Inglês Comercial Básico - Formando

IEFP - ISG
Ficha Técnica
Colecção MANUAIS PARA APOIO À FORMAÇÃO EM CIÊNCIAS EMPRESARIAIS
Título Inglês Comercial Básico

Suporte Didáctico Guia do Formando
Coordenação e Revisão Pedagógica IEFP – Instituto do Emprego e Formação Profissional -
Departamento de Formação Profissional
Coordenação e Revisão Técnica ISG – Instituto Superior de Gestão
Autor Anabela Horta/ISG
Capa IEFP
Maquetagem ISG
Montagem ISG
Impressão e Acabamento ISG
Propriedade Instituto do Emprego e Formação Profissional, Av. José
Malhoa, 11 1099-018 Lisboa
Edição Portugal, Lisboa, Dezembro de 2004
Tiragem 1000 exemplares
Copyright, 2004
Todos os direitos reservados ao IEFP
Nenhuma parte deste título pode ser reproduzido ou transmitido,
por qualquer forma ou processo sem o conhecimento prévio, por escrito, do IEFP
Inglês Comercial Básico Guia do Formando

TABLE OF CONTENTS IEFP
Table of Contents
I. THE NUMBERS COUNT ................................................................................................ 1
1. The Definite And Indefinite Articles ....................................................................................... 4

• Pronunciation of the Definite Article “The”:............................................................................ 9
• Difference Between “A” and “An”: ......................................................................................... 9
• Exercises............................................................................................................................. 10
• Resolutions.......................................................................................................................... 15
2. Personal Pronouns.............................................................................................................. 17
• Little notes ........................................................................................................................... 18
• Exercises............................................................................................................................. 19
• Resolutions.......................................................................................................................... 20
3. The Possessive Adjectives / Position of the Adjectives ...................................................... 21

• Form .................................................................................................................................... 21
• Place ................................................................................................................................... 21
• The Possessive Adjectives.................................................................................................. 22
• Exercises............................................................................................................................. 23
• Resolutions.......................................................................................................................... 24
4. “To Be” and “To Have” ........................................................................................................ 25

• Generalities ......................................................................................................................... 25
• To Be................................................................................................................................... 25
• To Have............................................................................................................................... 28
• Exercises............................................................................................................................. 32
• Resolutions.......................................................................................................................... 33
5. There + To Be ..................................................................................................................... 34
• Generalities ......................................................................................................................... 34
• Exercises............................................................................................................................. 36
• Resolutions.......................................................................................................................... 36
Accounting English I Guia do Formando

IEFP TABLE OF CONTENTS
6. The Demonstratives.............................................................................................................37
• Forms................................................................................................................................... 37
• A little note ........................................................................................................................... 38
• Other demonstratives .......................................................................................................... 39
• Exercises ............................................................................................................................. 40
• Resolutions .......................................................................................................................... 40
7. The Alphabet ....................................................................................................................... 41
8. The Numbers ....................................................................................................................... 42

• Exercises ............................................................................................................................. 43
• Resolutions .......................................................................................................................... 45
9. The Jobs .............................................................................................................................. 46

• Exercises ............................................................................................................................. 50
10. Office Furniture and Stationery............................................................................................ 51

• Furniture .............................................................................................................................. 51
• Machinery / equipment ........................................................................................................ 51
• Stationery............................................................................................................................. 52
11. Offices: Old and New...........................................................................................................53

• Exercises ............................................................................................................................. 54
12. Secretarial Vocabulary......................................................................................................... 55
13. Accounting Fundamentals and Users of Accounting Information ........................................ 64

• What is accounting? ............................................................................................................64
• Where is this process done? ............................................................................................... 64
• Why is accounting necessary? ............................................................................................ 64
• What are the most common methods used in accounting? ................................................. 65
• Which financial documents are usually required by any company’s record-keeping system?
............................................................................................................................................. 65
14. What do Numbers Mean?.................................................................................................... 70

• When can figures be considered positive or negative? ....................................................... 70
• Accounting figures ............................................................................................................... 70
15. Secretarial Tasks ................................................................................................................. 71
Guia do Formando Accounting English I

II. ACCOUNTING SYSTEMS............................................................................................ 73
1. The Verbal Forms................................................................................................................ 76

• The Simple Form................................................................................................................. 76
• The Progressive Form......................................................................................................... 76
• The Interrogative Form........................................................................................................ 76
• The Negative Form.............................................................................................................. 76
2. The Present......................................................................................................................... 77
3. The Future........................................................................................................................... 78
• Exercises (on the Present and Future):............................................................................... 79
• Resolutions.......................................................................................................................... 84
4. The Interrogative pronouns ................................................................................................. 85

• The Adjective Pronouns ...................................................................................................... 85
• The Interrogative Pronouns................................................................................................. 85
• Exercises............................................................................................................................. 87
• Resolutions.......................................................................................................................... 89
5. Prepositions and Adverbs of Place ..................................................................................... 90

• Prepositions of Place........................................................................................................... 90
• Prepositions of Time............................................................................................................ 90
• Exercises............................................................................................................................. 91
• Resolutions.......................................................................................................................... 96
6. Directions and Places.......................................................................................................... 97

• Directions ............................................................................................................................ 97
• Places.................................................................................................................................. 97
• Exercises............................................................................................................................. 98
7. Descriptions / Sizes and Forms / Incoterms........................................................................ 99

• Descriptions......................................................................................................................... 99
• Shapes and sizes .............................................................................................................. 102
8. Countries and Nationalities ............................................................................................... 109

• Exercises........................................................................................................................... 112

9. Feelings ............................................................................................................................. 113

• Exercises ........................................................................................................................... 115
10. Hobbies and Leisure.......................................................................................................... 116

• Exercises ........................................................................................................................... 117
11. Accounting Vocabulary ...................................................................................................... 118
12. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ........................................................................ 124

• What is an accounting system? ......................................................................................... 124
• Accounting policy disclosures............................................................................................ 124
• Exercises ........................................................................................................................... 125
13. A Business transaction: inquiries, quotations, delivery, invoices, forms of payment ........ 126
• Introduction ........................................................................................................................ 126
• Inquiries / enquiries............................................................................................................ 126
• Quotations ......................................................................................................................... 127
• Orders................................................................................................................................ 129
• Delivery.............................................................................................................................. 129
• The Invoice ........................................................................................................................ 129
• Terms of Payment ............................................................................................................. 130
• Exercises ........................................................................................................................... 132
14. The shipping department: packing and transport (routing orders, bill of lading, waybill,
shipping documentation).................................................................................................... 133
• Introduction ........................................................................................................................ 133
• Exercises ........................................................................................................................... 135
III. THE MANAGEMENT PROCESS AND ACCOUNTING..............................................137
1. The Simple Past ................................................................................................................140

• List Of Irregular Verbs........................................................................................................141
• Exercises ........................................................................................................................... 149
• Resolutions ........................................................................................................................ 150

2. The Present Perfect .......................................................................................................... 151

• Exercises........................................................................................................................... 151
• Resolutions........................................................................................................................ 152
3. The Past Perfect................................................................................................................ 153

• Exercises........................................................................................................................... 153
• Resolutions........................................................................................................................ 154
4. Postpositions / Phrasal Verbs ........................................................................................... 155

• Exercises........................................................................................................................... 157
• Resolutions........................................................................................................................ 159
5. Things We Do.................................................................................................................... 161
6. Business Terms................................................................................................................. 167
7. The Nature of Planning and Controlling ............................................................................ 171

• Basic purposes of planning ............................................................................................... 171
• Some ways to plan efficiently ............................................................................................ 171
• The part played by control................................................................................................. 172
• Exercise............................................................................................................................. 172
8. Budgets ............................................................................................................................. 173

• The purpose of budgeting ................................................................................................. 173
• Drawbacks in the budgeting process ................................................................................ 174
• Exercises........................................................................................................................... 174
9. Performance Reports ........................................................................................................ 175

• Exercise............................................................................................................................. 176
10. From Orders to Final Payment .......................................................................................... 177

• Orders ............................................................................................................................... 177
• How to place an order: some useful expressions.............................................................. 178
• Execution of orders ........................................................................................................... 179
• Forwarding the goods........................................................................................................ 179
• Invoicing and Payment ...................................................................................................... 181
• Exercises........................................................................................................................... 181

IV. THE ACCOUNTANT´S ROLE IN A BUSINESS ORGANISATION ............................183
11. The Present Conditional .................................................................................................... 186
12. The Past Conditional ......................................................................................................... 187

• Exercises ........................................................................................................................... 187
• Resolutions ........................................................................................................................ 189
13. The Modal and Defective Verbs ........................................................................................ 191

• Exercises ........................................................................................................................... 194
• Resolutions ........................................................................................................................ 201
14. The IF-clauses ................................................................................................................... 203

• Exercises ........................................................................................................................... 203
• Resolutions ........................................................................................................................ 204
15. Legal Vocabulary ...............................................................................................................205
16. Management Vocabulary................................................................................................... 208
17. The Accountant’s Role....................................................................................................... 212

• Top accounting officer: the controller................................................................................. 212
• The Treasurer .................................................................................................................... 212
• The Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in the USA, and Chartered Accountants in the UK.
........................................................................................................................................... 212
• Ethics for management accountants ................................................................................. 212
• Financial accountant.......................................................................................................... 213
• Decision-making process................................................................................................... 213
• Exercises ........................................................................................................................... 213
V. THE ACCOUNTS DEPARTMENT ..............................................................................215
1. The Comparatives and Superlatives.................................................................................. 218

• Generalities........................................................................................................................ 218
• Comparatives..................................................................................................................... 218
• Superlatives ....................................................................................................................... 220
• Resolutions ........................................................................................................................ 226

2. The Possessive Case........................................................................................................ 228

• Exercises........................................................................................................................... 230
• Resolutions........................................................................................................................ 231
3. Structures Of The Substantive And Adjective ................................................................... 232

• Position of the Adjective .................................................................................................... 232
• How to transform a substantive and a verb into an adjective:........................................... 233
• Compound adjectives........................................................................................................ 234
• Present participles used as adjectives .............................................................................. 235
• Past Participles used as adjectives ................................................................................... 235
• Exercises........................................................................................................................... 236
• Resolutions........................................................................................................................ 237
4. Accounting Vocabulary...................................................................................................... 238
5. Bookkeeping...................................................................................................................... 243
• Introduction........................................................................................................................ 243
• Bookkeeping...................................................................................................................... 243
• The Accounts Department................................................................................................. 243
6. Balance Sheet ................................................................................................................... 244

• What’s a Balance Sheet? .................................................................................................. 244
• Assets................................................................................................................................ 244
• Liabilities............................................................................................................................ 244
• Assets and liabilities on the balance sheet........................................................................ 245
• Financial reporting............................................................................................................. 245
• Exercises........................................................................................................................... 248
• Resolutions........................................................................................................................ 250
VI. BUSINESS CORRESPONDENCE ............................................................................. 251
1. The Passive Voice............................................................................................................. 254

• Generalities ....................................................................................................................... 254
• Exercises........................................................................................................................... 255
• Resolutions........................................................................................................................ 256

2. The Reported Speech........................................................................................................ 257

• Verbs in the reported speech............................................................................................. 257
• The use of the tenses ........................................................................................................ 257
• Other changes ................................................................................................................... 259
• Exercises ........................................................................................................................... 261
• Resolutions ........................................................................................................................ 263
3. Global Grammatical Review .............................................................................................. 264

• Resolutions ........................................................................................................................ 273
4. Linking Words To Be Used In The Written Expression...................................................... 278

• In the introduction .............................................................................................................. 278
• In the development ............................................................................................................ 278
• In the conclusion................................................................................................................ 281
5. Expressions used in Letter Writing .................................................................................... 283
6. The Lay-out of a Business Letter....................................................................................... 291

• Introduction ........................................................................................................................ 291
• Parts of a Business Letter.................................................................................................. 291
7. Punctuation........................................................................................................................ 294
• Introduction ........................................................................................................................ 294
8. Enquiries / replies / price quotation.................................................................................... 296

• Inquiries or enquiries .........................................................................................................296
• Replies to enquiries ...........................................................................................................298
• Exercises ........................................................................................................................... 299
9. Orders And Execution Of Orders ....................................................................................... 300

• Orders................................................................................................................................ 300
• Execution of orders............................................................................................................301
• Exercises ........................................................................................................................... 303
10. Follow-up Letters ............................................................................................................... 304

• Exercises ........................................................................................................................... 304

11. Invoicing and Payment ...................................................................................................... 305

• Asking for bank references................................................................................................ 305
• Inquiring about a new customer’s financial status............................................................. 305
• The invoice ........................................................................................................................ 306
• Payment ............................................................................................................................ 306
• Exercises........................................................................................................................... 306
12. Reminders / Claims / Complaints ...................................................................................... 307

• Exercises........................................................................................................................... 307
VII. BIBLIOGRAPHY ........................................................................................................ 309

I. THE NUMBERS COUNT
ACCOUNTING
ENGLISH I
I. THE NUMBERS COUNT IEFP
Objectives
Students are expected to demonstrate knowledge of a wide range of business vocabulary and
produce main structures of the language, with confidence.
Topics
1. The definite and indefinite articles;

2. Personal pronouns;
3. The possessive adjectives / position of the adjectives;
4. “To be” and “to have”;
5. There + to be;
6. The demonstratives;
7. The alphabet;
8. The numbers;
9. The jobs;
10. Office furniture and stationery;
11. Offices: old and new;
12. Secretarial vocabulary;
13. Accounting fundamentals and users of accounting information;
14. What do numbers mean?
15. Secretarial tasks.
Exercises
Resolutions
I
Accounting English I Guia do Formando 3
IEFP I. THE NUMBERS COUNT
1. THE DEFINITE AND INDEFINITE ARTICLES
Use of the ARTICLES
With: The A / AN No Article

(o ; a ; os ; as ) (um ; uma)
1. Countable words at When the noun is A / An are only used with a

the Singular determined by the singular noun.
(book, pen, bag, context, or if the noun a) It is used when the noun
any other object …) is being mentioned is not determined. It can
again. be any one.
Ex: Did you find a book on a
Ex: The book on the table, yesterday?
table over there is
b) It is used in a phrase
mine.
which describes
something.
Ex: She was wearing a black
hat and a grey coat.
c) To classify or define
something.
Ex: The song is a lullaby.
d) To mention someone’s
job.
Ex: He is an accountant.
2. Countable words at When the noun is When used as a

the Plural defined, or when its generality and before
meaning is delimited by an adjective + noun
the context. (expressing a
generality).
Ex: The old books I Ex: Old books are
offered you are rare. one of my
passions.
Ex: French bread
Greek civilisation
Modern languages
Rock music
Chamber music
3. Uncountable words When determined by When used as a

at the Singular, as the context: generality.
they always are. Ex: Love is …
(luggage, advice, Ex: The love I feel for
furniture, love, any you is limitless.
raw material)
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4 Guia do Formando Accounting English I
4. Countable words at
the Singular and
uncountable words
may be determined
by:
i) a clause or phrase a) Ex: The man I told a) Ex: Their boss, a self-
that determines its you about is now made man, is the owner
meaning my boss. of the factory.
i) with “of” e) Ex: The yellows of b) “of” + indefinite article: It

