1 | Progress test

Working with words Business communication

Choose the correct answer from the words in italics. Put the conversation between Jack and Camille in
order. Write a-j after each section (21-30). The first
1 We offer many different services, but we sentence is given.
operate / specialize / produce in cleaning and
hygiene. Excuse me. Can I introduce myself? I’m Jack
2 Adidas has several competitors / subsidiaries / Reynolds.
products, including Reebok and Nike.
3 Generally speaking, our employees / sales / 21 I’m an IT engineer. I work with computers and
makes are very happy in their work. IT systems. What do you do? ____
4 The company is operated / produced / based 22 How do you do? Where are you from,
in Slough, just outside London. Camille? ____
5 Last year, the company’s offers / sales / 23 To repair the computers! ____
nationalities increased by 10%. 24 Camille Vargas. I’m sorry. It’s nice to meet
you, but I must go now. ____
25 I’m French. I live in Marseilles. How about
Language at work you? ____
26 Oh right. Can I introduce to you to my
Complete the questions. Write one word in each
colleague Peter Samms? His computer’s not
space.
working very well, and maybe … Peter, this is
… sorry what’s your name again? ____
6 What __________ you do?
27 I’m from Detroit in the United States. What do
7 __________ are you here at the conference?
you do? ____
8 __________ your company operate in the UK?
28 I’m a TV reporter. I work for CNN in their
9 How old __________ the company?
Detroit office. Why are you here at the trade
10 How __________ people work for the
fair? ____
company?
29 How do you do? I’m Camille Vargas. ____
30 OK, Camille, see you later. ____
Match the questions (6–10) to the answers (a–e).
Write the number of the question next to the
Result ________ / 30 marks
answer.

a About 30 years old. 11 __

b I’m an engineer. 12 __
c More than 600. 13 __
d No, it doesn’t. 14 __
e To meet some of my customers. 15 __

Correct the sentences. There is one mistake in each

sentence.

16 Could you to speak more clearly?

____________________________
17 Would I have a glass of water, please?
____________________________
18 Can you giving me your address?
____________________________
19 Yes, of course not.
____________________________
20 Can you borrow me your mobile?
____________________________

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Speaking test
Role cards
Copy this page and cut out the role cards for the students. Then use the Speaking test results forms to evaluate
each student’s performance. You can then cut out the results and give them to the students.

Student A Student B

Your company: Brushwood Systems – makes telephone Your company: Sweet and Savoury – provides food
systems – 3,500 employees – based in Sydney, and drink services – specializes in providing food to
Australia – operates in sixteen countries – main film companies – 250 employees – based in Leeds, UK
competitors are Siemens. – operates in the UK and Ireland – main competitors
are DirectFood.
You meet Student B at a conference. You do not know
each other. You meet Student A at a conference. You do not know
 Introduce yourself. each other.
 Find out the other person’s name, job, and  Introduce yourself.
company.  Find out the other person’s name, job, and
 Tell them what your company does and some company.
information about it.  Tell them what your company does and some
 Ask why they are at the conference. information about it.
 Ask if you can take their name and telephone  Ask why they are at the conference.
number.  Ask if they can give you a business card.

Speaking test results

Use these forms to evaluate the students.

Student A Student B

Can the student … Didn’t do this Yes, but with Yes, did this Can the student … Didn’t do this Yes, but with Yes, did this
(0 points) some mistakes very well (0 points) some mistakes very well
(1 point) (2 points) (1 point) (2 points)

introduce introduce
themselves and themselves and
greet the other greet the other
person? person?

ask about the ask about the

other person’s job other person’s job or
or company? company?

talk about their own talk about their own

job or company? job or company?

ask and answer why ask and answer why

they are at the they are at the
conference? conference?

make a polite make a polite

request? request?

Result __________ / 10 marks Result __________ / 10 marks

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2 | Progress test
Working with words 19 Hello, this is a message for Paul Timms. Paul,
I just leave / ’m just leaving now. I’ll be with
you in about ten minutes.
Write sentences using the words.
20 The main problem with my job is that it
doesn’t involve / isn’t involving any contact
1 I / not / involved / talk / customers.
with the customers.
______________________________
2 Sarah / deal / software issues.
______________________________ Business communication
3 My job / consist / telephone / suppliers.
______________________________ Complete the telephone conversation with words
4 you ever / take part / meetings and from the list.
discussions / subcontractors?
______________________________ about afraid back calling course leave
5 Peter’s work / involve / organize / travel / phoning speak this welcome
colleagues.
A Could I 21 ______________ to Ms Rosie
Write the words after the definitions. Walton, please?
B Who’s 22 ______________ ?
23
6 an organization that finds staff for another A ______________ is Tom Jacks from ATC.
company B Could you tell me what it’s 24 ____________?
______________________________ A I’m 25 ______________ to invite Rosie to our
7 a company or person that buys your product anniversary lunch next month.
______________________________ B Well, I’m 26 ______________ Ms Walton is
8 a person who deals with the image of a out of the office at the moment.
company A Oh. In that case, could I 27 ______________ a
______________________________ message?
9 companies that do work for you that you can’t B Yes, of 28 ______________ .
do yourself A Can you ask Rosie to call me 29___________?
______________________________ B Yes, does she have your number?
10 a person who you work with A Yes, she does.
______________________________ B OK, I’ll give her your message.
11 a company that sells its products to you A Thanks very much.
______________________________ B You’re 30 ______________ .
12 an expert from outside the company who gives
advice and help Result ______________ / 30 marks
______________________________

Language at work

Choose the correct answer from the words in italics.

13 This week John works / is working on a big

contract with Nike.
14 How often does your company work / is your
company working with outside consultants?
15 Sorry I can’t speak to you now, I expect / ’m
expecting a call from our Paris office.
16 Are you working / Do you work very hard at
the moment?
17 The Sales Director uses / is using this room
every Tuesday.
18 I can’t give you a decision at this time. The
Sales Director thinks / is thinking about your
proposal.

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Speaking test
Role cards
Copy this page and cut out the role cards for the students. Then use the Speaking test results forms to evaluate
each student’s performance. You can then cut out the results and give them to the students.

Student A Student B

1 You work for a marketing agency. You are 1 You work for a clothing retailer. Student A
doing research on consumer buying. You want telephones you.
to speak to the Sales Manager of a clothing  Answer the call.
retailer to find out about their customers and  Say that the Sales Manager is in a meeting.
market segments.  Offer to take a message.

Call Student B: 2 You need to fill in your expenses form, but it

 Introduce yourself. is very complicated. Call the Finance
 Ask to speak to the Sales Manager. Department for help:
 Explain why you are calling.  Introduce yourself.
 Ask to leave a message.  Say why you are calling.
 Give your phone number.  Ask to speak to the Accounts assistant.
 Thank them and say goodbye.  Ask to leave a message.
 Give your phone number.
2 You work in the Finance Department. Student  Say goodbye.
B telephones you.
 Answer the call.
 Say that the Accounts assistant is very busy at
the moment dealing with other colleagues.

Speaking test results

Use these forms to evaluate the students.

Student A Student B

Can the student … Didn’t do this Yes, but with Yes, did this Can the student … Didn’t do this Yes, but with Yes, did this
(0 points) some mistakes very well (0 points) some mistakes very well
(1 point) (2 points) (1 point) (2 points)

introduce him/ introduce him/

herself on the herself on the
phone? phone?

explain why he/ she explain why he/ she

is calling? is calling?

leave a message? leave a message?

take a message? take a message?

end a phone call? end a phone call?

Result __________ / 10 marks Result __________ / 10 marks

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3 | Progress test
Working with words Business communication

Which department do these people work in?

Complete this presentation with phrases a–j.
1 Arthur installs programs on the company PCs.
________ a everybody see
2 Lara interviews applicants for jobs. ________ b increase
3 Silvana buys office equipment for the whole c that clear
group. ________ d important thing here
4 Akira runs courses in Japanese. ________ e a breakdown of
5 Pablo deals with transporting goods to the f shows
customer. ________ g let’s look
6 Marcel checks the products for faults. h notice that
________ i a look at
7 If you have a broken photocopier, call Mike. j you can see
________
8 Tatiana is in charge of a team looking for new Have 21 ______ this graph. Is 22 ______? This graph 23
ideas. ________ ______ the money we have spent on salaries in the last
9 Dieter looks after the money. ________ ten years. As 24 ______, there has been a big 25 ______
10 Tina finds out what the customers really want. overall, from €250,000 to €400,000, but the 26 ______
________ is that per head salaries have only risen 3%.
27
______ at the next slide. Can 28 ______ that? This
Language at work pie chart gives 29 ______ spending on salaries by
region. 30 ______ Europe is 20% higher than anywhere
Write the questions for the answers. Use the correct else.
form of the word in brackets.
Result ______________ / 30 marks
11 I work in HR. (department)
____________________________________?
12 About 15,000. (employ)
____________________________________?
13 I’m planning a trip to Hong Kong. (at the
moment)
____________________________________?
14 Tea, please. (prefer)
____________________________________?
15 About six times a year. (visit Japan)
____________________________________?
16 He’s Swedish. (come)
____________________________________?
17 I’m here until next Thursday. (stay)
____________________________________?
18 In 2005. (move here)
____________________________________?
19 Not very much. (know about the Australian
market)
____________________________________?
20 Parts for car engines. (produce)
____________________________________?

