week.
5. We placed the order two weeks ............................
6. He worked as a maintenance fitter ........................ 1986. Then he was promoted and
became the new foreman.
7. I'm phoning to check whether the samples have arrived ................................
8. We've had flexitime here .................................... the last two years.
9. If we leave now, we'll be at the station ............................ the time he arrives.
10. Sales have increased rapidly ............................. the end of last year.
11. He left the company ten years .............................. to emigrate to Canada.
12. Bill has been in Paris ........................ two days, and we've had no report from him yet.
13. If we don't hear from him ............................ the end of the week, he'll be in trouble.
14. Would you like to wait here ...................................... he comes ? I met him
.......................... the trade fair in Hannover.
15. If you forget to take your key, you'll have to be back at the hotel ..........................
midnight, otherwise you won't be able to get in.
16. The last person he expected to meet ................. his holidays was his boss.
17. I asked him a couple of days ........................ to confirm that delivery would be
.......................... the end of the month.
18. We've been looking for the fault ........................... 6 a.m. and will carry on looking for it
................ midnight if necessary.
19. The Chairman fainted ................................ the meeting and had to be taken home.
20. We must remind you that payment has been overdue ............................ two weeks.
21. Our Sales Director is in London at the moment, and will be staying there ...........................
next Wednesday.
22. The invoice must be settled ............................... the end of the month.
23. Why has the new price list not been printed ............................... ?
24. We did business with them .................................. ten years, and had no problems at all
................. that time.
 PROF. DR G. DE MEUTER
IBEC / BUSINESS ENGLISH EXERCISES / SCRIPT 1
12
WUERZBURG-SCHWEINFURT UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES
DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
EXERCISE 13 : SPOKEN ENGLISH
Here are some idioms and colloquial phrases with one word missing from each. Three
alternatives are given for each sentence. Can you say which word is the correct one,
and what the sentence means?
1. I'll pay now and we'll * round, square, pay * up later.
2. I don't want to talk *shop, business, money* at this party. I'll ring you up at the office
tomorrow.
3. They eventually bought the site at 20 per cent below the asking *cost, charge, price*.
4. At first they thought he was simply joking, but then they realized that he really meant
*serious, work, business *.
5. Although it's expensive, we're convinced that it's good * worth, value, quality * for money.
6. There were so many problems that they just couldn't see the * forest, clearing, wood* for
the trees.
7. You're too curious. Why don't you mind your own *business, concern, matter*?
8. I'm tired of arguing with you. Let's change the *subject, topic, theme*.
9. At last her boss stopped beating about the * wood, bush, problem * and told her she was
fired.
10. The union representatives accepted most of the management's suggestions, but they
drew the *joker, sword, line* at the mention of 200 planned redundancies.
11. Since he lost his job, he's gone to * bits, fragments, pieces*.
12. It is taken for * usual, granted,normal* that all applicants for the job will have a good
working knowledge of written and spoken English.
TASK 14 : PREPOSITIONAL VERBS
Answer these questions using the verbs indicated and adding an adverbial particle or a
preposition.
What has happened if a machine is defective?
It has broken ......
What would you say if you wanted to know where the fire started?
Where did it break ......?
How would you ask someone where they lived as a child?
Where were you brought ......?
How would you tell me that you don't like sport?
I don't go ...... for sport.
What would you do if you were engaged to a person you didn't want to marry?
I'd break ...... the engagement.
How do we express the fact that production has been reduced?
It's been cut .......
 PROF. DR G. DE MEUTER
IBEC / BUSINESS ENGLISH EXERCISES / SCRIPT 1
13
WUERZBURG-SCHWEINFURT UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES
DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
What is another way of saying that a machine breakdown is delaying delivery?
A machine breakdown is holding ...... delivery.
How would you tell someone that a meeting has been postponed?
The meeting has been put .......
What should you do if an offer is unacceptable?
I should turn it .......
What do we say if we have no more raw materials?
We've run ...... of raw materials.
How would you tell somebody that you have started your own firm?
I've set ...... my own firm.
What would you say if you wanted to tell somebody to wait?
Hold ......, please.
What might you say about food that is too old to eat?
It's gone .......
If a meeting that was planned is no longer necessary, what would you do?
I'd call the meeting .......
How would you tell someone that a certain order must be obeyed?
It must be carried .......
How would you tell me that something has been abolished?
It's been done ...... with.
What would you say to invite someone to pay you a short, informal visit?
Drop ...... sometime.
What might you say to a customer who thinks that there is a mistake in the invoice that you
have sent him?
I'll look ...... it.
What do you have to do before a bank will cash a cheque?
I have to make it .......
How would you tell someone to complete an application form?
Fill it ......, please.
What do many companies do with bad debts after a certain period of time?
They write them .......
If your colleague doesn't know how to spell a word, what would you tell him to do?
Look it ...... in the dictionary.
What is another way of saying that there has been a mistake?
Somebody has slipped .......
Tell me that I can rely on you.
You can count ...... me.
Tell me that your speech at the conference was a big success.
My speech went ...... very well.
How would you tell someone that you'll deal with a confusing and complicated problem?
I'll sort it .......
 PROF. DR G. DE MEUTER
IBEC / BUSINESS ENGLISH EXERCISES / SCRIPT 1
14
WUERZBURG-SCHWEINFURT UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES
DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
What would you say to ask someone to support you when you make a suggestion to your
boss?
Will you back me ......?
EXERCISE 15: FORMS OF 'TO TAKE'
Link the phrasal verbs on the left to expressions with similar meanings on the right
and then complete the sentences below by supplying the correct phrasal verb.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
to take aback
to take down
to take in
to take (time) off
to take on
to take up
to take over
to take it out on s.o.
to redivert one's aggression
to hire / employ
to assume control
to shock / surprise
to absorb / to deceive
to stay away from work for a while
to make a written note of something
to start doing something / to use or occupy

In order to keep up with global demand for its latest cell phone, Nokia has been obliged to
..................................... more people at its plants in Asia.

He apologized profusely for interrupting the meeting and assured us that he didn't intend
to ....................................... more of our time than necessary.

Once BMW decided to sell Land Rover to Ford, the details were taken care of within a
few weeks and American executives were able to ................................................ the firm
by May 2000.

The Marketing Manager was clearly irritated. He stressed that the information was
important
and
that
the
junior
executive
had
been
responsible
for
........................................................ the details during the briefing the week before. He
said
that
he
didn't
want
to
create
the
impression
that
he
was
.......................................................... his anger on a subordinate, but he could not tolerate
such negligence.

