Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Business Topics
Business Topics
Adam First, it should ensure working conditions are comfortable, fair and friendly. It should
involve workers in decision-making processes, especially if the concerns involve them.
Second, it should provide opportunities for growth. It can conduct trainings and seminars to
teach workers and improve their skills. Third, it should compensate well. It should reward good
efforts to encourage workers to do their best. Finally, it should also provide job security.
Ms. Chen Those are very good suggestions. I think I'll write them down so I can review them
later. It will make a good presentation regarding business study. Can you come up with more
suggestions? A lot of companies should hear about what you said. There's always room for
improvement, I think. The best business model should be dynamic.
Questions
1. What is a good business model?
2. How is success measured?
3. Can you name the ways a company can make its employees satisfied.
4. Does your present company provide you with opportunities for growth?
5. Are you satisfied with your present company‐employer?
6. Do you think that employees will work harder if their company takes care of their needs?
7. What would make you work for a company for a very long time and not seek
employment elsewhere?
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Business Topics 3
Candice I’m afraid that you might just get hurt if we continue on this. At first, I thought seeing
you will have no repercussions. But I’m slowly seeing the error of my
ways. It’s not good that we get serious with our dating since I’m your
boss and we belong to one department. Our co-workers might think that
I’m favoring you, especially now that your promotion is coming up. They
will not think that you deserve it even if you really do.
Tony I don’t care about what they might think. I have been working
hard in this company for three years now. I deserve that promotion.
They have no right to think that you did me a favor just because we’re
dating. I won’t let that stop me from pursuing you. I’l prove to you that I’
m determined to have a relationship with you. Boss or not, you’re the girl
I’m in love with.
Questions
1. What did Tony mean when he said he can’t stand Candice’s cold treatment?
2. Why did Candice say that she’s slowly seeing the error of her ways?
3. How did Tony react to Candice’s statement?
4. Is it a good idea to have a personal relationship with a co‐worker?
5. Can anything good or positive come out of having a love affair at work?
6. When was the last time you gave somebody the “cold treatment?”
7. In your opinion, is it better to keep work and personal affairs separate?
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Business Topics 3
83 WHAT IS MARKETING?
Teacher We hear of marketing all the time. Basically, we can look at it as the wide range
of activities involved in making sure that the needs of customers are met and that they are
getting appropriate value in return. Are we as consumers, sure that we are getting the value
of our money when we buy a product? Do these products give the effect that they claim they
would deliver? One example is the whitening products that overflow the market today? Are
these products just giving us false hopes and claims? You tell me.
1. needs of the customers are met: 여기서‘met’은 ‘만족시키다’,’충족시키다’ 의미의 동사 ‘meet’의 수동 형이고,
‘the needs of the customers’는 ‘고객의 요구’를 의미한다. 따라서 본 구문은 ‘고객의 요구들이 만족되다’의 의미로
해석된다.
2. so simple can appear so fancy : ‘simple’은 ‘단순한’,‘fancy’는 ‘화려한’, ‘appear’는 ‘~처럼 보이다’의 의미
이므로, 본문의 구문은 ‘너무도 단순한 것이 화려하게 보일 수 있다’의 의미이다.
3. bandwagon mentality : ‘bandwagon’은 ‘우세한 쪽’,’시류’ 등을 뜻하는 말로, ‘bandwagon mentality’는 ‘시
류에 편승하는 마음가짐, 정신 상태’를 뜻할 수 있다
Questions
1. What is Marketing?
2. What can Marketing do to a product?
3. Why do these products’ prices increase or escalate?
4. Are you also guilty of having the “bandwagon mentality” sometimes?
5. Why are we attracted to a product that many people are buying?
6. Is it important for you to see that a celebrity is endorsing or recommending a product?
7. Do you trust and believe most advertisements?
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Business Topics 3
Lucy I heard they were originally from Poland and that his parents
were victims of the Holocaust. They were quite well-off too before the Nazi invasion. This must
be another side to a millionaire’ story. Wealth did not come so easily to him. He does enjoy
some of the perks of being rich like having a personal trainer for his poodle. It’s good that the
topic of your report is about him. Your angle of his life story is very inspiring.