Van Gogh’s links two nouns when
paintings. the first qualifies the
second.
ii) by the context f) Ex: Tell me the
truth. Ex: Jim is a fool of a
boy.
iii) by an adjective that g) Ex: The Black
determines its Death
meaning and turns it h) Ex:The Black c) The indefinite article is
into a name used after a preposition
Plague
(with, without, in, as,…)
Ex: I am all wet because

this morning I left home
without an umbrella.
d) It is used after “such”

and “what” to express an
emotion or an opinion.
Ex: - You have such a

beautiful house!
Ex: What a shame!
5. Nouns implying that a) The elements (the

someone or wind, the rain…)
something is unique
b) The planets (the
earth), but in
science fiction
novels we may find
them without the
definite article.
c) The titles (the

Queen, the
President) but they
can also be
followed by “of”
(the Queen of
England)
I
d) Something or EXCEPTIONS:
someone
outstanding the • Parliament (= The
rest by its Houses of
excellence (He is Parliament)
the doctor in town) • Justice
e) The institutions
(The Police, the
Church, the Press)
EXCEPTION:
6. Inventions Ex: the radio, the
telephone, the Internet • Television
7. Precise literary Ex: the sonnet, the When the literary

genres novel, the essay genre is vague, it is
considered as a
generality and is not
preceded by the
definite article.
Ex: prose and verse,

poetry…
8. Categories, fauna Ex: the mammals, the In common speech,

and flora dog, the pine tree the plural without the
article is often used.
Ex: Dogs are good
companions.
EXCEPTION:
Man and woman are
never preceded by the
definite article when
they are used as a
category.
Ex: Man is a wolf to
Man
We also omit the
article when they are
preceded by an
adjective, but they still
must be considered as
a generality.
Ex: Modern man
CAREFUL:
The American woman
I
9. Names EXCEPTIONS: a) Before a title

followed by a
a) “Emperor” is
name:
always preceded
by the definite Ex: Queen Elizabeth,
article. President Kennedy
Ex:The Emperor Familiar adjective +
Alexander name.
b) The + adjective + The article may be
name omitted or used
Ex: The eccentric Dali to describe the
behaviour of the
c) The name of a
average country
people
man.
Ex: The English
Ex: Americans are
(=English people)
constantly changing
d) Nationalities jobs.
The + plural : to b) Geographic
mention the whole names; countries,
nation or its continents,
representatives provinces at the
Ex: The Italians are a Singular are never
very welcoming preceded by the
people. article.
e) Countries which Ex: France, Italy,

are a union of Japan,Portugal.
states or islands
are considered EXCEPTIONS :
plural names, and The Congo, the
are preceded by Crimea, the Lebanon,
the definite article. the Netherlands, the
Sahara, the Sudan,
Ex: The United
the Transvaal, the
Kingdom, The
Tyrol, the Ukraine.
United States of
The Ruhr, the Saar.
America, the
Azores c) Mountain tops:
f) The names of Ex: Mount
rivers. Everest,
Kilimandjaro
Ex: The Thames (o
Tamisa) EXCEPTION:
The Matterhorn (o
g) Mountains Monte Cervin)
Ex: The Himalayas, the The names of lakes,
Alps. bays, capes, islands
h) The seas and are not preceded by
oceans: the definite article.
Ex: Cape Cod,
Ex: The Mediterranean
Lake Leman.
Sea, The Atlantic
Ocean, the EXCEPTION :
Channel When they include
I
“of”.
The Lake of Geneva,
The Isle of Wight, The
Cape of Good Hope.
d) Street names and
monuments.
Ex: Oxford Street,
Westminster
Abbaye.
EXCEPTIONS:
The Champs Elysées,
the Eiffel Tower.
10. Particular cases a) Abstract nouns e) Intelligence,

Ex: the mind, the accountability,
soul, the heart, the Nature, Heaven,
body, the brain Hell.
f) Notions of time:
b) Expressions with • The seasons:
time: 1. With a unity, a measure: Ex: Winter, Summer
• All the week (= all • The days of the
Ex:-
week) week:
• Twice a year.
• All the year round Ex: Sunday,
• An hour
• In the past Monday
• In the future • The months of the
2. It is often used in titles of year:
works of art: Ex: August,
Ex: A Farewell to Arms (by September
Hemingway) • Holidays:
Ex: Christmas
g) Meals, games,
sports, illnesses
Ex:
• I have lunch at
12:00
• She has cancer.
• He plays tennis
every day.
h) Newspapers
headlines
11. Idiomatic To be in the right / To have a headache To walk hand in hand

expressions wrong To have a sense of humour. From top to bottom
To make a noise/a fuss
To be in a hurry
To be at a loss
To set an example
To do two things at a time
I
Pronunciation of the Definite Article “The”:
a) It is pronounced (da) before a phonetic consonant :

Ex: the table, the wind, the house, the year, the university, the European Community, the United
States of America, the one.
b) It is pronounced (di) before a phonetic vowel and when the “h” is mute (heir, hour, honest,
honour).
Ex: the eyes, the M.P, the R.A.F.
The correct pronunciation of the article is important in order to recognise such words as:
• hair / air / heir
• heel / eel
• hill / ill
Difference Between “A” and “An”:
a) “A” is used before a phonetic consonant and a pronounced “h”:

Ex: a book, a helmet, a union, a year, a one-eyed man, a hero.
b) “An” is used before a phonetic vowel, a mute “h” and a word starting with “h” stressed on the
second syllable:
Ex: an X-ray, an hour, an historic celebration, an heroic deed.
I
Exercises
1. Write the right indefinite article of the following nouns in the corresponding column: (20 Marks)
(1) apple tree (2) windy day

(3) holy day (4) accountant
(5) executive (6) appointment
(7) email (8) offshore account
(9) availability (10) exhibition
(11) job application (12) hotel
(13) delay (14) deadline
(15) requirement (16) loss
(17) advertiser (18) planning
(19) manager (20) organisation
A AN
I
Multiple Choice Questions:
2. Put a circle around the letter corresponding to the right answer:

(20 Marks)
1) ……. Winter is always cold in Wales.

a) 0
b) the
c) a
d) an
2) ……. Next summer John is going camping in ……. United Kingdom.

a) 0 …. 0
b) 0 …. the
c) the …. the
d) the …. 0
3) ……. following day Sarah was back ……. home.

a) 0 … 0
b) 0 … the
c) the … the
d) the … 0
4) ……. next few days will be decisive for the future of …….Government.
a) 0 … 0
b) 0 … the
c) the … the
d) the … 0
5) By ……. next winter, the building will be opened as ……. symbol of peaceful cooperation.
a) 0 … a
b) the … the
c) the … a
d) 0 … 0
I
6) ……. Queen Victoria was called to ……. throne when she was eighteen years old.
a) 0 … 0
b) 0 … the
c) the … the
d) the … 0
7) She doesn’t like ……. alcoholic drinks, except for ……. French Champagne.
a) 0 … 0
b) 0 … the
c) the … the
d) the … 0
8) I only drink ……. red wine produced in this region.

a) 0
b) the
c) a
d) an
9) The heads of Department are discussing ……. advantages and ……. disadvantages of the
measure.
a) the … the
b) 0…0
c) 0 … the
d) the … 0
10) We danced …….

a) all the night long
b) the all night long
c) all night long
d) the all night
I
11) …….man is now able to live for several months in …….space.

a) 0…0
b) 0 … the
c) the … the
d) the … 0
12) ……. honest accounting agent is ……. essential member in an organisation.

a) a… a
b) a ... an
c) an ... a
d) an ... an
13) Mrs Thatcher had been ……. MP before becoming Prime Minister.
a) a
b) 0
c) an
d) an
14) John Smith has just been appointed ……. Chairman of the Board of …….. Directors.
a) a … 0
b) 0 ... 0
c) the ...0
d) the ... the
15) Shall we go for ……. walk after ……. dinner?

a) the … the
b) 0 … 0
c) a … 0
d) a … the
16) The children were watching ……. television while their mother was …….. phone.
a) the … on
b) 0 … on
c) the … on the
d) 0 … on the
I
17) I mean nothing of ……. kind.

a) the
b) a
c) 0
d) such
18) ……. drivers should have ……. higher sense of responsibility.

a) most of the … a
b) most …. a
c) most of the … 0
d) the most of the … the
19) John Fitzgerald Kennedy did what he thought was …….

a) best
b) the best
c) the best one
d) either b) or c)
20) There are many …. without …. sense of humour.

a) intelligent men … 0
b) an intelligent men … a
c) an intelligent man … 0
d) an intelligent man … a
I
3. Fill in the blanks of the following sentences with the correct article but if you consider that no
article is needed then write: ( 0 ). (10 Marks)
1). ….. Chinese cooking and ….. French cooking are said to be ….. best in ….. world.
2). Do you appreciate ….. humour of this story?
3). He is very fond of ….. birds.
4). What ….. lovely little girl she is!
5). She was ….. close friend of President Roosevelt.
6). ….. television and ….. radio are essential sources of information.
7). Janice wants to be ….. pilot.
8). ….. global warming is increasing the level of ….. oceans and destroying most of …..
earth’s natural beauties.
9). ….. Summer is my favourite moment of ….. year.
10). Sometimes business organisations need to be restructured from ….. top to ….. bottom.
Resolutions
1. …
(1)an (2) a
(3) a (4) an
(5) an (6) an
(7) an (8) an
(9) an (10) an
(11) a (12) a
(13) a (14) a
(15) a (16) a
(17) an (18) a
(19) a (20) an
I
2. … 1) a) 0
2) b) 0 … the
3) d) The … 0
4) c) The …the
5) a) 0 … a
6) b) 0… the
7) a) 0 … 0
8) b) the
9) b) 0 … 0
10) c) all night long
11) a) 0 … 0
12) d) an … an
13) c) an
14) b) 0 … 0
15) c) a … 0
16) d) 0 … on the
17) a) the
18) a) most of the … a
19) a) best
20) a) intelligent men … 0
3.
1) (0) …(0) … the …the.
2)… the …?
3) … (0)….
4) … a … !
5) …a….
6) (0) … (0) …..
7) … a ….
8) (0) ….. the … the ….
9) (0) … the ….
10) … the ….. the.
I
2. PERSONAL PRONOUNS
Personal Pronouns SUBJECT Personal Pronouns OBJECT
1st I (eu) Me (me / mim)

Ex: I live in Lisbon. Look at me.
2nd You (tu) You (te / ti)

Ex: You work in an office. He needs you.
Singular
3rd F. She (ela) Her (-lhe / ela)
Ex: She likes tea. Come with her.
3rd M. He (ele) Him (-lhe / ele)

Ex: He loves football. I work with him.
3rd N. It (ele / ela) It (-lhe / ele / ela)

Ex: It rains a lot in April. I like it.
1st We (nós) Us (nos / nós)

Ex: We are Portuguese. Come with us to the cinema!
Plural
2nd You (vós) You (vos / vós)
Ex: You play the piano. I shall go with you.
3rd They (eles/ elas) Them (lhes / eles / elas)

Ex: They speak Chinese. I see them everyday.
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Little notes
a) The 2nd Personal Pronoun Subject at the Singular was THOU. It is now considered as
an archaic form and only used in biblical or literary quotations . In modern speech, it has
been replaced by the 2nd Personal Pronoun of the Plural: YOU.
In the same way its Personal Pronoun Object form was THEE and has been replaced by YOU.
b) IT is considered a neutral pronoun as it has no gender. It replaces an object, an animal

which has not been personified or given a name, and an unidentified abstraction.
• Ex: It often rains in Scotland.
IT is also used to introduce an adjective, or a noun preceding a clause.

• Ex: You will find it difficult to work all day long and study at night.
• Ex: We find it a pity that they can’t come with us.
We never use IT after a comparative.

• Ex: As is well known …
c) The short form of US is “ ‘S” at the Imperative:

• Ex: Let’s go! (= Let us go !).
d) For each conjugated verb there is a Personal Pronoun Subject clearly expressed. We
may omit it in a familiar context only:
• Ex: “Wish you were here…” / “Enjoying yourselves?”
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Exercises
1. Fill in the blanks with IT whenever it is needed. (10 Marks)
1. We all found ….. very boring to attend such a lecture.
2. As ….. often happens in winter, this town was once again flooded.
3. They took ….. for granted that they were getting a raise.
4. Edward worked more than ….. was required.
5. I found ….. interesting to be part of such an event.
6. You’ve heard ….. said, but you can’t be sure of …..
7. The Japanese are tough business men, as ….. is well known.
8. The interview was more delicate than ….. had been expected.
9. ….. was worth ….. to have watched such a great film.
10. The Americans love to bet on anything. Everybody knows …..
2. Fill in the blanks with the correct personal pronoun. It can be either Subject or Object.
(10 Marks)
1. Don’t be afraid, Jane, but I think that man has been following ….. since we got off the bus.
2. Why is our boss shouting at everyone today. What’s the matter with …..
3. Michael and Thomas work well together. ….. make a good team.
4. Carol is getting married, next month. What can we offer ….. ?
5. Where are my glasses? ….. can’t find …...
6. Both Sue and I are invited to a party, but neither of ….. wants to go.
7. Hurry up, David! ….. are going to miss your bus as ….. will not waste time waiting for ….. .
8. This is not Jim’s bag. ….. doesn’t belong to …...
9. Oh, look at ….. ! I’m all dirty now!
10. One of Marilyn Monroe’s best films is “Some Like ….. Hot!”.
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Resolutions
1. …
1 … (0)….
2 … it … .
3 … it ….
4 … it…...
5 ….. it … .
6 ….. it … it…..
7 ….. it ….
8 ….. it… .
9 It ….. (0)….
10. …it
2. …
1 ….. us … .
2 ….. him.
3 ….. They make a good team.
4 …her?
5 I ….them.
6 ….. us.
7 ….. you ….it …you.
8 ….. it …..him.
9 …..me …!
10 ….it…!”.
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3. THE POSSESSIVE ADJECTIVES / POSITION OF THE ADJECTIVES
Form
Every adjective is immutable, in English. It has no plural form and no gender.
a) The adjectives used as substantives must not take an “s” at the plural.
• Ex: The young are full of energy, the old are patient.
b) “Different” and “other” (Singular: another) are adjectives, so they never take an “s” at the
plural.
• CAREFUL: “other” can be used as a pronoun.
• Ex: The others are nicer.
c) Hundred, Thousand, million, used with other numbers are considered as adjectives, so
they do not take an “s” at the Plural.
• Ex: Portugal has almost 11 million inhabitants.
When they are used without numbers, they take an “S”.

• Ex: Elvis Presley has still millions of fans.
Place
Every adjective, and adverb form of the adjectives, always comes BEFORE THE NOUN.
• Ex: You have a beautiful house. It has a fully automatic gate.
a) With a verb expressing a state, like: to be, to seem, to appear, to consider, to call, the
adjective immediately follows the verb.
• Ex: My computer is rapid and efficient.
b) The adjectives mentioning a nationality are written with a capital letter.

