READING 1: WHY TO LEARN ENGLISH?

Learning English is important and people all over the world decide to study it as a second
language. Many countries include English as a second language in their school syllabus and
children start learning English at a young age. But do you know why learn English is so
important?
Here are ten (10) good reasons to study English
1. English is the most commonly spoken language in the world. One out of five people can
speak or at least understand English.
2. English is the language of science and technology, business, computing, aviation,
diplomacy, and tourism. Knowing English can increase your job opportunities in a
multinational company both nationally and abroad.
3. English is the official language of at least fifty-three (53) countries, facilitating meeting
and communication among them.
4. English is spoken as a first language by around four hundred (400) million people
around the world.
5. English is the language of the media industry. If you speak English, you don’t need to
depend on translations and subtitles to enjoy your favourite books, songs, films/movies,
TV shows, etc.
6. English is also the language of the Internet. A lot of websites are written in English. You
can understand them and take part in forums and discussions.
7. English is based on a simple alphabet, which makes it easy and quick to learn as
compared with other languages.
8. English is not only useful; it also gives you a lot of satisfaction. You will enjoy learning
English if you remember that every hour you spend gets you closer to perfection.
9. Since English is spoken in so many different countries, there are thousands of schools
around the world that offer programs in English. If you know English, there are a lot of
possibilities for you to find an appropriate school and course which suit your academic
needs.
10. By learning English, you will also learn about other cultures. Few experiences will make
you grow as a person more than learning values, habits and ways of life in a culture
different from yours.

Activity 1: Answer the following questions

1. Why is it important for you to learn English?

2. What are strategies to learn and improve your

English?

3. Have you ever been to an English speaking

country? If yes, which one and on which
occasion? If no, which one do you want to
visit and why?

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 READING 2: LOGISTICS
Logistics can be defined as the management of the flow of goods, information and other
resources, energy and people between the point of origin and the point of consumption in
order to meet the requirements of consumers. Logistics involves the integration of
information, transportation, inventory, warehousing, material handling, packaging and
security. Logistics may have an internal focus (inbound logistics), or external focus
(outbound logistics).
If the company manufactures a product from parts purchased from suppliers, and those
products are then sold to customers, one can speak about a supply chain. Supply Chain
can be defined as a network of facilities and distribution options that performs the
function of procurement of materials, transformation of these materials into intermediate
and finished products, and the distribution of these finished products to customers.
Logistics management is part of supply chain management. Logistics management plans,
implements, and controls the efficient flow and storage of goods, services and related
information between the point of origin and the point of consumption in order to meet
customers’ requirements.
Successful supply chain operators work in close partnerships with their customers; they
jointly explore the opportunities for increasing efficiency of the supply chain and
improving service levels by using the latest systems and techniques. This approach is also
referred to as logistics re-engineering. The re-engineering process considers the following
factors: the nature of the product, the optimal or preferred location of source or
manufacture, freight and transport costs and the destination market, seasonal trends,
import and export regulations, customs duties and taxes, etc.
A professional working in the field of logistics management is called a logistician. The
main functions of a qualified logistician include, among other things, inventory
management, purchasing, transportation, warehousing, consultation and organizing and
planning of these activities. Logisticians are responsible for the life cycle and supply
chain operations of a variety of products. They are also responsible for customs
documentation. They regularly work with other departments to ensure that the customers’
needs and requirements are met.
Professional English for Logisticians, Yulia Stukalina

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 Activity 2: Answer the following questions

1. What does the term “logistics” imply?

2. What does the term “supply chain”
imply?
3. What is logistics management?

4. What do service providers do in order

to increase efficiency of the supply
chain?
5. What process is called “logistics re-
engineering”?
6. What factors does this process
consider?
7. What are the main functions of a
qualified logistician?
8. What are professional logisticians
responsible for?