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Speaking test
Role card
This Speaking test has only one role card because each student has to give a presentation. Copy this page and
cut out the role card for the student. Then use the Speaking test results forms to evaluate the student’s
performance. You can then cut out the results and give them to the student.

You work for a stationery company. You manufacture office equipment and supply it to companies in Western Europe
and Asia. You are presenting the findings of an internal report about your company, its products, and its markets in
order to find a strategy for the future. Use this table and present the information.

Strengths Weaknesses
Clients trust the product and service High price compared to some competitors
Good sales teams Supply chain is unreliable
Good product range

Opportunities Threats
Emerging markets in Eastern Europe Economic situation is unstable
Potential new partnerships with Cost of raw materials is increasing
producers in the East

 Introduce the presentation

 Explain what the table represents
 Check that the table is visible
 Describe each section individually
 Focus on one or two important points

Speaking test results

Use this form to evaluate the student.

Can the student Didn’t do this Yes, but with some Yes, did this very
… (0 points) mistakes well
(1 point) (2 points)
introduce the
presentation?
explain the visual
information?
check it is visible?

describe the
visual
information in
detail?
focus on
important points?

Result __________ / 10 marks

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4 | Progress test
Working with words
20 The report didn’t be very informative.
Complete the text with words from the list. _____________________________

cheap compact designed did friendly idea

launched stylish trials well
Business communication
A supermarket wants to change its supplier of fresh
An electronics company wanted to develop a new
fruit and vegetables. The purchasing department
product for the British market. They had an 1 ______
has prepared a report. Order the report. Write a-j
for a calculator with big keys, so that older people
after the sentences.
could use it easily, but which was 2 ______ so that it
could fit into a pocket or bag. They 3 ______ some
21 First, we did some research to find the
market research and found that people would buy it if
cheapest suppliers in the market. ______
it was 4 ______ -designed and quite 5 ______ – no
22 Why did we need to change supplier? ______
more than £10. They 6 ______ the product and asked a
23 We found that it was excellent. ______
research company called TBT to do some product
7 24 The purpose of our research was to find a new
______ . These found that the new calculator was
supplier of fresh fruit and vegetables to all our
very popular with younger people too, as they thought
stores. ______
the bright colours and big keys were very 8 ______ .
25 We spoke to about twenty different
The company 9 ______ the product two years ago, and
companies, and found that Greenpark were 5-
it has been a great success: older people find it user-
10 10% cheaper than anyone else. ______
________ while teenagers love its ‘look’.
26 We asked them to send us some information,
and invited them to a meeting. ______
Language at work 27 Finally, we contacted Greenpark, who seemed
friendly and well-organized. ______
Write a positive sentence (+), a negative sentence (-), 28 Because our previous one was expensive, and
or a question (?) from the prompts. Use the past sometimes didn’t deliver the goods on time.
simple. ______
29 Then we asked some of our sister companies
11 Felipe / go / to Paris yesterday (-) how good the reliability of Greenpark was.
_____________________________ ______
12 you / see / the new consultants / last week (?) 30 We wanted to find a supplier that was cheap
_____________________________ and reliable. ______
13 I / receive / your letter (-)
_____________________________ Result ______________ / 30 marks
14 The sales team / meet / the new director this
morning (+)
_____________________________
15 the product / have / any success at the
conference (?)
_____________________________

Correct the mistakes in the sentences.

16 We didn’t found the presentation very

interesting.
_____________________________
17 The company buyed a lot of new furniture.
_____________________________
18 Francesca not enjoyed the meal with the sales
manager.
_____________________________
19 They arrive at the airport at 6 p.m. yesterday.
_____________________________

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Speaking test
Role cards
Copy this page and cut out the role cards for the students. Then use the Speaking test results forms to evaluate
each student’s performance. You can then cut out the results and give them to the students.

Student A
Student B
1 Give a report to Student B about a new
product using this information. Student B will 1 Student A will give you a report about a new
then ask you some questions about the report. product. You should respond to the
Invent sensible answers to B’s questions. information with appropriate phrases showing
 new product: new drink, mixture of interest. After he / she finishes, ask questions
yoghurt and fruit to find out this information:
 reason for new product: gap in the  when they launched the new product
market  what the final result was.
 timing of market research and product
trials: last year 2 Give a similar report to Student A using this
information. Student A will then ask you some
2 Student B will give you a similar report. You questions about the report. Invent sensible
should respond to the information with answers to A’s questions.
appropriate phrases showing interest.  new product: wireless headset for
After he / she finishes, ask questions to find Internet phones
out this information:  reason for new product: people want a
 when they did the market research and cheap and functional headset
product trials  timing of launch: last month
 what the final result of the research
was.

Speaking test results

Use these forms to evaluate the students.

Student A Student B

Can the student … Didn’t do this Yes, but with Yes, did this Can the student … Didn’t do this Yes, but with Yes, did this
(0 points) some mistakes very well (0 points) some mistakes very well
(1 point) (2 points) (1 point) (2 points)

give a simple but give a simple but

coherent report? coherent report?

use some or all of the use some or all of the

report phrases from report phrases from
the unit? the unit?

talk about the talk about the

development of a development of a
product? product?
ask and answer ask and answer
questions in the past questions in the past
simple? simple?
show interest in the show interest in the
other person’s other person’s
report? report?

Result_________ / 10 marks Result _________ / 10 marks

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5 | Progress test
Working with words Business communication
Complete the sentences. Write one word in each Complete the emails with phrases from the list.
space. There are TWO phrases that you will not need.
1 Unfortunately we cannot pay an annual deal with it I haven’t running out has he
b______ this year. where are we I talked leave it to what about
2 I need to u______ my CV before I apply for did he have you done short of time I didn’t
the job.
3 We have fifteen candidates on the s______ for Hi Yumiko
interviews. 16 ______________________ withthe new photocopier? The
4 My company gives six months of maternity training course is starting next week, so time’s
l______ if you have a baby. 17
_______________. 18______________anything
5 We get s______ childcare, which is very about it?
useful. Don
6 You need to fill in an application f______ .
7 Most big companies have a pension s______
for their employees. Don
8 There is a vacancy for the p______ of Director I’m sorry, I’ve been 19_______________ this week.
of Marketing. Can you 20______________________________?
9 Flexible h______ are good for me, because I Yumiko
have to take the children to school before I
start work. Dear Yumiko
10 He saw a job a______ in the newspaper. Yes, 21______________ me. And 22_____________
the problem with the cleaners? 23____________ to Ed
Norris at Clean You Up yesterday. 24__________
called back?
Language at work Don

Order the words to make sentences or questions in Don

the present perfect or past simple. (2 points each) No, 25______________ heard from him yet.
Y
11 applied / for / have / job / the / yet / you / ?
__________________________________
Result ______ / 30 marks
12 already / company / CV / have / I / my / sent /
the / to
__________________________________
13 any / did / get / holiday / last / not / paid / they
/ year
__________________________________
14 been / France / has / month / she / this / to / ?
__________________________________
15 did / job / last / leave / when / you / your / ?

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Speaking test
Role cards
Copy this page and cut out the role cards for the students. Then use the Speaking test results forms to evaluate
each student’s performance. You can then cut out the results and give them to the students.

Student A Student B

You are working on a proposal for new company You are working on a proposal for new company
benefits. Have a meeting to discuss your progress on benefits. Have a meeting to discuss your progress on
the following tasks. the following tasks.
Your tasks: Your tasks:

Research what other companies in the industry do – Interview heads of department – not finished yet
did last week Talk to HR about all current benefits – did yesterday
Send questionnaire to staff members – sent two days Write report, deadline next week – not done (need
ago information from interviews)
Write a report on your findings, deadline next week –
not done (need results of questionnaires) Student A’s tasks:
Research what other companies in the industry do
Student B’s tasks: Send questionnaire to staff members
Interview heads of department Write a report on the findings, deadline next week
Talk to HR about all current benefits  Ask Student A about his / her progress
Write report, deadline next week  Describe your own progress
 Ask Student B about his / her progress  Say if something if urgent
 Describe your own progress  Decide who will do what now
 Say if something is urgent  Summarize your discussion
 Decide who will do what now
 Summarize your discussion

Speaking test results

Use these forms to evaluate the students.

Student A Student B

Can the student … Didn’t do this Yes, but with Yes, did this Can the student … Didn’t do this Yes, but with Yes, did this
(0 points) some mistakes very well (0 points) some mistakes very well
(1 point) (2 points) (1 point) (2 points)

ask about progress? ask about progress?

describe his / her describe his / her

progress? progress?

explain the urgency explain the urgency

of a task? of a task?

decide who will do decide who will do

what? what?

summarize what has summarize what has

been agreed? been agreed?

