Top Business

Vocabulary
Contents
I- Grammar parts
Verb tenses and sentence building
Exercises

affeitomyom@gmail.com
 II- MANAGEMENT PART

Introduction

1- Banking
2- Company Structure
3- Contracts
4- Employment
5- Import/Export
6- Insurance
7- Marketing
8- Money
9- Selling
10- British/American
11- Financial Terms
Abbreviations used
Introduction
Welcome to Business Vocabulary
This book presents you with selected keywords in different areas of Business English (British and
American).
The concept is simplicity:
• Clear presentation
• Uncomplicated definitions
• Twenty key-words per subject area
Business Vocabulary is not a bi-lingual dictionary - there are plenty of excellent dictionaries that you can
use for your own language if you need to translate a particular word. Business Vocabulary helps you
identify some of the most important words for you to learn.
Abbreviations used in this book are described here.

1- Banking
1 balance n. the difference between credits and debits in an account
2 bank charges n. money paid to a bank for the bank’s services etc
3 branch n. local office or bureau of a bank
4 checkbook US n. book containing detachable checks; cheque book UK
5 check US n. written order to a bank to pay the stated sum from one’s account; cheque
UK
6 credit n. money in a bank a/c; sum added to a bank a/c; money lent by a bank – also
v.
7 credit card n. (plastic) card from a bank authorising the purchasing of goods on credit
8 current account n. bank a/c from which money may be drawn at any time; checking account US
9 debit n. a sum deducted from a bank account, as for a cheque – also v.
10 deposit account n. bank a/c on which interest is paid; savings account US
11 fill in UK v. to add written information to a document to make it complete; to fill out US
12 interest n. money paid for the use of money lent - interest rate n.
13 loan n. money lent by a bank etc and that must be repaid with interest - also v.
14 overdraft n. deficit in a bank account caused by withdrawing more money than is paid in

affeitomyom@gmail.com
15 pay in v. [paid, paid] to deposit or put money in to a bank account
16 payee n. person to whom money is paid
17 paying-in slip n. small document recording money that you pay in to a bank account
18 standing order n. an instruction to a bank to make regular payments
19 statement n. a record of transactions in a bank account
20 withdraw v. [-drew, -drawn] to take money out of a bank account - withdrawal n.
See also: Money

A: How are you doing today?

B: Great. Thanks.
A: What can I help you with?
B: I would like to open a bank account.
A: What kind would you like to open?
B: I need a checking account.
A: Would you also like to open a savings account?
B: That's fine.
A: In order to open these accounts, you need to deposit a minimum of $50.
B: I want to deposit $300.
A: I'll set up your accounts for you right now.
B: Make sure to put $150 in each account.

Opening a saving account in a bank

Harish: Good morning, sir!
Account: Good morning! What can I do for you?
Harish: I want to open an account in your bank.
Account: Which type of account do you want to open?
Harish: I want to open a saving bank account.
Account: Please fill this form and get this introduced by a person who has an account in this bank.
Harish: How much money is needed to open the account?
Account: You can open an SB A/c with minimum amount of Rs.10,000/- only.
Harish: Will you also issue me a check book.
Account: You will get a check book, and you will have to maintain a minimum balance of Rs.10,000/-
Harish: Thank you. When shall I come to open an account?
Account: Come any time between 10am to 1pm.
Harish: Thanks for this information.
Account: It’s my pleasure.

affeitomyom@gmail.com
Making a Deposit
A: How are you doing?
B: Great. Thanks for asking.
A: What can I do for you today?
B: I would like to deposit some money.
A: Are you depositing cash or a check?
B: I want to deposit cash.
A: How much are you depositing?
B: I would like to deposit $300.
A: What account do you want your money in?
B: I want to deposit it into my checking account. A: Do you need anything else?
B: No. That's all. Thank you.

Asking about Checks

A: How are you doing today?
B: Great. Thanks.
A: What can I do for you today?
B: I just have one question.
A: What's your question?
B: How do I order checks?
A: You can order them right now, if you'd like.
B: That would be great.
A: Just fill out this application.
B: Then what?
A: Give it about 5 to 7 business days, and you should receive them in the mail.
B: Here's my application. Thanks for your help.

Making a Withdrawal
A: How are you doing today?
B: Great. Thank you.
A: What can I do for you?
B: I need to withdraw some money.
A: How much would you like to take out?
B: I need to withdraw $300.
A: Which account would you like to take the money from?
B: I want to take it from my checking account.
A: Here you go.
B: Thank you very much.
A: Can I do anything else for you?
B: No. That'll be all.

affeitomyom@gmail.com
 2- Company Structure
1 Accounts Dept. n. department responsible for administering a company’s financial affairs
2 A.G.M.UK abbr. Annual General Meeting of a company’s shareholders
3 board of directors n. a group of people chosen to establish policy for and direct or control a
company
4 chairman UK n. person who heads a Board of Directors; head of a company; chairperson
5 director n. a member of the board of directors
6 executive officer US n. person who manages the affairs of a corporation - chief executive officer n.
7 headquarters n. a company’s principal or main office or centre of control
8 manager n. person responsible for day-to-day running of a dept.; executive
Officer US
9 managing director UK n. senior director after the chairman responsible for day-to-day direction
10 Marketing Dept. n. dept. responsible for putting goods on market, inc. packaging, advertising
etc
11 organisation chart n. a table or plan showing a company’s structure graphically
12 Personnel Dept. n. department responsible for recruitment and welfare of staff or employees
13 president US n. the highest executive officer of a company; head of a company
14 Production Dept. n. department responsible for physical creation of product
15 Purchasing Dept. n. department responsible for finding and buying everything needed by a
company
16 R & D Department n. department responsible for Research and Development of (new)
products
17 reception n. the place where visitors and clients report on arrival at a company
18 Sales Department n. department responsible for finding customers and making sales
19 shareholder n. person who holds or owns shares in or a part of a company or corporation
20 vice president US n. any of several executive officers, each responsible for a separate divisio

Visitor: Excuse me.

