These expressions below are all commonly used in meetings. Match the expressions (1-10) with their functions (a-j)

1. We've got to find out what our competitors are doing.

2. Alternatively, we could try speeding up production.

3. The solution then is to discontinue the product.

4. We should cut costs as far as possible.

5. If we do that, everyone will have to work overtime.

6. Max, could you bring us up to date, please?

7. I'm worried about the motivation of the staff.

8. Let's look at the pros and cons.

9. So the next thing is to find a new product.

10.Let's look at this another way.

a) asking for facts

b) making a suggestion

c) balancing arguments

d) expressing doubt

e) identifying needs

f) changing your approach

g) considering other options

h) discussing possible effects

i) making a decision

j) stating future action

Match these questions and suggestions (1-5) commonly used in meetings with the most appropriate response (a-e).

1. What do you think?

2. Would you prepare a report on that?

3. Could you explain your idea more clearly?

4. I think you should wait till next month.

5. We really need more information on this.

a) Well, what I meant was ...

b) I really can't agree - that's too late.

c) Yes, sure!

d) That's right. We can't make a decision until we know the facts.

e) I think it's an interesting idea -but it will be difficult to make it work.

4. Check your reading

Read the article about South African Breweries, a company which makes beer, then answer the questions.

1. Mark each of the following statements T (true) or F (false).

a) SAB has expanded rapidly outside South Africa since the end of apartheid.

b) SAB wants to leave the South African market.

c) SAB dominates the market in South Africa.

d) SAB has good opportunities for growth in its home market.

e) SAB sells beer in eastern Europe.

f) In South Africa, SAB is only involved in making beer.

g) SAB has been unable to make a profit from its activities in China. h) There are many small brewers in the international market.

2. Why does SAB want to move to London? Mark all the answers that are correct.

a) The UK is its largest market.

b) It needs to be inside the European Union.

c) It wants to become part of the global beer industry.

d) It wants to compete equally with international brewers.

e) It hasn't been very successful in South Africa.

f) Exchange controls restrict the company in moving its funds abroad.

3. What is the meaning of languish (second to last line)? Choose the best answer.

a) expand further

b) lose strength

c) carry on in the same way

d) have to stop making beer

SAB moves to London

South African Breweries, the world's fourth largest brewer, is about to relocate to London where it hopes to raise capital by selling shares on the London Stock Exchange.

Since the fall of apartheid, the brewer has expanded rapidly outside South Africa into emerging markets in eastern Europe, Asia and the rest of sub-Saharan Africa. SAB's biggest move came in 1994 when the group jumped continents by entering the post-communist world of eastern Europe with the acquisition of a brewer in Hungary. It has since added brewing interests in Romania, Slovakia, Russia and Poland. It has also expanded into Asia with shares in four Chinese breweries through joint venture, and is negotiating to buy a fifth. 'Unlike most other brewers, we make money in China,' says Graham Mackay, Managing Director of SAB.

However, its ability to grow internationally is limited by exchange controls that restrict the use of cash from its South African brewing activities to fund overseas expansion. 'We must acquire access to the global share market to further growth in our international brewing business,' says Mr Mackay.

SAB is not about to pull out of South Africa, where it also owns the country's largest soft drinks bottling business and its largest hotels and gaming business. And it believes the core brewing business has room for further growth - despite its market share of 98%. 'More than 45% of the population is under 19 and yet to enter their beer-drinking years,' says Mr Mackay. 'More and more

people are moving from the countryside into the towns. They earn more money and they choose to buy beer with it.'

One of the main purposes of listing the company on the London Stock Exchange is to fund further acquisitions in emerging markets, particularly in Poland. But the group also wants the freedom to be an active participant in the consolidation of the global brewing industry where the ten largest brewers control little more than a third of the market. 'We must participate in that process on equal terms with other international brewers or we will languish,' says Mr Mackay.

Check your writing

Read this short extract from a production department meeting and write a report about it. Note that not all the sentences have to be reported in full: some parts can be summarised.

Chair: OK then. Item 3 on the Agenda is the cutting machine. John, could you tell us the background to this?

John: Yes, well, as most people know, the cutting machine keeps breaking down. We've tried to get it repaired, but it's an old machine. Basically what we need is a new machine.

Everyone: Yes! Definitely!

Chair: OK. But should we get another machine of the same type?

Perhaps this type is unreliable. Would it be a good idea to see what other machines are available?

Alice: Yes - actually I've done a little research, and there are several possibilities. There are some new models on the market now. Perhaps we could consider one of those?

Chair: Do you have any details about them? How much do they cost?

Are they reliable? Alice: I have asked the manufacturers for some information but I

haven't received any replies yet.

Chair: Well, when you get the information, can you prepare a short report on it?

Alice: Yes, I can do that.

Chair: Good, then we can take a decision at our next meeting.

Alice: All right.

Chair: So - the next item on the Agenda ....