Result ______ / 10 marks Result ______ / 10 marks

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6 | Progress test
Working with words
18 We need to think of ways of making our staff
Read the text and choose the correct answer from happyer.
the words in italics. _______________________________
19 Can you be carefuller in future?
Our company does everything to 1meet / keep the _______________________________
needs of our customers. As the leading online 20 The new building is best than the old one in
electronics retailer, it is important we always 2agree / many ways.
keep to our delivery dates, and get the goods to our _______________________________
customers 3on time / in time. When we receive
complaints about this, we make sure we 4provide / deal
with them immediately. Sometimes we have to give
Business communication
customers their money 5away / back.
Aseel and Emre are discussing the installation of a new
6 water cooling machine. Complete the conversation
Of course, we try to design / encourage customer
following the instructions in the brackets. (2 points
loyalty in various ways – for example, returning clients
each)
receive a 10% discount on the second order. In a
survey that we 7made / conducted last year, we found
Aseel I see they’re thinking of installing a new water
that 98% of our customers are 8satisfied / reliable. But
cooler in Reception. (ask Emre’s opinion)
we want to do better, and we are now looking at ways
21______________________________?
of offering a 9personalized / loyal service to our long-
term clients. Above all, it’s vital to 10provide / design
Emre I don’t like the idea. (give an opinion)
the service that people want. 22
______________________________ that
water coolers are a waste of money.
Language at work
Aseel (disagree strongly)
Correct the mistakes. 23____________________________________
________________________. It’s good that
11 This is the goodest restaurant in town. customers can get a drink while they’re
_______________________________ waiting.
12 The job was not as easier as we expected.
_______________________________ Emre (agree)
24
13 Marcia’s most hard-working employee in this ____________________________________
company. ___________________________. But not in
_______________________________ Reception! It will get really dirty. And what
14 Our sales figures are the most low they’ve about all the empty plastic cups? It’s not very
been for twenty years. green.
_______________________________
15 Our rival BJT has the bigest market share. Aseel (agree strongly)
_______________________________ 25____________________________________
16 Market conditions are more difficulter than Maybe we could bring our own cups?
last year.
_______________________________ Result ______________ / 30 marks
17 The less profitable of our three divisions is
Europe.
_______________________________

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Speaking test
Role cards
Copy this page and cut out the role cards for the students. Then use the Speaking test results forms to evaluate
each student’s performance. You can then cut out the results and give them to the students.

Student A Student B

Your company is losing customers. Talk to Student B Your company is losing customers. Talk to Student A
to discuss ways in which you can get them back. to discuss ways in which you can get them back.
 Compare your company’s performance with  Compare your company’s performance with
your competitors. your competitors.
 Make suggestions from the list of ideas below,  Make suggestions from the list of ideas below,
and ask for the other person’s opinion. and ask for the other person’s opinion.
 Give your opinion of the other person’s ideas,  Give your opinion of the other person’s ideas,
including agreeing and disagreeing. including agreeing and disagreeing.
 Decide together which two of the ideas are the  Decide together which two of the ideas are the
best. best.

Possible ideas: Possible ideas:

 20% discount to loyal customers  special credit card for loyal customers
 free present with every order over £100  conduct surveys every month to find out what
 automatic refund for every customer who customers want
complains  change the supplier who delivers your goods
 more staff in the call centre to answer calls  promise 50% discount on next order if we are
late with delivery

Speaking test results

Use these forms to evaluate the students.

Student A Student B

Can the student … Didn’t do this Yes, but with Yes, did this Can the student … Didn’t do this Yes, but with Yes, did this
(0 points) some mistakes very well (0 points) some mistakes very well
(1 point) (2 points) (1 point) (2 points)

use the vocabulary of use the vocabulary of

customer service? customer service?

compare companies? compare companies?

ask for an opinion? ask for an opinion?

give an opinion? give an opinion?

agree and disagree agree and disagree

politely? politely?

Result _________ / 10 marks Result _________ / 10 marks

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7 | Progress test
Working with words
18 _________________________________ at
Complete the text with one word in each space. this time of night? (taxi)
Yes, there are lots.
My 1t______ to the USA last week did not go well.
First of all, when I arrived at the airport, I was told that 19 ________________________________ do
my 2f______ was 3d______ for two hours. I didn’t you do in a year? (travel)
want to wait in the 4t______, so I 5c______ in to a Quite a lot. I go abroad once or twice a month.
Yotel. Unfortunately, when I came to pay my
6
b______ I found I had left my credit card at home. 20 _________________________________ to do
Eventually, back at the airport, we passed through the any shopping? (time)
7
g______ and waited in the 8d______ lounge. Yes, we’ve got a couple of hours free
I 9b______ the plane about three hours late. But my tomorrow.
troubles were not over. When we got to Boston, I
found that my 10l______ had gone to Seattle! Business communication
Complete the sentences.
Complete the sentences. Write one word in each
space.
11 Before you check out of the hotel, please
remember to bring your k______ c______ to
21 Have you ______ to Oslo before?
Reception.
22 ______ was your fight?
12 You should leave your valuables in the
23 What ______ of food do you like?
s______ in your room.
24 Where ______ you go on holiday last year?
13 Would you like a o______ ticket or a return?
25 How often do you ______ sailing?
14 I took the s______ bus from the hotel to the
26 Is this your first ______ to Sydney?
airport.
27 ______ you have a good journey?
28 Does your wife travel a lot ______ business?
Language at work 29 ______ you interested in football?
30 What did you ______________ of the food
Write a question with the word in brackets in the last night?
correct form for each answer.
Result _______ / 30 marks
15 _______________________________ near
here? (hotel)
Yes, there’s one just down this street.

16 _____________________________ have you

got? (luggage)
Just a suitcase and a handbag.

17 ________________________________ have
you been to Beijing? (time)
More than twenty. I first went there when I
was working for HSBC.

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Speaking test
Role cards
Copy this page and cut out the role cards for the students. Then use the Speaking test results forms to evaluate
each student’s performance. You can then cut out the results and give them to the students.

Student A Student B

1 You work for Devla plc. You meet Student B 1 You work for Starworld plc. You are visiting
at the airport. You do not know each other. Student A who meets you at the airport. You
 Introduce yourself and say who you do not know each other.
work for.  Introduce yourself and say who you
 Ask B about his / her fight. work for.
 Ask if he / she has been to your city  Respond to A’s questions.
before.  Ask about A’s city.
 Answer his / her questions.  Ask A two questions about his / her
interests / habits.
2 You work for Tetra plc. You are visiting
Student B who meets you at the airport. You 2 You work for Silverfish plc. You meet Student
do not know each other. B at the airport. You do not know each other.
 Introduce yourself and say who you  Introduce yourself and say who you
work for. work for.
 Respond to B’s questions.  Ask A about his / her fight.
 Ask B about restaurants in the city.  Ask if he / she has been to your city
 Ask B two questions about his / her before.
interests / habits.  Answer his / her questions.

Speaking test results

Use these forms to evaluate the students.

Student A Student B

Can the student … Didn’t do this Yes, but with Yes, did this Can the student … Didn’t do this Yes, but with Yes, did this
(0 points) some mistakes very well (0 points) some mistakes very well
(1 point) (2 points) (1 point) (2 points)

introduce him / introduce him /

herself and say herself and say which
which company he / company he / she is
she is from? from?

ask about the other ask about the other

person’s journey? person’s journey?

ask about their city? ask about their city?

ask appropriate ask appropriate

small talk questions? small talk questions?

answer questions to answer questions to

develop a develop a
conversation? conversation?

Result _______ / 10 marks Result _______ / 10 marks

Business Result Pre-intermediate Progress Test 7 Photocopiable © Oxford University Press

8 | Progress test
Working with words
Anna Well, Milos and I 14__________________(go)
Complete the texts with words from the list. out for a drink with our new boss, and we
wanted to invite you.
complaint delivered gave invoice make place Jean Your new boss?
process purchased quote stock track Anna Yes, her name’s Jessica, and she
15
______________________(start) next week.
Is it true that the Internet has changed the way we We’re going to that new bar on 22nd Street.
shop? OK, we can look at a website, see something we Jean In that case, I 16_________________(come)
like, and check if the item is in 1 ______. But is this so with you! I’ve always wanted to go there.
different from simply telephoning? And then, when we What time 17 _________________(you /
2
______ the order, we don’t need to talk to anybody – meet)?
the order goes through and we wait for the product to Anna About six.
arrive at our door. But 100 years ago, you sent a Jean I 18_________________(bring) Tony. He’d
message to a shop, and they 3 ______ the goods the like to meet Jessica.
same afternoon. So what’s new? You still have to pay Anna I’m not sure about that. Jessica’s his ex-wife!
the 4 ______! Jean Oh no. OK, I 19 _________________(not /
say) anything about it.
The best thing about online shopping is the fact that
you can 5 ______ your shipment. When I 6 ______ Business communication
some goods last month for my company, I really
needed to know when they would arrive. Of course,
the website 7 ______ me a date for delivery, but the Complete the exchanges. Write one word in each
company don’t 8 ______ their orders very quickly, so I space.
wanted to check every day.
1 A We don’t have any envelopes. 20________ we
Sometimes, you 9 _________ an enquiry about a get some more?
product, the suppliers 10___________ you a price for it, B I’m not sure 21 ____________ that. Jack just
and everything seems fine. But then the goods don’t ordered some.
arrive, and you need to make a 11 ______. This can be 2 A How 22 ______ going out for a meal?
very frustrating. B That’s a 23 ______ idea! 24 ______ go to
Nando’s.
A Yes, I think we 25 ________ book a table.
Language at work 3 A The photocopier’s broken again!
B Why 26 ______ we try a new supplier this
Complete the conversation with the correct form time?
(will, going to, or present continuous) of the verb in A Fine. We 27 _________ phone that new shop in
brackets. Market Street.
B I don’t 28 __________ that will work. It closed
12 down last week!
Anna Hi, Jean. __________________(you / do)
anything this evening? 4 A The new man in Reception seems a bit
Jean Yes, I think I 13__________________(stay) at unhappy. I 29 ______ you have a word with
home and watch TV. Why? him.
B OK. Maybe we 30 _____________ invite him
out for a drink on Friday.