Pam He knows how to respect the value of money but is not attached to it like some other
rich dude. He sold his company when he felt that he was fast becoming a chronic workaholic.
His intense schedule had left him little time for permanent and lasting relationships. Now, he
busies himself with charitable pursuits and is taking stock of his life. After all his perseverance
and hard work, he deserves a life of leisure. What I’m most inspired about is his quote, “I
want to make a difference in people’s lives. I want to give away my last dollar on the day I
take my last breath and hopefully leave the world a little better than I found it.
Questions
1. What did George Lewin invent?
2. Give the sad side to George Lewin’s story.
3. What was his inspiring quote on life?
4. How do you think a millionaire should live?
5. Would you do anything to get rich?
6. Do wealthy people have financial troubles?
7. Does money equate to happiness?
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Business Topics 3
Samantha Me too. Of course I don’ mind. In fact, I wish you all the
luck. Yes, I have the documents you asked for. I already filed them
and I’m putting them on your table later. I also wrote little notes for your
presentation. You might find them useful, it’s up to you. Break a leg! I
know you’re going to do just great.
Questions
1. What favor did Carrie asked from Sam?
2. How does she feel about her promotion?
3. What advice did Sam give Carrie?
4. Have you ever applied for the same job in one company with a close friend?
5. Will you help a friend get promoted even if it means he or she will get ahead of you?
6. Are you proud of your friend when he or she accomplishes more than you, or is
more successful than you?
7. Is true friendship more important than success, money or power?
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Business Topics 3
86 G.E. MARKETING
Larry I have an application at G.E. Marketing. It’s a big company
known internationally because they have very diverse products and
services. I want to be a part of a team where there’s a long tradition of
innovation, quality and trust. That’ their mantra. I hope I get called
in for an interview soon. I’m confident that I have the qualifications
they are looking for.
Burt I had my interview the other day. They made a point on G.E.
Marketing as having environmental concerns. They make a big fuss
about health and safety. They spend on studies to ensure that their products are safe to use.
I’ve learned a lot by just listening there for a few minutes. The people there seemed sincerely
knowledgeable about their company.
Larry It goes to show how we’e still ignorant about a lot of the things they do. When I think of
G.E., I think of light bulbs. They are so much more than that now. It helps to be proud about
the company you want to be a part of. My whole family is a satisfied consumer of their
products. So, it’s not surprising that their pushing me to apply for this job at G.E. Marketing.
Questions
1. Why does Larry want to be part of G.E. Marketing?
2. Why was Burt impressed with G.E. Marketing?
3. Why did Larry’s family want him to be part of G.E. Marketing?
4. What does an applicant look for in a company?
5. Why are companies also focusing on environmental concerns?
6. Will you go for stability or compensation when choosing a company?
7. Why are companies encouraging loyalty among their consumers?
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Business Topics 3
Ms. Roe You do that. Look into the study made by the World Wildlife Fund, a United Nations
agency. Did you hear that by year 2025, the world might not have enough water to use. Just
imagine, there won’t be sufficient water for drinking or bathing. If we don’t do anything to
prevent that situation now, then we will be facing a crisis indeed. Maybe you can also touch
on the issue of climate change and its effect on water supply. How far along are you in your
report by the way?
Questions
1. What topic did Jenna choose for their individual work and why?
2. According to the World Wildlife Fund, what will happen to the world’s water
supply by 2025?
3. What other topics should Jenna discuss as per Ms. Roe’s suggestion?
4. Do you leave the water running when you brush your teeth?
5. Do you think it’s possible that the world will not have enough water to use in
the future?