Receptionist: Yeah, what can I do for you sir?
Visitor: Could you help me to meet Mr. R.K. Bhatia, the manager of this company?
Receptionist: I am sorry you can’t meet him today. He is extremely busy. Did you take an appointment?
Visitor: Yes, I did. He himself called me today.
Receptionist: Actually he is busy in an urgent meeting with a delegation from Japan. And he ordered
me not to allow anybody to meet him till 3pm today.
Visitor: It is very important for me to meet him today as I am flying to America tomorrow.
Receptionist: Would you wait for a minute? Let me check with the manager please. What’s your good
name sir, and from which company are you coming?
Visitor: R.S. Sagoo, Senior Computer Engineer, Thunderbird Graphics.
Receptionist: Thank you sir. (After talking to the manager on intercom).... I hope you won’t mind sir.
You will have to wait for half-an-hour. Mr. Bhatia will definitely meet with you.
Visitor: It’s all right. I’ll wait.
Receptionist: (Pointing out to sofa) please have a seat there. Meanwhile I am arranging coffee for you.
Visitor: (Smilingly) Thanks.
Receptionist: Welcome!

affeitomyom@gmail.com
 3- Contracts
1 agreement n. an arrangement between two or more people, countries etc; contract
2 appendix n. additional or supplementary material at end of contract, book etc
3 arbitration n. settlement of a dispute by a person chosen by both parties - to arbitrate v.
4 article n. a particular statement or stipulation in a contract etc; clause
5 clause n. a particular statement or stipulation in a contract etc; article
6 condition n. anything necessary before the performance of something else
7 force majeure n. superior, power; unforeseeable event excusing one party from fulfilling contract
8 fulfil v: to satisfy a condition; to complete the required task; to fulfill US
9 herein adv: in here; in this (document etc)
10 hereinafter adv: in the following part (of this document etc)
11 hereto adv: to this (document etc) [eg: attached hereto]
12 heretofore adv: up until now; until the present; before this
13 in behalf of in the interests of (person etc); for (person etc); on behalf of UK
14 null and void invalid; without legal force; not binding
15 on the one hand on one side - on the other hand on the other side
16 party n. the person or persons forming one side of an agreement
17 stipulate v. to specify as an essential condition - stipulation n.
18 terms n. conditions or stipulations
19 warrant v. to give formal assurance; to guarantee
20 whereas conj: it being the case that; in view of the fact that [in introduction to contracts]
See also: Law

1. I Need a Job
A: I need a job.
B: I thought you had a job.
A: I did.
B: What happened?
A: I got laid off. (dismissed)
B: That is terrible! When did it happen?
A: I got laid off last week.
B: Just you?
A: No, ten of my coworkers got laid off, too.
B: What are you going to do?
A: I am looking in the newspaper for a job.
B: Good luck!
2. Before Going to an Interview
A: Before you go to that interview, check yourself.
B: What is to check?
A: Are your nails clean?
B: Yes, they are.
A: Did you double-check your nose and teeth?
B: They are clean, too.
A: Did you shine your shoes?
B: My shoes are shined.
A: Do your socks match?
B: Of course they match.

affeitomyom@gmail.com
A: No, they don't. One is black and one is dark blue.
B: Thank you.
6. Hire Me
A: I need a job.
B: What was your last job?
A: I was a painter.
B: What happened?
A: I got laid off because there was no work.
B: What else can you do?
A: I am a handyman. (bricoleur)
B: Can you fix a dripping faucet in a kitchen sink?
A: Of course.
B: Then I have a job for you in my kitchen.
A: It will cost you only $20 plus parts.
B: Okay. That sounds like a fair price.
7. What If?
A: What would you do if you lost your job?
B: I have no idea. I have been here for 20 years.
A: Do you have any other skills?
B: Well, I know how to flip hamburgers.
A: No one would hire you to flip hamburgers.
B: Have you heard something that you are not telling me?
A: What do you mean?
B: Are there going to be layoffs at this place?
A: I certainly hope not!
B: If you got laid off, you'd be flipping hamburgers, too.
A: Oh great, we could both work at Burger King.
B: Maybe we'd get laid off there, too.

12. Still Working

A: A new hotel is looking for workers.
B: Yes, I saw it on the TV news.
A: They need 300 new workers.
B: And 4,000 people showed up.
A: So many people are out of work.
B: I still have my job, thank goodness.
A: So do I, but I'm worried.
B: Me too. There are no guarantees.
A: If you lose your job, you can move in with me.
B: Oh, thank you. That's very nice of you.
A: You would do the same for me.
B: Of course. What are friends for?

Practice Dialogues in pairs for your own performance

affeitomyom@gmail.com
 The receptionist should possess professionalism as they are one of the company’s most important
assets. Their roles are (a) greet the visitors (b) assist visitors (c) keep visitors informed and (d) offer
refreshment. They are in charge of visitor’s impression of the company.
How about in your country? Are the receptionists common in your country? How do receptionists
greet and assist visitors?
Sample Dialogue
Receptionist: Good morning, can I help you?
Visitor: Good morning. I have an appointment for an interview today.
Receptionist: Can I have your name, please?
Visitor: My name is Charles Wilson. I have got an appointment with Mr. Daniel.
Receptionist: Okay. I will just see if he is available.
Visitor: Thank you.
Receptionist: He will be here in a moment. Would you care for some tea or coffee?
Visitor: That would be great. Thanks.
Receptionist: Just help yourself. Please go ahead in the waiting area.
Visitor: Okay, thank you.
Receptionist: Mr. Daniel would like to see you in his office. It is on the second floor. Just go along the
corridor and take the lift on the left. It is the third door on your right.
Visitor: Thank you for your help.

Vocabulary
Receptionist - an office worker employed chiefly to receive visitors and answer the telephone.
Appointment – an arrangement to do something or meet someone at a particular time and place
Refreshment – something, such as food or drink, that refreshes
Asset – a useful or valuable quality, person, or thing; an advantage or resource.

Finding a job conversation

Nancy: Hi. It is good to see you, John.

John: Same here, Nancy. It has been a long time since I last saw you.
Nancy: Yes, the last time we saw each other was New Year’s Eve. How are you doing?
John: I am doing OK. It would be better if I have a new job right now.
Nancy: You are looking for a new job? Why?
John: I already finished my studies and graduated last week. Now, I want to get a job in the Finance
field. Payroll is not exactly Finance.
Nancy: How long have you been looking for a new job?
John: I just started this week.
Nancy: Didn’t you have any interviews with those firms that came to our campus last month? I believe
quite a few companies came to recruit students for their Finance departments.

John: I could only get one interview with Fidelity Company because of my heavy work- schedule. A
month has already gone by, and I have not heard from them. I guess I did not make it.