• Ex: American, British people. The Italians, the French…
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The Possessive Adjectives
Singular Plural
1st 2nd 3rd 3rd 3rd 1st 2nd 3rd

F. M. N.
PRONOUNS I You She He It We You They
POSSESSIVE My Your Her His Its Our Your Their

ADJECTIVES
a) In English, the owner is more important than the thing which is possessed. So we have
to pay attention to the gender of the owner in order to choose the right possessive
adjective.
• Ex: He gave his students his telephone number. (the owner is Masculine)
She can not find her keys. (the owner is Feminine)
The cat is playing with its ball. (the owner is neutral)
They are visiting their friends. (at the Plural there is no gender)
b) If several people own individually an object, the object is considered plural.
• Ex: The children wash their teeth with their toothbrushes.
c) We always have to use the possessive adjective before a body’s part.
• Ex: She put her feet on the table.
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Exercises
1. Complete the following sentences with the right possessive adjective or personal pronoun:
(10 Marks)
Tim woke up and rubbed (1) … … … eyes softly. He could see the whole city and (2) … …
… cathedral from (3) … … … bedroom. Tim invited Miss Moore as he wanted to show (4) …
… … how beautiful the city of Canterbury can be, at dawn.
They were going to have breakfast in (5) … … … favourite little pub. It was in that place that
they had met for the first time. Any one who saw (6) … … … that morning understood they
were deeply in love with each other. Miss Moore works for Tim, occasionally. She is (7) … …
… lawyer and he is very proud of (8) … … … skills in defending all (9) … … … cases. She
would say that she is just doing (10) … … … job.
2. Put a circle around the correct answer:(10 Marks)

1. Half an adult’s working life is spent carrying out …. Occupation.
a) their
b) its
c) his
a) one’s
2. I’ve got her phone number, but I don’t think I’ve got …
a) Yours
b) your
c) your one
a) you
3. Is there any evidence that the weapon was …
a) to him
b) of his own
c) his
d) one’s own
4. I don’t have a camera, but Jane is willing to lend me …
a) that of hers
b) her one
c) hers
d) one’s own
5. If you don’t have yours, take …
a) someone else’s
b) someone else
c) from someone else
d) to someone else
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Resolutions
1. …
(1) his
(2) its
(3) his
(4) her
(5) their
(6) them
(7) his
(8) her
(9) his
(10) her
2. …
1. c)….his …
2. a) Yours
3. c) his
4. c) hers
5. a) someone else’s
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4. “TO BE” AND “TO HAVE”
Generalities
These verbs help conjugating the other verbs at:
a) To Be the progressive form (to be+Action verb+ING)

the passive voice (to be + past participle of the verb)
b) To Have: the present perfect (to have at the present + past participle of the verb)
. the past perfect (had + past participle of the verb)
c) To Do: the interrogative and negative forms at:

the present with “do” or “does”
the simple past with “did”
To Be
At The Present Tense
Affirmative Negative Interrogative
Singular 1st I am I am not (I’m not / I ain’t) Am I? / Am I not? / (aren’t I?)
2nd You are You are not (You aren’t) Are you? / Are you not? (Aren’t
you?)
3rd F She is She is not (She isn’t) Is she? / Is she not? / (Isn’t she?)
M He is He is not (He isn’t) Is he? / Is he not? / (Isn’t he?)
N It is It is not (It isn’t) Is it? / Is it not? / (isn’t it?)
Plural 1st We are We are not (We aren’t) Are we? / Are we not? / (Aren’t
we?)
2nd You are You are not (You aren’t) Are you? / Are you not? / (Aren’t
you?)
3rd They are They are not (They Are they? Are they not? / (Aren’t
aren’t) they?)
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Examples:
• How are you?
I am fine, thank you.
• How old are you?
I am twenty one years old.
• What is your weight?
I am 55 kilos.
• What’s the weather like in Scotland?
It’s cold.
• How much is a trip to London?
It’s about 150 Euros.
At the Simple Past
1st I was I was not (I wasn’t) Was I? / Was I not? / (Wasn’t I)
2nd You were You were not (You Were you? / Were you not? /
weren’t)
(Weren’t you?)
3rd F She was She was not (She Was she? / Was she not? / (Wasn’t
Singular wasn’t) she?)
M He was He was not (He wasn’t) Was he? / Was he not? / (Wasn’t he?)
N It was It was not (It wasn’t) Was it? / Was it not? / (Wasn’t it?)
1st We were We were not (We Were we? / Were we not? / (Weren’t
weren’t) we?)
Plural 2nd You were You were not (You Were you? / Were you not? / (Weren’t
weren’t) we?)
3rd They were They were not (They Were they? / Were they not? /
weren’t) (Weren’t they?)
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Use
It is used to mention:
a) The dimension: to be deep

to be long / wide
to be tall / short
to be + weight
b) The age: to be old
c) The health: to be fine / ill
d) The temperature: to be cold / warm / hot
e) The price: to be + price
f) To be + adjective: It expresses a physical or mental condition, a temporary

attitude (at the progressive form).
Context To Be + Adjective Translation
To be cold Ter frio

To be sleepy Ter sono
PHYSICAL To be wide awake Estar bem acordada

To be hungry / thirsty Ter fome / ter sede
To be starving Morrer de fome / Estar esfomeado
To be calm / excited Estar calmo / impaciente, excitado
To be afraid / scared / brave Ter medo / Ser corajoso

To be right / wrong Ter razão, estar certo / Estar errado
To be lucky / unlucky Ter sorte / Não ter sorte
MENTAL To be happy / unhappy Ser feliz / infeliz

To be cautious / careless Ter cuidado / Ser descuidado
To be funny / boring Ter graça / Ser maçador
To be annoying / irritating Ser aborrecido / irritante
To be quiet / noisy Ser silencioso / barulhento
To be at the Progressive Form + Estar a ser gozado / louvado

TEMPORARY
Adjective
ATTITUDE
Ex: you are being mocked / praised Ex: Estás a ser gozado / louvado
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To Have
At The Present Tense
1st I have (I’ve) I have not (I haven’t) Have I? / Have I not? (Haven’t I?)
You have not Have you? / Have you not?

2nd You have (You’ve)
(You haven’t) (Haven’t you?)
Singular
3rd F She has (She’s) She has not (She Has she? / Has she not? (Hasn’t
hasn’t) she?)
M He has (He’s) He has not (He Has he? / Has he not? (Hasn’t he?)
hasn’t)
N It has (It’s) It has not (It hasn’t) Has it? / Has it not? (Hasn’t it?)
We have not Have we? / Have we not? (Haven’t

1st We have (We’ve) we?)
(We haven’t)
Plural You have not Have you? / Have you not?

2nd You have (You’ve)
(You haven’t) (Haven’t you?)
They have They have not Have they? / Have they not?
3rd
(They’ve) (They haven’t) (Haven’t they?)
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At the Simple Past
1st I Had Had Not Had I? / Had I not? (Hadn’t I?)

(hadn’t)
2nd You Had Had Not Had you? / Had you not?
(hadn’t) (Hadn’t you?)
Singular 3rd She Had Had Not Had she? / Had she not?
F. (hadn’t) (Hadn’t she?)
M He Had Had Not Had he? / Had he not? (Hadn’t he?)

(hadn’t)
N It Had Had Not Had it? / Had it not? (Hadn’t it?)

(hadn’t)
1st We Had Had Not Had we? / Had we not? (Hadn’t we?)
(hadn’t)
Plural
2nd You Had Had Not Had you? / Had you not?
(hadn’t) (Hadn’t you?)
3rd They Had Had Not Had they? / Had they not?
(hadn’t) (Hadn’t they?)
Use
• To have as an ordinary verb:
a) It implies the notion of possessing something.

• Ex: I have a problem.
You have a nice house.
She has not a red car. She has a black one.
b) In order to express that something happens with regularity, to have needs to be conjugated with
the auxiliary “to do” at the interrogative and negative forms.
• Ex: - Do you have problems with your swimming pool?
- No I don’t.
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c) As for all the other cases, in the United Kingdom, to have is most of the time followed by “got”. It
avoids any kind of confusion with “to be”, at the third person of the Singular at the Present when
it is used in a short form:
• Ex: She‘s a stupid bird. (= she has a stupid bird)?

She’s a stupid bird! (=she is a stupid bird)?
She’s got a stupid bird. (= she has a stupid bird: There is no ambiguity).
d) In all the other English-speaking countries the auxiliary “to do” is used in any case:
• Ex: Do you have time to go shopping with me, now?

Do you have a daughter or a son?
• To have as an auxiliary:
a) Present Perfect: to have at the Present + Past Participle of the Verb
• Ex: I have played tennis for an hour with Joana.

(Joguei ténis durante uma hora com a Joana.)
b) Past Perfect: to have at the Simple Past + Past Participle
• Ex: I had lived in Paris before living in London.

(Tinha vivido em Paris antes de viver em Londres.)
c) Future Perfect: to have at the future + Past Participle
• Ex: I shall / will have finished by the time you come back home.
(Terei acabado antes mesmo de regressares a casa.)
d) Perfect Conditional to have at the conditional + Past Participle
• Ex: I would have visited Paris if I had had enough time.

(Teria visitado Paris se tivesse tido tempo suficiente.)
You should have worked harder if you had really wanted to succeed.
(Tu deverias ter trabalhado mais arduamente se tivesses verdadeiramente querido ter
sucesso.)
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• To express a positive notion or an advice, we can use:
Subject + HAD BETTER + Infinitive without “TO”
• Ex: You had better work harder if you want to succeed.

(Tu farias melhor de trabalhar arduamente, se quiseres ter sucesso.)
I had better leave now, if I still want to catch the last train to London.
(Faria melhor de ir agora, se ainda quero apanhar o último comboio para Londres.)
• Idiomatic expressions with “TO HAVE”:
Meaning Expressions Translation
a) Tomar To have a meal, a drink, some Tomar uma refeição, uma bebida, comer
food
b) Andar de To have a ride (on a bicycle, Andar de bicicleta, mota, andar a cavalo
motorbike, horse…)
c) Dar/organizar To have a party Dar / organizar uma festa
d) Tolerar To have someone’s ways Tolerar as maneiras de outra pessoa.
e) Desfrutar To have a good moment, Desfrutar um momento, passar uma boa

night... noite
f) Expressar To have it Dizer
g) Conhecer To have + some artist, writer … Conhecer bem um artista, escritor…
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Exercises
1. Put the following sentences at the Interrogative form: (10 Marks)
1) They are waiting for me at the office.
2) The receptionist has got a new car.
3) She had an old computer, last year.
4) You have a brand new desk.
5) We have a bath every day.
6) James is a hard worker.
7) You are cold.
8) Jane is having her tea-break now.
9) Their boss is almost 50.
10) Sean has lunch at 1 p.m.
2. Translate into English: (10 Marks)
1) Quantos livros ainda estão em cima da secretária?
2) Que idade tinhas quando começaste a trabalhar?
3) Qual é o comprimento daquela prateleira?
4) Quanto custa esta caneta?
5) Tenho medo de aranhas.
6) Tens fome?
7) Thomas tem muita sorte porque vai de férias amanhã.
8) Farias melhor de correr se queres apanhar o combóio das 8:00.
9) Ela tem tanto sono que os olhos estão quase a fechar-se.
10) Vou dar uma grande festa em honra de meus pais Sábado que vem.
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Resolutions
1. …
1) Are they waiting for me at the office?
2) Has the receptionist got a new car?
3) Did she have an old computer, last year?
4) Do you have a brand new desk?
5) Do we have a bath every day?
6) Is James a hard worker?
7) Are you cold?
8) Is Jane having her tea-break now?
9) Is their boss almost 50?
10) Does Sean have lunch at 1 p.m.?
2. …
1) How many books are still on the desk?
2) How old were you when you started working?
3) How long is that shelf?
4) How much is this pen?
5) I am afraid of spiders.
6) Are you hungry?
7) Thomas is very lucky because he will be going on holidays tomorrow.
8) You had better run if you want to catch the 8 o’clock train.
9) She is so sleepy that her eyes are almost closing.
10) Next Saturday, I am going to have a big party in honour of my parents.
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5. THERE + TO BE
Generalities
The expression “there + to be + ...” is used to describe or enumerate something. It is the equivalent
of the Portuguese expression: “ haver + …”
Use
a) Followed by a Singular: There is a book on the table.

(Há um livro em cima da mesa.)
There was an accident on the road.

Houve um acidente na estrada.
There has been a lot of fog this year.

Tem havido muito nevoeiro este ano.
“Let there be light!” And there was light.

“Que haja luz!” E houve luz.
The pianist had not expected there to be such a large audience.

O pianista não tinha esperado que houvesse tanto público.
There being no else in the house, the least noise frightened her.
Não havendo mais ninguém em casa, o menor barulho assustava-a.
b) Followed by a Plural: There are only six houses in our street.

Só há seis casas na nossa rua.
There were many people on the beach yesterday.

Havia muitas pessoas na praia ontem.
There will always be art lovers.

Haverá sempre apreciadores de arte.
There won’t be any tickets left if you don’t hurry!

Não haverá mais bilhetes se não se despacharem.
c) Special use:
There is / was + amount of money at the plural
• Ex: There is still $3 to be paid.

Ainda há $3 para pagar.
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There is / was + notion of time at the plural
• Ex: There was ten minutes to wait.

Houve uma espera de dez minutos.
There + defective verb / modal verb + to be +...
• Ex: There ought to be more understanding between the members of that team.
(Deveria haver mais compreensão entre os membros daquela equipa).
• Ex: There must have been an accident. (Deve ter havido um acidente.)
Other verbs than “To Be” may be used with “THERE” : to exist , to take place, to arise, to remain,
to seem, …
• Ex: There have never existed such creatures. (Nunca tais criaturas existiram).
• Ex: There seems (to be) a mistake. (Parece haver um erro.)
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Exercises
Fill in the blanks with the correct form of “There + to be”: (10 Marks)
1) ……………………… no more tea left.
2) ……………………….. too many cars in the cities.
3) Listen! The weather forecast is announcing that ………………………….. plenty of snow on

the mountains tomorrow.
4) ……………………….. any icecream in the freezer?
5) …………………………………. many artistic trends since 1850 until nowadays.
6) ……………………….. many pandas left in the wild mountains of China.
7) ………………………. somebody on the phone for you.
8) The doctor said that ……………………. nothing wrong with the children.
9) ……………………… no point in doing that!
10) …………………………… two policemen at the door.
Resolutions
1) There is ….
2) There are …
3) There will be ….
4) Is there ..?
5) There have been ….
6) … there are not ….
7) … there is ….
8) … there is ….
9) There is …!
10) There are ….
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6. THE DEMONSTRATIVES
Forms
a) The Demonstrative adjectives are the only adjectives that have a plural. Its form is different
from the singular.
b) THIS expresses that something is near the speaker, in space and time.
c) THAT expresses that something is relatively far away from the speaker, in space and time.
THE DEMONSTRATIVES
Number Near Far
SINGULAR THIS THAT

(isto, este, esta) (aquilo, aquele, aquela, isso,
esse, essa)
Ex: This table is near me. Ex: That table is far from me.
PLURAL THESE THOSE

(estes, estas) (aqueles, aquelas,
esses, essas)
Ex: These books are
Ex: Those books are too high.
heavy.
Compare: In this country: neste país.