6. Why is water so important?
7. In your own way, how can you help save water and not waste it?
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Business Topics 3
Reporter Yes, the world is on the fast track to growth. Everybody is struggling to keep
up. The surge, especially if it continues, will impact economies worldwide. With the demand
exceeding supply, should we worry? How can we address the situation? What are other
reasons for the rise in fuel cost? Can you also discuss them, please?
Analyst Governments can do better than worry. They can sit down with oil-producing nations
and convince the latter to increase their quotas. Also, we now see the drive to find alternative
sources of energy. Various governments should support this.
There are also campaigns to conserve energy while at the
same helping stem climate change. While we are looking into
those alternative solutions, the international community should
try to address the conflict in the Middle East. If we can settle
the problem, it follows that we will be able to resolve problems
in the energy market.
Questions
1. According to the article, what is the main reason for the rapid rise of oil prices ?
2. What can the government do to solve this problem?
3. What should the international community do to help?
4. Can a country survive without oil as fuel?
5. Why is there a rising cost in fuel?
6. Do you think your government is doing enough to help in the rising energy cost?
7. Is car‐pooling a way to conserve energy?
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Business Topics 3
Jan How could you give up so easily! After all, this is just our first
business venture. Millionaires never wavered when the going gets
tough. Didn’t we enjoy making those jewelries ourselves? Didn’t we have fun selling them at
the fair? They were all sold-out, weren’t they? Pretty soon, those who loved our work will order
more. Common, have a little faith.
Fran I know what you’re trying to tell me. Perhaps we spent more than what we should have
in decorating our booth at the fair. Next time, I’m going to look for cheaper beads and
supplies. Maybe this is what they call, return in investment, which we haven’t actualized yet.
Still, I hoped we made even a little to splurge on ourselves. We still have to be frugal for a
little while longer.
Questions
1. Why does Fran want to give up on making and selling hand‐made jewelry?
2. Why didn’t Jan want to give up?
3. What was Fran hoping to get out of the business?
4. Do all businesses have profits?
5. What do you do when your hard work has not been rewarded in terms of
profitability?
6. What are the kinds of personal rewards one can feel after doing his or her best?
7. Name a kind of business you would really love to get into.
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Business Topics 3
Saleslady 2 Just stretch your patience a little more. We get a lot of those customers here.
The manager trained us to cater to our customer’ every whim even if it pains us to do so.
And we should even be doing it with a smile to our faces and courteous gestures. That’ how
it is in this retail business. We better treat our customers as kings and queens. Or we lose
business if we don’t because competition is tough in
this kind of business.
Questions
1. Why was Saleslady 1 at the end of her patience?
2. What sort of advice did Saleslady 2 tell her about being more patient?
3. What did Saleslady1 mean when she said she’l “ry to be more like you then?”
4. Are customers always right and never wrong?
5. Have you ever been rude to a saleslady before?
6. Do you think you have the patience to work in retail?
7. Are you generally an easy to please customer or a difficult one?
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Business Topics 3
Bruce Now I have to start buying neckties. Tsk. At least the memo said
there will be a “casual” Friday. I will still get to see those slippers you’re
so fond of wearing. What? You’re prefer a uniform? I didn’t take you
for a conformist. Personally, I’d stay with the casual pants and t-shirts.
I’e always been comfortable in them. Why’d they decide to go office formal all of a sudden
anyway?
Racquel The Human Resources people said the fashion change will promote
professionalism. Go figure. Maybe it’s to discourage employees from ogling each other. Ha,
ha. Either that or the clients are complaining about the informal setting. Well, I’m not really the
uniform type. It’s just that it will save me the time I will have to spend on thinking which shoes
will go well with my skirt. You think the company will give us some clothes allowance? I don’t
have enough of last month’s salary to buy new blazers or jackets.