Nancy: Don’t worry, John. You always did well in school. I know your good grades will help you get a job
soon. Besides, the job market is pretty good right now, and all companies need financial analysts.
John: I hope so.
Nancy: You have prepared a resume, right?
John: Yes.

affeitomyom@gmail.com
Nancy: Did you mail your resume to a lot of companies? How about recruiting agencies?
John: I have sent it to a dozen companies already. No, I have not thought about recruiting agencies.
But, I do look closely at the employment ads listed in the newspaper every day.
Nancy: Are there a lot of openings?
John: Quite a few. Some of them require a certain amount of experience and others are willing to train.
Nancy: My friends told me that it helps to do some homework before you go to an interview. You need
to know the company well—what kind of business is it in? What types of products does it sell? How is it
doing lately?
John: Yes, I know. I am doing some research on companies that I want to work for. I want to be ready
whenever they call me in for an interview.
Nancy: Have you thought about questions they might ask you during the interview?
John: What types of questions do you think they will ask?
Nancy: Well, they might ask you some questions about Finance theories to test your academic
understanding.
John: I can handle that.
Nancy: They might tell you about a problem and want you to come up with a solution.
John: I don’t know about that. I hope I will be able to give them a decent response if the need arises.
Nancy: They will want to know you a little bit before they make a hiring decision. So, they may ask you
to describe yourself. For example, what are your strengths and your weaknesses? How do you get
along with people?
John: I need to work on that question. How would I describe myself? Huh!
Nancy: Also, make sure you are on time. Nothing is worse than to be late for an interview. You do not
want to give them a bad impression, right from the start.
John: I know. I always plan to arrive about 10 or 15 minutes before the interview starts.
Nancy: Good decision! It seems that you are well prepared for your job search. I am sure you will find a
good job in no time.
John: I hope so.
Nancy: I need to run; otherwise, I will be late for school. Good luck in your job search, John.
John: Thank you for your advice. Bye!
Expressions used in the conversation
It is good to see you
Same here
It has been a long time since I last saw you
Recruit somebody
Heavy work-schedule
I did not make it
Besides, the job market is pretty good
Look closely
Do some homework
Come up with a solution
If/When the situation arises
I need to work on that question
Give a bad impression
Good decision!
You are well prepared
Find a good job in no time:

I need to run

affeitomyom@gmail.com
Job interview conversation

Mike: Good Morning, John. I am Mike.

John: Good Morning.
Mike: How are you doing?
John: I am doing fine. Thank you.
Mike: How was the traffic coming over here?
John: I am so glad that the traffic was light this morning. No traffic jam and no accidents.
Mike: That is good. John, let’s start the interview. Are you ready?
John: Yes, I am.
Mike: First of all, let me properly introduce myself. I am the Finance Department Manager. As you know
there is an open position in my department, and I need to fill this position as soon as possible.
John: Please, tell me a little bit about the position.
Mike: It is an entry-level position. The new employee will have to work closely with the accounting
department. He will also have to deal with the bank on a daily basis.
John: What type of qualifications do you require?
Mike: I require a four-year college degree in Finance. Some working experience would be helpful.
John: What kind of experience are you looking for?
Mike: Doing office work is good. However, since this is an entry-level position, I do not require a lot of
experience. I am willing to train the new person.
John: That is great!
Mike: John, tell me a little bit about yourself.
John: I was a student at West Coast University, and I just graduated with a Bachelor degree in Finance.
I have been working part-time as a payroll clerk for the last two years.
Mike: What are you looking for in a job?
John: The job should help me see what Finance is all about. I have learned a lot of Finance theories at
school, and now it is time for me to put them into practice.
Mike: Anything else?
John: I also hope that it will help me grow in my field.
Mike: What are your strengths? Why should I hire you?
John: I am a hard-working person and a fast learner. I am very eager to learn, and I get along fine with
people.
Mike: OK. Now, let me ask you a few quick questions. You do not mind working long hours, do you?
John: No, I do not.
Mike: Can you handle pressure?
John: Yes, I can. When I was going to school, I took quite a few courses each semester while working at
least twenty hours every week. And, I handled that situation very well.
Mike: Do you still have any questions for me?
John: No, I think I have a pretty good understanding of the job. I believe that I can handle it with ease,
and I hope to have the opportunity to work for you.
Mike: John, nice meeting you. Thank you for coming.
John: Nice meeting you too. Thank you for seeing me.
Expressions used in the conversation
I am so glad
Let’s start the interview
First of all:
As soon as possible
Entry-level position
On a daily basis
I am willing to
That is great!

affeitomyom@gmail.com
Work part-time
What are you looking for in a job?
Put into practice
Hard-working person
Fast learner
I get along fine with everybody
I do not mind
Work long hours
I can handle the situation
Have an opportunity
Nice meeting you
Conversation about a Johns first day at work

What's the conversation about?

This conversation follows on from the conversation about going for A Job interview. John was hired as
a financial analyst by Lintel after is interview. Today is John’s first day at work. Lintel is a computer chip
manufacturing company.

First day at work conversation

Mike: Good morning, John.

John: Good morning, Mike.
Mike: Let me take you to your cubicle and then I will give you a tour of our facility.
Mike: Here is your cubicle, your “home away from home” from 8:00 to 5:00 every day, John.
John: Oh, very nice!
Mike: Drop your belongings here, and let’s go!
John: OK, I am ready Mike.
Mike: That is Mary over there. She is our senior financial analyst. You will be working with her in the
future. Let’s go say hi to her.
Mike: Mary, this is John, our department’s new addition.
Mary: Welcome aboard, John. I am very glad to see you. Boy! I was swamped with work the last couple
of weeks. But, I can see myself going home at a more decent time from now on.
John: Thank you. I am very happy to be here. Just let me know whenever you need me. I am glad to be
of any assistance.
Mike: I am giving John a tour of our facility so that he knows his way around here.
Mary: See you later, John.
John: OK, Mary.
Mike: We are now in the Finance department. Next to us, on your left, is the Accounting department. On
your right is the Human Resources department. Go downstairs and we are in the Engineering
department. Further down, at the end of the hallway is the Production area. Seventy percent of our
merchandise is produced right here in this facility. We also have one smaller manufacturing facility
overseas that handles the rest of the production. You will be dealing with Steve, the Production
manager. I will introduce you to him later because he is in a meeting at the moment. Let’s go back to
your desk so that we can talk about your duties.
John: OK.
Mike: Like I said during the interview, one of your daily jobs is to deal with the bank to keep track of our
financial resources. Every morning, you will access our account through the Internet to get financial
information.
John: I should have a login and password, right?