Look at these pictures! Olha para estas fotografias!
Look at that mountain, over there! Olha para aquela montanha, ali!
In those countries... : nesses países…
Do not mix up: This week: esta semana

That week: nessa semana (que estamos a mencionar)
These days: Nos dias de hoje
In those days: Nessa altura, naquela época
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Use:
This is, that is may be followed by : where, when, why, how…
• Ex: This is where I get off, now.

(É aqui que...)
That was when he told me
(Foi então que ele me contou que…)
That was why he failed.
(Foi por isso que ele falhou)
This announces what immediately follows, that refers to what precedes:
• Ex: This explains such a delay.

( Isto explica um tal atraso)
Is that what you really think?
(É isso que pensas verdadeiramente?)
If the demonstrative is followed by “of” or another relative preposition we use “that / those” but
never “this / these”.
• Ex: Those who are hungry come with me.

(Que aqueles que têm fome venham comigo.)
Your course is shorter that that of college students (= than college students’).
(O vosso curso é mais curto do que o dos estudantes universitários.)
75% of those asked preferred Ceylan tea.
(75% das pessoas questionadas preferiram o chá de Ceilão.)
A little note
THIS and THAT are also used as adverbs:
• Ex: I never thought the test could be that difficult.

(Nunca pensei que o teste poderia ser assim tão difícil)
My mother is only this tall.
(A minha mãe só tem isto de altura)
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Other demonstratives
a) The definite article can be used as a demonstrative:
• Ex: The child is bright. (Esta criança é inteligente).

At the time: Outrora, nessa época
At the moment: de momento, agora
The former ...., the latter... : (o primeiro …, o último…). It can only be used when
two people or things have already been mentioned.
b) SUCH when it is used alone, followed by a substantive or by AS:
• Ex: Such is my client’s intention. (Esta é a intenção do meu cliente).

On such a day. (Num dia como este)
You have such a beautiful house. (Tem uma casa tão bonita)
I advise you to read such books as… (Aconselho-vos a ler livros como / do gênero...)
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Exercises
Fill in the blanks with the Demonstratives: This, That, These, Those: (10 Marks)
1) I like ……. film. I am glad we are going to see it.
2) Are you coming with me ….…. evening?
3) I prefer working on …….. computer program than on …….. one.
4) Could you give me ….…. file over there?
5) ……..…. is a serious problem, isn’t it? We have to solve it at once.
6) Hello! …..…. are Janice and Jonathan. They are very good friends of mine.
7) …….. was not a nice thing to do. Look! He is sad, now.
8) You’ve been much too busy, ……. days. We haven’t had time to have lunch together.
9) Look at ………. people who are coming towards us. Do you know them?
10) When I was a student I used to travel a lot. ………. were the good old days!
Resolutions
1) … this … .
2) … this …?
3) … this ……that … .
4) …. that ….?
5) This ….
6) …These ….
7) That ….
8) ……. these … .
9) ……those …. …?
10) ………Those …!
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7. THE ALPHABET
Letters Phonetics
A (ei)
B (bi:)
C (ci :)
D (di :)
E (i :)
F (ef)
G (dji:)
H (eitch)
I (ai)
J (djei)
K (kei)
L (el)
M (em)
N (en)
O (ou)
P (pi:)
Q (kiuu)
R (a:)
S (es)
T (ti:)
U (iu)
V (vi:)
W (‘dâbeliu:)
X (eks)
Y (uai)
Z (zed)UK / (zi:) USA
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8. THE NUMBERS
Cardinals Ordinals
st
1. One 21. twenty-one 1 first 21st twenty-first
2. two 22. twenty-two 2nd second 22nd twenty-second
3. three 23. twenty-three 3rd third 23rd twenty-third
4. four 24. twenty-four 4th fourth 24th twenty-fourth
5. five 25. twenty-five 5th fifth 25th twenty-fifth
6. six 26. twenty-six 6th sixth 26th twenty-sixth
7. seven 27. twenty-seven 7th seventh 27th twenty-seventh
8. eight 28. twenty-eight 8th eighth 28th twenty-eighth
9. nine 29. twenty-nine 9th nineth 29th twenty-nineth
10. ten 30. thirty 10th tenth 30th thirtieth
11. eleven 40. forty 11th eleventh 40th fortieth
1. twelve 50. fifty 12th twelfth 50th fiftieth
13. thirteen 60. sixty 13th thirteenth 60th sixtieth
14. fourteen 70. seventy 14th fourteenth 70th seventieth
15. fifteen 80. eighty 15th fifteenth 80th eightieth
16. sixteen 90. ninety 16th sixteenth 90th ninetieth
15. seventeen 100. one hundred 17th seventeenth 100th one hundredth
18. eighteen 210. two hundred and 18th eighteenth 200th two hundredth
ten
19. nineteen 1000 one thousand 19th nineteenth 1000th one thousandth
20. twenty 2000 two thousand 20th twentieth 2000th two thousandth
NOTE:
• From 13 to 19, the numbers end in teen. This ending is used to mention that someone is
a teenager: aged from 13 to19.
• From 20 to 90, the numbers end in ty.
• An ordinal is numbered with its two last letters: Ex: 1st = first
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Exercises
Write the following numbers in full. Each correct answer: 0.5 // (Total mark: 20)
1… … … … … … … … … … 2… … … … … … … … … … 3… … … … … … … … … …
4… … … … … … … … … … 5… … … … … … … … … … 8… … … … … … … … … …
9… … … … … … … … … … 11… … … … … … … … … … 12… … … … … … … … … …
13… … … … … … … … … … 14… … … … … … … … … … 15… … … … … … … … … …
17… … … … … … … … … … 20… … … … … … … … … … 23… … … … … … … … … …
28… … … … … … … … … … 30… … … … … … … … … … 32… … … … … … … … … …
33… … … … … … … … … … 46… … … … … … … … … … 55… … … … … … … … … …
61… … … … … … … … … … 73… … … … … … … … … … 88… … … … … … … … … …
90… … … … … … … … … …… … … … … … 100… … … … … … … … … …… … … … … …
110 … … … … … … … … … …… … … … … … … … … …… … … … … … … … … …… … … …
346… … … … … … … … … …… … … … … … … … … …… … … … … … … … … …… … … …
532 … … … … … … … … … …… … … … … … … … … …… … … … … … … … … …… … … …
8992… … … … … … … … … …… … … …… … … … … … … … … …… … … …… … … … … …
100000… … … … … … … … … …… … … … 418… … … … … … … … … …… … … … … …
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1st … … … … … … … … … …… … … …
2nd … … … … … … … … … …… … … …
3rd… … … … … … … … … …… … … …
5th … … … … … … … … … …… … … …
6th … … … … … … … … … …… … … …
8th … … … … … … … … … …… … … …
11th … … … … … … … … … …… … … …
12th … … … … … … … … … …… … … …
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Resolutions
1… One … … … … … … … 2…Two… … … … … … … … 3…Three… … … … … … …
4… Four… … … … … … … 5… Five… … … … … … … 8…Eight… … … … … … …
9…Nine … … … … … … … 11…Eleven … … … … … … 12…Twelve … … … … … …
13…Thirteen … … … … … 14…Fourteen … … … … … 15… Fifteen … … … … …
17…Seventeen… … … … … 20… Twenty… … … … … … 23… Twenty three… … …
28…Twenty eight … … … 30…Thirty … … … … … … 32… Tirthy two … … …
33…Thirty three … … … 46…Fouty six… … … … … 55… Fifty five… … … …
61… Sixty one … … … … 73… Seventy three … … 88… Eighty eight… … …
90… Ninety… … … … … …… … … … … … 100… One hundred … … …… … … … … …
110 …One hundred and ten… … … … … … … … … …… … … … … … … … … …… … … … …
346…Three hundred and fourty six……….… … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … …… …
532 …Five hundred and thirty two…………… … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … … …… …
8992…Eight thousand nine hundred and ninety two …… … … …… … … … … …… … … … … …
100000…One hundred thousand… … … 418… Four hundred and eighteen …
1st … First … … … … … …… … … …
2nd … Second… … … … … …… … … …
3rd… Third … … … … … …… … … …
5th … Fifth … … … … … …… … … …
6th … Sixth … … … … … …… … … …
8th … Eigth … … … … … …… … … …
11th … Eleventh… … … … …… … … …
12th … Twelveth… … … … …… … … …
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9. THE JOBS
1. An accounting agent / an accountant is concerned with the maintenance and

audit of business accounts.
2. A consultant gives expert advice or information.
3. Adman/ adwoman works in advertising.
4. Administrator administers the affairs of an organization or

manages an estate.
5. An agent acts on behalf of another person, business

or government or represents a business
concern.
6. An analyst analyses or is skilled in analyses.
7. An applicant applies for a job or grant support.
8. Architect designs buildings and supervises their

erection.
9. Archivist is in charge of archives.
10. Auctioneer conducts an auction.
11. Auditor audits accounts.
12. Author writes books as a profession.
13. Barman/bar tender serves in a pub.
14. A beggar begs.
15. Book – keeper records business transactions (in a book).
16. Breeder breeds plants and animals
17. Broker / stockbroker acts on behalf of a client and buys or sells

goods, securities, shares.
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18. Businessman / businesswoman a person engaged in commercial or industrial

business.
19. Butcher a retailer of meat
20. Butler is in charge of the wines, the tables or receptions

in wealthy households.
21. Buyer buys merchandise, materials for a shop or a

factory
22. Caterer provides food for large social events.
23. Certified accountant is a member of the Chartered Association of

Certified Accountants and is authorized to audit
company accounts.
24. Chartered accountant is an accountant who has passed the
examinations of the Institute of Chartered
Accountants.
25. Chairman / Chairwoman presides over a company’s Board of Directors, a
committee, a debate,…
26. Chamberlain is the Treasurer of a township corporation.
27. Chambermaid cleans bedrooms in hotels or wealthy

households.
28. Chancellor is the Head of the government in some

European countries. In the US: president of a
University. In the UK or Canada: honorary head
29. Chancellor of the Exchequer is the cabinet minister responsible for finance in
the UK.
30. Chargé d’affaires is the temporary head of a diplomatic mission.
31. Chauffeur employed to drive a car.
32. Checker a cashier / an attendant in a cloakroom.
33. Chemist a) is a qualified dispenser of prescribed

medicines.
b) studies or is engaged in chemistry.
34. Civil engineer is qualified to design and construct public works,
such as roads, bridges, harbours, etc.
35. Civil servant Member of the civil service and is paid by the
government.
36. Cleaner Provides dry-cleaning service
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37. Clerk works in an office, keeps records, files, …
38. Cobbler makes or mends shoes.
39. Commercial traveller/travelling salesman is the representative of a company while visiting

clients.
40. Commissioner is endowed with certain powers / a civil servant /

member of a commission.
41. Company doctor a physician employed by a company to look after

its staff.
42. Competitor competes / is a rival.
43. Composer composes music.
44. Concessionary / concessionaire holds or operates a concession.
45. Concierge Caretaker of a block of flats, hotel.
46. Conductor leads or guides
47. Confectioner makes or sells sweets or confections.
48. Congressman / woman Member of Congress in the USA.
49. Constable police officer of the lowest rank.
50. Contractor Contracts to supply materials or labour.
51. Controller / comptroller a business executive or government officer

responsible for financial planning, control.
52. Conveyor conveys merchandise
53. Coordinator helps people work together harmoniously.
54. Counsellor gives counsel to public or private organizations.
55. Craftsman / woman practises a craft.
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56. Critic criticizes artistic productions.
57. Dealer / trader is engaged in commercial purchase or sale.
58. Dispatcher sends off a letter, message, …
59. Draper deals in fabrics and sewing materials.
60. Draughtsman / draftsman prepares detailed scale drawings of machinery,

buildings.
61. Electrician installs, does the maintenance, repairs electrical

devices.
62. Engineer plans, designs or constructs.
63. Entrepreneur is the owner or manager of a business

enterprise who takes risks and initiatives to make
profits.
64. Real Estate agent manages, leases, sells property.
65. Executive is responsible for the administration of a project,

or business.
66. Expert has extensive skill or knowledge in a particular

field.
67. Farmer operates or manages a farm.
68. Fashion-designer designs clothes
69. Foreman / overseer person who supervises other workmen.
70. Gofer runs errands.
71. Greengrocer retail trader in fruit and vegetables.
72. Housekeeper employed to run a household.
73. Journalist writes and publishes articles on any kind of

events.
74. Judge passes judgement on.
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75. Lawyer member of the legal profession.
76. Librarian is in charge of or assisting in a library.
77. Mailman / postman delivers the mail.
78. Manager directs or manages an organization, an industry,

shop, …
79. Manufacturer manufactures goods / owns a factory.
80. Mason builds with stone.
81. Mayor / Mayoress civic head of a municipal corporation.
82. Mechanic maintains or operates machines.
83. Merchant engaged in the purchase or sale of commodities

for profit.
84. Middleman trader engaged in the distribution of goods from

producer to consumer / an intermediary.
85. Nurse tends the sick and assists doctors.
86. Politician is engaged in politics.
87. Psychoanalyst treats mental and emotional disorders.
88. Psychologist analyses all forms of behaviours.
89. Public Relations (PR) creates, promotes or maintains a favourable