Activity 3: Decide whether the following statements are true or false

1. Logistics can be defined as the management of the flow of goods between the point of
origin and the point of consumption.
2. Logistics involves the integration of information, transportation, inventory,
warehousing, etc.
3. Usually, logistics does not involve the management of the flow of energy and people.
4. Logistics always has an external focus.
5. All supply chains are very simple.
6. The complexity of the supply chain will vary with the size of the business
7. Logistics management is part of supply chain management
8. Logistics management plans, implements, and controls the efficient flow and storage
of goods, services and related information.
9. Successful supply chain operators work in close partnerships with their customers
10. The re-engineering process does not consider the nature of the product.
11. A professional working in the field of logistics management is called an academician.
12. The main functions of a qualified logistician include, inventory management,
purchasing, transportation, warehousing, etc.
13. Logisticians are responsible for the life cycle and supply chain operations of a variety
of products.
14. Logisticians normally do not work with other departments of the company.

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READING 3: THE IMPORTANCE OF LOGISTICS IN BUSINESS

Today, efficient logistics and transportation system are important prerequisites of the
development of any economy. In modern competitive environment, it is not enough to
offer a product that meet customers’ requirements. The way of its delivery is also very
important. The art and science of delivering goods with speed and precision can help
businesses operate more efficiently, lower costs and gain new customers.
Logistics has evolved throughout centuries to become an integral part of every business.
Logistics has been performed since the beginning of civilization. Raw materials and
finished products had always to be moved, though on a small scale. Gradually, people
began moving from rural to urban areas; the geographical distance between the point of
production and the point of consumption increased considerably.
There was a time when companies used to develop a product range, plan their distribution
channels, schedule marketing campaigns and deliver the finished product to their retailers
themselves. However, since the early 1990’s logistics operations have become much
more complex. The global logistics market has grown radically over the years.
The major benefits of efficient logistics operations can be summarized as follows:
 Cost savings by centralizing inventory management.
 Faster order fulfilment by relying on a global transportation network.
 Improved cash flow.
 Flexibility to change distribution patterns for new products based on ever-changing
customer demands.
The main customer groups (market segments) served by the logistics industry are the
following:
 Parcel and documents express delivery services.
 Freight by air, ocean, road or rail.
 Warehousing and distribution.
 Supply chain solutions.
Logistics is one of the spheres, which still have potential as far as improving performance
is concerned. There are large unused capacities in logistics processes in terms of costs
reduction and quality of service.

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 Activity 4: Answer the following questions

1. Are efficient logistics and

transportation system important
prerequisites of the development of
any economy? Why?
2. Why have logistics operations become
much more complex recently?
3. How has technology changed
transportation?
4. What are the major benefits of
efficient logistics operations?
5. What are the main customer groups
served by the logistics industry?
6. What potential does logistics have?

Activity 5: Number the following ideas on the order they appear in the text.

There was a time when companies used to develop a product range, plan their distribution
channels, deliver the finished product to their retailers themselves.
Logistics is one of the spheres, which still have potential as far as improving performance is
concerned.
Raw materials and finished products had always to be moved, though on a small scale.
The global logistics market has grown radically over the years.
The main customer groups served by the logistics industry are parcel and documents express
delivery services, warehousing and distribution, etc.
Efficient logistics and transportation system are important prerequisites of the development
of any economy.
There are large, unused capacities in logistics processes in terms of costs reduction and
quality of service.
Gradually, people began moving from rural to urban areas.
The art and science of delivering goods with speed and precision can help businesses operate
more efficiently, lower costs and gain new customers.
Logistics has been performed since the beginning of civilization.
The geographical distance between the point of production and the point of consumption
increased considerably.
Logistics has evolved throughout centuries to become an integral part of every business.