affeitomyom@gmail.com
Mike: Yes, I will call our bank and inform them that you are our new employee. Your next task is to call
overseas to get other necessary information.
John: What kind of data do I need to get from our people overseas?
Mike: You will need financial data about their current and future projects.
John: Do they need any information from me?
Mike: Yes, you need to work with them on their budgets. You can fax or e-mail them the information. If
you need to talk to them, call them as soon as you get in. Remember that they are eight hours ahead of
us.
John: The fax machine and the copier are in the next room, right? I saw them when you took me
around.
Mike: Yes. Make sure that you create a file for each overseas project. You and I will review them at the
end of every week.
John: In the beginning, can you review the files with me more often? I just want to make sure that I do
my job correctly.
Mike: Yes, come see me whenever you have questions.
John: Thank you.
Mike: It is almost the end of November, so your next major task is to help prepare the budget for next
year. You will work closely with Mary on this project.
John: That is a long and tedious task. There will be a lot of calculations and a lot of questions to ask,
right?
Mike: Yes. So, it is better that both of you start working on this project as soon as possible.
John: I will get together with Mary soon.
Mike: OK, that should be enough for now. I leave you on your own to get organized.
John: Thank you, Mike.
Expressions used in the conversation
Give someone a tour of the facility
Home away from home
Drop your belongings here
I am ready
Welcome aboard
Go home at a more decent time
I am glad to be of any assistance
See you later!
Introduce somebody to
On your right, on your left
Keep track of
Financial resources:
Financial information
Work closely with
Get together with someone
Leave people on their own

4- Employment
1 bonus n. additional pay given to employee as incentive or reward
2 curriculum vitae UK n. short account of one’s education, career etc; CV UK; résumé US; resume
US
3 dismiss v. to remove or discharge from employment; to sack [colloq.]; to fire US
4 employer n. person or firm who employs people - employee n. person employed
5 fire US v. [colloq.] to dismiss

affeitomyom@gmail.com
6 interview v. an oral examination of an applicant for a job - also v.
7 make redundant UK v. [made, made] to dismiss because of not being needed – redundancy UK
n.
8 maternity leave n. period of absence from work (for a woman) when having a baby
9 notice n. advance warning of intention to resign - to give or tender one’s notice v.
10 perk abbr. perquisite; something additional to regular salary [eg: free meals; a car]
11 personnel n. the people who work for a firm
12 personnel officer n. manager responsible for recruitment, training and welfare of personnel
13 promotion n. advancement in rank or position - to promote v.
14 prospects n. opportunity for success, promotion etc
15 recruit n. to look for and employ personnel - recruitment n.
16 resign v. to give up a job - letter of resignation n.
17 retire v. to leave employment, esp. because of age - retirement n.
18 salary n. a fixed, regular payment, usually monthly, made by employer to employee
19 staff n. the people who work for a firm or a particular department; employees
20 take on v. [took, taken] to employ; to hire

A dialogue between a job interviews

Jabbar: May I come in, sir?

Man: Come in.
J: Good morning, sir
M: Good morning. Be seated, please
J: Thank you, sir.
M: What's your name?
J: My name is Jabbar
M: What's your father's name?
J: My father's name is Dr. zulfiqar.
M: Your father is a doctor, but you chose to be an engineer. Why?
J: It's because sir, I have no aptitude for medical profession.
M: Don't you want to serve the suffering humanity?
J: Humanity is suffering in all fields of life, sir. So I've an equal opportunity to serve people in my field.
M: You did your graduation in 2008. What have you been doing since then?
J: I'm looking for some proper job, sir.
M: what do you mean by proper job.''
J: I mean sir a job where I could have an opportunity to exploit my abilities but where the employer may
not exploit me.
M: Why didn't you join some Govt. department?
J: First thing is that Govt. has no jobs to offer because of the worldwide economic recession. And
second is that in Govt. departments both the idle and the ideal are treated in the same manner. The idle
has no fear to be deprived of his job and the ideal has no hope for rapid progress.
M: Mr. J: your CV shows that you have been a very brilliant student throughout your academic career.
You have won many distinctions and have visited a number of countries. If you think you can't make any
progress in Pakistan why don't you try your luck in some other country, say in America or England.
J: I don't say sir that I can't make any progress in Pakistan. I've determined to stay in Pakistan and
strive hard to prove my worth. But sir I need a proper platform from where I could start my journey. And I
think your company can provide me one as you appreciate qualification and not recommendation.
M: Ok, Mr. J:, I think you are the man we are looking for. Please, keep in touch. We'll inform you within a
week. Good luck.
J: Thank you very much, sir.

Talking about jobs

affeitomyom@gmail.com
John: In which company are you working?
Tom: I am working in PPI.
John: What post are you having?
Tom: I am market executive in its Sales department.
John: Do you like your job?
Tom: I shall work till I get a better one.
John: Which is the perfect job for you?
Tom: In administration. I like managing than marketing.
John: Do you like your boss?
Tom: He is a nice man.
John: Have you been given any conveyance by the company?
Tom: Yes, I have a bike, given by the company.
John: How long have you been working at your present job?
Tom: For last six months.
John: For how many hours a week do you work?
Tom: I work for 48 hours in a week.
John: How much salary are you drawing?
Tom: I am drawing 15000 plus 5 percent commission on sale.
John: Have you ever met Petter Johnson the big boss of your company?
Tom: I attended a company meeting addressed by him. I haven't been able to meet or communicate to
him.
John: He is the richest man of India at present. What is your opinion about him?
Tom: He is very hardworking and dedicated.
John: Can you help me to get a job in your company? Is there any vacancy?
Tom: Haven't you got any job yet?
John: No. I am still finding.
Tom: What have you done?
John: You know I have completed my diploma in web designing.
Tom: I have developed a good rapport with my boss. I shall talk to him about you. He may try to help
you. Please call me after three days.
John: We have met after several months. Let's have refreshments somewhere.
Tom: Let's go to Chinese restaurant then. It's near and the best place to eat in this area.

