8. Make up your own dialogues.

9. Manufacturers often streamline production in order to adapt to new developments in the market. Look at this description of a plant for producing potato crisps. What reasons are given for rationalization of the operations of the company?

It was during the 1970's that the need for additional production facilities became evident. Walkers Crisps had become so popular that demand often outstripped production capacity. At the same time, technology was changing and more sophisticated machinery was beginning to become available.

It was an ideal opportunity to take a clean sheet, to create a purpose designed factory on a green field site. Here was the chance to build a facility which would encourage greater efficiency, in a better working environment.

Operating efficiency was to be a prime consideration. The latest technology was to be incorporated in a logical sequence to ensure economy of operation. The 450 employees were to be well catered for, with 1500m² of offices, laboratories, locker and laundry rooms, and canteen facilities available for all. Protection was also to be given to the local community with careful control of emissions and waste disposal.

The four lines now operating represent a carefully scheduled combination of human skill and experience with high technology and automation.

10. As you read the introductory passage mark whether the following statements are true [√] or false [X].

1. Production facilities were adequate.

2. Sophisticated machinery was expensive.

3. It was a good time to create a specially built plant.

4. Priority was given to creating a larger work environment.

5. Systematic arrangement of machinery would make production more economic.

6. The welfare of the employees was taken care of.

7. The local community protected their environment.

11. Read, listen and translate the following dialogues.

At Car Rental Agency

─ I’ll be with you in a minute … Yes, sir. What can I do for you?

─ I want to hire a car.

─ What kind of car do you want, sir?

─ I’d like a small car or a hatchback.

─ How long will you be needing it for?

─ Until Friday.

─ Just a moment. I’ll check … Yes. I’ve got a Chevrolet.

─ How old is it?

─ Pardon? How old … It’s 14 years old. It isn’t very new, but it’s in very good condition.

─ Perhaps not a Chevrolet, then.

─ There are no other small cars available at the moment, sir … Now about a Ford Escort? It’s nearly new, it’s only two years old.

─ Fine.

─ May I see your driving license, sir?

─ Yes. Here it is.

─ Just sign the agreement.

─ May I read it first?

─ Of course, sir.

─ What shall I do if the car breaks down?

─ I am sure everything will be O.K., but if something is wrong, just phone this number. We have a 24-hour breakdown service, sir.

─ Shall I pay now?

─ If you don’t mind, sir.

─ Where is the car rental area?

─ Go down these stairs to the ground floor. Take the corridor on the right, then go through the door at the end. Turn left and the car rental area is around the corner. You can’t miss it.

─ Thank you very much.

─ Oh, sir.

─ Yes.

─ You should bring the car back to the same place on Friday.

─ O.K.

─ Have a good trip.

At a Filling Station

─ Petrol, sir? …

─ Yes. Fill it up. I’m nearly out of petrol.

─ Which grade?

─ Four star.

─ Shall I check the oil and water?

─ Yes, please.

─ That’ll be three pounds twenty-five.