Result _________ / 30 marks

Business Result Pre-intermediate Progress Test 8 Photocopiable © Oxford University Press

Speaking test
Role cards
Copy this page and cut out the role cards for the students. Then use the Speaking test results forms to evaluate
each student’s performance. You can then cut out the results and give them to the students.

Student A Student B

Your department manager will celebrate ten years with Your department manager will celebrate ten years with
the company next month, and you are organizing a the company next month, and you are organizing a
party for her. Talk to Student B about the party. You party for her. Talk to Student A about the party. You
want a big party with lots of people. think she would prefer a small party.
 Suggest places you could hold the party.  Suggest places you could hold the party.
 Decide who you are going to invite.  Decide who you are going to invite.
 Decide who will organize the party.  Decide who will organize the party.
 Arrange a meeting next week to plan the party  Arrange a meeting next week to plan the party
in more detail. in more detail.

These are some possibilities: These are some possibilities:

Where? Where?
A night club in town (holds 160 people) Company meeting room (holds 60 people)
Company meeting room (holds 60 people) A restaurant (holds 30 people)
Who to invite? Who to invite?
All current staff members (56 people) All current staff members (56 people)
Everyone who worked in her department in the last 10 Her current department (17 people)
years (150 people)

Speaking test results

Use these forms to evaluate the students.

Student A Student B

Can the student … Didn’t do this Yes, but with Yes, did this Can the student … Didn’t do this Yes, but with Yes, did this
(0 points) some mistakes very well (0 points) some mistakes very well
(1 point) (2 points) (1 point) (2 points)

make a suggestion? make a suggestion?

accept a suggestion? accept a suggestion?

reject a suggestion? reject a suggestion?

say what he / she is say what he / she is

going to do? going to do?

arrange to meet? arrange to meet?

Result _________ / 10 marks Result_________ / 10 marks

Business Result Pre-intermediate Progress Test 8 Photocopiable © Oxford University Press

9 | Progress test
Working with words Business communication
Choose the correct answer from the words in italics. Complete the expressions with the correct form of a
verb from the list.
1 Carrefour improved / entered / boosted the
Chinese market in 1995. be catch come back could cover discuss
2 The best way to attract / offer / launch get off move on say sum up
customers is to cut prices!
3 We need an advertising mail / campaign / 21 We can ______ to that later.
outdoor to promote our new range. 22 Can we ______ to point number 2 on the
4 The best way of advertising is by word of agenda?
recommendation / truth / mouth. 23 I’d like to ______ what we’ve agreed.
5 The company advertised / boosted / promoted 24 I’m so sorry. What was that you ______ ?
its sales by putting fresh fruit in its stores. 25 We’re here today to __________ the new
6 It increased its market share / position / sales advertising campaign.
by 10% last year. 26 I’m sorry, but I think we’re _____________
7 We have decided to set / put / launch five new the subject.
products next year. 27 It’s six o’clock, and we’ve _______
8 John works in ads / advertisement / everything.
advertising. 28 I didn’t really understand that. _________ you
9 Direct / Outdoor / Loyalty mailing is a very be more specific?
simple way of advertising. 29 I ______ not with you there.
10 They have to offer / expand / share their range 30 Say that again – I didn’t ______ that.
of services if they want to succeed.
Result _________ / 30 marks
Language at work
It is Min’s first day at work. Complete the
conversation with a colleague with the correct form
of have to, need to, can, or allowed to.

Min I see you’re wearing a tie. Do I 11 ______ wear

one?
Dag No, you 12 ______ wear whatever you like.
But you 13 ______ look smart if you’re
meeting customers.
Min I guess we 14 ______ (not) smoke in here?
Dag Absolutely not. There’s a part of the garden
where you 15 ______ smoke. And you
16
______ (not) to drink tea or coffee in any of
the work areas – that’s not possible at all.
Min So what time 17 ______ to start in the
morning?
Dag Most people start at 8.30, but you 18 _______
arrive at work any time until 10 a.m. But you
19
____________ to stay after 6.30 p.m.,
because they close the building then.
Min And what do I call my line manager?
Dag Don’t worry – you 20 ______ call him Mr
Jones. We all call him Frank.

Business Result Pre-intermediate Progress Test 9 Photocopiable © Oxford University Press

Speaking test
Role cards
Copy this page and cut out the role cards for the students. Then use the Speaking test results forms to evaluate
each student’s performance. You can then cut out the results and give them to the students.

Student A Student B

You and Student B work for a mobile phone company You and Student A work for a mobile phone company
which is about to launch a new phone aimed at young which is about to launch a new phone aimed at young
people from 11–14. Discuss with him / her the best people from 11–14. Discuss with him / her the best
way to advertise and promote the new phone. Here are way to advertise and promote the new phone. Here are
some ideas: some ideas:
 TV advertising between 4 and 8 p.m.,  TV advertising between 4 and 8 p.m.,
especially on music and video shows especially on music and video shows
 online ads on instant messaging services  online ads on instant messaging services
 outdoor advertising near schools  outdoor advertising near schools
 free stickers given out at school gates.  free stickers given out at school gates.

Choose TWO of these ideas to promote at the meeting. Choose TWO of these ideas to promote at the meeting.
 Talk about what the company has to do with  Talk about what the company has to do with
the campaign. the campaign.
 Get your point across – interrupt him / her if  Get your point across – interrupt him / her if
necessary, but don’t let him / her interrupt you necessary, but don’t let him / her interrupt you
too much. too much.
 Don’t let him / her get off the subject – you  Don’t let him / her get off the subject – you
don’t want the meeting to last too long. don’t want the meeting to last too long.
 Ask him / her to be more specific or repeat  Ask him / her to be more specific or repeat
something. something.

Speaking test results

Use these forms to evaluate the students.

Student A Student B

Can the student … Didn’t do this Yes, but with Yes, did this Can the student … Didn’t do this Yes, but with Yes, did this
(0 points) some mistakes very well (0 points) some mistakes very well
(1 point) (2 points) (1 point) (2 points)

discuss advertising discuss advertising

strategies? strategies?

say what it is say what it is

necessary to do? necessary to do?

use the language of use the language of

meetings? meetings?

interrupt somebody? interrupt somebody?

ask somebody to ask somebody to

repeat or be more repeat or be more
specific? specific?

Result ______ / 10 marks Result ______ / 10 marks

Business Result Pre-intermediate Progress Test 9 Photocopiable © Oxford University Press

10 | Progress test
Working with words Language at work
Complete the sentences with a word from the list. Read the description of the recycling of glass, and
put the verbs in brackets in the correct tense in the
convenient effective friendly initiative original active or the passive.
popular recycled unusual useful value
In the past, not many bottles 11________ (recycle), but
1 This is the most ____________ computer in nowadays, people 12 ________ (want) to be green, and
our range – over 1 million were sold last year. 13________ (take) their empty bottles to the bottle
2 We need to use environmentally- __________ bank. From there, the bottles 14________ (collect) and
15
products in the new factory. ________ (transport) by lorry to the recycling centre.
3 The company has started an ____________ to A large furnace 16________ (melt) the bottles at very
reduce waste by 20% over ten years. high temperatures. The melted glass 17________
4 This shop is very ____________ – only five (make) into new bottles, which 18 ________ (buy) by
minutes’ walk from here. drinks companies. The companies 19 ________ (fill)
5 These shoes were expensive, but they’ve been the bottles with new drinks and the bottles
20
good _________ for money as they’ve lasted ________ (sell) to supermarkets.
so long.
6 The management is 100% women, which is
very _________, even nowadays.
Business communication
7 Most companies have a box near the
Correct the sentences from the presentation.
photocopier for waste paper to be
____________.
21 I’ll talk about that after.
8 The sales campaign was not very
______________________
____________ – we’ve only managed to sell
22 That brings to my next point.
600.
______________________
9 His ideas for going green are completely
23 First all, I’d like to say a few words about
____________ – I’ve never seen any of them
recycling.
before.
______________________
10 Thank you very much for your very
24 Thanks very much for listen today.
____________ suggestions.
______________________
25 My next points is about company image.
______________________
26 As I say before, the problem is complicated.
______________________
27 I’m here today tell you about the benefits of
carbon offsetting.
______________________
28 Let’s move in to my next point.
______________________
29 Good afternoon somebody.
______________________
30 We’re going to looking at the subject of
carbon emissions.
______________________

Result ______ / 30 marks

Business Result Pre-intermediate Progress Test 10 Photocopiable © Oxford University Press

Speaking test
Role card

This Speaking test has only one role card because each student has to give an individual presentation. Copy this
page and cut out the role card for the student. Then use the Speaking test results form to evaluate the student’s
performance. You can then cut out the results and give them to the student.