image of an organization among the public
Exercises
(20 Marks)
Mention your current profession and describe what are your main professional tasks.
Is it what you always wanted to do? If it isn’t, tell the group what you would like to be and what
do you think are that job’s main particularities.
Write your text here.
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10. OFFICE FURNITURE AND STATIONERY
Furniture
Desk Secretária
Drawers Gavetas
Filing cabinet Arquivador
Swivel chair Cadeira
Anglepoise Lâmpada articulada
Blinds Estores
Dustbin / wastebin Caixote do lixo
Cupboards Armários
Shelf / shelves Prateleira / prateleiras
Machinery / equipment
Computer Computador
Personal computer Computador pessoal (pc )
Desk top Computador de secretária
Lap top Computador portátil
Palm top Computador de bolso
Keyboard Teclado
Mouse Rato
Mouse pad Tapete do rato
Printer Impressora
Photocopier Fotocopiadora
Telephone Telefone
Cellular phone Telemovel
Franking machine Máquina de franquear
Fax Fax
Calculator Calculadora
Electric appliances Material eléctrico / luzes
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Stationery
Pen Caneta
Pencil Lápis
Pencil sharpener Afiadeira
Marker Marcador
Eraser Borracha
Ruler Régua
Paper clips Clips
Staples Agrafos
Stapler Agrafador
Pen holder Porta lápis
File Arquivo / processo
Folder Pasta arquivo
Ring binder Dossier / arquivador
Note pad Bloco de apontamentos
Floppy disks Disquettes
Copy paper Papel para fotocópia
Directory Agenda telefónica
In-tray Chegada de correspondência / de documentos
Out-tray Saída de correspondência / de documentos
Label Etiqueta
Letterhead paper Papel timbrado
Overhead projector Retro-projector
Pile of letters Rima de cartas
Sample Amostra
Schedule Horário
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11. OFFICES: OLD AND NEW
Labour settings are the reflection of the economic and cultural evolution of an era. As society
evolves so does the architecture of manufactures and offices. Indeed, for more than a century many
architects, designers, artists and even writers have been inspired by the aesthetic perception of the
functionality of the working place.
At the end of the 19th century and beginning of the 20th century, the founders of the Bauhaus, in
Germany, focused on creative and functional designs for mass-produced items but also on the
aesthetics of the factories and offices that supported their production. From dark little rooms filled up
with dusty reams of papers and string-tied books, offices have become part of the image of any
business organisation. The increasing economical power of factories has afforded visionary
architects and engineers to plan a new world where technology and manpower could co-habit and
co-operate harmoniously.
In 1913, the first skyscraper was built with 60 floors. It was the Woolworth Building, considered as
“the cathedral to commerce”. Other business buildings were to follow like The Chrysler Building, the
Pan Am Building, The Rockefeller Center, The World Trade Center in New York, that has collapsed
in September 11th, 2001 and The Sears Tower in Chicago, which are the highest towers in the USA,
now.
Among those projects, we can mention Fritz Lang’s vision in 1926, of a city in the year 2000, in his
silent movie Metropolis. Indeed, in it he created two parallel worlds: the working class, which was
locked in an underground manufacturing environment, and the managers’ class who enjoyed life in
pleasant open air surroundings. H. G. Wells, in 1936, imagined a fast moving wired society in his
movie Things to Come. Frank Lloyd Wright, in 1956, designed a Mile-High skyscraper that was
never built.
In their conception they adopted the vertical corporate hierarchy of the industrial period. The top
managers’ offices and lounges had the top floors, then the lower floors of the building were
conceived as to receive a multitude of clerks, secretaries, assistants, and at the ground floors could
be found the receptionists, the security wards, the low-skilled workers.
At the beginning of the 21st century, ideas are considered more important than technology. We are in
an information era. Consequently, machinery, mass production and corporate structures have lost
their preponderance. Little by little, everything that was vertical tends to be horizontal. The
organisation needs to adapt to a more human dimension. The office’s internal architecture and
decoration becomes mutable in order to allow a greater interaction between the individuals, and a
more efficient flow of ideas within the team. The cubicles will not be fixed walls but mutable
adaptable partition walls that may be adapted to temporary needs.
Thus, we can expect our urban environment to adapt to this change as well. We may then have
cities with people who live, work and interact there, instead of having big cities where crowds of
people work, but where just a few chose to live in.
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Exercises
Written expression:
(20 Marks)
• How could you describe the offices and working surroundings of the future?
• How would you imagine life in a futuristic city?
Try to write two articles on these two topics.
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12. SECRETARIAL VOCABULARY
A
To abbreviate Abreviar
To have access to Aceder a
Accommodation Alojamento
Accountant Contabilista
Accounts Contabilidade
To accumulate Acumular
To acquire Adquirir
To address someone Dirigir-se a alguém
Address Endereço
Agent Agente
Airfreight Transporte aéreo

To allocate Conceder uma quantia de dinheiro
To alter Alterar / mudar
Analysis Análise
To apoligize Pedir desculpa
Appropriate Adequado
Approval Aprovação
Assembly line Linha de montagem
To assess Analisar / ponderar / emitir uma opinião
Assessment Opinião / análise
To assume Supor / pensar / julgar
To assure Assegurar / certificar
To attach Anexar
To authorise Autorisar
Available Disponível
To award Dar / premiar
To be aware Estar ciente de
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B
Balance Equilibrio
Basis / bases Base / bases
(on) behalf Da parte de / en nome de
Benefits Benefícios
Bill of lading Guia de transporte marítimo de mercadorias
Blank space Espaço vazio
To book Reservar
To brief Relatar / fazer o relatório de
Briefcase Pasta / porta documentos
Buying in bulk Comprar em grandes quantidades
C
To call Telefonar
To call on someone Visitar alguém
To cancel Anular
Canteen Refeitório
Career Carreira profissional
Cash Dinheiro
To cater Ocupar-se de
Catering company Empresa fornecedora de comida e bebidas
Chairman of the Board Presidente do Conselho de Administração
To check in Recepção de um quarto de hotel; apresentação

do bilhete de avião e envio de bagagens
Claim Reclamação
Client Cliente (de serviços)
Customer Cliente (de produtos)
To comment Comentar
To compile Juntar
To comply with Obedecer
Concern Empresa
To conclude Concluir
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Conference Conferência
To be confident Estar confiante em
Confidential information Informação confidencial
To consent Concordar / consentir
To consult Consultar
Contract Contrato
Convenient Fácil / prático
To convey Enviar
Counter-signature Contra-assinatura
Crisis / crises Crise(s)
To criticise Criticar
Critique Critica
Critic Crítico
Currency Moeda
Current Actual
Cut down Reduzir
D
To deduct Deduzir
To delay Adiar
To delegate Delegar
To demonstrate Manifestar
To deny Negar
To get depressed Ficar deprimida(o)
To despatch Enviar
To dial Marcar um número de telefone
Discrepancies Diferenças
To draft Esboçar / fazer um rascunho
To draw money Retirar dinheiro
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To drop a line Escrever uma carta succinta
To be due Estar previsto
Duplicate Duplicado
E
Efficient Eficiente
Emergency Urgência
To enclose Enviar juntamente
To be entitled to Ter direito a
To exchange money Cambiar dinheiro
Exhibition Exposição
To export Exportar
To extend Alargar / estender
Extension Extensão
F
Facilities Instalações
To fulfil Realizar
G
Guarantee Garantia
Goal Objectivo
H
To hang on the phone Esperar
Heading Titulo de parágrafo, de texto
Headquarters Quartel geral / sede
Human Resources Department Departamento de Recursos Humanos
I
To illustrate Ilustrar
To implement Implementar
I
To impress Impressionar
Initiative Iniciativa
To insert Inserir
Instalment Prestação (de um crédito)
Interview Entrevista
Issue Questão ; Exemplar (revista, livro)
Item Artigo
L
To launch Lançar / fazer o lançamento
To lease Alugar
M
Manufacture Fábrica
Manufacturer Fabricante
Measure Medida
Memorandum (Memo) Memorando (memo)
O
Objective Objectivo
Obtain Obter
To omit Omitir
Operator Telefonista
Outlet (Sales outlet) Loja (de fábrica)
To outline Delinear um projecto
Outstanding money Dinheiro em dívida
Overtime Horas extraordinárias
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P
Packaging Embalagem
Partner Sócio / parceiro
Pending Pendente
Pension Pensão
Permission Autorização
Personnel Pessoal (de uma empresa)
To place an order Encomendar
Post Função (numa empresa)
To postpone Adiar
To press someone Pressionar alguém
The press A imprensa / comunicação social
Previous Anterior
Procedure Ordem ou processo lógico
To proceed Continuar
Process Método / processo
Production line Linha de produção
To promote Promover
Prompt Imediato
Proposal Proposta
To propose Propor
Prospective customer / client Cliente potencial
Prospects Expectativas
To provide Fornecer / providenciar
Public Relations (PR) Relações públicas (rp)
To publish Publicar
To purchase Comprar
Purchasing Department Departamento de compras
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Q
Quarterly Trimestralmente
To query Informar-se
To quote Citar / fazer a cotação de um preço
R
Research & Development (R&D) Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento
To reassure Sossegar
To recall Lembrar-se
Receipt Recibo
Receptionist Continuo
To record Registar
To recruit Recrutar
To reduce Reduzir
Remark Observação
To replace Substituir
Representative Representante
To request Requerer
To require Precisar
Requirement Requisito
To resign Demitir-se
Resources Recursos
Response Resposta (formal)
Responsible for Responsável por
To retire Reformar-se
To resume Retomar / recomeçar
To revise Passar em revista / verificar
To run out of Ter falta de
To run short of Ter pouco
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S
Sample Amostra
Schedule Horário
Scheme Plano
To secure Conseguir obter
Seminar Seminário
Shift Turno
(To work on) shifts Trabalhar por turnos
To ship goods Enviar / despachar mercadoria
Shipping Department Departamento de despacho
Skills Capacidades
Skilled worker Trabalhador especializado / técnico
To sort out Seleccionar / ordenar
Staff Pessoal de uma empresa
To stall Não responder directamente
To store Armazenar
To straighten something out Resolver um problema
Subscriber Assinante
Sum Quantia
To sum up Resumir
Summary Sumário
Supplier Fornecedor
Surplus Extra
Survey Inquérito
To switch Permutar
To switch on / off Acender / apagar
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T
Target Alvo / objectivo
Team / team work Equipa / trabalho de equipa
To tend Ter tendência a
Terms (of payment) Condições (de pagamento)
Trade Union Sindicato
To train Treinar / estagiar
Training / trainee Estágio / estagiário
Trend Tendência
U
To update Actualizar
To upset Transtortar / aborrecer
Up-to-date Moderno
Utmost Máximo
V
Vacancy Vaga
Vending machine Máquina distribuidora de produtos
View Opinião
Very Important Person (VIP) Pessoa muito importante
W
To withdraw Retirar
Workshop Oficina
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13. ACCOUNTING FUNDAMENTALS AND USERS OF ACCOUNTING INFORMATION
What is accounting?
It is the accurate recording, classifying, summarising and interpreting of any financial data of a
business transaction:
• Sales;
• Purchases;
• Credit;
• Debentures;
• Loans;
• Wage payments.
Accountancy, or bookkeeping, concerns the practice of accounting, which main specialities include:
• Financial accounting and reporting;
• Managerial and cost accounting;
• Tax compliance and planning.
An accountant, or bookkeeper, performs any task dealing with the practice of accounting.
Where is this process done?
It is done in books of account, which are also referred to as financial records, or ledgers.
Why is accounting necessary?
Every firm, every person doing business needs to enter the amount of every transaction in the books
of account or ledgers. This financial information shows the exact amount of profit (or assets) as
compared to expenses (or liabilities). Consequently, accounting reflects the company’s or the
businessman’s financial situation and its or his performance, with great precision.
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What are the most common methods used in accounting?
There are two basic methods:
• Accrual accounting;
• Cash accounting.
Accrual accounting:
It is the record of revenues and expenses in the tax period in which any business transaction takes
place. The accountants record a revenue as the amount of a transaction that will be received when
the transaction is complete. Accountants, then, add the sales figures to the income ledger. The sales
may occur a few months before the payment is received, but they must be recorded in the year they
have been done, independently of the date of payment. This system is a measure to control
performance mainly used by corporations in their financial reports.
Cash accounting:
It is the record of revenues at the time when payment is received.
Which financial documents are usually required by any company’s record-

keeping system?
Three documents are essential:
• a balance sheet: It is a picture of a company's financial situation and position at a precise

moment in time. It shows the company's assets (current assets, fixed assets, intangible assets),
current and long-term liabilities and the shareholders equity. It is prepared at least once a year;
• an income statement (USA) or profit and loss account (UK): It gives information on the company's
financial history and financial operations throughout a year. It subtracts all expenses from all
revenues in order to show the company's net income (profit and loss) at the end of the period.
The analysis of the performance of a company results from the comparison between the income
statements of several years;
• changes in financial position (USA) or cash-flow statement (UK): It shows the movement of cash,
or working capital, along with its sources and uses, within an organisation during an accounting
period. It forms an endless cycle starting in the purchase of materials, the payment of the
employees' salaries. These investments lead to production, which leads to sales and cash. This
statement helps to know where a company can find its financial sources, where is its capital
invested and what future plans it can really afford.
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Along with these three documents other basic financial statements may be required:
• The statement of retained earnings.
• The statement of shareholders' equity.
• Notes to financial statements.
• The report of auditors.
What are the origins of accounting
Accounting is one of the oldest professions on record.
The Romans kept their accounts according to an elaborate double entry system, which was close to
our current system. Indeed, accountants were the only ones who were held responsible for
recording any business transaction.
In the 16th century, a Franciscan monk, Luca Pacioli, created a classification system known as “the
chart of accounts”. This system helps any business organisation classifying and summarising the
financial measurements of its assets, liabilities and equities.
During the American industrial expansion, English and Scottish capitalists sent their own
accountants to report the results of any investment performed overseas. They were to report facts
as they occurred and to detect any kind of error.
From the end of the 19th century to our current days, accountancy has created a more complex
process of recording information. It is called the Accounting Information System (AIS). Its main
objective is to collect and record data about any business process that can be useful at the decision-
making level. Thus, it provides relevant information to design plans, to execute them and to
accurately analyse any activity within an organisation.
However, today accounting faces important challenges imposed by the constant changes occurring
in the business world.
In 1993, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) reported that:
The globalisation of the economy, the explosion of technology, the complexity of business
transactions, and other forces have thrust the financial system into a new age. As the pace of
economic change accelerates, so does the need for reliable and relevant information. To stay the
best, our financial reporting system must be dynamic as the financial markets themselves.
Independent auditors must constantly strive to improve their services to add continuing value to the
users of financial information.
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Users of accounting information
The basic users of accounting information are:
• The owners of a business who need to know how profitable their business is;
• The managers of a business who plan and control their routine operations thanks to the
information provided by the accountant;
• The managers who need to design long term plans, to invest in equipment, to quote prices and
services, to make decisions on marketing strategies, such as emphasising or eliminating a
product in a market. All these decisions can only be taken after the accounting information has
been analysed;
• The investors, shareholders, employees, creditors, lenders, the public, government authorities
are external parties to the direct management of a business organisation. However, they may
require to obtain some accounting information. This is the reason why legal requirements make
sure that every business organisation collects real relevant information which has to be publicly
disclosed.
In order to provide the exact accounting information needed by every user, there are two main types
of accounting information:
1. Management accounting:
This process is based on identifying, measuring, accumulating, analysing, preparing, interpreting,

and communicating any accounting information, so that managers may achieve their organisational
objectives, on a daily basis or on a long range plan;
2. Financial accounting:
This type of accounting information is focused on the needs of stockholders, investors, creditors,
suppliers, banks, government regulatory agencies.
The aim of both these types of accounting is to answer accurately to some basic questions:
• How is the business doing? How good is the organisational performance?
The scorekeeping method evaluates a business performance, through a regular collection and
classification of data. This may be helpful to every user.
• Which are the business priorities?
Every manager must know where and how to provide for the needs of his organisation. In order to
direct his attention to priorities, he needs to have regular reports on any operating problem, flaw,
inefficiency, waste of time or material, but also on any improvement that could be done or any
opportunity that should be seized. This is the attention directing process;
• Which is the most efficient way of performing a task?
The problem-solving process helps to know which is the best way. Accounting quantifies these
results and outlines the best. For example, when a part of a machine needs to be replaced,
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whenever a supplier must be preferred to another one, when a product must be dropped. This
information is needed in the long-range planning, and in non-recurring decisions. It always requires
an expert advice.
The main characteristics of Management Accounting and Financial Accounting are:
MANAGEMENT ACCOUNTING FINANCIAL ACCOUNTING
Organisation managers Internal and external parties to an