5- Import/Export
1 bill of lading n. list of goods and shipping instructions; waybill
2 c.&f. abbr. cost & freight: includes shipping to named port but not insurance
3 c.i.f. abbr. cost, insurance & freight: includes insurance and shipping to named port
4 cargo n. goods or products that are being transported or shipped
5 certificate of origin n. a document that shows where goods come from
6 container n. huge box to hold goods for transport - container port n. to containerize v.
7 customs n. 1 government tax or duty on imported goods 2 the people who collect this tax
8 declare v. to make a statement of taxable goods - customs declaration form n.

affeitomyom@gmail.com
9 f.a.s. abbr. free alongside ship [includes delivery to quayside but not loading]
10 f.o.b. abbr. free on board: includes loading onto ship
11 freight n. goods being transported; cargo
12 irrevocable adj. that cannot be undone; unalterable - irrevocable letter of credit n.
13 letter of credit n. a letter from a bank authorising a person to draw money from another bank
14 merchandise n. things bought and sold; commodities; wares - also v.
15 packing list n. a document that is sent with goods to show that they have been checked
16 pro forma invoice n. an invoice or request for payment sent in advance of goods supplied
17 quay n. a solid, artificial landing place for (un)loading ships; wharf - quayside n.
18 ship v. to send or transport by land, sea or air - also n. shipment n.
19 shipping agent n. a person acting for or representing a ship or ships at a port
20 waybill n. list of goods and shipping instructions; bill of lading - air waybill n.

Making a Request for Office Supplies

A: Excuse me. I was wondering how to order office supplies.
B: We have a requisition form on the company web site. What type of supplies do you need?
A: I need paper, ink cartridges, and paper clips.
B: How quickly will you need your supplies?
A: I need all of my supplies right away.
B: We also will have to check your department budget. Do you know how much money you have for
office supplies?
A: I will check to see what my budget is.
B: Would you like these supplies delivered or would you like to pick them up?
A: Please deliver them to my office.
B: Fine, well just send the form to us and we will let you know as soon as your supplies come in. Have a
good day!
A: Thank you!

6- Insurance
1 actuary n. a person who calculates risks for insurance companies
2 assessor n. a person who calculates the value of something [eg: a building, car etc]
3 claim n. an application for payment under an insurance policy - to make a claim v.
4 comprehensive n. [of an insurance policy] all-inclusive; providing complete protection
5 consequential loss n. a loss that happens as a consequence of or as a result of another
6 cover UK n. the protection given by an insurance policy [eg: public liability cover]
7 employer’s liability n. liability or responsibility of a firm for damage caused to one of its employees
8 goods in transit n. property, merchandise or any goods in the process of being transported
9 insurance broker n. agent who arranges insurance; middleman between insurer & policyholder
10 liability n. 1 the state of being liable 2 anything for which a person is liable
11 liable adj. legally obliged to pay for damage, injury etc; responsible - liability n.
12 loss n. death, injury, damage etc that is the basis for a claim - to lose v.
13 loss adjuster n. a person who assesses the amount of compensation arising from a claim
14 policy n. a contract of insurance [eg: a product liability policy]
15 policyholder n. the person to whom an insurance policy is issued
16 premium n. a payment, usually monthly, yearly etc, for an insurance policy
17 product liability n. liability or responsibility of a firm for damage caused by one of its products
18 public liability n. responsibility of a firm for damage caused to a member of the public
19 reinsurance n. the insuring of a risk by one insurance company with another – to reinsure v.
20 risk n. 1 chance or possibility of injury, loss etc 2 person or thing causing risk

Calling the Insurance Company

affeitomyom@gmail.com
A: How may I help you?
B: I need to ask you something about my insurance.
A: What's your question?
B: Did you make any changes to my insurance?
A: What kind of changes are you referring to?
B: My premium isn't the same.
A: Is there a problem with your premium?
B: Did you guys raise my premium?
A: Yes, we did go up on the premiums.
B: Why wasn't I told of this change?
A: I apologize, and next time we will make sure to let you know.
B: I'd appreciate that

DIALOGUE
A: What do you need?
B: I have a question about my insurance.
A: What are you wondering about?
B: Were there any changes to my insurance?
A: What do you think was changed?
B: My premium is different.
A: What's the problem?
B: I think that my premium went up.
A: We have raised the premiums.
B: You guys didn't think to notify everyone?
A: Next time we'll call and let you know.
B: Thanks for the favor.

7- Marketing
1 brand n. a particular make of product - to brand v. - branded adj.
2 consumer n. the person who buys and uses a product or service - to consume v.
3 cost v. [cost, costed, costed] to estimate the price of making a product - costing n.
4 develop v. to create a new product or improve an existing one - product development
n.
5 distribution n. the delivering of products to end-users, inc. advertising, storing etc
6 end-user n. the person, customer etc who is the ultimate (and so real) user of a product
7 image n. the concept or perception of a firm or product held by the general public
8 label n. small piece of paper, metal etc on a product giving information about it
9 launch v. to introduce a new product, with publicity etc - product launch n.
10 mail order n. the selling of goods by post - mail-order catalogue n.
11 market research n. study of consumers’ needs & preferences, often for a particular product
12 packaging UK n. the wrapping or container for a product
13 point of sale n. the place where a product is actually sold to the public - point-of-sale adj.
14 product n. something made to be sold; merchandise [includes services] - to produce v.
15 public relations n. creation and maintenance of a good public image - public relations officer n.
16 registered adj. registered or officially recorded as a trademark - ® abbr. - to register v.
17 sponsor n. firm supporting an organisation in return for advertising space - also v.
18 S.W.O.T. abbr. Strength, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats
19 total product n. the whole product, inc. name, packaging, instructions, reliability, after-sales etc
20 trademark n. special symbol, design, word etc used to represent a product or firm - "abbr.
See also: Advertising, Selling

A dialogue between two friends in the market

affeitomyom@gmail.com
Emon : Hello, Sumon !.
Sumon : Hello, Emon!. It is a beautiful day isn't it?
Emon : Oh yes, it is very pleasant. That's because it rained hard all last night. By the by where are you
going?
Sumon : I'm going to the supermarket. I always do my shopping there. Where do you do your shopping?
Emon : I'm not particular about. I buy things from any shop nearby.
Sumon : But there are a lot of advantages at the supermarket. You can walk around, choose you things
leisurely and enjoy your shopping. All things are displayed on shelves with their prices marked. All new
products can be seen at a glance. It is a self-service store.
Emon : Do you do a lot of shopping?
Sumon : Yes, I do. Mine is a large family and naturally. I have to buy a lot of things.
Emon : But mine is very small and I don't have much to buy.
Sumon : Even then it is better to buy from a supermarket. They sell only first quality things. All the items
are packed, sealed, labeled and displayed.
Emon : Do you go to the supermarket often?
Sumon : It is not far from my house. I go there at least twice a week. I usually go with my life. Today I'm
little busy and I couldn't bring her along.
Emon : All right. I don't want to delay you.
Sumon : I think I've forgotten my shopping list. I left it at home.

