ONLINE ENGLISH - English as an International Language of Understanding ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Lesson 9 by Paolo Rossetti Level : Advanced Topic : Politics, Formal Speech Grammar: Word Collocations Audio Test ************************ Vocabulary SPEECH BY THE HONOURABLE ART EGGLETON, MINISTER FOR INTERNATIONAL TRADE, ON THE OCCASION OF THE OPENING OF CANADA EXPO '96 Santiago, Chile December 4, 1996 Ladies and gentlemen, Señoras y Señores, it's an honour to be here today. I am delighted to have the opportunity to pay a second visit to Chile, especially so soon after President Frei's historic visit to Canada. Jobs and growth are a priority on Canada's agenda, and international trade is one of the keys to achieving this. I know that this is a priority shared by Chile, and now that our countries are deepening their relationship and building a new trade partnership, I am confident that exporters from both countries will lose no time in capitalizing on this opportunity to expand markets and share expertise. Canada Expo '96 is the major Team Canada event for South America in 1996.It is fitting that this multisectoral showcase of Canadian goods and services takes place in Chile, as the Free Trade Agreement we will be signing tomorrow will give new momentum to relations between our two countries. The CanadaChile Free Trade Agreement is a good deal for both of us — it will create jobs in both countries. This agreement demonstrates our commitment to economic growth through expanded trade and is an important first step in further trade liberalization throughout the hemisphere and beyond. It is the first major economic trade link between North and South America and is another indication of Canada's commitment to this hemisphere. You will find us a reliable partner, and we are here to stay. ******************** EXERCISE 9.1 - Vocabulary Please match the words on the left with the meanings on the right. 1. it's an honour a. plan for future discussion to be here 2. to pay a visit b. succeed; get something you want 3. a priority c. make stronger ties; understand each other better 4. an agenda d. pleased to join this event (formal speech) 5. a key to e. happen, occur 6. to achieve f. important thing; your first concern 7. to deepen g. hurry to do something a relationship 8. to lose no time h. something you need to succeed; important part of a plan 9. to capitalize on i. take advantage of an opportunity 10. a showcase j. respectfully travel to meet 11. to take place k. promise; long-term agreement 12. momentum l. start; a beginning 13. a good deal m. place to display products or valuables 14. a commitment n. can be believed; trustworthy 15. a first step o. force that increases development 16. to be reliable p. (idiom) a beneficial agreement *********************** EXERCISE 9.2 - Grammar Native speakers of English are not used to hearing and using words in isolation - they almost always use two or three words in a group. This is called 'collocation' and it means that certain words match with other particular words. For example, 'This agreement demonstrates our ......' A fluent speaker of English will know the next word... 'commitment' or 'belief' or 'concern'; but not 'promise' or 'opinion' or 'worry', even though the meanings are more or less the same. Please fill in the blanks with the following words - change them as necessary to match the grammar of the sentence: capitalize, the opportunity, event, build, on the agenda, key 1. The conference is the year's major ...... of the industry. 2. Sales training is the first priority ...... 3. Before exporting, it's important to ...... a partnership with the buyer. 4. Many small enterprises have ...... on the opportunity brought about by the recently lowered trade tariffs. 5. Clear communication is often ...... to achieving a mutually beneficial relationship. 6. My boss will be delighted to have ...... to meet you. ************************************ EXERCISE 9.3 - Reading Comprehension Please read the text and choose the correct answers. 1. What is the purpose of this text? (to inform; to express thanks; to promote) 2. Who is speaking? (the Chilean President, a Canadian Minister, the Chilean Minister of International Trade) 3. According to the speaker, what do Chile and Canada have in common? (the same political goals, the same economic commitment, the same hemisphere) 4. What does the CanadaChile Free Trade Agreement promise? (to create jobs in both countries, to capitalize on foreign investment, to improve the relationship between Canada and Chile) *************** Answers Go to ---> Online English Content
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