The members of the Board were .................................................. by the proposal of the
CFO. They hadn’t expected as anything as radical as that.

The wealthy investors were completely .............................................. by the venture
capitalist's winning manner and promise of staggering profits. They invested nearly half a
billion dollars in the risky deal and lost it all.
EXERCISE 16. GET
Complete the following text by filling in the blanks with the appropriate preposition or
prepositions. Use the following prepositions:
along, to, into, across, around, out, up, together, through, back to
Dear Mom and Dad,
I finally got _______________ that management class I was telling you about. It wasn't easy.
It's a required course and there is no way to get _______________ it. The professor, Dr.
Schneider, seems very good, but I think his class is going to be quite a challenge.
 PROF. DR G. DE MEUTER
IBEC / BUSINESS ENGLISH EXERCISES / SCRIPT 1
15
WUERZBURG-SCHWEINFURT UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES
DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
Yesterday was the first day of the course. He gave everyone in the class a syllabus
describing the homework and the exams. I couldn't believe how much he expects us to do.
Several of the students immediately got _______________ and left the room. After they were
gone, Professor Schneider started asking the remaining students questions. They all gave
great answers, but then he got _______________ me. "What is corporate culture ?" he asked
me. I tried to answer him, but I couldn't get what I wanted to say _______________ to him.
He smiled at me and got three or four textbooks _______________ . He passed the books
around and asked us to discuss the question in groups. The people in my discussion group
were really great; we all really enjoyed debating the question. Since we got
_______________ so well, we have decided to form a study group, so we can help each
other get _______________ this class.
I know my grades haven't been the best, but with the help of this study group I should be able
to get it _______________ and do better this semester. Well, I need to get
_______________ work and finish my assignments for tomorrow. Everybody take care, and
I'll see you at Thanksgiving.
Love,
Steve
Now reread the letter above to help you complete the list of definitions below.
get _____________: to enter something which is difficult to enter
get _____________: to avoid something
get _____________: to stand up
get _____________: to arrived at
get _____________: to explain, communicate successfully
get _____________: to pull out, take out
get _____________: to enjoy each other's company
get _____________: to finish or work through something challenging
get it _____________: to organize oneself, to improve one's habits (IDIOM)
get _____________: to return, start again
EXERCISE 17. Nations / People and Currencies
A. Complete the following text by putting in the appropriate adjective.
e.g. Microsoft is an American firm and its headquarters is in Washington.
Nokia is a producer of cell phones. It is a …………………………… firm. Nokia has formed a
strategic alliance with Ericsson, Motorola and Psion and others: the so-called Symbian
project. Psion is a ………………………………. firm.
During the nineties, the automobile industry witnessed many transnational takeovers and
fusions. Ford bought Jaguar, the British manufacturer of sportscars, with its headquarters in
Coventry, England. Ford also acquired Volvo, the …………………………………... car firm
which is known for its accent on safety. The powerful ……..…………………………. Daimler
Benz Corporation merged with the third largest American auto firm, Chrysler, to form a new
behemoth: the Daimler-Chrysler Corporation.
 PROF. DR G. DE MEUTER
IBEC / BUSINESS ENGLISH EXERCISES / SCRIPT 1
16
WUERZBURG-SCHWEINFURT UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES
DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
In Switzerland, two …………………………… pharmaceutical giants, SANDOZ and CIBA
joined forces to form NOVARTIS.
Imitation is the highest from of flattery. Successful ideas will always be copied. Silicon
Valley, for instance, is being imitated in other countries. In Scotland, for instance, there is a
…………………………… version of the American high-tech centre, called Silicon Glenn and
in Ireland, the ……………………………… are also developing technology parks and
investing heavily in high-tech.
In Belgium, the ………………………... are still handicapped by their political problems. The
country is split into three areas, a ……………………….…. - speaking area, called the
Flanders, a French-speaking area, called Wallonia and the area around Brussels, the capital
of the country which is trilingual. English being the third official language.
B. Replace 'France' in the text below with each of the following twelve countries in
turn. Make any other changes which may be necessary.
America - Spain - Denmark - India - Egypt - Scotland - China - Italy - Japan Brazil
We do quite a lot of business in France through our French agent in Paris. The French are
very good customers, although we have some problems with the exchange rate of the franc,
the French currency. She speaks almost perfect French.
EXERCISE 18: MAKE OR DO ?
Use the correct form of MAKE or DO to complete the following sentences.
A. Congratulations! You've really ............................. an excellent job and will
certainly ...................... the team (in die Mannschaft aufgenommen werden).
B. I'm really exhausted and could .......................... a break and something to drink.
Would you like to you join me ?
C. How did you ............................................ at the last conference (Wie haben sie
abgeschnitten). Did your speech go down well ?
D. We haven't ............................. much business with the Spanish firm yet. But if
the CEO is willing to ............................ the necessary reforms, we could
cooperate more closely.
E. He asked me to ...................... him a favour and to make sure that I
...................... it in time to the next meeting. He is annoyed at the fact that I
arrived late at the last one.
F. He certainly .......................... an excellent impression at the reception last night. I
was told that he is on the ........................,( sehr erfolgreich) but no one seems to
know what he ....................... for a living.
G. The HRM is convinced that she will ....................................... well at the next
exam and that she will ....................... an exceptional manager one day.
H. You ..................................... all the talking the last time we sat together with them
at the negotiating table. Now it up to you to make sure that they sign the
 PROF. DR G. DE MEUTER
IBEC / BUSINESS ENGLISH EXERCISES / SCRIPT 1
17
WUERZBURG-SCHWEINFURT UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES
DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
contract.
We
must
land
this
...................................................... (erledigt).
I.
deal
otherwise
we
are
Tom, good morning. Your last marketing report .............................. interesting
reading (liest sich gut). You ............................ well to mention the contribution of
the production department.
J. Have you seen Sabine today ? Yes. She's having her hair ............................ for
the office party this evening. By the way, please rewrite this letter. This simply
won't ......................... There are three typing mistakes and you have left out the
reference.
EXERCISE 19: FOCUS ON PRODUCTION
WORD PAIRS & DEFINITIONS
Firstly, link the words in the left column to those in the box to form accepted
compounds. Secondly, link the new word to its correct definition / description.