Questions
1. What dress code is the office implementing by next week?
2. What did the Human Resources people say about the fashion change?
3. What did Racquel say about the new dress code?
4. What do you prefer to wear in the workplace?
5. Have you ever tried to change your taste in fashion just to conform?
6. Have you ever attracted attention because of what you were wearing?
7.How would you feel if you were required to wear uniforms at work?
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Business Topics 3
92 MORNING PEOPLE
Chloe Why are you so up and about already? You woke
me up with all your little noises! You know I’m a light
sleeper. Is there some kind of emergency in the office?
Oh, I almost forgot that it’s Sunday today. But what are
you doing all dressed up? Please, just come back to bed.
Chloe Sigh! It’s ok. Don’t apologize. Maybe I’m still getting used to the fact that you’re a
morning person. In this city, almost everybody is a night owl. It’s good though, because you
get to take home the freshest seafood from the market. Don’t forget to buy bread from the
bakery. I also like it when you take home warm bread. Maybe I’ll join you next time but not
today.
Questions
1. Why is Chloe a light sleeper?
2. How does Matt keep in shape?
3. What is one advantage of being a night owl?
4. Why do some prefer to work during the early hours of the morning?
5. Are you a morning person or a night person?
6. What time of day are you most productive ?
7. What activities do you enjoy doing early in the morning?
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Business Topics 3
Darryn I’ve been working here longer than you have and I’ve yet to see
a change. It’s frustrating every time you think about the discrimination.
Except for the female executives, the women here don’t get paid the same
as the men. I just don’t understand why. After all, they perform similar jobs.
Sometimes, we women even outperform our male counterparts. But has the company noticed?!
Certainly not!
Lisa Perhaps we female employees should sit down together and talk about it. Maybe we
can petition for better wages to our immediate superiors, who, in turn, can lobby for us before
the Human Resources (HR) department. I suggested this idea in one of our department
meetings before. The majority seemed keen to it. I’ve also been hounding my friend in the HR
about it. He advised me to make a formal request to my boss. It could work. Do you have a
better idea?
Questions
1. What was Lisa’s complaint about the company she works for?
2. What did she suggest about this problem?
3. According to HR, how are they going to proceed with the complaint process?
4. Do you think women and men performing the same work should be paid equally?
5. Have you experienced any form of discrimination in the workplace?
6. What’s the proper way to air a complaint in the workplace?
7. Should workers be allowed to strike and lobby?
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Business Topics 3
Reily It must really be an exciting sport. It’s like a cross-country race expedition. You’ll
be under the mercy of the pristine wilderness of the Alaskan routes with only your dogs as
company. It is said that dog sledders and mushers develop a certain affinity with their canines.
You depend on each other to survive the grueling journey that you eventually regard them as
your family. I’m going to go to Alaska for vacation soon. I’ll try the sport myself.
Questions
1. Describe the Siberian Huskies.
2. Where did Alaska get its name?
3. What is dog mushing? What effect does it have on the dogs and its owner?
4. Would you like to visit Alaska someday?
5. Do you find dangerous sports exciting and thrilling or dangerous and risky?
6. Have you ever had a pet that you regarded as family?
7. Can you depend on an animal for your personal survival?
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Business Topics 3
Fred It has nothing to do with you guys. I eat fast so I can still have
time to take a nap. We just moved to another house which is farther
from this office. Everyday I have to wake up earlier just to get here on
time. That’s why I have to make up for lost sleep. I need to take a power nap during lunch
break to revitalize me.
Pete I understand now. You have to maximize your one hour break. Sometimes we have to
make do with the little time that we have. Maybe we can help you sometimes take an earlier
break by helping you finish filing documents. If you’e going to finish late, you’re welcome to
stay over in my dorm. I just live ten minutes away from here.
Questions
1. Why is Fred eating so fast?
2. Why does he have to make up for lost sleep?
3. How did Pete suggest he could help Fred?
4. What other activities do you squeeze in during your lunch break when you can?
5. Do you believe in the saying that “time is gold?”
6. What do you like to do whenever you have time to spare?
7. How important is it to have a regular schedule planned out?
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Business Topics 3
96 CO-WORKER
Allan Hey man! Have you seen the new partner? Denise or something?