8- Money
1 A.T.M. abbr. Automated Teller Machine; cash dispenser UK
2 banknote n: a piece of paper money; bill US
3 bill US n. a banknote; a piece of paper money
4 black market n. illegal traffic in officially controlled commodities such as foreign currency
5 bureau de change n. establishment where currencies of different countries may be exchanged
6 cash n. 1 coins or bank notes (not cheques); 2 actual money paid as opposed to credit
7 cash dispenser UK n: automatic machine from which clients of a bank may withdraw money; ATM
8 cashier n. person dealing with cash transactions in a bank, store etc
9 coin n: a piece of metal money
10 currency n. the money in general use or circulation in any country
11 debt n. money etc owed by one person to another
12 exchange rate n. the rate at which one currency can be exchanged for another
13 foreign exchange n: the currency of other countries
14 hard currency n. currency that will probably not fall in value and is readily accepted
15 invest v. to put money for profit into business, land etc - investment n.
16 legal tender n: currency that cannot legally be refused in payment of a debt
17 petty cash UK n. a cash fund for small, everyday expenses
18 soft currency n. currencies that will probably fall in value and is not readily accepted
19 speculate v. (risky) buying of foreign currency, land etc for rapid gain - speculation n.
20 transaction n. a (usually commercial) exchange; a deal - to transact v.
See also: Banking
A dialogue between two friends about money and spending
Ahmad : Look, Kamran! Aftab's sporting Goods is having a sale on camping equipment! They've marked
sleeping bags down fifty percent.
Kamran : I have only thirty-five Rupees left to live on this month. I can't afford a sleeping bag.
Ahmad : I can lend you the money and you can pay me back next month.
Kamran : Thanks, but I have to start putting some money aside for college. If I don't cut back on my
expenses, I'll never save any money. I can easily run up bills, but I have a hard time paying them off.
Ahmad : Yeah, I have that problem too. Let's go in and see what they have anyway.
Kamran : Okay (reluctantly).

affeitomyom@gmail.com
Ahmad : Wow! Look at these! They're only forty rupees Kamran! That's a steal! If we each put ten
rupees down today, we could pay the rest next month.
Kamran : They are cheap....(slowly). Do you think that I can get by on twenty-five rupees this month?
Ahmad : Sure you can! Come on. Let's ask that guy to ring them up. There are too many people in this
line.
Kamran : I may not have much money, but at least I'll have a place to sleep.

9- Selling
1 after-sales service n. service that continues after a product has been sold [eg: repairs etc]
2 buyer n. 1 any person who buys anything 2 a person employed by a firm to buy
3 client n. a person who buys services from a lawyer, architect or other professionals
4 close v. to finalise a deal or sale; to make a sale
5 cold call v. to telephone a prospect without previous contact - also n.
6 customer n. a person who buys goods or services from a shop or business
7 deal n. a business transaction - also v. dealer n.
8 discount n. a reduction in the price; a deduction [usually expressed as a percentage (%)]
9 follow up v. to continue to follow persistently; to maintain contact [eg: after a lead]
10 guarantee n. a promise that a product will be repaired or replaced etc if faulty - also v.
11 in bulk in large quantity, usually at a lower price
12 lead n. useful indication of a possible customer to be followed up
13 objection n. a reason given by a prospect for not buying - to object v. see overcome
14 overcome v. [-came, -come] to overcome an objection to show an objection is invalid
15 product n. something made and usually for sale - to produce v. see service
16 prospect n. a possible or probable customer; prospective customer
17 representative n. sales representative person who represents & sells for a firm; salesperson
18 retail v. to sell in small quantities (as in a shop to the public) - also n. see wholesale
19 service n. works done usually in return for payment - to serve v. see product
20 wholesale v. to sell in bulk (as to a shop for resale to the public) - also n. see retail
See also: Marketing, Advertising

Buying a Mobile - Conversation with Salesgirl

Visitor: Excuse me.

Salesgirl: Welcome, sir!
Visitor: Could you show me a good mobile phone?
Salesgirl: Between which range sir?
Visitor: Any good camera phone.
Salesgirl: Please come to this side. Here are a few latest models of Nokia, LG and Samsung.
Visitor: What is the price of this Nokia model?
Salesgirl: It is latest model from Nokia. Its price is 23,000f Cfa.
Visitor: It is really very costly.
Salesgirl: But it has great features.
Visitor: How much is the resolution of its camera?
Salesgirl: It's 5 mega pixel. Printing result will be excellent. And it has a video recording of one hour.
Now you can shoot any function at your home and enjoy that movie on your computer.
Visitor: It is really a fine mobile. If I pay you in cash how much will you charge?
Salesgirl: I shall give you this phone in 22,000.
Visitor: I won't give you more than 20,000.
Salesgirl: Sorry sir! Not even 100 rupees less. I have told you a very reasonable price.
Visitor: Will you give receipt and warranty card?
Salesgirl: Definitely sir!

affeitomyom@gmail.com
Visitor: How much is this Samsung camera mobile?
Salesgirl: 12000f cfa only. It has a rotating camera. It has no video recording.
Visitor: I shall go for Nokia. I shall definitely buy it tomorrow.
Salesgirl: Most welcome.

Basically, every conversation I have about buying a laptop goes something like this...