flow
analysis

core
inventory

breakeven
code

quality
circle

work
line

pipeline
cycle

bar
analysis

critical path
time

facilities
shop

slack
balancing

feasibility
enrichment

assembly
inventory

line
activity

delivery
inventory

job
costs

normal
leader

buffer
chart

zero
distribution

overhead
study

multiple
layout

dummy
control

loss
sampling

total quality
time

flow process
study
1. A layout of workers and machines where the work passes from one worker to the next,
usually along a moving belt, until it is completed.
 PROF. DR G. DE MEUTER
IBEC / BUSINESS ENGLISH EXERCISES / SCRIPT 1
18
WUERZBURG-SCHWEINFURT UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES
DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
2. Information code using bars and spaces, usually printed on the side of products and read
automatically by a scanner.
3. A graphical or algebraic representation of the relationships between volume, cost and
revenues in an organisation
4. An inventory to protect against unpredictable variations in demand or supply time.
5. A graphic which shows the flows of the overall production process and analyses
interstation activities.
6. The period of the working day when all employees must be at work
7. A network planning technique for scheduling products
8. The time which elapses between the receipt of the customer order to the shipment
9. An activity in critical path analysis which is not time-consuming. It is a convention for the
logic of the path.
10. A plan of the arrangement of productive elements, including machines, equipment,
buildings and workplaces.
11. An analysis to decide whether it is advisable to carry out a project.
12. A production workshop where machines and operators handle a continuous material flow.
13. Changing a job by adding variety, including administrative and managerial tasks, in order
to make the job more interesting and challenging.
14. An inventory which is carried to cover delays in the production system.
15. The minimizing of either the workstations or the idle time along the production line.
16. A product which is sold at a loss to attract customers.
17. A testing procedure to check the quality of a batch by taking a number of samples until a
result is reached.
18. A description of statistical distribution where most points fall close to one mean.
19. The day-to-day costs of running a business.
20. A group of people who meet regularly to improve manufacturing quality.
21. The time difference between the scheduled due date for a job and the estimated
completion date.
22. A production plan to obtain to obtain low cost units with the best possible quality.
23. The systematic examination of activities in order to improve the effective use of human
and other material resources.
24. A management philosophy and practice based on no waste and constant improvement of
productivity.
 PROF. DR G. DE MEUTER
IBEC / BUSINESS ENGLISH EXERCISES / SCRIPT 1
19
WUERZBURG-SCHWEINFURT UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES
DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
EXERCISE 20. POINT BY POINT
Link the expression on the left to the synonymous expression / definition on the right.
1. to come to the point
to express an opinion clearly
2. to see the point
not completely / within limits
3. to keep to the point
(to express oneself) in a forceful and direct manner
4. to point out
not worth doing / a waste of time
5. the case in point
to draw attention to something
6. to make a point
to understand the main idea of an argument
7. to make of a point of
irrelevant
8. to be on the point of
to limit oneself to what is relevant to the discussion
9. up to a point
to make a special effort to (do / achieve something)
10. point-blank
the matter which is being referred to
11. pointless
to be about to do something
12. besides the point
to mention the important part of what one is talking about
EXERCISE 21. PREPOSITIONAL VERBS
A. Bring + Prepositions
Complete the following text by filling in the blanks with the appropriate preposition.
Use the following prepositions:
along, up, into, away, over, back, around, through, out, on.
1. His heart attack last month was brought _____________ by too much stress at work.
bring _____________: to cause something to happen
2. I didn't realize he had gotten fired. It was so embarrassing - I wish I hadn't brought
_____________
at dinner.
bring _____________: to mention, to introduce a topic to a discussion
3. Sabine, you're looking lovely. Your new dress really brings _____________ the color of
your eyes.
bring _____________: to emphasize the color or your eyes (or occasionally other
features)
4. Please don't you bring those filthy crates _____________ my clean office!
bring _____________ (bring + preposition of direction)
5. I've heard that your stint abroad was pretty eventful. In retrospect, what do you think you
brought _____________ from the experience ? What did you learn ?
bring _____________ : to learn (from an experience)
6. His friends brought a couple of pizzas and some beer _____________ and they played
chess and relaxed.
bring _____________ : to bring to someone's house; to bring to
 PROF. DR G. DE MEUTER
IBEC / BUSINESS ENGLISH EXERCISES / SCRIPT 1
20
WUERZBURG-SCHWEINFURT UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES
DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
7. I was only allowed to bring two bottles of whiskey _____________ customs when I entered
this country. They are really strict.
bring _____________ (bring + preposition associated with the word "customs")
8. When we go to the meeting, don't forget to bring _____________ the report so we can
present last year's statistics.
bring _____________: to take with you
9. Lisa is going to pick the delegation up at the airport and bring them _____________
straight to HQ.
bring _____________ (bring + direction)
10. The systems engineer says that he doesn't want to transfer to the US subsidiary next
year, but we still have time to bring him _____________. We really need him.
bring _____________ : to change somebody's mind
B. Come + Prepositions
Complete the following text by filling in the blanks with the appropriate preposition.
Use the following prepositions:
off, with, away, out, across, through, over, along, into, up with
1. She came ______________ a sizeable heritage when she turned
21. It made her
financially independent and has allowed her to lead a life of leisure.
come ______________ : to suddenly receive (money, a fortune, great wealth ...)
2. We are going to the visit the new headquarters of FESTO next week. Would you like to
come ______________ ?
come ______________ : to join someone on a trip or excursion
3. When we first met her, she came ______________ as rather introverted and timid. But
once we got to know her, she revealed herself to be quick-witted, outgoing and fun to be
with.
come ______________ : to seem, to appear to be
4. The storm disturbed the reception, so none of the messages came ________ clearly.
come ______________ : to be received (through a radio or other electronic device)
5. The 3D pictures I drew with Corel Draw came ______________ great. Just wait until you
see them !
come ______________ : to end up, to turn out, to have a certain result
6. The negotiations with the Chinese firm lasted two months, yet we came ______________
feeling like we had hardly accomplished anything.
come ______________ : to leave a place (with a particular emotion)
7. The founders of Yahoo ! broke off their studies because they came ______________ with
a great idea for a new firm.
come ______________ : to create, invent or think of (an idea)
8. The standard model doesn't come ______________ leather seats. You have to order them
separately.
come ______________ : to include
 PROF. DR G. DE MEUTER
IBEC / BUSINESS ENGLISH EXERCISES / SCRIPT 1
21
WUERZBURG-SCHWEINFURT UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES
DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
9. I've just invited Tanja to come ______________ for dinner tonight. I hope you don't mind.
come ______________ : to visit you at your house
10. He tried to open the casing of the computer, but a connecting
peg came
_______________ in his hand. He had to pry it open with a screwdriver in the end.
come ______________ : to break or fall away from a larger piece
EXERCISE 22: THE PASSIVE VOICE
Please put the following sentences into the passive voice. Leave out the words in bold
print.