organisation:
Primary Chief Executive Officers • Organisation managers
Users • Investors
Chief Operating Officers
• Government agencies
• Suppliers, banks, lenders.
Its freedom is only limited by the final result of It is ruled by Generally Accepted
Freedom of the difference between costs and profits and the Accounting Principles (GAAP) and has to
choice real benefit of any improvement occurring in the comply with them. Consequently, it has
organisation management. no real freedom of choice.
It is influenced by the daily or regular It is not influenced by behavioural
Behavioural performance measurements and reports considerations, unless the amount of an
implications prepared by the organisation’s departments. executive financial compensation has
direct consequences on his or her
behaviour or performance.
It is concerned with the present and future It evaluates the past actual performance
applications of the budget and their implications rates, year after year. There is no
Time guide- onto the performance rates. flexibility as accounts reports, income
lines statements or other governmental
The notion of time is based on flexibility, which demands have a determined period to be
may vary from an hourly focus to a decade. issued, that goes from a quarter of a year
to a year.
Reports It prepares detailed reports on the organisation’s Its reports are focused on the
productivity and performance. organisation as a whole.
It uses inter-related disciplines such as It mainly uses financial techniques. Public
economics, decision sciences, behavioural accountants or chartered accountants are
Activities sciences. It analyses all the costs involved to responsible for auditing the organisation’s
make and market a product. It forecasts sales, financial statements. They are most of the
expenses and profits. It detects problems and time independent of the business but may
spots opportunities. It applies the budgetary lines give management consulting and tax
efficiently. It is performed by privately hired accounting services to the organisation.
accountants.
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Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
• What is an accounting system?
It is a formal way of collecting, organising, classifying and delivering any piece of information dealing
with an organisation’s activities.
This mechanism is primarily used to comply with the demands of external parties, such as income
tax authorities, government agencies, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, and other
regulatory bodies. Consequently, it is not directed to an organisation’s internal users.
Most reports have to follow a set of rules known as Generally Accepted Accounting Principles
(GAAP). These principles inform on conventions, rules, procedures and detailed practices on how to
make up an accepted accounting practice at a given time.
However, internal accounting reports may adopt their own set of procedures that are needed to
inform the internal parties.
Two different accounting systems may become expensive that is why most organisations choose to
follow the GAAP instead of investing in their own set of information system.
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14. WHAT DO NUMBERS MEAN?
Numbers mean nothing by themselves. They have always to be related to something to be

meaningful. They are the best indicators on how a business is doing. Indeed, every manager relies
on the figures of sales and costs, to evaluate the net income of the business organisation he is
managing. In its turn, the figure obtained will help him making decisions on the quotation of prices,
on the manufacturing and marketing costs, on investment plans. Figures also help shareholders,
creditors, investors in checking how efficiently a business is managed. As a matter of fact, if
expenses are kept low or even decrease, it will mean that the manager is in perfect control of every
department within the business organisation. On the other hand, if costs and expenses regularly
increase, it will show a lack of control from the person in charge of the organisation.
In order to track inefficiencies, managers should compare income statements of the previous years
to that of the current year. The most important points to check are:
• Gross income (sales) less cost of goods sold;

• Gross profit;
• Gross margin;
• Expenses (sales department, general and administrative, depreciation);
• Total costs and expenses;
• Operating income (= EBIT: Earnings Before Interest and Taxes);
• Income before taxes;
• Net income.
When can figures be considered positive or negative?
Figures may show that a company achieves high profits, nevertheless these figures on profits must
be related to the money owed to the company, to the capital invested in machinery, or material.
Thus, even though a company shows that it is profitable, those figures do not imply automatically
that it has enough working capital or liquidity. Managers must analyse profits and cash flow
(information obtained from the income statement and balance sheet) at the same time, as to have a
more realistic perception of the solvency of the company.
Accounting figures
They always represent the cost of assets, despite the number of years spent after the acquisition of
the assets. For example, something bought 20 years ago will be reported on the books of account at
the price paid at the time it was purchased and not at its current market value.
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15. SECRETARIAL TASKS
Secretaries have to be efficient, versatile, always available and helpful and most of all they must
know the business organisation they are working for perfectly well.
Here are some of the long list of tasks a secretary might perform:
• Fixing appointments with the managing director or her immediate hierarchical superior.
• Processing documents.
• Receiving and sending emails, faxes, memos, letters.
• Dealing with enquiries about the organisation or about some specific department like that of
sales, or import and export department.
• Processing orders, invoices, deliveries, payments, transportation.
• Making arrangements for business trips.
• Booking hotel rooms, restaurant tables, theatre or concert seats.
• Organising the catering of seminars, conferences, business meetings.
• Planning staff holidays, leaves, days off, training sessions.
• Transmitting all the needed information to the different services.
• Filing documents.
• Receiving visitors.
• Answering the phone.
And certainly many more daily tasks according to the specificities of the organization a secretary
works for.
Nevertheless, most of a secretary’s precious time is spent on the phone and the expressions she
uses most frequently are the following:
• This is (name of the company).
• I would like to speak to …
• Can I have extension (number)…
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• I shall put you through to (name), at once.
• I am calling to + verb
• Could you hold on just for a few seconds, please?
• I am sorry but the line is busy right now, could you please call us in a while?
• There is no reply, would you like to leave a message?
• May I have your name please? / May I know who is calling?
• Sorry, could you spell your name?
• I shall transmit your message to (name) as soon as possible.
• It is no trouble at all.
• The pleasure is all mine.
• Nice talking to you.
• I shall be looking forward to hearing from you again.
• Good-bye Sir / Madam / Miss.
Written exercise:
1. Write an essay on the part played by a secretary in a business organisation. Show the positive
and negative aspects of her job. Do not forget to mention some of her responsibilities and daily
tasks.
2. Write a conversation that a secretary and a client are having on the telephone. Imagine that they
already know each other well and she has to put him through to her boss, or try to schedule a
meeting for him.
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II. ACCOUNTING SYSTEMS
ACCOUTING
ENGLISH I
II. ACCOUNTING SYSTEMS IEFP
Objectives
Students are expected to understand the accounting language and written texts with relative ease,
as well as demonstrate an ability to use appropriate basic business concepts.
Topics
1. The verbal forms;
2. The present;
3. The future;
4. The interrogative pronouns;
5. Prepositions and adverbs of place;
6. Directions and places;
7. Descriptions / sizes and forms / incoterms;
8. Countries and nationalities;
9. Feelings;
10. Hobbies and leisure;
11. Accounting vocabulary;
12. General accepted accounting principles;
13. A business transaction;
14. The shipping department;
Exercises
Resolutions
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IEFP II. ACCOUNTING SYSTEMS
1. THE VERBAL FORMS
The Simple Form
1. Structure: Subject + Verbal base

2. Use: To express a habit, a generality, a scientific truth or anything that is
undeniable.
3. Examples: Every day, I get up at 7:00 a.m.
Children love playing.
Global warming will gradually increase the level of the Oceans.
The Progressive Form
4. Structure: Subject + To BE conjugated at the tense of the speech + ACTION Verb

at the infinitive without to + ING (= GERUND)
1. Use: To express that an ACTION is occurring at the tense of the narrative.
2. Examples: You are studying English.
She was reading a book when the telephone rang.
We will be working by the time our children wake up.
The Interrogative Form
1. Structure: Auxiliary + Subject + Verbal base

2. Use: To ask a question
3. Examples: Do you like chocolate?
Did you enjoy your meal?
Will you go to Sweden for Christmas?
The Negative Form
1. Structure: Subject + Auxiliary + NOT + verbal base

2. Use: To answer negatively or to deny something
3. Examples: You do not live in the USA
They have not got a house in New York.
We would like to go to Egypt on holidays.
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76 Guia do Formando Accounting English I I
2. THE PRESENT
STRUCTURE USE EXAMPLES
Simple Form Subject + Infinitive To express a habit or I go to the cinema every Saturday.
without “TO” something done with a
certain regularity. She goes for walk every Sunday
Exception:
morning, then she watches TV or
relaxes while reading a book
At the 3rd person of
the Singular (she ; To express a
Accountants collect financial data in
he ; it) an “S” MUST generality
order to help managers efficiently.
be added at the end
of the infinitive.
Manufacturing entities make things
For the verbs ending To express an while service entities provide advice
with: o ; sh ; ch ; x; evidence, a truth. or assistance.
we must add “ES”
Progressive Subject + To BE at the To express that an Look, your boss is smiling.

Form PRESENT + Action ACTION is occurring
Verb + ING right now. Listen, the telephone is ringing.
Now, I am reading some examples in

English.
Progressive To Be + Subject + Ask a question about What are you thinking of?
Interrogative Action Verb + ING something occurring
Form right now
Interrogative Auxiliary (DO or Ask a question Do you like Jazz?

Form DOES)+ Subject +
Does she work here?
Infinitive without “TO”
Does he want a beer?
Does your cat drink milk?
Do we play tennis every day?
Do you understand Italian?
Do they live together?
Negative Subject + Auxiliary + Answer negatively. I do not like Jazz.

Form NOT + infinitive
She does not work here.
without “TO”
They do not live together.
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3. THE FUTURE
Simple Form I / WE + shall + To situate an event I shall go to Paris next week.

infinitive without or action in the
We shall speak English only in
“TO”. future.
class.
I hope you will have the opportunity
You / he / she / it / to visit Paris during your business
they + will + infinitive Never use a future trip.
without “TO” after:
You will not fool me, as long as I
- when live.
- as soon as
- as long as
Use the Present.
Progressive Subject + to be at To situate an action I shall be waiting for you around

Form the future + Action in the future + notion 7:00 p.m.
verb + ING of time
I am going to play tennis with
To express some James.
BE GOING TO +
intentions,
infinitive They are going to get married by
convictions,
next year.
certainties
Interrogative Shall / will + subject To ask a question Will you be home by midnight?
Form + infinitive without about a future event
Shall we go to the cinema?
“TO”
To propose
Will your friends stay for dinner?
something
I shall not go to China next
Negative Subject + shall / will To answer
summer (I shan’t go…)
Form + NOT + infinitive negatively about an
without “TO” event occurring in You will not work on Christmas Eve
the future (you won’t work…)
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Exercises (on the Present and Future):
All verbal forms are possible: Each correct answer: 2 marks // Total marks: 60
1. He won’t get this job as long as …
a) I shall live
b) I live
c) I lived
d) I have lived
2. We may wonder when man … looking for what he can’t get.

a) stop
b) will stop
c) would stop
d) stops
3. Never … believe John can pass that exam.

a) will Mr Smith
b) won’t Mr Smith
c) Mr Smith will
d) had Mr Smith
4. There won’t be any change as long as everybody … to be more flexible.

a) refused
b) will refuse
c) refuse
d) refuses
5. Two hours … more than I can wait.

a) is
b) are
c) that is
d) it’s
6. … Mr and Mrs Brown! We’re going to ask them!
a) There are
b) They are
c) That is
d) There’s
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7. … to be a few difficulties.
a) There seems
b) There seem
c) There is seeming
d) There are seeming
8. Nobody can tell when the next train …

a) arrives
b) has arrived
c) will arrive
d) arrive
9. Not only … of her decision, but I am sure that he will support her.
a) he approves
b) he approved
c) has approved he
d) will he approve
10. What do you feel the boss … of your suggestion?

a) thinks
b) has been thinking
c) is actually thinking
d) to think
11. In the next G8 meeting, … also expected to be measures to cope with the rising tide of
bankruptcies.
a) It
b) They are
c) there is
d) there are
12. The Government has little choice … quickly.

a) But to act
b) though to act
c) else than acting
d) except acting
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13. He had proved inefficient, but …

a) Did he hold the job
b) hold the job he did
c) he did held the job
d) he held the job, did he?
14. The next train for London … until midnight.

a) won’t be leaving
b) won’t leave
c) will leave
d) won’t be to leave
15. Economic experts are debating how …

a) much the problem is bad
b) bad is the problem
c) bad the problem is
16. The solutions are not easy as politicians would …

a) have it
b) want it
c) there to be
d) like them to
17. The Minister declared that … unlikely to be an improvement in living standards next year.
a) there was
b) it was
c) was
d) is
18. Some of the experts think trouble may not come until next summer when the budget cuts …
really hurting.
a) are
b) will be
c) be
d) would be
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19. It is his opportunism that will cost …

a) the election to him
b) the election for him
c) the election off him
d) him the election
20. We … usually … to the pictures, but we … to-night.

a) are not … going … are going
b) are not … going … go
c) don’t … go … go
d) don’t … go … are going
21. I think you are right about … trouble.

a) it is going to be
b) there going to be
c) it is to be
d) there is to be
22. He may well win this battle; if he does, …

a) he will be done a hero
b) he will be made a hero
c) it will do him a hero
d) it will make him a hero
23. … the military campaign is completed, the political battle will begin.
a) Whenever
b) Unlike
c) As long as
d) The moment
24. The Company is deciding whether to close a factory … $30 million a year.
a) it says is losing
b) it is said losing
c) saying to lose
d) it is said to lose
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25. He intends to tell them as soon as they …

a) arrives
b) arrived
c) arrive
d) will arrive
26. As it usually … in divorce cases, he will lose his children to his wife.
a) happen
b) happens
c) will happen
d) is happening
27. No sooner are they together than …

a) they started quarrelling
b) they started quarrels
c) they start quarrelling
d) they are starting quarrels
28. Every summer, … place serious accidents on this beach.

a) it takes
b) there take
c) there takes
d) they take
29. Football players … play better than on their home ground.

a) do nowhere
b) anywhere they don’t
c) they don’t anywhere
d) nowhere do they
30. Hardly … without his asking for you.

e) an hour goes by
f) goes by an hour
g) does an hour go by
h) goes an hour by
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Resolutions
1. b) I live
2. d) stops
3. a) will Mr Smith
4. d) refuses
5. a) is
6. d) There’s
7. a) There seems
8. c) will arrive
9. a) he approves
10. a) thinks
11. d) there are
12. a) but to act
13. b) hold the job he did
14. a) won’t be leaving
15. c) bad the problem is
16. a) have it
17. b) it was
18. b) will be
19. d) him the election
20. d) don’t … … go … are going
21. b) there going to be
22. d) it will make him a hero
23. d) The moment
24. d) it is said to lose
25. c) arrive
26. b) happens
27. c) they start quarreling
28. b) there take
29. d) nowhere do they
30. c) does an hour go by
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4. THE INTERROGATIVE PRONOUNS
The Adjective Pronouns
• Identification: WHAT + Noun ? Ex: What book are you reading?
WHICH + Noun ? Ex: Which drinks do we need?
• Possession: WHOSE + Noun ? Ex: Whose car is that?
• Choice: WHICH + Noun? Ex: Which bag is yours – the black one or the
little red one?
• Quantity: HOW MUCH + Noun? Ex: How much money do you have?
HOW MANY + Noun? Ex: How many books have you got?
The Interrogative Pronouns
Interrogative pronouns that refer to human beings or personified objects or animals:
• WHO (Subject or complement) • Ex: Who is that man by the door?
• WHOEVER • Ex: Whoever calls me, tell them I’m out
• WHOM (+ Phrasal verb) • Ex: Whom are looking at?
• WHOSE • Ex: Whose is this?
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Interrogative Pronouns that refer to anything except to human beings:
• WHAT • Ex: What are you doing?
• WHATEVER • Ex:Whatever you did, we won’t blame you.
• WHICH • Ex: Which do you prefer? Jazz or Rock’n Roll.
• WHICHEVER • Ex:Whichever you choose, it’s yours.
• HOW MUCH • Ex: How much do you need?
• HOW MANY • Ex: How many will come?
• WHY • Ex: Why shout?
• WHERE • Ex: Where do you come from?
• WHEREVER • Ex:Wherever you look, you’ll find beauty.
• WHEN • Ex: When are you leaving?
• WHENEVER • Ex:Whenever you are ready, we shall leave.
• HOW • Ex: How are you?
• HOWEVER • Ex: However interesting irt is, I don’t like it.
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Exercises
Fill in the blanks with the right pronoun: (10 Marks)
Industrial misery:
During the Industrial Revolution, (1) …….. started in the mid 18th century, there was an exodus from
the country to the towns, (2) ……. the people usually lived in precarious conditions. They worked
long hours and earned very little money, (3) .…… they spent in food and sometimes in gin, too.
Charles Dickens, (4) ……. wrote mostly about the human misery of the 19th century, described the
conditions of work in the factories, and mines (5) ……. enabled Britain to become the most powerful
country during the Victorian period.
Multiple Choice Questions: Put a circle around the correct answer.

