Informal conversation is an important part of any business relationship. Before you start a discussion, however, make sure you understand which topics are suitable and which are considered taboos (禁忌) in a particular culture. Latin Americans enjoy shar

SMALL TALK BEFORE A MEETING This is a situation you’ve probably experienced many times: you arrive for a meeting ten minutes early. There are several people already there. You say hello and then … What do you talk about What do you say In this situation, you need to be able to make small talk. Small talk is an informal conversation. We use the term “small talk” because it is not about exchanging information or making decisions or having a serious discussion. It’s a way to avoid uncomfortable silences and build stronger relationships. Small talk might seem to be about nothing important, but it is important in itself. Being able to make small talk will allow you to make yourself part of a group. It will set the stage for more serious types of communication.

1.Small talk is a kind of formal dialog.()

2.The term “small talk” means there are only two persons in the dialog.()

3.Small talk is a useful ice-breaker and can build stronger relationships.()

4.Small talk is not at all important. ()

5.Making small talk will allow you to be a member of a group.()

A、solid

B、gas

C、fluid

D、thing

If you don’t have much experience of making phone calls in English, making a business call can be a worrying experience. Most business people, unless they feel very confident, prepare for an important phone call in a foreign language by making notes in advance. And during the call they make notes while they’re talking to help them to remember what was said. Although it’s quick and convenient to phone someone to give them information or to ask questions, the disadvantage is that there is nothing in writing to help you to remember what was said. It’s essential to make notes and often when an agreement is reached on the phone, one of the speakers will send a fax or e-mail to confirm the main points that were made. Because it’s so easy to be misunderstood when talking on the phone, it’s a good idea to repeat any important information (especially numbers and names) back to the other person to make sure you’ve got it right. Always make sure you know the name of the person you’re talking to. If necessary, ask them to spell it out to you, so that you can make sure you’ve got it right----and try to use their name during the call. And make sure that they know your name too.

1. If you don’t have much experience of making phone calls in English, making a business call can be ().

A.an easy thing

B.a happy experience

C.a painful thing

2.Most business people prepare for an important phone call in a foreign language by making notes in advance because ().

A.they are very careful

B.their foreign language isn’t so good

C.they don’t want to miss any important information

3. When the speakers reach an agreement on the phone, ()will send a fax or e-mail in order to confirm the main points that were made.

A.one of them

B.both of them

C.none of them

4.What does “IT” refer to in the first sentence in_Paragraph Four_----“…it’s a good idea to repeat any important information (especially numbers and names) back to the other person to make sure you’ve gotITright”()

A.important information

B.the other person

C.a good idea

5.The best title of this passage is().

A.The Importance of Taking Notes

B.Business Calls

C.Talking on the Phone

FOUR TIPS FOR BECOMING A FRANCHISEE

If you want to become a franchisee, the tips below can help you to find the perfect opportunity. BE FOCUSD ON YOUR PREFERENCE. On the stage of decision-making, the bottom line is: Don't rule out a business without learning or seeing what the day-to-day will look like. For instance, think about a mom returning to the work force who knows she wants to interact with children on a daily basis. Among the hundreds of options there, she needs to decide if she would like to be hands on as a teacher or if she would rather manage a facility that tutors children in math. Deciding between the two is easy if she considers which day-to-day position she would prefer and how that will impact her other goals. BE PROACTIVE WITH YOUR RESEARCH. After you've determined what role you want in a franchise, it's important to start researching different options. Physically visit many different franchise locations and browse the web and then determine what will be a fit in your community. Make sure the franchisor has experience. Before signing on to a franchise, it is essential to ask the franchisor about the executive team and its past industry experience. Find out if the company leaders have had significant experience at another franchise and are now applying that knowledge successfully. READ THE FRANCHISE DISCLOSURE DOCUMENT CAREFULLY. The first thing to look at is how much a franchise would cost to purchase. Make sure you have a financial advisor who can look at that item with you and see the type of profit a franchisee can make on average. It's also important to take a look at the post-termination clause in the agreement to make sure that when you want to leave the business, you know the terms well and your interests are properly protected.

1. Decide on a business with learning or seeing what the day-to-day will look like.() 2. Before you've determined what role you want in a franchise, it's time to start the business.()

3. Before signing on to a franchise, the essential job is to ask the franchisor about the executive team and its past industry experience.()

4. The first thing to look at is how long a franchise would take to purchase.()

5. To make sure that when you want to leave the business, you have made enough money and you are satisfied with that.()