I. Чтение текста делового содержания и выполнение заданий к нему. Starbucks' difficulties in Europe

Starbucks Corp reported better-than-expected quarterly profit but global sales at established coffee shops fell short of analysts' estimates due to weakness in Europe, sending its shares down five percent in after-hours trade on Thursday.

Sales from cafes open at least 13 months fell 1 percent in the Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region during the latest quarter. Analysts polled by Consensus Metrix had expected a 2.2 percent rise in EMEA same-store sales.

Executives attributed the drop to weakness in Europe, which suffered its first decline in same-store sales since 2009.

Sales fell in Ireland and Germany during the fiscal second quarter and were up just slightly in France and the United Kingdom, Starbucks Chief Financial Officer Troy Alstead said.

Europe has been a weak spot for the world's biggest coffee chain. The region is grappling with debt woes and austerity measures and, earlier this week, Britain said its economy had fallen into its second recession since the financial crisis.

"The situation is very, very tough," Chief Executive Howard Schultz said of Europe's economy.

"We will turn the Europe business around in the same way we turned the U.S. business around," Schultz told analysts on a conference call.

Для вопросов 1-5 выберите правильный ответ (A, B или C).

Начало формы

1. What happened to Starbucks' shares after that their quarterly profits failed to meet analysts' estimates?

A. They rose by 5%

B. They plunged by 5%

C. They rose by 10%

2. "Quarterly profits" refer to profits during how many months?

A. Three

B. Four

C. Six

3. According to the article, in which European countries did Starbucks' NOT see a slight increase in sales?

A. The United Kingdom

B. Ireland

C. France

4. According to the article, _____________ are/is to blame for Starbucks' woes in Europe.

A. Europe’s financial troubles

B. European disdain for American coffee

C. the availability of many other good cafes

5. Has Starbucks always struggled in Europe?

A. No

B. The article doesn’t specify

C. Yes

2. Устная и письменная деловая коммуникация.

1) Выберите правильные варианты, чтобы закончить предложения делового электронного письма.

Dear Mr. Whitehead 1st April

Re: Supply of XR6 Workstations

I have pleasure in confirming our ability to meet your requirements for the Silicon Graphics workstation. In view of your specific needs, I suggest that you place your order for the agreed equipment as soon as possible. The (A. delivery B. arrival C. transport D. postage) time for hardware for example is 6 weeks from receipt of order to (A. institution B. initiation C. introduction D. installation). Thus, an order placed with us tomorrow will (A. compel B. ensure C. promise D. maintain) delivery to your site by the week commencing Monday, 15^th May. All orders must be accompanied by a (A. portion B. cost C. deposit D. discount) of 20% of the total amount shown on the attached (A. cheque B. quotation C. charge D. demand).

Yours sincerely

Vincent Law

Sales Manager