(10 Marks)
1. It’s the girl … mother is a famous novelist.

a) which
b) whose
c) of which
d) who
2. I think that … the country needs most is wise leadership.

a) what
b) which
c) this
d) those
3. Tell me … of these programmes you want to watch.

a) what
b) whom
c) which
d) that
4. I’m afraid I don’t know … time they arrive.

a) whose
b) what
c) that
d) which
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5. The place … Mr and Mrs Jones live is really quiet.

a) which
b) where
c) in which
d) in where
6. … of these cakes will you buy?

a) Which
b) Whose
c) What
d) How much
7. All … I know is that you are late again.

a) that
b) what
c) which
d) who
8. The telephone isn’t working, … is an awful nuisance.

a) what
b) that which
c) which
d) than
9. The day … the war broke out, I was celebrating my birthday.

a) Which
b) When
c) Whenever
d) in which
10. … do you think is the most remarkable man of our century?

e) Whom
f) Whose
g) Who
h) Which
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Resolutions
(1) which
(2) where
(3) that
(4) who
(5) which
1. b) whose
2. a) what
3. c) which
4. b) what
5. b) where
6. a) Which
7. a) that
8. c) which
9. b) when
10. c) Who
II
5. PREPOSITIONS AND ADVERBS OF PLACE
Prepositions of Place
Above / across / against / around / at / behind / below / beneath / beside / between / beyond / by /
down / from / in / in front of / inside / into / near / next to / off / on / on to
Opposite / out of / outside / over / past / round / through / to / towards / under / up
AT: It is static. It is also used for a place which is attended by a group of

people with a specific aim:
EX: At home (by a family, with the aim of living)
At church (by believers, with the aim of praying)
At school (by students, with the aim of learning)
IN: Unrestricted area where anyone can go.
EX: in the park, in the street
TO: Implies a movement
EX: She is going to school
Prepositions of Time
After / at / before / between / by / during / for / from / in / on / past / since / through(out)

To / towards / until / till / within
SINCE: Marks the starting point of an action. It can be a date, or a

precise moment in time.
EX I haven’t seen him since his birthday party
FOR: Indicates how long something may last.
EX: We have been dancing for an hour.
DURING: Indicates a period of time.
EX: 50 million people died during World War II.
BY: Means “not later than” and “at the same time as”
EX: By the time I get back home, you will be in New York.
I shall travel by night.
AT: + TIME EX: The train is due at 10:00 a.m.
ON: + DAY / DATE EX: You can start working on Monday.
IN: + YEAR / period of time: EX: He was born in 1975.
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Exercises
Multiple Choice Questions: Put a circle around the correct answer. Each correct answer: 2 marks //
Total marks: 60
1. There was strong opposition … the part of the farmers.

a) from
b) of
c) on
d) at
2. It is …the national interest that a decision should be made at once.

a) in
b) of
c) out of
d) to
3. Almost half of the country’s debt load is … the form of short-term loans.
a) under
b) on
c) in
d) from
4. You can’t judge them … appearances.

a) at
b) to
c) in
d) by
5. The unions slammed the door … further negotiations.

a) at
b) in
c) over
d) on
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6. The dangerous criminal has just escaped … prison, but the police are after him.
a) from
b) to
c) …
d) at
7. The nuclear plant has been … attack for its poor safety record.
a) on
b) under
c) in
d) for
8. John keeps asking favours … the manager.

a) to
b) at
c) by
d) of
9. They are asking us … help.

a) …
b) from
c) at
d) for
10. They have decided to allocate $2 million to compensate … those workers who lost their jobs.
a) by
b) …
c) for
d) to
11. All this money will compensate … the loss of his health.
a) by
b) …
c) for
d) to
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12. My house is not … sale

a) for
b) at
c) in
d) to
13. Shopkeepers are more and more reluctant to sell … credit.

a) at
b) to
c) in
d) on
14. I enjoyed all his films … the exception of his last.

a) with
b) for
c) at
d) to
15. How much did he give you in return … your old car?
a) of
b) for
c) to
d) by
16. I was giving him English lessons in exchange … Maths lessons.

a) of
b) for
c) to
d) by
17. It’s unfair to put the blame … him alone.

a) to
b) at
c) on
d) with
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18. The new law will take effect … next week.

a) as of
b) up to
c) as on
d) as
19. It’s a good thing there’s only three … us.

a) in
b) out of
c) among
d) of
20. Lots of unemployed workers do not bother to register … the dole.

a) at
b) to
c) in
d) on
21. He was given preference … me.

a) on
b) over
c) by
d) to
22. Prices rose … 14% last year.

a) by
b) of
c) at
d) on
23. Inflation rose …4% last year.

a) at
b) of
c) to
d) on
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24. The result of the match will certainly depend … the weather.
a) of
b) on
c) for
d) from
25. I would like to know who is responsible … this mess.

a) of
b) on
c) for
d) to
26. His attitude is widely different … what it used to be.

a) of
b) with
c) from
d) to
27. We should assess the situation … the light of the recent political developments.
a) at
b) under
c) on
d) in
28. James is confident … winning the contest.

a) with
b) of
c) at
d) in
29. Some of their methods were quite strange … me.

a) at
b) for
c) with
d) to
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30. He is getting impatient … the prolonged delay.

a) at
b) for
c) with
d) on
Resolutions
1. a) from 16. b) for
2. a) in 17. c) on
3. c) in 18. a) as of
4. d) by 19. d) of
5. a) at 20. c) in
6. a) from 21. b) over
7. b) under 22. a) by
8. a) to 23. c) to
9. d) for 24. b) on
10. b) … 25. c) for
11. c) for 26. c) from
12. a) for 27. b) under
13. d) on 28. d) in
14. a) with 29. d) to
15. b) for 30. a) at
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6. DIRECTIONS AND PLACES
Directions
Verbs and expressions used when asking for directions:
• Excuse me, could you tell me the way to …, please?
• Excuse me Sir / Madam / Officer, would you be so kind as to tell me how I can get to ..., please?
Verbs and expressions used when giving directions:
• Certainly. You have to ... go ; turn ; drive through ; walk ; ride ; stop ; pass by ; cross
To go straight on Continuar em frente
To go back Voltar
To go to the round about Ir até à rotunda
To go over the bridge Passar a ponte
To turn right / left Virar à direita / esquerda
At the first street on your left, you will find. …na primeira rua à esquerda, encontrará
At the traffic lights… Ao semáforo…
At the cross-roads… No crusamento…
At the zebra crossing Na passagem para peões
Places
Train station Estação de caminho de ferro
Post Office Correios
Church Igreja
Town Hall Câmara
Court Tribunal
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Police Station Esquadra de policia
Library Biblioteca
Market square Praça do Mercado
Park Parque
Car park Parque de estacionamento
Castle Castelo
Airport Aeroporto
Harbour / port Porto
Theatre Teatro
Concert Hall Sala de Concertos
Museum Museu
Beach Praia
River Rio
Lake Lago
Dam Barragem
Shopping Centre / Mall Centro comercial
Leisure Centre Centro de Lazer
Health Centre Centro de Saúde
Exercises
Write a dialogue between a tourist who has a map of the city but who is lost and asks for directions,
interesting places to visit and a passer-by who tries to help him or her.
Then, play it in front of the class.
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7. DESCRIPTIONS / SIZES AND FORMS / INCOTERMS
Descriptions
Colours (UK) / Colors (US) : Cores:
Blue / yellow / red Azul / amarelo / vermelho
A colour may be : Uma cor pode ser:
Light Clara
Dark Escura
Bright / loud / gaudy Viva
Dull / washed-out Desvanecida / deslavada
Acid / shrill Ácida
Soft Suave
Blatant Agressiva
Dreary Triste
Cheerful Alegre
A shade may be: Um tom (sombreado) pode ser:
Warm / cold Quente / frio
Mat / pastel Mate / pastel
Silvery Prateado
Whitish Branqueado
Bluish Azulado
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Navy blue Azul marinho
Midnight blue Azul escuro
Royal blue Azul turquesa
Prussian blue Azul de Prussia
Steely blue Azul acinzentado
Carmin Carmim
Cobalt blue Azul cobalt
Green Verde
Emerald Verde esmeralda
Fawn / tawny / fauvist Fovista / cor quente
Sea-green Verde mar
Grey Cinzento
Shadowy grey Acinzentado
Indigo Índigo / anil
Yellowish Amarelado
Blackish Tom de preto
Ochre Ocre
Blood red Vermelho sangue
Purple Roxo
Violet Violeta
Brown Castanho
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Beige Beige
Flavours (UK) / Flavors (US): Sabores:
Sweet Açucarado
Salty Salgado
Bitter Amargo
Tart Ácido
Spicy Picante
Insipid/ tasteless Insípido / sem sabor
Aparência física:
Physical Appearance:
A figure / silhouette Silhueta
Graceful Graciosa
Delicate Fina
Deformed Desformada
Hunchback Corcunda
Tall Alta
Medium height Altura média
Short / small Pequena
Fat Gordo
Plump/ chubby Redondo
Slim / thin / slight / slender Elegante / magro / esbelto
Massive build Forte
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Flopsy / awkward Desajeitado
Complexion Cor da pele
Skin Pele
Beauty spot Sinal
Wart Verruga
Wrinkle Ruga
Fringe Franja
Bald Careca
Moustache Bigode
Blond / brown / black hair Cabelos louros / castanhos / pretos
Shapes and sizes
Shapes: Formas:
Straight / curved Recto / torto
Horizontal / vertical Horizontal / vertical
Oblique / perpendicular Oblíquo / perpendicular
Parallel / converging (or diverging) Paralelo (a) / convergente (ou divergente)
Broken lines Linhas quebradas
Right angle Ângulo direito
Acute or obtuse angle Ângulo agudo ou obtuso
Curve Curva
Round Redondo
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Circular Circular
Elliptical Elíptico
Sizes: Tamanhos:
Small / large Pequeno / grande
Wide / narrow Largo / estreito
Long / short Comprido / curto
Tight / loose Apertado / amplo
Deep / low Profundo / baixo
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Incoterms (international commercial terms) Incoterms
Fob (free on board) Franco a bordo
Cfr ((cost and freight) Custo e frete
Cif (cost, insurance, freight) Custo, seguro e frete
B/l (bill of lading) Conhecimento (ou guia) de carga (transporte

marítimo)
B/e (bill of exchange) Letra de câmbio
L/c (letter of credit) Letra de câmbio
To ship Expedir
Shipper Expeditor
Carrier Transportador(a)
To despatch Despachar
Forwarder Despachante
To fill out a form Preencher um formulário
To check boxes Verificar caixas
Item Artigo / item
Customs requirements Requisitos alfandegários
Samples Amostras
Duty free Livre de imposição
Container Contentor
Container ship Barco transportando contentores
Articulated lorry (uk) Camião reboque
Articulated truck (us) (idem)
Railway wagon Carruagem
Pick-up van Carrinha de caixa aberta
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Wharehouse Armazém
Consignee Destinatário
Consignor Expeditor
Consignment / destination Destino
Departure / arrival Partida / chegada
Country of origin País de origem
Cask Túnel
Keg Pequeno tonel
Carton Caixa de papelão
Bale Fardo
Crate Caixote
Case Caixa
Barrel Barril
Sack Saco
Cardboard Papelão
Cloth Tecido
Glass Vidro
Hemp Cânhamo
Wood Madeira
Plastic Plástico
Airtight Embalado em vácuo
Waterproof À prova de água
Enclosed Fechado
Open Aberto
Locked Fechado à chave
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Sealed Selado
Refrigerated Refrigerado
Padded Almofadado
Band Tira / fita
Wrapped Embrulhado
Strengthened with Reforçado com
Insulated Isolado
Perishable goods Bens pereciveis
Use no hooks Não usar ganchos
This side up / down Este lado para cima / para baixo
Keep dry Manter ao seco
Poison Veneno
Corrosive Corrosivo
To load / to unload Carregar / descarregar
Port of loading Porto de embarque
Port of destination Porto de desembarque
High speed delivery Entrega rápida
Door-to-door delivery Entrega directa ao domicilio
Weight Peso
Measurement Medidas
Delay Atraso
Schedule Horário
Maintenance costs Custos de manutenção
Packaging Embalagem
Advice note Conselho
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Waybill Guia de transporte
Delivery note Nota de entrega
Bill of lading (b/l) Guia de carga
Bill of entry (b/e) Guia de entrada
Invoice Factura
Goods missing Falta mercadoria
Goods damaged Mercadoria estragada
Wrong goods Mercadoria errada
Theft Roubo
Breakage Quebras
Indemnity Indemnização
Broker Corretor
Loss Perda
Insurance company Companhia de seguros
Insurers Seguradoras
To request Requerer
To renew Renovar
Confirm Confirmar
To declare Declarar
To inspect Inspeccionar
To assess Analisar, ponderar
To report Relatar
To issue Emitir
Issuance Emissão
Fee Tarifa
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Voucher Recibo / justificativo
Counterfoil Talão
Wholesale Venda a grosso
Expenses Despesas
Excise tax Imposto indirecto
To tow Rebocar
Liability Responsabilidade
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8. COUNTRIES AND NATIONALITIES
COUNTRY NATIONALITY CAPITAL CITY CURRENCY
Members of the European Union:
Austria Austrian Vienna Euro
Belgium Belgian Brussels Euro
Cyprus Cypriots Nicosia Cyprus Pound
Czech Republic Czech Prague Koruna
Denmark Danish Copenhagen Krone
Estonia Estonian Tallinn Estonian Kroon
Finland Finnish Helsinki Euro
France French Paris Euro
Germany German Berlin Euro
Greece Greek Athens Euro
Hungary Hungary Budapest Forint
Ireland Irish Dublin Euro
Italy Italian Rome Euro
Latvia Latvian Riga Lats
Lithuania Lithuanian Vilnius Litas
Luxembourg Luxembourg Euro
Malta Maltese Valletta Maltese Lira
Poland Polish Warsaw Zloty
Portugal Portuguese Lisbon Euro
Slovakia Slovakian Bratislava Slovak Koruna
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Slovenia Slovenian Ljubljana Tolar
Spain Spanish Madrid Euro
Sweden Swedish Stockholm Krona
The Netherlands Dutch Amsterdam Euro
The United Kingdom British London Pound Sterling
Other European countries:
Bulgaria Bulgarian Sofia Lev
Norway Norwegian Oslo Krone
Romania Romanian Bucuresti Leu
Switzerland Swiss Bern Swiss Franc
Ukraine Ukrainian Kiev Hryvnia
Yugoslavia Yugoslavian Belgrade Yugoslav new dinar
ASIA:
Russia Russian Moscow Ruble
China Chinese Beijing (Peking) Yuan
Japan Japanese Tokyo Yen
India Indian New Delhi Rupee
The Middle East:
Iran Iranian Tehran
Irak Iraki Baghdad
Syria Syrian Damascus
Israel Israeli Tel-Aviv
Lebanon Lebanese Beirut
Saudi Arabia Saudi Arabian Riyadh
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AMERICA
North America:
Canada Canadian Ottawa Canadian Dollar