They have just equipped our new plant with superb, state-of-the-art machinery.

We interviewed the candidates for the PR post last week, but they all gave mediocre
answers to the questions we put them. We will not offer any of them a job.

You will have to sift through all the applications again and draw up a new shortlist of
candidates who are suitable for the position.

This firm has not settled its last invoice yet despite the reminders we sent it.

One of the employees complained that they had not granted her maternity leave.
EXERCISE 23. COLLATION / BUSINESS TERMS
Which of the words on the left can be joined to the terms in the right column to form an
accepted compound ?
1. spare
premium
2. filing
processing
3. data
cheque
4. fringe
parts
5. trade
venture
6. profit
manual
7. joint
meeting
8. third-party
cabinet
9. customs'
union
10. insurance
margin
11. crossed
sheet
12. board
benefits
13. balance
cover
14. instruction
belt
15. conveyor
clearance
EXERCISE 24: ARTICLES
Supply the definite article (the) or one of the indefinite articles (a/an) where necessary.
* * London Bridge was sold to an American businessman a few years ago.
We're thinking about opening a new branch in * * northern England.
 PROF. DR G. DE MEUTER
IBEC / BUSINESS ENGLISH EXERCISES / SCRIPT 1
22
WUERZBURG-SCHWEINFURT UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES
DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
Mr Ashford is on a business trip somewhere in * * south of France.
It was such * * bad weather that half the employees were late for work.
It was such bad weather that * * half the employees were late for work.
We wish all our customers * * very merry Christmas.
Everybody knows that * * Danube flows into the Black Sea.
As * * rule, we don't grant discounts.
Let's see what the canteen is offering for * * lunch.
The new premises are located near * * Westminster Abbey.
Aren't you afraid of speaking in * * public?
We've finished production, with * * exception of the Swiss order.
Have you already asked for * * permission to stop work early?
* * fashion sometimes changes overnight.
Pat is * * secretary in a large firm.
I'm not prepared to do business with such * * impolite representative.
Our service engineer would have been able to repair it in half * * time.
We made such * * good progress that the job was finished well ahead of schedule.
I can't understand why this machine is making such * * noise.
We're planning to add a new product to our range in * * September.
I haven't seen him all * * day.
They say that all * * people are born equal, but sometimes I think that some people
are born more equal than others.
We are sorry that we are not in * * position to accept your order.
In my opinion, it's entirely out of * * question.
On behalf of all of us here, I wish you * * speedy recovery.
How * * time flies!
EXERCISE 25: PREPOSITIONS
Supply prepositions, if necessary, in each of these sentences.
1. It was my first visit ..................... the United States.
 PROF. DR G. DE MEUTER
IBEC / BUSINESS ENGLISH EXERCISES / SCRIPT 1
23
WUERZBURG-SCHWEINFURT UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES
DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
2. When we heard what they wanted we had no choice but to break ..............
negotiations.
3. He made the mistake of writing his letter of application ............. pencil.
4. Please confirm by return ......................... post.
5. I apologize ...................... not having replied sooner.
6. We are sure that there is a world-wide demand ................... these articles.
7. If we offer the goods ....................... that price, they'll probably accuse us of
dumping.
8. Most agents are expected to sell goods ................................ commission.
9. I'll pick you up ............................. your arrival at the airport.
10. He was asked to come for an interview ..................... his earliest convenience.
11. Unfortunately, we are not always ....................... the same opinion.
12. He's supposed to be an expert .................... the export field.
13. We're doing our best to break ........................ that market.
14. Shall we move on to the next item .......................... the agenda?
15. There are restrictions .................... trading with certain countries in the Middle
East.
16. There is a severe penalty if we don't deliver the goods to the customer
.................... or ....................... the date promised.
17. Have you booked a stand for our firm ......................... the exhibition?
18. We can't predict the results ....................... this stage of the negotiations.
19. Could you check whether we have got any details about the company .................
file?
20. I'm afraid she's away .............................. a business trip this week.
21. Do you know when the new law comes .......................... effect?
22. If we're fortunate, I think they'll place a substantial order ........................ us
.................. the new model.
23. Please check that the letter of credit is made out .............................. our name.
24. Since we were already working ...................... full capacity, we had no alternative
but to farm out the order.
25. If he refuses to comply ......................... the regulations, we'll have to dismiss him.
 PROF. DR G. DE MEUTER
IBEC / BUSINESS ENGLISH EXERCISES / SCRIPT 1
24
WUERZBURG-SCHWEINFURT UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES
DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
26. We have packed the goods .............................. accordance with your instructions.
27. I'd advise you to take .................................. an insurance policy to cover the risks.
28. He attended the meeting ............................................. behalf of all his colleagues.
29. Please confirm this telephone call ............................................. writing.
30. All visitors enter this area of the factory ........................... their own risk.
EXERCISE 26. GERUND / INFINITIVE
Put in the correct form of the verbs in the brackets. Use an infinitive, (with or without
'to'), or an -ing form of the verb.
A. A survey at our firm revealed that most of the employees want (remain)
Germany.
in
B. We expect profits (increase) substantially next year.
C. He really dislikes (work) on a piece work basis.
D. I don't mind (go) to the meeting.
E. I don't expect (have) to make a speech.
F. Did he finally admit (lose) the key to the filing cabinet?
G. I remember (order) it last week.
H. They considered (buy) the new machine, but in the end they decided to lease it.
I.
They postponed (launch) the product until after the Leipzig Trade Fair.
J. They have asked Mr Robins (write) the report.
K. If possible, you should try to avoid (overdraw) your account.
L. Are the government really seriously attempting (prevent) any increase in the cost
of living?
M. The consultants helped the firm (increase) its market share.
N. In the present crisis, the management expects every man (do) his duty.
O. Our new secretary seems (be) very competent.
P. I don't wish (run) the risk of losing the order.