There’s a looker. She’s a beauty with brains too. She’s supposedly
from a top school and the class valedictorian. Word has it that the
senior partners hired her on the spot, they were so impressed with
her credentials. I said hi to her yesterday, she seemed friendly and
approachable.
Denny Ah, yes. She’s a regular rose among the thorns. She’s not
only beautiful and smart, she’s gutsy. Heard she had a run-in with that
“dragon” from the 5th floor on her first day and she came out victorious.
Maybe they also teach them to grow tough backbones where she comes
from. I know I wouldn’t have tangled with a senior partner on my first
day. By the by, do you have the Palmer deposition? I need it for
tomorrow’s hearing.
Allan I’ll ask my secretary to put it on your desk. Maybe I should ask her out for lunch? She
might be able to help me on a case I’e been working on. It’ll also give me the chance to get
to know her better. You think she’ll say yes? I hope she stays here a long time, this place
certainly needs more people like her to brighten it up. Excuse me, will ya?! I think I see her
coming.
Questions
1. Why was Allan excited about his new co‐worker?
2. Why was Denny impressed with Denise?
3. What were Allan’s reasons in inviting Denise to lunch?
4. How will you welcome a new co‐worker on the job?
5. Do you try to get along with your co‐workers?
6. What type of person will you want to work with?
7. Have you ever fought with a person from your office?
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Business Topics 3
Mom All these excuses! You just need something to focus on because
you’re mind is all scattered. The reason those great athletes can
concentrate so well is they have trained their minds not to wander. They contemplate on their
goals like where to put the ball, then go for it without delay. Now, train your mind to be quiet.
For this minute, visualize your goal. Then carry it out.
Susie So that’s why Tiger Woods takes his time before hitting the ball. He looks so
thoughtful and grim when he’s concentrating. I’m going to think in my head what my topic for
my paper should be. (Meditating) Aha! Now I have it. I’m going to write about Global Warming.
I’m sure I know enough to write about this. It also helps me concentrate when I look at my
aquarium. Water seems so serene and it inspires me to focus more.
Questions
1. What was the reason Susie couldn’ concentrate on her homework?
2. What made Tiger Woods and Babe Ruth great athletes, according to Susie’ Mom?
3. What activity helped Susie to concentrate on writing her paper?
4. Why do our minds wander?
5. Are you easily bothered by noise?
6. Does listening to music help one to concentrate?
7. How should people take care of their minds?
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Business Topics 3
Deidre Ha, ha, ha......Now, I can’t get that picture out of my head. Some women even say
that men are only necessary for procreation purposes. All tasks at home and at work can be
performed by women. They can even be better at doing them. Women can certainly rule,
huh? Now, I’m starting to think that the world can do without men. Do you suppose this is
right?
Beatrice I don’t blame you and others for starting to have that belief. Let’s just ponder on the
fact that Nature created men and women to establish some kind of balance in this universe.
There are strengths and weaknesses that each other posses. Men and women compliment
each other with all their peculiar traits. For example, men might be more analytical and women
tend to be more affective. We are like the yin and yang in Nature’s equation. So we have to
respect that fact.
Questions
1. Why do males have breasts?
2. Why does Deidre believe that the world can do without men?
3. Why did nature create men and women?
4. How are men and women like the yin and yang in Nature’ equation?
5. Should one gender think that it is superior to the other?
6. Should men and women have equal rights in society?
7. In your opinion, who is capable of more intelligence: men or women?
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Business Topics 3
Seth Too much greed led him to sell company trade secrets to another firm. He even had
the nerve not to declare substantial amounts of cash advances. Even charged some of them
to operating expenses when they were really just his personal expenses. But he seemed like a
good boss. He was always jolly and courteous to everyone. The big bosses are trying to keep
all these issues in the tab. They don’t want it to be known that they let go of Mr. Phelps for
the said reasons.
