Conversation One

M: I see on your resume that you worked as a manager of a store called "Computer Country". Could you tell me a little more about your responsibilities there?
W: Sure. I was responsible for overseeing about 30 employees. I did all of the ordering for the store, and I kept track of the inventory.
M: What was the most difficult part of your job?
W: Probably handling angry customers. We didn't have them very often, but when we did, I needed to make sure they were well taken care of. After all, the customer is always right.
M: That's how we feel here too. How long did you work there?
W: I was there for three and a half years. I left the company last month.
M: And why did you leave?
W: My husband has been transferred to Boston. And I understand your company has an opening there too.
M: Yes, that's right. We do. But the position won't start until early next month. Would that be a problem for you?
W: No, not at all. My husband's new job doesn't begin for a few weeks. So we thought we would spend some time driving to Boston and stop to see my parents.
M: That sounds nice. So tell me, why are you interested in this particular position?
W: I know that your company has a great reputation, and a wonderful product. I've thought many times that I would like to be a part of it. When I heard about the opening in Boston, I jumped to the opportunity.
M: Well I'm glad you did.

19. What was the woman's previous job?
20. What does the woman say was the most difficult part of her job?
21. Why is the woman looking for a job in Boston?
22. When can the woman start to work if she gets the job?

Conversation Two
W: Today in the studio we have Alberto Cortez, the well-known Brazilian advocate of the anti-global movement. He's here to talk about the recent report, stating that by 2050 Brazil will be the one ot the word's wealthiest and most successful countries. Alberto, what do you say to the report?
M: You know this isn't the first time that people are saying Brazil will be a great economic power. The same thing was said over a hundred year ago. But it didn't happen.
W: Yes, but you must admit the world's a very different place now.
M: Of course. In fact I believe there's maybe some truth in the prediction this time around. First of all, though, we must remember the problems facing Brazil at the moment.
W: Such as...?
M: There's an enormous gap between the rich and the poor in this country. In Sal Paulo, you can see shopping malls full of designer goods right next door to the slam areas without proper water and electricity supplies. A lot of work needs to be done to help people in those areas improve their lives.
W: What needs to be done?
M: Education, for example. For Brazil to be successful, we need to offer education to all Brazilians. Successful countries like South Korea and Singapore have excellent education systems. Brazil needs to learn from these countries.
W: So you are hopeful for the future.
M: As I said earlier, I'm hopeful. This isn't an easy job. We need to make sure that these important opportunities for Brazil aren't wasted, as they were in the past.

23. What does the recent report say about Brazil?
24. What problem does Alberto say Brazil faces now?
25. What does Alberto say about economically successful countries?