Q. Please remember (bring) the plans with you.
R. I hope (take) my final examinations next year.
S. Will you stop (make) such a horrible noise.
 PROF. DR G. DE MEUTER
IBEC / BUSINESS ENGLISH EXERCISES / SCRIPT 1
25
WUERZBURG-SCHWEINFURT UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES
DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
T. The Managing Director has offered (do) it himself.
U. We are considering (rent) new premises.
V. He suggests (organize) the stores on a F.I.F.O. basis.
W. Have you finished (do) the exercise yet ?
X. It's no use (try) to change his mind. He is determined to hand in his resignation.
EXERCISE 27: COLLATION / BUSINESS TERMINOLOGY
Which of the words in the list can be joined to the word in the box to form an accepted
compound?
1. after-sales
fair
2. delivery
research
3. petty
draft
4. deposit
contractor
5. insurance
line
6. market
agent
7. bonded
list
8. cost
service
9. trade
cash
10. sight
broker
11. assembly
warehouse
12. sole
account
13. price
bay
14. work
breakdown
15. building
study
EXERCISE 28: FORMS OF 'TO GET'
Complete the following text by filling in the blanks with the appropriate
preposition or prepositions. Use the following prepositions:
over, with, by, on, through, out, into, together, down to, back to
Get Online
Welcome to "Introduction to Computers and the Internet." This course is designed to
help inexperienced computer users get _______ their fear of technology and get
_______ it "technically." We are going to teach you how to get _______ with
computers and get _______ the Internet. I am your instructor, Mrs. Mündlein, and
these are my two assistants, Mrs. Zehelein and Miss Wolff. Together, we are going to
help you get _______ these lessons. By the time you get _______ of this class you
will have mastered the concepts you need to successfully navigate the web.
 PROF. DR G. DE MEUTER
IBEC / BUSINESS ENGLISH EXERCISES / SCRIPT 1
26
WUERZBURG-SCHWEINFURT UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES
DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
First, I would like everyone to get _______ groups and choose a computer. Once you
have gotten _______ and chosen a place to sit, we will get _______ to work. We will
be learning about different browsers and how they function. We will teach you how to
interpret the layout of a web page and how to know where to click to move to other
parts of the web site. At that point, we are going to take a short fifteen minute break.
After you all get _______ to class, we are going to discuss web based content. We
are going to teach you how to find the content you want using sources such as
Yahoo or Alta Vista. So, let's get started.
Now reread the above passage to help you complete the list of definitions
below.
get _____________: to overcome (difficulty, fear etc.)
get _____________: to become up to date with something
get _____________: to survive, deal with, manage
get _____________: to start using
get _____________: to finish or work through something challenging
get _____________: to leave
get _____________: to create, form (groups)
get _____________: to join up, come together
get _____________: to finally begin (work) after much waiting
get _____________: to return
EXERCISE 29 : SHORT RESPONSES
Choose the correct responses.
Who's just arrived?
*Peter is, Peter has, Peter did, Peter just* .
Does he know the answer?
I think * it, yes, so,no* .
I don't want it.
Neither * I do, me, do I, I want*.
I'd like to go home.
So * had I, would I, me too, do I*.
Are you going to England next summer?
No, I'm not, but my friend * goes, is, will, does*.
I've forgotten my wallet.
It doesn't *matter, care, mind, count*.
She's coming by helicopter.
What! *How, Why, Where, What* is she coming?
Will the meeting be over by 5 o'clock?
I hope *so, it, that, yes*.
I haven't got any small change.
Don't worry, I've got *some, it, one, them*.
 PROF. DR G. DE MEUTER
IBEC / BUSINESS ENGLISH EXERCISES / SCRIPT 1
27
WUERZBURG-SCHWEINFURT UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES
DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
He may not come.
And what if he * may, is, will, does *?
Has Graham been promoted?
*I think so, I know it, I think, I think yes*.
His secretary speaks English very well.
*So, So is, Also, So does* mine.
Is this Mr Harlow?
Yes, *it is, he is, is it, this is*.
I wouldn't do that if I were him.
*Neither would I, Neither I would, Me too, I neither*.
He likes red wine.
*I also, Me too, So I do, Also I do*.
Do you think we'd better book?
Yes, I think *we had, we did, we would, we could*.
Can you type?
*I'm afraid not, No I'm afraid, No I don't, I'm afraid no*.
Will she be here for lunch?
* I expect it, Yes I expect, I expect, I expect so*.
Is payment overdue?
*I don't think so, I don't hope so, I don't think, I don't hope*.
Which of these trousers should I buy?
*Please yourself, The red one, The both of them, The red*.
EXERCISE 30 : PREPOSITIONS
Supply prepositions, if necessary, in these sentences.
1. The machine is being assembled * ..........* the moment.
2. Do you recognize our new secretary *.......... * this photograph?
3. We are spending much too much money *..........* stationery.
4. The CFO's office is *..........* the top floor.
5. This company specializes *..........* high quality paper processing machines.
6. There is a great demand *..........* our products in China.
7. He became Chairman of the Board *..........* the age of 37.
8. When he was dismissed, he received a cheque *..........* $5000.
9. We apologize for the delay in replying *..........* your letter.
10. His prospects improved after he got engaged *..........* the Managing Director's daughter.
11. He was very surprised to see how the office staff behaved *..........* the Christmas party.
 PROF. DR G. DE MEUTER
IBEC / BUSINESS ENGLISH EXERCISES / SCRIPT 1
28
WUERZBURG-SCHWEINFURT UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES
DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
12. Sorry, but the parts are not *..........* stock.
13. Don't worry about the price of the meal. It's *..........* expenses.
14. He's an expert *..........* programming computers.
15. We wish to congratulate you *..........* the 20th anniversary of your firm.
16. We are writing *..........* reference to your order of 12th September.
17. The workers have been *..........* strike for two weeks now.
18. Mr Wilde is visiting the exhibition *..........* behalf of our company.
19. We advise you to take *..........* an insurance policy to cover the transport of the
merchandise.
20. Please note that the goods are offered subject *..........* prior sale.
21. How many of the specified item can you deliver *..........* short notice?
22. The goods are sold *..........* high prices.
23. We produce more computer games than any other company *..........* the world.
24. Who is authorized to sign when the manager is away *..........* business?
25. Are you showing your products *..........* the trade fair in Boston this year?
EXERCISE 31: PASSIVE VOICE
Rewrite these sentences in the passive voice

The local citizens always cold-shoulder new arrivals in the American South.