Manny Yes, they are right to keep this topic hush-hush. They are embarrassed about the
whole situation. They pirated Mr. Phelps from another firm, only to get this humiliating result.
He came very highly recommended. There will be much investigation and auditing that will
occur before he goes. He never really did anything to us personally to earn our disrespect.
But his corruption and greed surely will not earn admiration either!
Questions
1. What did the company offer Mr. Phelps?
2. Why should Mr. Phelps be sued?
3. Why are the big bosses trying to keep all these issues in the tab?
4. Have you ever worked with anybody who was greedy and corrupt?
5. How can a person gain respect from his colleagues?
6. Is it important for a person to be respected by his peers?
7. In your opinion, do others think well of you?
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Business Topics 3
Principal By way of helping their community, they might also want to inspire the loyalty of
their consumers. The CEO of Leman Industries is always willing to help out those in need.
They also announced that they are giving out college scholarships to those deserving. The also
promise jobs for their scholars when they graduate college. They want a hand in training their
future employees. That way they will be highly loyal to them and be more productive in their
work. This strategy is beneficial for everyone.
Questions
1. What is Leman Industries aim for the welfare of its community?
2. Why are Leman Industries and its affiliates doing such an admirable undertaking?
3. What is Leman Industries doing to help out those in need?
4. Do businesses have an obligation to give back to the community?
5. Is profit the primary goal of any business?
6. What will happen to businesses that are selfish and self‐seeking?
7. Why is charity work and helping the unfortunate such a noble thing to do?
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Business Topics 3
Fran You can’t blame all women. They’e been victims of sexual harassment all their life. It
is only now that they’re asserting their rights. Honestly, the victim may be a woman or a man.
And the victim does not have to be the person harassed but could be anyone affected by the
offensive conduct. So almost anyone affected can file for complaint. The sexual harasser, in
turn, may also be a woman or a man. He or she can be the victim’ supervisor, employer,
coworker or a non-employee.
Randy There’s a very thin line on what constitutes sexual harassment nowadays. The
definition became so broad with the new laws passed regarding sexual harassment.
Harassment can be verbal and physical in nature. Now, you have to be careful when joking
around with co-workers. No more clean fun bantering with your pals in the cafeteria. Always
being conscious about our actions, is seriously straining some friendly relationship in the office.
Questions
1. What ordinary things can make women file for sexual harassment?
2. Can anyone affected file for complaint?
3. How would you define harassment?
4. Have you ever made offending jokes about somebody?
5. How do you determine if someone is making improper advances on you?
6. Have you ever been a victim of sexual harassment?
7. Are you an easygoing person, or are you very easily offended?
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Business Topics 3
Norton Thank you, sir. I have been in this business for almost 25 years now. I have had many
experiences; ups and downs I have faced different problems, dealt with different employees
and bosses. I have worked in six companies; I have been terminated twice; I have resigned
four times. Sir, with all of this business experience, I can say I have learned a few things
about how to succeed. The key word is respect. First, you have to learn to respect yourself.
Dress properly, behave properly. Next, you have to have great respect for your coworkers and
your superiors. You should respect the company. Adhere to the
company’s rules and regulations. This foundation of respect will
gradually grant you responsibility, and then responsibility will give you
authority. Then, you can work your way up to where you want to be
and what you want to be.
Norton I have my own and this is what I think about every time I get
to work: I want to have a big breakfast!
Questions
1. How many years has Mr. Norton been in business?
2. According to Norton, what is the key word in learning how to succeed?
3. What does Mr Norton think of every time he gets to work?
4. Are you a career oriented person or a family oriented one?
5. Is success defined by the amount of money one has?
6. Can one be considered successful even if he’s poor?
7. Who’s your inspiration for success?
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