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 SPEAKING TOPICS II
1. Describe the famous person you admire most. Explain why you
admire this person. Include details and examples to support your
response.
2. Describe a special friend in your childhood, why he or she is special
to you? Include reasons and details to support your response.
3. Describe your favorite performer or musician. Explain why you like
this performer or musician most. Include reasons and examples to
support your response
4. In your opinion, what are some important characteristics of a good
friend? Use reasons and specific examples to explain why these
characteristics are important.
5. In your opinion, what are some important characteristics of a good
teacher? Use reasons and specific examples to explain why these
characteristics are important.
6. In your opinion, what are some important qualities of a good team
member? Use reasons and specific examples to explain why this
characteristic is important.
7. In your opinion, what are some of the qualities of a good parent? Use
reasons and specific examples to explain why these characteristics are
important.
8. Neighbors are the people who live near us. In your opinion, what are
the qualities of a good neighbor? Use specific details and examples in
your answer.
9. Which do you think is the most important quality of a strong
friendship: loyalty， honesty or sense of humor? Explain why?
Please include details and examples in your response.
10. Describe an object that is of special value to you. Explain why it
is important. Include details and examples in your explanation.
11. Describe the most important gift you have received. Why is it the
most important gift? Include details to support your explanation.
12. Describe a book that you think is interesting. Explain why this
book is interesting to you. Include details and examples in your
explanation
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13. Describe an important thing you will miss most when you are
away from home. Explain why. Include reasons and details to
support your response.
14. A foreign friend is going to have a meal in your home. What kind
of food would you like to prepare for this foreign friend? Why?
Use specific reasons and details to support your choice.
15. Choose ONE of the forms of the technology in the list and tell
why it has great impact on people's lives in your country?
Airplane, computer or television. Use specific reasons and
examples to support your response.
16. Describe your favorite style of clothing. Include reasons and
details in your response
17. Describe a special opportunity that you have been given in your
life. Explain why it is important to you. Include reasons and
details in your response.
18. Describe one difficulty you have encountered and how you
overcame it. Include reasons and details to support your response.
19. Describe one kind of your skills which you are good at (such as
drawing pictures, playing basketball). Explain why this skill is
important to you. Include reasons and details to support your
response.
20. What new skill would you like to learn? Explain why this skill
would be good for you to have. Include details and examples in
your explanation.
21. It is generally agreed that society benefits from the work of its
members. In your opinion, which type of contribution do you
think is valued most by your society: the contributions of doctors,
teachers or farmers? Give specific reasons to support your answer
22. Describe your favorite area in the city or town you live in and
explain why you like it most. Include reasons and examples to
support your response.
23. Describe a place you’ve never been to but always wanted to visit
someday. Use specific reasons and details to explain your choice.
24. Where would you like to live most, mountain, forest, beach or
desert? Use specific reasons and examples to support your
answer.
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 LISTENING PRACTICE

PAGE 105
LISTEN AND COMPLETE THE CONVERSATION

Will: What do you like to do when you have free time, Pam?
Pam: Well, I love to go--------------, so I do that if I have the time and the
money – which isn’t often! And I like watching movies, so I rent------
---- when I get a chance.
Will: What would you do if you had more time?
Pam: Well, I like------------! I’d love to learn to-------------- really well. If I
had more time, I’d take a cooking class. So, what do you do in your
free time, Will?
Will: Oh, I play in a-------------------.
Pam: Really? What do you play?
Will: ------------. We play every---------- night at a club on---------- Avenue.
Pam: I’d love to see you play sometime. Wow! Playing in a band must be-
----------------.
Will: Yeah, it is. We write our own songs, so that’s pretty-----------. We’ve
just released our first CD.
Pam: Are you kidding? So you’re going to be----------------?
Will: Well, who knows? Maybe!

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 PAGE 107

LISTEN AND COMPLETE THE CONVERSATION

Kate: I hear you like lots of sports, Mark. True?

Mark: Oh, yeah, I’m a huge sports ------------------
Kate: So, do you have a favourite?
Mark: Well, ------------ is really great. So matches are really exciting.
And soccer involves a lot of skill.
Kate: But the players don’t score many----------------, do they?
Mark: Well, that’s true. Maybe the goals should be-------------- - or
smaller, with no goalie! But anyway, if you’re looking for a sport
where Players score lots of points, then-------------- is your game.
Most basketball games have really---------------- scores.
Kate: Yeah. Sometimes the---------- score more than a hundred points,
right?
Mark: That’s right. I also like track-and-field events. I look forward to the
--------------- every four years.--------------- is a wonderful sport, too.
Swimmers are amazing-----------------.
Kate: So which sports are you good at?
Mark: Me? Oh, I’m not good at any of them. In fact, I have no athletic
----------------- at all. I just watch sports on TV!