She hit him below the belt by referring to his poor background and alcoholic father.

A colleague showed him his new office and gave him a guided tour of the firm on his first
day at work.

He handed her the report and told her to read it through by the end of the day. He also
asked her to type a summary of the main points.
EXERCISE 32: CONDITIONAL CLAUSES
Put into the correct form of the conditional

eBay's stock is at nosebleed levels. It could use its very real currency - provided by
overvalued share prices - to buy up other businesses. If eBay (to buy) Sotherby's, the
powerful but deeply troubled traditional auction house, it (to be) a sensation.

The CEO stressed that a firm (not have to be) a dot-com to be a dynamo if it (to have)
savvy, focus and creativity.

If he (to avoid) telling those tasteless jokes, he (not rub) his superior the wrong way and
(not be) in trouble now.

He (to add) insult to injury if he (to insist) on being in the right. Fortunately, he had the
good sense to admit his faux pas and apologize.
 PROF. DR G. DE MEUTER
IBEC / BUSINESS ENGLISH EXERCISES / SCRIPT 1
29
WUERZBURG-SCHWEINFURT UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES
DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
EXERCISE 33: IDIOMS
In each of these idioms, the space can be filled by only one of the four alternatives.
1. I assured them that as regards the after-sales service they could * lean, count, stand,
trust * on us.
2. The agent doesn't know yet that the contract has been terminated, so please *break,
spread, tell, say * the news gently.
3. I still have no idea what you are * moving, talking, driving, speaking * at.
4. Are you sure that he isn't keeping something up his * trousers, sleeve, jacket, jumper *?
5. Let's hope that it works this time. I'll keep my * legs, thumbs, arms, fingers * crossed.
6. The Export Sales Department are trying hard to get a *foothold, placement, step, grip * in
the South American market.
7. If you ask Brian in R&D, he'll put you in the *picture, plan, view, idea *.
8. Somebody has got to begin. Who's going to start the * wagon, rock, ball, stone * rolling?
9. Consignments to the Far East are often delayed by unnecessary customs' formalities and
other red * tape, indians, herrings, letters *.
10. I've no time to spare at the moment. I'm up to the * ears, neck, eyes, nose * in work.
11. Our salesman had to twist his *arm, neck, leg, finger * a little to persuade him to place the
order.
12. We're pulling out all the *stops, knobs, buttons, keys * to increase our market share.
13. At that price it is certainly very good value for * cash, money, worth, cost *.
14. According to the latest market survey our products still have the * quality, edge, lead,
point * on those of our competitors.
15. The minutes of a meeting do not usually include what someone says off the * radio,
record, recorder, tape *.
16. The choice they offered was between the * devil, frying pan, angel, lake * and the deep
blue sea.
17. The new word processor is very easy to use. You'll soon get the * control, hang, grip,
master* of it.
18. Ask Peter. He's a * mine, fountain, well, cave * of information.
19. If I were in your * boots, shoes, hands, socks * I'd tell him before he finds out from
someone else.
20. If she really wants the job and you know the Personnel Manager so well, why don't you
try to pull a few *strings, legs, threads, arms *?
 PROF. DR G. DE MEUTER
IBEC / BUSINESS ENGLISH EXERCISES / SCRIPT 1
30
WUERZBURG-SCHWEINFURT UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES
DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
21. It's the old story - he who pays the * player, piper, musician, singer * calls the tune.
22. With cash-flow figures like these, we can all shut up * trade, shop, business, house * and
go home!
23. You can rely on her to help you when the * coins, chits, chips, cards * are down.
24. Their new sales drive has really caught us *napping, dozing, snoring, sleeping *.
25. I think that's the last of the problems. It should be *plain, level, calm, easy * sailing from
now on.
OPEN TRANSLATION EXERCISES
EXERCISE T1 : WHICH TENSE ?
The German 'Präsens' cannot always be translated by the English simple present or present
continuous. Please rewrite the following sentences in English. Make sure that you use the
right tense !
1. Wie lange wissen Sie schon, daß der Bericht fehlt ?
2. Guten Tag. Ich hoffe, ich störe Sie nicht.
3. Sie sprechen Deutsch mit einem leichten Akzent. Wo kommen Sie denn her ? Wie lange
wohnen Sie schon in Franken ?
4. Wer führt die nächste Sitzung ? Wer schreibt die Einladungen ?
5. Sobald die Abteilungsleiterin zurückkommt, sagen Sie ihr, sie soll den Geschäftsführer
sofort anrufen.
6. Die Führungskräfte besuchen seine Seminare seit Jahren.
7. Das ganze Gelände riecht nach Rauch. Wann wurde das Feuer gelöscht ?
8.
Der Inhaber der Firma, der in Berlin wohnt, hält sich für drei Wochen in Augsburg auf. Er
bleibt, bis alle neuen Mitarbeiter eingestellt wurden.
EXERCISE T2: GERMAN / ENGLISH TRANSLATION
Please translate the following sentences into English.
1. Sie benutzt ihr Handy jeden Tag, um Freunde und Familienmitglieder anzurufen.
2. Firmen sind dabei, neue Märkte anzuzapfen.
3. Fortschritte in der Informationstechnologie liefern uns neue, leistungsfähige
Werkzeuge.
4. Gesteigerte Konkurrenz ist ein direktes Ergebnis der Globalisierung.
5. Jemand der seine eigene Firma gründet, nennt man ein Entrepreneur.
 PROF. DR G. DE MEUTER
IBEC / BUSINESS ENGLISH EXERCISES / SCRIPT 1
31
WUERZBURG-SCHWEINFURT UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES
DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
6. Gibt es viele Unternehmensgründer in dieser Gegend ?
7. Die Entwicklungen des Internet Zeitalters sind dabei, unsere Lebensweise und
Arbeitsplätze grundlegend zu ändern.
8. Er arbeitet in der Abteilung für Forschung und Entwicklung.
9. Er arbeitet an einem interessanten Projekt.
10. Unsere Firma vermarktet ihre Produkte rund um die Welt.
11. Ich suche tatkräftige Ingenieure, die hoch-motiviert sind.
12. Transnationale Firmenzusammenschlüsse und Übernahmen nehmen ständig zu.
EXERCISE T3: BUSINESS PRACTICE
Please translate the following sentences into correct English.
1. Sie ist der Meinung, daß eine interessante Tätigkeit wichtiger ist als ein guter Verdienst.
2. Mehr Urlaub, Gewinnbeteiligung, ein höheres Gehalt ... das alles sind Methoden, um
Mitarbeiter zu motivieren, fleißiger zu sein. Man nennt sie 'Anreize'.
3. Wenn sie die Bestellung heute bestätigen, werden wir unser Bestes tun, um den
Liefertermin einzuhalten.
4. Wenn sie über Preise verhandeln wollen, dann schlage ich vor, daß wir in mein Büro
gehen.
5. Es ist erst 10 Uhr, aber mehrere Kunden haben schon Beschwerden eingereicht. Ich
werde mit meinem Vorgesetzten sprechen müssen. Wenn sie mich gefragt hätten, hätte
ich Sie gewarnt.
6. Könnte ich Herrn Goldsmith sprechen, bitte. Einen Augenblick, bitte. Ich möchte
überpüfen, ob Herr Goldsmith in seinem Büro ist. Hello, Frau Newton ? Ich verbinde.
7. Der von uns vereinbarte Liefertermin ist nicht weit entfernt, aber wir können die Waren
nicht liefern, bis wir eine schriftliche Bestätigung von Ihnen bekommen haben. Wir
möchten Sie nicht entäuschen, aber wir sind in einer sehr schwierigen Lage.
8. Kommen Sie gut miteinander aus ? Er ist sehr aufbrausend and reizbar. Sie dagegen ist
empfindsam und fröhlich. Sie sind alle beide ehrgeizig und gewissenhaft.
 PROF. DR G. DE MEUTER
IBEC / BUSINESS ENGLISH EXERCISES / SCRIPT 1
32
WUERZBURG-SCHWEINFURT UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES
DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
9. Mein
Vorgesetzter
behauptet,
daß
Hochschulabsolventen
heutzutage
Zusatz-
qualifikationen brauchen, wie z.B. Durchsetzungsvermögen, Teamfähigkeit, EDVKenntnisse, interkulturelle Kompetenz und Auslandserfahrung. Sie müssen sich diese
Fähigkeiten während des Studiums aneignen, wenn Sie erfolgreich sein wollen, meint er.
10. Er hat mir eine großzügige Händlerkommission bezahlt, obwohl die Firma schwere
Verluste in diesem Geschäftsjahr erlitten hat. Du mußt zugeben, daß er gerecht ist. Aber,
egal wie hart er arbeitet, es schient, als ob er nie Erfolg hat. Wenn Du mich fragst, es liegt
an seiner Einstellung.
EXERCISE T4: GETTING DOWN TO BUSINESS
Please translate the following sentences into English