Buyer: Hey Jason, you got a minute? I want to get a new laptop and I want to pick your brain.
Me: Sure thing. How old is your current laptop?
Buyer: Oh I don't know... may be 2 years?
Me: Well what model is it?
Buyer: (lists some 4-year old mid-range model)
Me: Yeah it's probably time for an upgrade. What are your needs?
Buyer: Something lightweight and easy to carry around.
Me: Well you could get (lists a couple of cheap netbooks).
Buyer: Yeah I was looking at those, but I do a lot of stuff with photos/video/flash/whatever and they say
those netbooks aren't powerful enough.
Me: Oh, you didn't say that when I asked about your needs. You need a more powerful ultraportable.
There's (really cool $1,200 ultraportable with good processor and plenty of RAM and hard drive
space)...
Buyer: That's too much money. I was looking to spend like $500 or $600.
Me: Well you didn't say that when I asked what your needs are. That's pretty tight; you can't spend more
like $700?
Buyer: Well I don't really have an exact price, I just don't want to spend a lot of money. What about
($600 laptop they saw on some special deal online)?
Me: (Grumbles something about how a $2,000 PC used to be considered "cheap" ) That's not a bad
deal...it's got plenty of RAM and a decent processor. But it's about 5 and half pounds. You said light and
easy to carry... you want something closer to 4 pounds, or even less. You're going to have to make
some compromises. There's this ($700 ultraportable without an optical drive), but it has sort of a low-
resolution screen. The screen upgrade option costs $100 more.
Buyer: It's so ugly.
Me: Okay, so your needs are: lightweight and easy to carry, $700 or less, sexy, and powerful enough for
the photos/video/flash/whatever. Do you need an optical drive?
Buyer: A what?
Me: A DVD drive. Do you frequently install software from disc, or mostly just download it? Do you watch
DVD movies?

Buyer: Oh I want to be able to do that for sure!

Me: The computers with optical drives tend to be thicker and heavier than ones without. Really, when
was the last time you watched video off a disc on your PC? Do you really need the optical drive? Could
you make do with an external USB optical drive if some rare emergency comes up that you need to
install something off a disc?
Buyer: I guess so.
Me: What about games? Do you play any games?
Buyer: Not really.
Me: Not even (lists a bunch of common popular mainstream games)? You don't want the ability to play
those?
Buyer: Well I don't want a machine that can't play those.

affeitomyom@gmail.com
Me: Okay so you want a sub-$700 laptop that is around 4 pounds or less, looks great, has a good
screen, really long battery life, has a decent enough graphics chip to play some basic 3D games, has
enough CPU power and RAM to do all that other stuff you said...
Buyer: And I want it to last. I don't want to buy another laptop in just two years!
Me: Okay...and enough power for tomorrow's apps as well. I think I talked you out of the need for an
optical drive, but I'm going to assume you want a keyboard that's nice to type on and a good touchpad.
Buyer: Sure, of course.
Me: Let's see what we can find!

. Conversation between salesman and customer

Salesman: - Good evening Sir.
Customer: - Good evening.
Salesman:-How can i help you?
Customer: - Can you Show me Some Formal Shirts?
Salesman: - Please Come with me.
Customer:-Yes why not?
Salesman:-Please come to counter no.2.
Salesman:-What is the occasion sir?
Customer:-It's my interview.
Salesman:-That means you need to wear a light color shirts with lining.
Customer: - Yes show me something in slim fitting
Salesman:-Do you have any color preference?
Customer: - Yes show me something in white with blue lining.
Salesman:-I think sir you will like this shirt.
Customer: - Yes, not bad but can you show me something in cotton fabric.
Salesman:-Would you like to see this one.
Customer: - Yes, this is awesome.
Customer: - Can you open the whole thing.
Salesman:-Yes, definitely.
Customer: - Is there any different lining in this one.
Salesman: - Yes, there are 2 or 3 different linings in this one.
Customer: - Please show me those.
Salesman: OK, but i think this linings looks very impressive.
Customer: - So, what’s the price?
Salesman: It is 1500 FCFA-
Customer:-Oh, the price seems to be quite high is it fixed?
Salesman:-Since you are our regular customer some discount will be offered to you.
Salesman:-Sir, the quality of the shirt is also very good.
Customer:-Yes, i know that. Still i feel that the price is high.
Customer:-So how much exactly should i pay you?
Salesman: Sir, You say what you are willing to give
Customer:-Not more than 1100.
Salesman:-OH! Sir that will be too less.
Customer:-I have an idea, how much it actually costs?
Salesman:-Sir, you give at least 1300 F-
Customer:-OK, then Iwill give you 1200F/-
Salesman:-Alright sir.
Customer:-Can i make the payment through a credit card?
Salesman: Yes, sir.
Salesman:-Thank you for coming sir.

affeitomyom@gmail.com
Customer:-Yes, but next time i come here for shopping you have to offer more discounts.
Salesman:-We will surely try to satisfy you. Keep coming
Customer:-OK, thank you.

Conversation between 2 people in an office discussing changing a customer’s order

Jane just received a new purchase order from one of the customers. She has to discuss with her
colleague Lynn how to make the amendments.
Jane: Lynn, please come to my office. I just received a revised purchase order from one of our
customers.
Lynn: I am here.
Jane: Lynn, remember the order we received from Colours House two weeks ago?
Lynn: The one for a lot of 500 oak wood windows?
Jane: Yes, that is the one. Did we start production on it yet?
Lynn: I do not think so since we do not have to make delivery until the twentieth of this month, another
fifteen days.
Jane: Good. I just received a revised order from its Purchasing department. They want pine wood
instead of oak wood.
Lynn: We have already ordered the oak wood from Lumber House. It will cost us more if we put in a
change of order now.
Jane: Don’t worry. Colours House is willing to pay an extra twenty-five percent for the change.
Lynn: It is OK then. When do we have to ship the order? Is it still due on the twentieth?
Jane: No, they gave us extra time to fill the new order. It is not due until the twenty-fifth of the month
now.
Lynn: Did they change the shipping terms? Do we still have to deliver the order, or will they come here
to pick it up?
Jane: We still have to take care of the shipping process, and it is still going to Chicago.
Lynn: Then I do not have to make any shipping changes other than changing the pickup date.
Jane: I think you should put a call in to Trucking Lines as soon as possible. The thirtieth of this month is
a major holiday, and its shipping schedule is going to be very tight.
Lynn: True, they might not accommodate our change if they receive our notice too late.
Jane: Oh, here is the change of order from Colours House. You can sign and fax it back to them after
reviewing it.
Lynn: I better give a copy of this new order to our Production department. They need to be aware of the
change.
Jane: How is our Production department doing?
Lynn: It is running on a very tight schedule. We received quite a few orders lately.
Jane: I bet all the customers want their orders now or as soon as possible. The Production department
will have to work a lot of overtime this month.
Lynn: Overtime already started last week with all the employees in the Assembly department working an
average of two hours overtime per day.
Jane: I hope the customers appreciate our quick response time and the fact that we always jump
through hoops to give them whatever they want.
Lynn: It does pay to keep up with the customers’ demand. Everybody likes our products and services.
Even though it is sometimes very difficult to please everybody, it is fine with me because I love this
company, and I want to see it prosper.
Jane: We can take pride in a job well done. Besides, it makes our job easier also.
Lynn: Yes, I would not like to hear people complain. I would hate to deal with unhappy customers.
Jane: It is really stressful to deal with unhappy customers. I doubt that I will be able to relax even when I
get home at the end of the day.
Lynn: Me neither. OK, everything is set. I will call Colours House and tell them everything is set to go.
Jane: Thanks for your help, Lynn.