You are in charge of green policy at your place of work or study.

1 Prepare a list of three new initiatives that you think your place of work or study should adopt.

2 Now prepare and give a short (five-minute) presentation. Follow these stages:
 Give a brief overview of your place of work (or study).
 Explain your ideas for new green initiatives, and for each one, say why you think they are a good
idea, and possible disadvantages.

Don’t forget to use the language of presentations appropriately, including

 starting the presentation
 moving on to another subject
 referring backwards and forwards
 finishing the presentation.

You do not need to use visual aids.

Speaking test results

Use this form to evaluate the student.

Can the student … Didn’t do this Yes, but with some Yes, did this very
(0 points) mistakes well
(1 point) (2 points)

start the presentation?

use the vocabulary of green

issues appropriately?

move from one topic to

another?

refer backwards and

forwards?

close the presentation?

Result ________ / 10 marks

Business Result Pre-intermediate Progress Test 10 Photocopiable © Oxford University Press

11 | Progress test
Working with words Business communication
Choose the correct answer from the words in italics. Jose visits your factory from Portugal. Write
appropriate sentences.
1 The company is planning a corporate event /
venue next July. 21 Invite Jose for a drink after work.
2 The venue / trip for this will be the Open Golf _____________________________________
Championship. 22 Jose needs help with his laptop. Offer to help.
3 We are going to offer / entertain our clients _____________________________________
over three days. 23 Offer Jose a cup of tea.
4 On the first evening, hosts / guests will attend _____________________________________
a luxury buffet supper. 24 Jose invites you to the theatre this evening.
5 For the second day, we have booked / accepted Decline and give a reason.
golf lessons with a local professional golfer. _____________________________________
6 On the third day, a trip to a local whisky 25 Invite Jose to your house for dinner.
producer has been arranged / held. _____________________________________
7 We are going to send out offers / invitations to 26 Jose offers you a bottle of Portuguese wine.
selected clients next week. Accept politely.
8 We think that about 50–70 people will accept / _____________________________________
book. 27 Jose invites you out to lunch today. You prefer
9 You may ask: what is the event / purpose of to go tomorrow.
the project? _____________________________________
10 It is to hold / reinforce our relationships with 28 Jose needs to do some interviewing while he is
our most important clients. with you. Offer Jose the use of your office.
_____________________________________
29 Jose invites you to visit him in Lisbon. Accept.
Language at work _____________________________________
30 Jose needs to write a report on his visit. Offer
Write the correct form of the verbs.
to help him with it.
_____________________________________
a If the weather 11 ____________ (be) good
tomorrow, they 12 ____________ (play) the
Result _______ / 30 marks
match.

b What 13____________ (you / do) for transport

if the taxis for the clients 14____________ (not
/ arrive)?

c If the delivery 15____________ (get) there

late, the customer 16____________ (not / be)
very happy.

d If a lot of people 17____________ (accept) the

invitation, we 18____________ (have to) find a
new venue.

e What 19____________ (your boss / think) if all

the staff 20____________ (ask) for a pay-rise?

Business Result Pre-intermediate Progress Test 11 Photocopiable © Oxford University Press

Speaking test
Role cards
Copy this page and cut out the role cards for the students. Then use the Speaking test results forms to evaluate
each student’s performance. You can then cut out the results and give them to the students.

Student A Student B

You and Student B are going to take out Lucy Eales, You and Student A are going to take out Lucy Eales,
an important visitor from the USA, to dinner tonight. an important visitor from the USA, to dinner tonight.
You have to decide where to take her and who is going You have to decide where to take her and who is going
to do various tasks connected with the visit. to do various tasks connected with the visit.

You would like to go to Il Pasto, a cheap but excellent You would like to go to The Dining Room, a very
Italian restaurant near the office. Your colleague would expensive Thai restaurant in a nearby town. Your
like to go to The Dining Room, a very expensive Thai colleague would like to go to Il Pasto, a cheap but
restaurant in a nearby town. excellent Italian restaurant near the office.
 Decide together which restaurant to go to and  Decide together which restaurant to go to and
at what time – you prefer early. at what time – you prefer late.
 Talk about what will happen if you go to one  Talk about what will happen if you go to one
of the restaurants. of the restaurants.
 Invite the other person for a drink at your  Invite the other person for a drink at the pub
house beforehand. after the meal.
 Offer to pick up Lucy from her hotel.  Offer to book a table at the restaurant.

Speaking test results

Use these forms to evaluate the students.

Student A Student B

Can the student … Didn’t do this Yes, but with Yes, did this Can the student … Didn’t do this Yes, but with Yes, did this
(0 points) some mistakes very well (0 points) some mistakes very well
(1 point) (2 points) (1 point) (2 points)

talk about future talk about future

possibilities? possibilities?

invite somebody to invite somebody to

do something? do something?

offer to do offer to do
something? something?

accept or decline an accept or decline an

invitation / offer? invitation / offer?

come to a decision come to a decision

with somebody? with somebody?

Result ______ / 10 marks Result ______ / 10 marks

Business Result Pre-intermediate Progress Test 11 Photocopiable © Oxford University Press

12 | Progress test
Working with words Business communication
Complete these words with the missing letters. Complete the description of the graph with five
different verbs.
1 It’s very en_______ that our profits have risen
so much. 600
2 This company has a re_______ for good
management. 500
3 You can’t say you have a high di_______ of 400
your workforce when all the managers are
men! 300
4 Our share price is sa_______ , but it could be 200
a lot higher.
5 TGG has a good sa_______ record, with only 100
one accident in two years. 0

Sept
Oct
Feb

Aug

Nov
Mar
Apr

Jul
Jan

May
Jun

Dec
6 This firm is going to be the most socially
re_______ organization in the country.
7 The CEO said our results were good, but I
thought they were di_______ . Profits in January were €350,000 but 21 ______ in the
8 The only way we can ac_______ our targets is next months to just over €450,000 in April. They
22
by working extra hard. ______ stable from April to July, but then 23 ______
9 Environmental pe_______ is increasingly sharply between July and August as the summer
important in modern business life. holidays hit sales. Profits 24 ______ to nearly €500,000
10 We have taken various initiatives to manage in September and October, but then 25 ______ through
co_______ . November and December to reach €250,000 by the end
of the year.
Language at work
Complete the sentences with a preposition from the
A journalist interviews Dr Hai Hong about her new list.
job at British Biotube. Complete the interview with
the correct form of the verb in brackets, present at by from to to
perfect, or past simple.
26 Average salaries rose __________ 2.4% last
J 11
Well, Dr Hong, how long _______ (you / year.
work) at British Biotube now? 27/ 28 The salary of a typical office worker in
H Just two weeks. I 12 _______ (arrive) in the London rose _________ £24,000 in January
UK in June. ______ about £24,500 by the end of the twelve
J Where 13 _______ (you / work) before that? months.
H Well, I 14 _______ (graduate) from Beijing 29 The price of a three-bedroomed house finished
University in 2006. Then I 15 _______ (spend) the year __________ £475,000.
three years in the USA. 30 Shares in TKG Houses fell about 5%
J Why 16 _______ (you / decide) to come to the __________475p in December.
UK?
H Well, I 17 _______ (want) to work here all my Result _______ / 30 marks
life! And my husband 18 _______ (be) here for
two years now. He’s working as a surgeon in
York.
J What’s the biggest problem you 19 _______
(find) since you came here?
H The language. People here speak very fast!
J How long 20_______ (you / study) English at
school?
H Six years. But that was a long time ago …

Business Result Pre-intermediate Progress Test 12 Photocopiable © Oxford University Press

Speaking test
Role cards
Copy this page and cut out the role cards for the students. Then use the Speaking test results forms to evaluate
each student’s performance. You can then cut out the results and give them to the students.

Student A Student B

You have worked for a house building company for a You have worked for a furniture company for three
year. Your company is doing really well (see below) years. Your company is doing poorly (see below) and
and you have just received a large bonus. However, some employees have lost their jobs. However, the
there have been several accidents on your company’s company has received a prize as ‘Greenest Local
projects which have been in the newspapers, and Company’ which was in the newspapers, and which
which have damaged its reputation. has improved its reputation.