Er hat die Sitzung nicht besucht. Er ist auf einer Geschäftsreise.

Entschuldigung. Darf ich unterbrechen ? Haben Sie den neuen Bericht
geschrieben ? Er muß bis Freitag eingereicht werden.

Ich habe meine Bewerbung abgeschickt. Ich habe bis 2 Uhr früh daran
gearbeitet.

In dem letzten Jahr hat er viele wertvollen Erfahrungen im Marketing-Bereich
gesammelt. Er hat auch ausgeprägte Führungseigenschaften.

Sie ist pensioniert. Sie war jahrzentelang bei der Firma Festo tätig. Hast du
sie schon getroffen ?
EXERCISE T5: AVOIDING COMMON ERRORS - SINGULAR & PLURAL
Please translate the following sentences into English.
1.1
1.2
Das ist eine interessante Information. Ist sie wirklich zuverlässig ? Darf ich
sie weitergeben ?
Die Auskünfte, die ich von der Frau bekommen habe, waren wertvoll.
2.1
2.2
Gestern bei der letzten Sitzung gab sie mir einige gute Ratschläge.
Sein Rat hat sich als wirklich nützlich erwiesen. Ich bin ihm dankbar für
seine Hilfe.
3.1
3.2
Hier sind die letzten Nachrichten aus aller Welt.
Diese Nachricht wird die Mitarbeiter überraschen. Sie rechnen nicht damit.
4.
Die Daten werden gerade im Computer gespeichert. Möchtest Du Deine
Ergebnisse auch hinzufügen ?
5.
Ich bin mir wohl bewußt, daß die Vereinigten Staaten jetzt in einer
schwierigen Lage sind. Aber die Amerikaner neigen dazu, überheblich zu
sein. Das ist das Ergebnis.
6.
Er hat Geld von der Firma abgezweigt. Die Polizei hat ihn (schon) verhaftet.
 PROF. DR G. DE MEUTER
IBEC / BUSINESS ENGLISH EXERCISES / SCRIPT 1
33
WUERZBURG-SCHWEINFURT UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES
DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
7.
Die Belegshaft wird gebeten, diese Bestimmungen zu befolgen.
8.1
Ich bin mir nicht sicher, daß er schuldig ist. Es gibt keine überzeugende
Beweise dafür, daß er es tat.
Die Polizei hat auch zugegeben, daß kein Beweisstück zu finden war.
8.2
9.1
Vorsicht bitte ! Diese Möbel waren sehr teuer. Ich habe mehrere Monate
sparen müssen, bevor ich sie mir leisten konnte. Dieses Möbelstück ist
besonders wertvoll.
10.1
Sein Praxissemester in Spanien hat sich gelohnt. Seine Spanischkenntnisse
sind jetzt hervorragend.
Peter hat brauchbare Englischkenntisse aber er muß unbedingt ins Ausland.
10.2
EXERCISE T6 : WATCH YOUR TENSE !
Simple past, present perfect or present perfect continuous ?
1. Sie haben ihre Kollegin seit ihrer Versetzung in eine andere Abteilung nicht mehr
getroffen.
2. Er hat letztes Jahr gekündigt, aber er hat drei Jahrzente für die Firma gearbeitet.
3. Er bemüht sich schon seit Tagen, einen Termin mit seinem Vorgesetzten zu bekommen.
4. Haben Sie den Nachwuchskräften gesagt, daß die ersten sechs Monate eine Art
Probezeit sind and daß die Personalabteilung ihre Leistung bewerten wird ?
5. Seit er befördert wurde, vernachlässigt er seine Familie.
6. Der Vorarbeiter hat während unserem Telefonggespräch gestern bestätigt, daß er
Gründlichkeit und Zielstrebigkeit als die wichtigsten Eigenschaften für die neue Stelle
betrachtet. Ich bin der Meinung, daß die Person auch selbstbewußt sein muß.
7. Haben Sie schon mal China besucht ? Ich plane meine Chinareise seit drei Jahren und
habe über DM 20,000 gespart.
8.
Wir arbeiten ununterbrochen seit dienstag morgen an dem Problem. Was ist geschehen?
Na ja, jemand hat die ganzen Datenbanken auf meiner Festplatte versehentlich gelöscht.
EXERCISE T7: AVOIDING COMMON ERRORS - SINGULAR & PLURAL II
Please translate the following sentences into English.