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 PAGE 109
LISTEN AND COMPLETE THE CONVERSATION

Lucy: What’s the best way to get into the city from the airport?
Nick: Well, it depends on what time of the day your plane----------------.
Lucy: I’ll be arriving in the late--------------, if my flight’s not delayed.
Nick: OK. That means it will be--------------- hour, so a taxi could take a
long time. When there’s a lot of traffic, it can take-------------- to
get in from the airport. So I think it’s best to use---------------
transportation.
Lucy: Is there a subway from the airport?
Nick: There’s a free shuttle------------ that takes you to the nearest subway.
It takes about 10 minutes. Then the train takes around----------- to
get downtown. From there, you can take a---------------- to your
hotel.
Lucy: Is there a bus I could take?
Nick: There’s an-------------- bus, but if the traffic’s terrible, you could be
struck on the----------------- for hours. The subway is definitely the
best idea if you arrive in the late afternoon.
Lucy: What if the flight is really late? The last time I flew, I didn’t arrive
until-------------.
Nick: Oh, well, in that case, you have to take a taxi. At that hour, you
have no other choice.

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 PAGE 111
LISTEN AND COMPLETE THE CONVERSATION

Eric: Where are you going on your next vacation?

Laura: Hawaii! I’m going next month for ----------------- whole weeks! It’s
been my -------------- to go there for a long time.
Eric: Wow, how exciting! What are you going to do there?
Laura: I’m ---------------- to spend the whole time on the island of Kauai.
Eric: Kauai? Isn’t really ---------------- there?
Laura: Yes, in the north. The first week, I’m going to the Na Pali ---------
The ------------- there can be as high as 1,200 meters! You can take
a boat to see them. You can see get off the boat and spend time on
a quiet --------------.
Eric: Sound awesome! What about the -------------- week?
Laura: I’m going to hike in the Waimea --------------. It’s much drier there.
Eric: Well, I hope you have good --------------. Don’t forget to bring me
a -----------------!

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 PAGE 113
LISTEN AND COMPLETE THE CONVERSATION

Carl: I’m thinking of buying one of those new ice-cream -----------------.

Ellen: Oh, my friend Elena has one. She bought hers ------------ last
summer.
Carl: Does it -------------- like the ads say? I mean, is it good?
Ellen: Well, yeah, she used it a lot at first. And her ice cream was delicious
very -------------- and not too sweet. She made some fantastic -------
-------------- ice cream with real espresso.
Carl: But?
Ellen: Well, she found that it took a lot of time to ----------------. And she
had to have plenty of ice and -------------- available to make ice
cream.
Carl: Oh, I don’t mean that electric kind of ice-cream maker. I mean the
one that operates on ----------------. You put it in the ---------------, and
it does all the work for you.
Ellen: Oh, OK. Yeah, that kind might be better. But the other reason Elena
stopped using hers was that when the --------------- ended, nobody felt
like eating ice cream.
Carl: Oh, that’s ---------------! The weather doesn’t have to be hot to eat ice
cream. Ice cream is great any time of the year!

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 PAGE 115
LISTEN AND COMPLETE THE CONVERSATION

Ana: I saw an interesting documentary last week about how some ---------
are cutting down too many of their ---------------. Many --------------
say that this deforestation is a disaster.

Tom: Well, I agree. For one thing, the rain forests are home to many of the
world’s wildlife ----------------

Ana: Right. And the documentary pointed out that undiscovered rain-forest
plants could be used as --------------- drugs to treat diseases like AIDS
and -------------.

Tom: Really? Do you know what plants can treat cancer?

Ana: I don’t know what the exact names are, but two of today’s most
powerful anti-cancer ----------- come from a single rain-forest --------

Tom: Wow, that’s amazing! I wonder how we can protect the rain forests.

Ana: I’m not sure how to protect them. And the bad thing is, many kinds
of plants, which could be the sources of tomorrow’s ----------------,
are being -------------- at the rate of -------------- to 100 every day.

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