You meet the other person at a conference. You meet the other person at a conference.
 Introduce yourself and your company. Find  Introduce yourself and your company. Find
out how long they have been in the job. out how long they have been in the job.
 Find out how their company is doing in terms  Find out how their company is doing in terms
of sales, profit, and other aspects of of sales, profit, and other aspects of
performance. performance.
 Give approximate information about your own  Give approximate information about your own
company. company.
Your company this year: Your company this year:
 sales up 57.4%  sales down 0.04%
 profits up 22.309%  profits down 6.5%
 number of employees: 598  number of employees: 245, down from 300
 accidents: six in last year, three serious last year
 accidents: none

Speaking test results

Use these forms to evaluate the students.

Student A Student B

Can the student … Didn’t do this Yes, but with Yes, did this Can the student … Didn’t do this Yes, but with Yes, did this
(0 points) some mistakes very well (0 points) some mistakes very well
(1 point) (2 points) (1 point) (2 points)

ask and talk about ask and talk about

how long you have how long you have
worked for your worked for your
company? company?

ask about company ask about company

performance? performance?

describe describe
company company
performance? performance?
use figures use figures
accurately? accurately?
use approximations? use approximations?

Result _________ / 10 marks Result _________ / 10 marks

Business Result Pre-intermediate Progress Test 12 Photocopiable © Oxford University Press

13 | Progress test
Working with words
Answer the questions using the words.
Complete the sentences with words from the list.
Change the form of the word if necessary. 17 What will happen? I think / may / a lot of
problems.
issue deteriorate forecast supply run improve ___________________________________
demand growth shortage estimate renewable 18 What do you think of the oil crisis? I’m
development relaxed about it.
I / sure / will / enough oil / many years.
1 Most experts _________ that oil will become ___________________________________
more expensive in the future. 19 Is there a meeting on Friday? We don’t know
2 Population _________ will mean that by the yet. The HR manager is ill, so / might not / be
year 2020, there will be 30% more people in a meeting.
the world. ___________________________________
3 In desert areas, there is often a water 20 What’s your forecast for the share price? I’m
_________. very confident about it. It / not / fall.
4 I don’t think we will ever _________ out of ____________________________________
oil.
5 The situation has _________ badly since last
year – we are much worse off.
Business communication
6 We need to find some sources of _________
energy before it is too late. Choose the correct answer from the words in italics.
7 World _________ of minerals like copper is
starting to dry up. 21 Is your company likely / hopeful to do well
8 Everybody needs oil, so _________ for it is next year?
likely to go up. 22 Do you think / Are you thinking the climate
9 Our sales department has _________ that sales situation will get better or worse?
will rise 10% next year. 23 Many people is / are likely to lose their jobs.
10 If the market doesn’t _________ soon, we’ll 24 Hopefully / Likely, this scheme will save us
have big problems. money.
11 Economic _________ in India means that 25 Governments are unlikely to make / making a
more people want to buy cars. decision soon.
12 The search for water has become a global 26 Prices won’t probably / probably won’t go up
_________. much.
27 The new members of staff may / will definitely
be unhappy about this.
Language at work 28 Teleworking is unlikely / definite to change my
life.
Re-write the sentences using the verb in brackets. 29 Companies like Apple are likely to / will likely
do well in the current climate.
13 I am sure people are going to work more. 30 We will definite / definitely need to be greener.
(will)
People ___________________________ Result _________ / 30 marks
14 Some people say our desks will look different
in ten years’ time. (might)
Our desks_________________________
15 It is possible that oil will not run out. (may)
Oil _______________________________
16 People are sure to want to work even in the
future. (will)
People _____________________________

Business Result Pre-intermediate Progress Test 13 Photocopiable © Oxford University Press

Speaking test
Role cards
Copy this page and cut out the role cards for the students. Then use the Speaking test results forms to evaluate
each student’s performance. You can then cut out the results and give them to the students.

Student A Student B

You and Student B both work for a small company in You and Student A both work for a small company in
Brussels which provides translation services to the EU. Brussels which provides translation services to the EU.
You have about 30 employees. You have heard a You have about 30 employees. You have heard a
rumour that the CEO is planning to reduce the number rumour that the CEO is planning to reduce the number
of employees to save money, and relocate to another of employees to save money, and relocate to another
European city. You think the rumours are untrue European city. You think the rumours are true because:
because:  there are many companies offering the same
 translation services are always needed service
 relocating would be a bad idea – Brussels is  relocating would be a good idea – Brussels is
the perfect place for such a company an expensive place for a company and a lot of
 the company made a lot of money last year. translation is done online anyway
 the company’s order book for next year is not
Ask the other person what they think will happen to too healthy.
your company in the future. Say what you think may
or will happen and what your hopes are. Ask the other person what they think will happen to
your company in the future. Say what you think may
or will happen and what your hopes are.

Speaking test results

Use these forms to evaluate the students.

Student A Student B

Can the student … Didn’t do this Yes, but with Yes, did this Can the student … Didn’t do this Yes, but with Yes, did this
(0 points) some mistakes very well (0 points) some mistakes very well
(1 point) (2 points) (1 point) (2 points)

ask for a prediction? ask for a prediction?

talk about what may talk about what may

happen? happen?

express certainty express certainty

about what will about what will
happen? happen?

express their hopes? express their hopes?

respond to the other respond to the other

person’s forecasts person’s forecasts
and hopes? and hopes?

Result _________ / 10 marks Result _________ / 10 marks

Business Result Pre-intermediate Progress Test 13 Photocopiable © Oxford University Press

14 | Progress test
Working with words Business communication
Complete the email. Complete the conversation.

Hi Katie Dirk Hi, Rosa. I’m afraid we have a 21p ________

I’ve been thinking about the meeting next Friday. with the order.
People are coming from a long way for it, so I really Rosa Oh dear. What seems to be wrong
don’t want to 1 ____________ a lot of time. First of all, I 22
e________?
think it must start 2____________ time. It’s scheduled Dirk Well, 23b________, we ordered 2,000
for 9 a.m., and it should start at 9 a.m.! I don’t think brochures, but you’ve only sent 1,000.
we have 3____________ time to talk about salaries. We Rosa Really? Oh no. Well, would it be OK
24
have to keep focused on the project and whether we i________ we delivered the other 1,000 next
can 4____________ the deadline or not. We’ll need to Monday?
5
____________ at least two hours talking about this – Dirk I’m afraid that wouldn’t be 25a ________. We
say until 11 a.m. Then we can have a break of, say, need them on Thursday for a trade fair.
fifteen minutes, which will 6____________ people time Rosa 26
W________ if we sent them by express
to have a chat and catch up on news. After the break courier? That would 27a________ us to get
we can 7____________ a bit of time by asking the them to you within a day.
participants to restrict their presentations to five Dirk Yes, that would be 28p________ .
minutes each maximum. I haven’t had time to think Rosa But would you 29a________ to pay for some of
about the second day. Could you plan a 8___________ the courier costs?
for this? If one day is not long 9____________ to fit in Dirk Yes, I think we 30c________ do that. How
everything, maybe we could think about a third day? about 50-50?
Let’s hope we have 10____________ to discuss all the
points on the agenda. Result _____ / 30 marks
Enrique

Language at work
Correct the mistakes.

11 If you could to visit any country, which would

you choose?
12 Would it be acceptable for you to pay more if
we are improved the quality?
13 What would you saying if I offered you
promotion?
14 If you were able to change something about
your job, what will it be?
15 The staff didn’t be happy if we took away the
water cooler.
16 If we wouldn’t have such high costs on this
project, we could make a large profit.
17 Would you work better if you have a faster
computer?
18 If my boss has been a bit more flexible, I could
take a holiday next week.
19 Many workers would benefit if they could
took a few months off for a course.
20 This would be a great place for a holiday if
there wasn’t so many mosquitoes.

Business Result Pre-intermediate Progress Test 14 Photocopiable © Oxford University Press

Speaking test
Role cards
Copy this page and cut out the role cards for the students. Then use the Speaking test results forms to evaluate
each student’s performance. You can then cut out the results and give them to the students.

Student A Student B

You run a chain of coffee shops. Student B supplies You supply coffee machines to coffee shops. Student
you with the coffee machines. A few weeks ago, you A runs a chain of coffee shops. A few weeks ago, he /
ordered ten coffee machines from Student B at €700 she ordered ten coffee machines at €700 each to be
each to be delivered by the end of next month. Now delivered by the end of next month. He / she rings you
you have found that you can buy the machines from to make changes to the order. For you the price is quite
another company for less. You ring him / her to important, so you don’t want to make much reduction,
negotiate a new price and deadline for this order. For but the deadline is very important for you as you have
you the price is extremely important, the deadline less received another big order to be completed urgently.
so. You would like to move Student A’s deadline back by
 Introduce and describe your problem with the two or three months.
order.  Listen to Student A’s problem and respond.
 Say what you would like to do about the price.  Say what you would like to do about the price.
 Respond to the other person’s suggestion.  Respond to the other person’s second
 Make another offer. suggestion.
 Come to an agreement on both price and  Explain your problem about the deadline and
deadline. say that you would like to change it.
 Come to an agreement on both price and
deadline.

Speaking test results

Use these forms to evaluate the students.