Politische Wissenschaften mag wohl ein fesselndes Studienfach sein, aber ich
ziehe es vor Betriebswirtschaft zu studieren.

Der neue Geschäftsführer ist sehr motiviert, aber seine Firmenpolitik ist schwer
zu verstehen. Was für langfristige Ziele hat er ?

Nach meiner Aufenthalt in Bangladesh habe ich erkannt, daß wir wirklich dankbar
sein sollen. Die Leute in Deutschland sind verwöhnt. Sie sollen sich mit der
Mehrheit der Weltbevölkerung vergleichen !

Die Naturkatastrophen sind schlimmer geworden in den letzten Jahren. Die
Völker Asiens & Afrikas leiden am meisten.
 PROF. DR G. DE MEUTER
IBEC / BUSINESS ENGLISH EXERCISES / SCRIPT 1
34
WUERZBURG-SCHWEINFURT UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES
DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

Die Früchte in Kalifornien waren köstlich. Sie schmecken ganz anders als hier.

Er hat sich sehr bemüht, die Abteilung aufzubauen aber seine plötzliche
Kündigung beraubten ihn der Früchte seiner Arbeit.

Einige der Schäden waren nicht durch die Versicherung abgedeckt.

Vom Gericht wurde ihm Schadenersatz zugesprochen.

Ein Tag bevor dem Vorstellungsgespräch, ließ er sich die Haare schneiden.

Sie war schlampig angezogen. Ihre Hose war zerrissen.

Meine Meinung nach, sind die Fortschritte in der hochentwickelten Technik in
letzter Zeit erstaunlich gewesen.

Ich habe meinem jüngeren Bruder gestern geholfen. Seine Hausaufgaben waren
ziemlich schwierig.

Als ich die Gelegenheitsarbeit annahm, war mein Lohn nicht sehr hoch.

Er mußte für das geborgte Geld Zinsen zahlen.

Diese Kriterien sind zu berücksichtigen.

Diese Krisen sind für die Informationsgeschellschaft typische Erscheinungen.

Weitere DM 20 waren noch zu bezahlen.

Ganze 40% sind noch zu bezahlen.

Die Ausrüstungsgegenstände müssen überprüft werden. Wir können uns keinen
Produktionsengpaß leisten. Wir müssen Termingerecht fertig werden.

Eine große Anzahl von Leuten waren da.

Fast die Hälfte des Inhalts war aus Plastik.
EXERCISE T8 : WORDPOWER
Replace the German words in the following sentences by their English equivalent
1. Tell him that if he repeats the mistake it will result in his immediate termination for
Vertragsbruch.
2. We must angeben the exact rate of the agent's Provision in the contract.
3. Do not unterschätzen the costs involved if the machine is damaged. Some sort of
insurance cover must be versichert
4. If you don’t obey the guide’s Anweisungen, you will have to leave the Gelände before
the end of the tour.
5. He has had the photocopy of his degree beglaubigt and translated by a vereidigte
Übersetzer.
 PROF. DR G. DE MEUTER
IBEC / BUSINESS ENGLISH EXERCISES / SCRIPT 1
35
WUERZBURG-SCHWEINFURT UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES
DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
6. Please send this letter off per Einschreiben. My customers must receive it bis Montag.
7. Don't worry ! I am überzeugt that we will be able to beschaffen the money we need.
8. My uncle is in the Gaststättengewerbe. One distinctive Merkmal of his corporate policy and the secret of his success - is the priority he gives to customer satsifaction.
9. The Kaufpreis was high and we had to spiff up the Aussehen of the car, but I still think it
was a good deal.
10. He sent in all his (Arbeits)Zeugnisse and made sure that the Begleitbrief
and
Lebenslauf were impeccable. There were no Lücken in his career that were nicht
erläutert and he had decided to include a short Zusammenfassung at the beginning to
describe what was einmalig about him : his USP.
11. Lean Production and team work has led to the fusion of traditionally separate functions
like Fertigung , Instandehaltung and quality control.
12. Please bestätigen Sie den Empfang of this letter.
13. They werden Überstunden machen müssen if we accept any more orders.
14. Die wirtschaftlichen Probleme, die exist at present have been caused by a number of
factors.
15. The firm has been plagued by strikes and inefficient management in der letzten Zeit.
This cannot go on !
16. Unemployment in Germany steigt weiter, trotz
the efforts of the Government and
industry.
17. Many Bereiche der Technik have been changing rapidly over the last decades.
18. The new Z3 of BMW is manufactured in the USA. The new Werk is one of the most
important Tochtergesellschaften of the German automotive firm.
EXERCISE T9: IDIOMATIC EXPRESSIONS
Please translate the German expressions into their equivalent idiomatic expression in
English.
Be careful to use the correct tense !!
1. Don't worry. The firm will foot the bill for now and wir werden abrechnen later.
2. Sie meint es ernst. If you don't not settle your debts within the next week, she won't
deliver the consingment.
3. He was annoyed by her questions and told her not to be so nosey and sich um ihre
eigenen Angelegenheit zu kümmern.
4. Wenn die Chancen schlecht stehen, do you think that it is still worth trying it ?
5. Sind Sie ständig auf Achse during the week or do you also relax occasionally ?
6. A good manager should keep his staff auf dem Laufenden halten and listen to their
objections.
7. We have managed to convince our shareholders of the validity of the offer, but it does not
mean , daß alles glatt laufen wird from now on.
 PROF. DR G. DE MEUTER
IBEC / BUSINESS ENGLISH EXERCISES / SCRIPT 1
36
WUERZBURG-SCHWEINFURT UNIVERSITY OF APPLIED SCIENCES
DEPARTMENT OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
8. I don't like people who can't express themselves clearly and succinctly. I still don't have
the vaguest notion of worauf Sie hinaus wollen.
 PROF. DR G. DE MEUTER
IBEC / BUSINESS ENGLISH EXERCISES / SCRIPT 1
37