Table of Contents
BEST Reading IELTS General Test 147
Reading IELTS General Test 147 – Passage – 1
Reading IELTS General Test 147
READING PASSAGE – 1
How to Set Up a Business Meeting
Read the text and answer Questions 1 – 7.
Multiple meetings occur each second of every day. And it’s easy to suspect that many of them prove to be ineffective. Why is that?
For an answer, consider the purpose of meetings. I’d suggest that meetings exist to nudge ahead progress.
Even if it’s only a slight move, when the meeting attendees exit, the subject of the meeting has to have changed in some way (hopefully for the better). You need structure to accomplish that. Here are five steps that will help you hold effective meetings–sessions that move subjects forward.
1. Be a reporter. Make sure you let your attendees know the who, what, why, when and where of the meeting. It prefaces the agenda. It might look like this:
Who: Members of the Retired Executive Group (name the actual names)
What: Decide on a formal group name
Why: To establish a formal group structure
When: February 17, 2009 from 3 to 4 p.m.
Where: Starbucks at 2111 S. Glen Street in Harwood Heights A reporter informs readers. That’s what has been done here.
What happens at the meeting? That’s what’s in the agenda.
BEST Reading IELTS General Test 147
2. Set an agenda. This means clearly listing the objective of the meeting and supporting points using specifics. For example, here’s an agenda for a meeting I ran for a business group I’m involved with:
– Objective is to select a name for the group
– Start a 10-minute brainstorming session
– Record results
– Cull the names down to five
– Check domain availability
– Debate those names where a domain is available
– Select a final name
This agenda not only provided a clear objective–to walk away from that meeting with a name–it provided the steps the attendees would take to do it. If we followed the agenda, we would make our goal. And we would have moved our subject forward.
3. Send out the agenda (via email or snail mail) 5 to 7 days ahead of time. You want your attendees to be aware, to prepare and to be there. It doesn’t always happen, of course. I find that, if you have 10 attendees, 10 will be aware of some of the agenda (usually the five w’s), two will prepare and seven will be there. That’s OK. You can only control your actions.
BEST Reading IELTS General Test 147
Also, call all of the attendees 2 days prior to remind them of the meeting.
4. Have copies of the agenda at the meeting. Most of the attendees will not bring the agenda with them, so have copies ready. Distribute and read through it when everyone shows up. Now you can begin the session with everyone on a level field.
5. Start and finish on time. If inclement weather or other common factors exist, you can delay the meeting. Otherwise, I suggest starting right at the time you noted on the agenda. If someone comes in late, that’s OK. Acknowledge him, give him an agenda and keep going. He’ll catch up on his own.
One of the most frustrating things I’ve experienced in meetings is when a 1-hour session turns into 90 minutes without it being mentioned by the facilitator. Believe me, you’ll be given silent but heartfelt kudos when you end the meeting ahead of or on time, or inform the attendees that it may go overtime. And what’s better than not only advancing your subject, but doing it with an aura of good will?
Questions 1 – 7
Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the text for each answer.
There are several steps you can take to avoid your meetings being (1)……… . It’s a good idea to keep in mind that the reason for having the meeting is to make some (2)……… with the issue(s) you have. Before the meeting make sure everyone is aware of the who, what, why, when and where of the meeting. Amongst other things this will help to formalise the (3)……… .
Also of course an agenda needs to be drawn up containing the objectives and the steps needed to achieve them. Attendees should receive this document several days (4)……… the meeting. A good way to start the meeting, when everyone is present, is to (5)……… the agenda. Though it’s often the case that some attendees will arrive late, it’s still preferrable to kick off the meeting (6)……… . Finally, remember that everyone will be much happier if you are able to move forward on (7)……… within the allotted time frame.
Read the text and answer Questions 8 – 14
Getting Out
You may wish to leave your business for a variety of reasons. For example, you may be ready to retire – if so, congratulations! – and you may wish to hand your business to a relative. Or perhaps your business did not live up to your expectations. Whatever the reason, be smart about how you make your exit.
Plan Your Exit
Do you know how you are going to exit your business? You may have a dream of going public, selling to the highest bidder, or retiring and handing over your business legacy to your family. Big dreams aside, the truth is that many… click for more.
Steps to Closing a Business
If you are considering leaving your business below you will find suggested steps to follow in closing your business. Decide to close a business – sole proprietors can decide by themselves that they should close … click for more.
Selling Your Business
If you decide that selling your business is the right exit strategy for you, be sure that you cover all your bases. In order to sell your business officially, you will need to prepare a sales agreement. This is the key document in … click for more.
Transfer of Ownership
As they say, all good things must come to an end. Maybe you’d like to retire, or maybe it’s time to pass the family business to the next generation. For one reason or another, many business owners will face a time when they … click for more.
Legal Resources for Operating and Exiting a Business
There are many resources available to help you comply with the basic laws for conducting and exiting a business. Here is just a brief listing of articles that offer general assistance to specialized audiences. Environmental … click for more.
Liquidating Assets
If you have decided to get out of business and are not able to pass your business on, merge it with another business, or sell it as a going concern, liquidating the assets could be the most appropriate exit strategy. However, before … click for more.
Filing for Bankruptcy Protection
Deciding to file for bankruptcy can be a painful decision, but you may find yourself in a position with no other options. To protect yourself and your business, educate yourself about this course of action before making the decision … click for more.
BEST Reading IELTS General Test 147
Questions 8 – 14
Choose NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS from the text for each answer.
8. The main document if you want to sell your business is the ……………. .
9. When there are no other options available to you, you will need to ……………. .
10. However you decide to exit you will need ……………. the legal system.
11. People who are ……………. do not need to consult with others regarding the how to close the business.
12. Handing your business over to another person is called a ……………. .
13. Going public with your business is, for many people, often no more than ……………. .
14. Whichever exit strategy you choose you will need ……………. it.
BEST Reading IELTS General Test 147
ANSWERS ARE BELOW
ANSWERS
1. INEFFECTIVE
2. PROGRESS
3. GROUP STRUCTURE
4. AHEAD OF
5. READ THROUGH
6. ON TIME
7. YOUR SUBJECT
8. SALES AGREEMENT
9. FILE FOR BANKRUPTCY
10. TO COMPLY WITH
11. SOLE PROPRIETORS
12. TRANSFER OF OWNERSHIP
13. A DREAM
14. TO PLAN