Student A Student B

Can the student … Didn’t do this Yes, but with Yes, did this Can the student … Didn’t do this Yes, but with Yes, did this
(0 points) some mistakes very well (0 points) some mistakes very well
(1 point) (2 points) (1 point) (2 points)

explain a problem explain a problem

they have with an they have with an
order? order?

make a suggestion or make a suggestion or

offer? offer?

respond to an offer? respond to an offer?

talk about times and talk about times and

deadlines? deadlines?

come to an come to an
agreement? agreement?

Result __________ / 10 marks Result __________ / 10 marks

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15 | Progress test
Working with words Business communication
Write the phrase after the definition. Complete the conversation.
1 Tell the employee information about their Dan Natalia has just told me she’s not happy with
performance and progress ________ my work.
2 Have a better chance of moving up within the Alina I 19______________. Did she say why?
company ________ your ________ ________ Dan No.
3 An interview with your boss each year to Alina Don’t 20___________. She’s just stressed out at
check progress ________ ________ the moment.
4 Give an employee the desire to do something Dan But she says something like this every day.
________ Alina I know 21___________ you feel. She’s the same
5 To give yourself objectives _______ your with me. It’s not your 22______________. Have
________ you 23______________ of doing yoga?
6 To look at your job calmly and objectively Dan Yoga? Because my boss hates me? I
________ a ________ ________ 24
______________ do that.
7 Not letting your job keep you from your Alina Look, Dan, I 25___________ totally, but really
family ________ ________ you shouldn’t think too much about it. Why
8 Be successful in reaching your objectives 26
____________ you go for a coffee and relax?
________ your ________ Dan Yes, good 27_________. I hope she isn’t in the
9 Do the job better ________ your ________ canteen!
10 Learn how to do something better Alina She has a deadline today. Perhaps you
________ ________ 28
____________ wait until next week and then
ask if you can talk to her.
Language at work Dan Yes, that might be 29______________.
Alina I’m sure there’s a 30______________. It’s just a
Complete the email with the correct form of the question of timing.
verbs in the list.
Result ______ / 30 marks
could x2 have to must mustn’t should
shouldn’t x2

Dear Jim,

You asked me for some advice about your interview

next week with Terry Alderson in Marketing. The
main thing is that you 11 ________ be late. He’s really
big on punctuality. In fact, you 12 ________ get there
at least fifteen minutes early. Terry’s not a formal kind
of guy, so you 13 ________ wear a suit – jacket and tie
is fine. But you 14 ________ be neat and clean-looking
– Terry thinks that’s really important in marketing.
He always likes somebody with the personal touch, so
you 15 ________ ask him about his family. But you
16
________ ask too many personal questions, because
he’ll get bored.
There are some questions he 17________ ask you by
law – things like your criminal record, etc. That’s
normal – don’t worry about it. It’ll be a long interview
– maybe two hours or more. You 18________ ask for a
break in the middle – that might be a good idea.

Hope this helps,

Gianni

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Speaking test
Role card
This Speaking test has only one role card because each student has to give an individual presentation. Copy this
page and cut out the role card for the student. Then use the Speaking test results forms to evaluate each
student’s performance. You can then cut out the results and give them to the student.

Prepare and give a mini-presentation. Follow these stages:

 Introduce and describe briefly the place where you work.

 Describe what programmes (if any) are in place for the staff’s personal development.
 Describe how much you have used them and what benefits you received.
 Suggest improvements which could be made, and which new programmes should be introduced.
 Thank the audience for their attention.

Speaking test results

Use this form to evaluate the student.

Can the student … Didn’t do this Yes, but with some Yes, did this very
(0 points) mistakes well
(1 point) (2 points)

describe their place of

work?

describe the company’s

personal development
programmes?

say how he / she used

them?

suggest improvements and

new programmes?

thank the audience

appropriately?

Result _______ / 10 marks

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16 | Progress test
Working with words Business communication
Complete the profile with words from the list. In each sentence of the presentation, there is a
Change the form of the word if necessary. mistake with the time phrase or the verb form.
Correct the mistakes.
ambition challenge change weakness strength
concentrate decision give up path spend 21 Hi. My name’s David Torres, and I’m with the
complete company since 2004.
22 The last year I was promoted to Sales
Lee Jae Kyun 1_____________ his degree in physics at Manager.
York University in 1998. After that he 2____________ 23 Recently, I’ve meeting most of the sales reps
three years working for a biotechnology company near …
London, and his career 3_____________ seemed to be 24 … and I meet the others over the next twelve
mapped out. But in 2001 he 4_____________ this months.
position, and made the 5_____________ to move to the 25 At the moment, the company goes through a
USA to 6_____________ on an academic career. difficult time …
Undoubtedly he is one the most brilliant students I 26 … but I am sure that in a future, this situation
have ever taught. His main 7_____________ is that he will improve.
is able to make links between different parts of the 27 From 2005 to 2007, profits have risen by over
same discipline. His only 8_____________ is that he 10% every year …
finds a lot of the work very easy, and starts to become 28 … and on my current role, I am looking
lazy. We hope this does not mean that he will forward to reaching similar targets again.
9
_____________ jobs every two years because he gets 29 Up to now, I listen hard to my staff …
bored, and wants a new 10_____________. He says his 30 … and I going to continue to do so.
11
_____________is to run a major laboratory in an
American or European scientific organization.  Result _______ / 30 marks

Language at work
Put the verbs in brackets in the correct tense.

12 Recently, I _____________ (work) on a big

contract with Sony.
13 At the moment, we _____________ (look) at
ways of reducing costs.
14 If you _____________ (not / like) the
decision, you’ll find a lot of people who
disagree with you.
15 You _____________ (not / smoke) in this
area of the factory.
16 If we _____________ (have) more cash, we
would be able to spend more money on the
restaurant facilities.
17 From 2003 to 2007, Maribel _____________
(be) the CEO of a big South American
company.
18 A lorry _____________ (arrive) every week
from Poland with spare parts.
19 This company was _____________ (start) up
in 1947.
20 Every employee _____________ (have) to
wear a uniform with the company logo on the
front.

Business Result Pre-intermediate Progress Test 16 Photocopiable © Oxford University Press

Speaking test
Role cards

This Speaking test has only one role card because students work together. Copy this page and cut out the role
card for pairs of students. Then use the Speaking test results forms to evaluate each student’s performance. You
can then cut out the results and give them to the student.

Work in pairs

You are careers advisors. You have been asked to provide careers advice for Jeff Machado, who would like to change
careers. Read the notes about Jeff.

Jeff Machado, aged 24

Qualifications: Vocational Qualification in Preparing and Serving Food

Current situation: one of 60 chefs working in the main kitchen of EatPlus, a large catering company which supplies
food and drink to schools and colleges. Has worked there for five years since he qualified.
Interests: Painting, graphics, music, sport
Strengths: Intelligent, creative, energetic, very hardworking when interested
Weaknesses: Lazy when bored, not very academic
Ambitions: unsure – maybe something in music and / or graphic arts. Probably not in catering, where he is getting
frustrated with the routine and low pay.

Discuss Jeff’s case, and suggest a new career path for him.
 Review Jeff’s career so far.
 Describe his current position and why it is unsatisfactory for him.
 Suggest a new career path.
 Agree to meet on a specified day and time to write report for Jeff.
 Say goodbye.

Speaking test results

Use this form to evaluate the student.

Student A Student B

Can the student … Didn’t do this Yes, but with Yes, did this Can the student … Didn’t do this Yes, but with Yes, did this
(0 points) some mistakes very well (0 points) some mistakes very well
(1 point) (2 points) (1 point) (2 points)

describe describe
someone’s career so someone’s career so
far? far?
describe their describe their
current situation? current situation?

suggest a new career suggest a new career

path with reasons? path with reasons?

agree to meet on a agree to meet on a

specified day and specified day and
time? time?
say goodbye say goodbye
appropriately? appropriately?

Result ______ / 10 marks Result ______ / 10 marks

Business Result Pre-intermediate Progress Test 16 Photocopiable © Oxford University Press

