Part III Listening Comprehension

Section A

Conversation 1

W: Good evening, and welcome to this week's business world, the program for and about business people. Tonight we have Mr. Steven Kayne, who has just taken over and established bicycle shop. Tell us, Mr. Kayne, what made you want to run your own store?

M: Well, I always loved racing bikes and fixing them. When I was working full—time as a salesman for a big company, I seldom had time to enjoy my hobby. I knew then that as soon as I had enough money to get my own business going, I'll do it. I had my heart set on it and I didn't let anything stand in my way. When I went down to the bank and got a business loan, I knew I'd love being my own boss. Now my time is my own. I open the store when I want and leave when I want.

W: You mean you don't keep regular hours?

M: Well, the sign on my store says the hours are ten to six, but if business is slower than usual, I can just lock up and take off early.

W: Have you hired any employees to work with you yet?

M: Yeah, a couple of friends of mine who love biking as much as I do. They help me out a few days a week. It's great because we play cards or just sit around and talk when there are no customers.

W: Thank you, Mr. Kayne. We wish you success in your new business.

Question 19-22 are based on the conversation you have just heard.

19.What is the woman doing?

20.What did Mr. Kayne do before he took over the bicycle shop?

21.Why did the man take over a bicycle shop?

22.What do we learn about the people working in the shop?

Conversation 2

W: Well, the main activities in the region were historically steel and paper processing, I think.

M: Yes, but I'm not quite sure about the status of those industries now. Could you tell us something about that?

W: Yes, of course. In fact, they are less significant, but steel-related manufacturing still accounts for 44% of industrial activity. So it's still very important. In fact, 80% of Spain's machine tools are from the Basque Country. As for paper processing, there's still a little. But it's no longer what it once was in the region. So, is that clear?

M: Yes, thanks.

W: Now, to get back to what I was saying, there's a lot of unemployment as well as geographical problems in the region.

M: Sorry, Victoria. What do you mean by geographical problems?

W: Well, what I mean is the area is very hilly, mountainous in parts. So there used to be transport problems, now though there are new train links and better roads, but it may be that some smaller towns inland remain not very well connected, is that OK? Does that make sense? When we talk about specific location suggestions for the factory, we'll see this in more detail, so we'll come back to this question, OK?

M: OK, right.

W: So I was about to say something about the work force in the region and the level of training and education. In general, it's very good and improving.

Question 23-25 are based on the conversation you have just heard.

23. What does the woman say about the steel-related manufacturing in the region?

24. What problems hinder the region's development?

25. What will the speakers discuss later?