English for Academic and Professional Purposes

NAME: _________________________________________ DATE: ____________________

GRADE / SECTION: ______________________________ SCORE
Content (20)

SUMMARIZING TEXTS
Organization (20)
Use of Summarizing Techniques (10)
TOTAL (50)

DIRECTIONS: Read the text below entitle ‘From the Autopsy Surgeon’s Report’ and answer the questions
that follow. Then, write a 5-10 sentences summary using any appropriate technique in summarizing.

STARTING A SMALL BUSINESS

Starting a small business is the best way to gain freedom. Although this statement is disputable, it
has sense.
Why do people decide to become entrepreneurs? They are longing for independence. Small
business helps one manage his time in the way he wants. He can produce the goods and services he likes.
Finally, he is able to try to be responsible and creative.
Small business is very important for the economy of every state. Small entrepreneurs contribute into
the state budget a lot. It is possible to say that the complex of small and middle firms provides the country
with the same profit as big business does. In simple words, a prosperous state cannot survive without small
business. It is impossible to defeat poverty without small business. Thus, if you have any genuine and
uncommon ideas concerning the production of useful goods and services, establish your own small firm.
Starting a small business is not an easy thing. Whether you’re doing something as simple as
business paper writing as a business or as grand as running a construction company building skyscrapers,
you should be psychologically and financially prepared to numerous challenges. Moreover, it is vital to
know something about business, management and marketing.
To begin with, you should study the market in order to learn about the goods and services that are
required by consumers. This factor is the crucial one. When you discover that people demand an item but
no one has produced it yet, you have the best chances to conquer the chosen sector of the market.
Secondly, you ought to think about the price and quality of your product.
There are two options. The foremost one is the production of high-quality and expensive goods that
will serve long. The second option is related to consumerism. You produce poor-quality cheap goods and
attract clients with the help of the lowest prices.
Sad to say but it is difficult to choose the best option. Many people are ready to pay a lot to possess
a quality item. Others avoid paying a lot and prefer cheap products.
Then, you should create your own business plan that will contain the entire information about the
functioning of your firm. Think about the target groups of customers, production, logistics, storage and
retail.
Apparently, you should produce and store your goods somewhere. Then, you will meet with such
issues as revenue and expense. You will need to hire a few employees to run your business rewardingly.
Without doubt, you will have to be selective, demanding and attentive in order to recruit the right people into
your firm. Finally, you will meet the problem of rent, taxation, etc. A firm resembles a household. You
should pay attention to the slightest problem, question and misunderstanding if you want to increase your
income and develop your small firm into something bigger.
As might be expected, starting a small business has many advantages and disadvantages. The
most solid strong side is independence. You do not have to work for someone else. You work for your own
profit. You possess the freedom of choice and actions. If you are not respected and appreciated at work,
you can embody your original and amusing ideas in your own business.
Ambitious people always try to start a small business if they receive such an opportunity. You do not
need to listen to the instructions and threats of your boss when you are late. At long last, you will earn more
money. You are the boss and the entire profit is yours.
Nevertheless, there are many factors that cause problems to a novice entrepreneur. You should
remember that independence is also responsibility. You are responsible for your firm, its prosperity and the
wellbeing of your employees. Furthermore, you are responsible for the health and life of your customers
who consume your products.
You are expected to know how to develop and improve your small company beneficially. You
should know how to behave in case of crisis and unpredictable situations. You should be ready to wake up
at night and spend the whole day at your firm in order to settle down all urgent problems and conflicts
between employees. You should be a teacher, psychologist and negotiator who is able to resolve conflicts
and motivate his staff practically.
 Starting a small business is a challenging but beneficial idea. You are able to establish you own
store, café, restaurant or bakery and embody your offbeat and splendid ideas there. On the other hand, you
should be ready to resist numerous challenges and work hard for the protection and development of your
business.
Source:
Entrepreneurs, 2016. Essay on Starting a Small Business. Retrieved from http://www.smbceo.com/2016/04/21/essay-on-starting-a-small-
business/

Comprehension Questions:
1. What does the author want to convey to the readers?
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2. How does the author present his ideas?
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3. What are the signal words used in the text?
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4. How do the signal words help in organizing the author’s ideas?
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Summary:

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