 5 Peter’s work involves 19 How much do you know
Progress organizing travel for his
colleagues.
about the Australian
market?
test answer 6
7
employment agency
customer
20 What does your company
produce?
key 8
9
public relations officer
subcontractors
21
22
i
c
10 colleague 23 f
Unit 1 11 supplier 24 j
12 consultant 25 b
1 specialize 13 is working 26 d
2 competitors 14 does your company work 27 g
3 employees 15 ’m expecting 28 a
4 based 16 Are you working 29 e
5 sales 17 uses 30 h
6 do 18 is thinking
7 Why 19 ’m just leaving
20 doesn’t involve
Unit 4
8 Does
9 is 21 speak
22 phoning/calling 1 idea
10 many
23 This 2 compact
11 9
24 about 3 did
12 6
25 calling/phoning 4 well
13 10
26 afraid 5 cheap
14 8
27 leave 6 designed
15 7
28 course 7 trials
16 Could you to speak more
29 back 8 stylish
clearly?
30 welcome 9 launched
17 Could I have a glass of
10 friendly
water, please?
11 Felipe didn’t go to Paris
18 Can you give me your Unit 3 yesterday.
address?
12 Did you see the new
19 Yes, of course not.
1 IT consultants last week?
20 Can you lend me your
2 Human Resources 13 I didn’t receive your
mobile?
3 Purchasing letter.
21 e
4 Training 14 The sales team met the
22 b
5 Logistics new director this
23 g
6 Quality Control morning.
24 i
7 Technical Support 15 Did the product have any
25 c
8 Research and success at the
26 h
Development conference?
27 d
9 Finance 16 We didn’t find the
28 f
10 Marketing presentation very
29 a
11 Which department do interesting.
30 j
you work in? 17 The company bought a
  12 How many people does lot of new furniture.
Unit 2 your company employ? 18 Francesca didn’t / did
13 What are you working on not enjoy the meal with
1 I’m not involved in at the moment? the sales manager.
talking to customers. 14 Which do you prefer, tea 19 They arrived at the
2 Sarah deals with software or coffee? airport at 6 p.m.
issues. 15 How often do you visit yesterday.
3 My job consists of Japan? 20 The report wasn’t very
telephoning suppliers. 16 Where does he come informative.
4 Do you ever take part in from? 21 e
meetings and discussions 17 How long are you 22 b
with subcontractors? staying? 23 h
18 When did you / your 24 a
company move here? 25 f
26 j
Business Result Pre-intermediate Progress Test Answer Key Photocopiable © Oxford University Press
27 i lowest they’ve been for 27 Did
28 c twenty years. 28 on
29 g 15 Our rival BJT has the 29 Are
30 d biggest market share. 30 think
16 Market conditions are
Unit 5 more difficult than last Unit 8
year.
17 The least profitable of 1 stock
1 bonus
our three divisions is 2 place
2 update
Europe. 3 delivered
3 shortlist
18 We need to think of ways 4 invoice
4 leave
of making our staff 5 track
5 subsidized
happier. 6 purchased
6 form
19 Can you be more careful 7 gave
7 scheme
in future? 8 process
8 position
20 The new building is 9 make
9 hours
better than the old one in 10 quote
10 advertisement
many ways. 11 complaint
11 Have you applied for the
21 What do you think about 12 Are you doing
job yet?
that? 13 ’m going to stay
12 I have already sent my
22 Personally, I feel / think 14 are going
CV to the company.
23 I don’t agree at all. 15 ’s starting
13 They didn’t get any paid
24 I agree with you. 16 ’ll come
holiday last year.
25 I think you’re right. 17 are you meeting
14 Has she been to France
this month? 18 ’ll bring
15 When did you leave your Unit 7 19 won’t say
last job? 20 Shall
16 Where are we 1 trip 21 about
17 running out 2 fight 22 about
18 Have you done 3 delayed 23 great
19 short of time 4 terminal 24 Let’s
20 deal with it 5 checked 25 should
21 leave it to 6 bill 26 don’t
22 what about 7 gate 27 could
23 I talked 8 departure 28 think
24 Has he 9 boarded 29 suggest
25 I haven’t 10 luggage 30 should / could
11 key card
Unit 6 12 safe Unit 9
13 one-way
1 meet 14 shuttle 1 entered
2 keep 15 Is there a hotel near here? 2 attract
3 on time 16 How much luggage have 3 campaign
4 deal you got? 4 mouth
5 back 17 How many times have 5 boosted
6 encourage you been to Beijing? 6 share
7 conducted 18 Are there (any) taxis at 7 launch
8 satisfied this time of night? 8 advertising
9 personalized 19 How much travelling do 9 Direct
10 provide you do in a year? 10 expand
11 This is the best restaurant 20 Have we got (any / 11 have to / need to
in town. enough) time to do any 12 can
12 The job was not as easy shopping? 13 have to / need to
as we expected. 21 been 14 aren’t allowed to
22 How 15 can
13 Marcia’s the most hard- 23 kind 16 aren’t allowed
working employee in this 24 did 17 do I have
company. 25 go 18 can
14 Our sales figures are the 26 trip 19 aren’t allowed
Business Result Pre-intermediate Progress Test Answer Key Photocopiable © Oxford University Press
20 don’t need to / don’t have Unit 11 14 graduated
to / needn’t 15 spent
21 come back 1 event 16 did you decide
22 move on 2 venue 17 have wanted
23 sum up 3 entertain 18 has been
24 said 4 guests 19 have found
25 discuss 5 booked 20 did you study
26 getting off 6 arranged 21 rose / increased
27 covered 7 invitations 22 remained
28 Could 8 accept 23 fell
29 ’m 9 purpose 24 increased / rose
30 catch 10 reinforce 25 declined
11 is 26 by
12 ’ll play 27 from
Unit 10 28 to
13 will you do
14 don’t arrive 29 at
1 popular 30 to
2 friendly 15 gets
3 initiative 16 won’t/will not be
4 convenient 17 accept Unit 13
5 value 18 have to
6 unusual 19 will your boss think
20 ask 1 forecast / estimate
7 recycled 2 growth
8 effective 21 Would you like to go for
a drink after work? 3 shortage
9 original 4 run
10 useful 22 Would you like me to
help you with that? 5 deteriorated
11 were recycled 6 renewable
12 want 23 Would you like a cup of
tea? 7 supply
13 take 8 demand
14 are collected 24 Oh thank you for the
invitation, but I’m afraid 9 estimated / forecast
15 (are) transported 10 improve
16 melts I’m busy.
25 Would you like to come 11 development
17 is made 12 issue
18 are bought to my house for dinner?
26 Oh thank you, that’s very 13 People will work more.
19 fill 14 Our desks might look
20 are sold kind of you.
27 That would be nice, but different in ten years’
21 I’ll talk about that later. time.
22 That brings me to my I’d rather go tomorrow.
28 Would you like to use my 15 Oil may not run out.
next point. 16 People will want to work
23 First of all, I’d like to say office?
29 Oh yes, that would be even in the future.
a few words about 17 I think there may be a lot
recycling. great!
30 Shall I help you with it? of problems.
24 Thanks very much for 18 I’m sure there will be
listening today. enough oil for many
25 My next point is about Unit 12 years.
company image. 19 … there might not be a
26 As I said before, the 1 encouraging meeting.
problem is complicated. 2 reputation 20 It won’t fall.
27 I’m here today to tell you 3 diversity 21 likely
about the benefits of 4 satisfactory 22 Do you think
carbon offsetting. 5 safety 23 are
28 Let’s move on to my next 6 responsible 24 Hopefully
point. 7 disappointing 25 to make
29 Good afternoon 8 achieve 26 probably won’t
everybody. 9 performance 27 will
10 costs 28 unlikely
30 We’re going to look at 11 have you been working / 29 are likely to
the subject of carbon emissions. have you worked 30 definitely
12 arrived
13 did you work
Business Result Pre-intermediate Progress Test Answer Key Photocopiable © Oxford University Press
Unit 14 Unit 15 21 Hi. My name’s David
Torres, and I’ve been
1 waste 1 give feedback with the company since
2 on 2 improve your promotion 2004.
3 enough prospects 22 The Last year I was
4 meet 3 annual appraisal promoted to Sales
5 spend 4 motivate Manager.
6 give 5 set your goals 23 Recently, I’ve been
7 save 6 take a step back meeting / I’ve met most
8 schedule 7 work / life balance of the sales reps …
9 enough 8 achieve your goals 24 … and I’m going to meet
10 time 9 improve your the others over the next
11 If you could to visit any performance twelve months.
country, which would 10 develop skills 25 At the moment, the
you choose? 11 mustn’t company is going
12 Would it be acceptable 12 should through a difficult time
for you to pay more if we 13 shouldn’t …
are improved the 14 must 26 … but I am sure that in
quality? 15 could the future, this situation
13 What would you say if I 16 shouldn’t will improve.
offered you promotion? 17 has to 27 From 2005 to 2007,
14 If you were able to 18 could profits rose by over 10%
change something about 19 see every year …
your job, what would it 20 worry 28 … and in my current
be? 21 how role, I am looking
15 The staff wouldn’t be 22 fault forward to reaching
happy if we took away 23 thought similar targets again.
the water cooler. 24 can’t 29 Up to now, I have
16 If we didn’t have such 25 understand listened hard to my staff
high costs on this project, 26 don’t …
we could make a large 27 idea 30 … and I’m going to
profit. 28 could continue to do so.
17 Will you work better if 29 possible
you have a faster 30 solution
computer? or Would you
work better if you had a
faster computer? Unit 16
18 If my boss was a bit more
flexible, I could take a 1 completed
holiday next week. 2 spent
19 Many workers would 3 path
benefit if they could take 4 gave up
a few months off for a 5 decision
course. 6 concentrate
20 This would be a great 7 strength
place for a holiday if 8 weakness
there weren’t so many 9 change
mosquitoes. 10 challenge
21 problem 11 ambition
22 exactly 12 have worked / have been
23 basically working
24 if 13 are looking
25 acceptable 14 don’t like
26 What 15 shouldn’t / aren’t allowed
27 allow to / mustn’t smoke
28 possible 16 had
29 agree 17 was
30 could 18 arrives
19 started
20 has
Business Result Pre-intermediate Progress Test Answer Key Photocopiable © Oxford University Press