affeitomyom@gmail.com
Lynn: You are welcome, Jane.
Expressions used in the conversation
A lot of 500 windows
Start production
Make delivery
It is due on the twentieth of the month
Change the shipping terms
Put a call in to
Accommodate
I better give a copy to
Run on a tight schedule
As soon as possible
Work overtime
Appreciate
Quick response
Jump through hoops
It pays to
Please people
Take pride in a job well done
Everything is set
Thanks for your help

10- British/American
British American
Annual General Meeting (AGM) Annual Stockholders Meeting
Articles of Association Bylaws
Authorised share capital Authorized capital stock
Barometer stock Bellwether stock
Base rate Prime rate
Bonus or capitalisation issue Stock dividend or stock split
Bridging loan Bridge loan
Building society Savings and loan association
Cheque Check
Company Corporation
Creditors Accounts payable
Current account Checking account
Debtors accounts Receivable
Gilt-edged stock (gilts) Treasury bonds
Labour Labor
Memorandum of Association Certificate of Incorporation
Merchant bank Investment bank
Ordinary share Common stock
Overheads Overhead
Profit and loss account Income statement
Property Real estate
Quoted company Listed company
Retail price index (RPI) Consumer price index (CPI)
Share Stock
Share premium Paid-in surplus
Shareholder Stockholder

affeitomyom@gmail.com
Shareholders' equity Stockholders' equity
Stock Inventory
Trade union Labor union
Unit trusts Mutual funds
Visible trade Merchandise trade

11- Financial Terms

Conversation between 2 people the production manager and John from finance
John: Good morning, Steve. My name is John, and I am the new person in the Finance Department.
Steve: Good morning, John. What can I do for you?
John: As a new person, I need to understand the operation at Lintel. So, I wonder whether I can ask you
some questions about the manufacturing process in your department now.
Steve: Hold on a second, John. Let me post this production schedule before we sit down and talk.
Steve: OK, where do you want to start?
John: Well, you can describe the production flow in your department.
Steve: The production process is based on the customer-order information that I receive from the Sales
department. First, we order raw materials from our suppliers. Once the materials arrive at our plant, they
are transferred to the production floor where they will go through five different processes before they
become finished goods.
John: How many suppliers do we deal with? Are they all local suppliers? Do any materials come from
overseas?
Steve: We have a very limited number of suppliers. We deal with approximately ten main suppliers in
the US, and we only have a handful of suppliers overseas.
John: How do you control the quality of the purchased materials?
Steve: One of the reasons for having a limited number of suppliers is to ensure the quality of raw
materials. My Quality Control group works very closely with our suppliers to make sure that they meet
our quality requirements.
John: Do you maintain a high level of inventory?
Steve: No, we keep a very low level of inventory.
John: How do you move materials from one department to the next?
Steve: Very easily through the Material Request form. If department B needs materials from department
A, it will fill out a Material Request form and give it to department A.
John: A very simple process. How about labour? How do you calculate the labour cost?
Steve: The Engineering department has done a study on the production process. It has calculated the
time required by each different process.
John: So, under normal situations, the actual production time of each product should be close to the
estimated time calculated by the Engineering department?
Steve: That is right.
John: How do you make sure that we only ship good products to our customers?
Steve: We definitely do not want to send out defective products. My employees are always reminded
that product quality is Number One priority at Lintel.
John: Do they understand that they should always give their best and that defective products raise the
cost of production?
Steve: Yes, they perfectly understand that. As a matter of fact, our defective rate is lower than one tenth
of one percent. We are very proud of our record.
John: How do you maintain this excellent record?

affeitomyom@gmail.com
Steve: We adopt the Continuous Improvement spirit. We evaluate our operating results very often and
strive to excel in our job. And, those posters on the wall also help. See the slogan Nothing But
Excellence over there?
John: Yes. What is good for the company is ultimately good for the employees, right?
Steve: Definitely.
John: Next question. How many production shifts do you currently have?
Steve: There are two shifts. The first one is from 8:00AM to 4:30PM and the second one is from 2:00PM
to 10:30PM.
John: Do the employees earn the same hourly rate?
Steve: No, the pay rate of the second shift is ten percent higher than the rate of the first shift.
John: That makes sense, Steve. I think I have enough information for now. I might come back and
bother you again if I have more questions. Thanks a lot for your help.
Steve: Any time, John. You know where I am.
Expressions used in the conversation
Pay a visit
Get some information
What can I do for you?
I wonder whether
Hold on a second
Where do you want to start
Production process
Raw materials
Finished goods
Limited number
Approximately
Overseas
Quality Control group
Work closely with
Meet the requirements
How about labour?
Do a study, conduct a study
hat is right
Make sure
Defective product
Number One priority
Give one’s best
As a matter of fact
Strive
Production shift
Pay rate
That makes sense
Bother someone

12- Abbreviations used in this book

The following abbreviations are used on these pages:
Abbreviation Meaning
abbr. abbreviation (n): a short form of a word, for example Ltd (Limited), Co. (Company),
adj. (adjective), UN (United Nations)
n. noun (n): a word in a sentence that is an object, person or place, for example apartment, music, cat,
Anthony, Paris: 'Antony lives in an apartment in Paris.'

affeitomyom@gmail.com
adj. adjective (n): a word that tells us more about a noun, for example big, green,
beautiful: 'Tara has beautiful hair.'
v. verb (n): the 'action' word in a sentence, for example to speak, to work: 'You speak
English.' Irregular verb forms are shown in square brackets [ ].
adv. adverb (n): a word that tells us more about a verb, for example quietly, softly, quickly:
'Ram walks quickly.'
UK British English
US American English

III- BUSINESS WRITINGS

1- Applications letters
2- CV

affeitomyom@gmail.com