The United States of American Washington District US Dollar
America of Columbia (D.C.)
AFRICA:
Egypt Egiptian Cairo
Libya Libyan Trípoli
Algeria Algerian Algiers
Marocco Maroccan Rabat
Mauritania Mauritanian Nouakchott
Nigeria Nigerian Abuja
South Africa South African Pretoria
Angola Angolan Luanda
South America:
Mexico Mexican México City
Venezuela Venezuelan Caracas
Paraguai Paraguaian Asuncion
Brazil Brazilian Brasilia
Colombia Colombian Santa Fe of Bogota
Peru Peruvian Lima
Chile Chilian Santiago of Chile
Argentina Argentinian Buenos Aires
Bolívia Bolivian La Paz
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COUNTRY NATIONALITY CAPITAL CITY
OCEANIA:
Indonesia Indonisian Jakarta
Timor Timorese Dili
New Guinea New Guinean Port Moresby
Philipines Philipinian Manilla
AUSTRALIA:
Australia Autralian Cambera
New Zeland New Zelandese Wellington
New Caledonia New Caledonian Noumea
Exercises
(20 Marks)
Choose a country and present it orally to the rest of the group. You may work in teams of two or
three, if you wish. The topics that you have to focus on are: its geographical location, and
particularities, its government, number of inhabitants, its GDP, its unemployment and inflation rates,
natural resources, major trading partners, etc…
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9. FEELINGS
Feelings: Sentimentos:
Pleasant Agradável
Cheerful Alegre
Delight Alegria/ deleite
Joy Alegria
Grateful Grato
Gratitude Gratidão
Weary Cansado
Depressed Deprimido
Upset Aborrecido / transtornado
Desperate Desesperado
Sad Triste
Tenderness Ternura
Tender Terno
Touched Enternecido / comovido
Sympathetic Piedoso / ter compaixão
Surprised Surpreendido
Amazed Espantada
Stunned Estupefacto
Frightened Assustado
Uneasy Preocupado
Anxious Ansioso
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Fearful Amedrontado
Terrified Aterrorizado
Nervous Nervoso
Gloomy Melancólico
Angry Zangado
Irritated Irritado
Furious Furioso
Sensible Razoável
Sensitive Sensível
Admiration Admiração
Dislike Aversão
Confidence / confident Confiança / confiante
Loathing Nojo
Spite Despeito
Jealousy Ciúmes
Envy Inveja
Contempt Desprezo
Patriotism / patriot Patriotismo
Malice / rancour Maldade / rancor
Ambition / ambitious Ambição / ambicioso
Power / powerfull Poder / poderoso
Love / beloved Amor / amado
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Kindness / kind Amabilidade / amável
Esteem Estima
Faith / faithful Fé / fiel
Exercises
(20 Marks)
Describe orally how people feel if they are in love, if they succeed in closing a contract, if they are
laid off, if they are leaders of a highly performing team, etc…
Now write about your favourite literary, cinematographic character mentioning the part that they
performed best and try to find why.
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10. HOBBIES AND LEISURE
ART / Fine Art ARTE / Belas Artes
Painting Pintura
Sculpture Escultura
Literature Literatura
Music Música
Dance Dança
Theatre Teatro
Cinema Cinema
Minor Arts Outras Artes
Architecture Arquitetura
Ceramics Cerâmica
Pottery Olaria
Embroidery Bordados
Tapestry Tapeçaria
Upholstery Estofador
Stained-glass Vitrais
Silk painting Pintura sobre seda
Fashion design Criação de moda
Engraving Gravura
Drawing Desenho
Photography Fotografia
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Hobbies Passatempos
To play of a musical instrument Tocar um instrumento musical
To practice a sport Praticar desporto
To play tennis, table tennis, golf Jogar ténis, ténis de mesa, golf
To go to the theatre, cinema, opera Ir ao teatro, cinema, ópera
To go for a walk Ir passear a pé
To watch television Ver televisão
To read a book, a magazine,a newspaper Ler um livro, uma revista, um jornal
To play chess Jogar xadrez
To go fishing, hunting Ir à pesca, à caça
To do horse-riding Fazer equitação
To go camping, mountain-climbing Ir acampar, escalar
To go skiing Fazer ski
To go swimming Ir nadar
To jog, run Correr
To ride a bicycle Andar de bicicleta
Exercises
(20 Marks)
Write about your favourite holidays or trip describing what you enjoyed doing, the places that you
visited, what you felt and learnt. Develop your essay by focusing on the importance of travelling and
discovering different cultures, knowing more about different customs and peoples and what it may
bring to your personal and professional life.
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11. ACCOUNTING VOCABULARY
Accounting / accountancy Contabilidade
Accounting control system Sistema de controlo contabilístico
Accounting Standards Board (ASB) Comissão de Normas Contabílisticas (Inglaterra)
Accurate / accurately Preciso / com precisão
Acquisitions Aquisições / Compras
Annual report Relatório Anual
Assets Activos / bens
Audits Auditorias
Auditor Auditor
Authorized capital Capital nominal
B
Balance sheet Balanço
Bill of exchange (B/E) Letra de Câmbio
Branch Sucursal / Filial
Brand Marca
Board of Directors Conselho de Administração
Budget Orçamento
Cash flow Fluxos financeiros
Chart Mapa
Organizational chart Organograma
Chartered public accountant Técnico de contas
Costs Custos
Creditors Credores
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D
Data Dados / Informação
Data storage Armazenamento de dados
Debentures Obrigaçoes
Debtors Devedores
Decision making process Processo de tomada de decisão
Delivery notes Guia de entrega
Discount Desconto
Dividends Dividendos
E
Earnings Lucros / Ganhos
Earnings per share (EPS) Lucros por acção
European union (EU) União Europeia
Expenditure Despesa / Pagamento
Expense Despesa
F
Factory cost forecast Previsão de custo industrial
Feedback Reacção / resposta
Fifo (first in, first out) Primeiro a entrar, primeiro a sair
Financial accounting Contabilidade financeira
Fixed assets Activo Imobilizado
Forecast Previsão
H
Hire Alugar / contratar
Hiring Contratação
Hire and purchase Aluguer e compra
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I
Income Rendimento
Inflation Inflação
Information Systems Informática / Sistemas de Informação
Interest rate Taxa de juro
Inventory Inventário
Investment Investimento
Investor Investidor
Invoice Factura
Issued capital Capital emitido
J
Job Emprego
Joint venture Umião de duas ou mais empresas
L
Leader Dirigente
Leadership Liderança
Lease Renda / Aluguer
Ledger Livro do Razão
Liabilities Responsabilidades
Lifo (last in, last out) Último a entrar, último a sair
Liquidity Liquidez
Loan Empréstimo
M
To manage Gerir / administrar
Management Gestão
Manager Gestor
Manufacture Produzir / Fabricar
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Manufacturing costs Custos de produção
Margin Margem
Market Mercado
Mortgage Hipoteca
Motivation Motivação
Multinational company Empresa multinacional
N
Nominal value Valor nominal
O
Online Via Internet
Order Encomenda
Organisation / Business organisation Organização / empresa
Overhead costs Gastos Gerais
Overdraft Saldo negativo
P
Patents Patentes
Performance Desempenho
Performance evaluation Avaliação de desempenho
Planning Planeamento
Policy Política / estratégia / apólice
To post an entry Lançamento contabilístico
Price depreciation Depreciação de preços
Products Produtos
Profit and loss accounts Conta de Exploração / Demostração de Resultados
Profit centres Centros de lucros
Purchase / to purchase Compra / comprar
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R
Rate Taxa
Report Relatório
Research Pesquisa
Revenues Receitas
Return On Capital Employed Retorno do investimento
S
Salary Ordenado
Sales Vendas
To share Partilhar
Shares Acções de uma sociedade anónima
Shareholders Accionistas
Spreadsheet Folha de cálculo
Statistics Estatística
Stocks Mercadorias
Stock Exchange Bolsa de Valores
Subsidy Subsídio
Subsidiary Sucursal
T
To takeover Tomar o controlo de uma empresa
Target Alvo
Tax Imposto
Taxation Fiscalidade
Trade-mark Marca registada
Trading profit Margem comercial
Turnover Facturação
(Staff) turnover Rotação
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V
Value-added Valor acrescentado
Value Added Tax (VAT) IVA
Variable costs Custos variáveis
W
To write-off Estornar
Z
Zero stock Stock zero
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12. GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES
What is an accounting system?
It is a formal way of collecting, organising, classifying and delivering any piece of information dealing
with an organisation’s activities.
This mechanism is primarily used to comply with the demands of external parties, such as income
tax authorities, government agencies, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, and other
regulatory bodies. Consequently, it is not directed to internal users of an organisation. Nevertheless,
there are internal accounting reports that may adopt their own set of procedures that are needed to
inform the internal parties.
Most external or internal reports have to follow a set of rules known as Generally Accepted
Accounting Principles (GAAP). These principles inform on conventions, rules, procedures and
detailed practices on how to make up an accepted accounting practice at a given time.
Two different accounting systems may become expensive that is why most organisations choose to
follow the GAAP instead of investing in their own set of information system.
Accounting policy disclosures
All financial statements issued in accordance with GAAP must include a description of all significant
accounting policies of the reporting entity.
In the USA the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) is a professional
organisation governing Certified Public Accountants and one of its fundamental aims has been to
draw general guidelines for the performance of audit work within a business organisation. Indeed,
the result was the Statement on Auditing Standards requiring that:
• the auditor reports on the company’s compliance with GAAP.
• There must be inclusion of adequate informative disclosures
• The auditor expresses his or her opinion as to the fairness of the financial statement presentation
• The company being audited, not the auditor, has primary responsibility for the preparation of
accurate and complete financial statements.
• Audits can only be conducted by Certified Public Accountants (CPAs) and they must attest that
the financial position is fairly presented, regardless of whether such a position is good or bad.
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Exercises
(20 Marks)
1. Explain the necessity for accounting systems within a business organisation.
2. Are accounting requirements the same for all companies? Why?
3. What is the AICPA? Describe its role.
4. Mention and explain the main accounting policy disclosures.
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13. A BUSINESS TRANSACTION: INQUIRIES, QUOTATIONS, DELIVERY,

INVOICES, FORMS OF PAYMENT
Introduction
Any business transaction must be accompanied by a document mentioning the different parties
involved as well as the precise terms and object of the transaction.
Some of these documents are used as entries in bookkeeping and considered as an official proof in
case of dispute.
Inquiries / enquiries
Whenever a prospective customer or client is interested in a product he writes a letter to the supplier
inquiring about the sales terms: price, delivery dates, terms of payment, discounts, after-sale
services, and many others.
Moore’s Ceramics
November 23, 2002

Dear Sirs,
We visited one of your customers who kindly gave me your contact, since I showed some interest in
your products. Indeed, I would be grateful if you could send me a leaflet, or a brochure or even a
catalogue exhibiting your product lines, as well as the corresponding price list and order form in case we
should decide to order any of your goods.
Would you also specify your terms of payment, and discount rates for bulk orders, as well as possible
delivery dates.
We shall be looking forward to hearing from you.
Best regards,
Jane Moore
Junior Manager
Sales Department
Moore’s Ceramics – Uptown Road 45, Preston – UK
455576890 – www. Mooreceram.com
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Quotations
A request for a quotation or a pro-forma invoice generally follows an enquiry about the business
organisation or a specific product.
A quotation describes the product itself and quotes a price for it, mentions the time of shipment, and
gives details about the terms of sale and terms of payment.
It includes the following points:
• Buyer’s name and address;
• Buyer’s reference number and date of inquiry;
• Listing of requested products and their brief description;
• Price of each item in US dollars or Euros;
• Gross and net shipping weight in metric units;
• Total cubic volume and dimensions ready packe;
• Trade discount, only if applicable;
• Delivery point;
• Terms of sale;
• Terms of payment;
• Insurance and shipping costs;
• Validity period for quotation;
• Total charges to be paid by customer;
• Estimated shipping date to consignee;
• Estimated date of shipment arrival.
Most of the time customers require a pro-forma invoice, but normally the seller includes a pro-
forma invoice with the quotation even though it has not been requested. It is not for payment
purposes but just quotations in an invoice format. It certifies that it is not a definitive invoice but
a model in order to enable the buyer to get an import license or arrange for funds.
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Sample Pro-forma Invoice
Harrison and Brothers Ltd

200 DJ Street,
Newark, NJ 50007
Tel. 457-382-9100 Fax: 457-382-9102
To: James Y. Morrison Your Reference: WW/ Jan. 7.01

PO Box 3456
London, UK
Our reference: Moo/ Dec.15. 00
We hereby quote as follows Terms of Payment: Letter of Credit
Terms of Sale: CIF Boum
Quantity Model Description Unit Extension
3 2-6 Separators in $2,000.00 $6,000.00
accordance with
attached specifications
Total FOB Newark, NJ domestic packed $ 7,000.00
Export processing, packaging, prepaid inland freight to JFK International Airport

& forwarders’ handling charges FOB Heathrow International Airport, UK $ 8,500.00
Estimated air freight and insurance $ 1,600.00
Est. CIF Boum, UK $10,100.00
Estimated gross weight 2 890 kg Est. cube 2.5 cu. m
Export package 3.500 kg Export packed 5.5. cu m
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Orders
Every order has to be confirmed in writing a letter or in a special printed form.
The supplier must confirm the order, mentioning that the order has been duly booked and is going to
be met in the agreed period of time.
Thus, the sale contract is concluded and the supplier is bound to execute the order.
If, owing to unforeseen circumstances, like a strike, stock shortage, or overdue delivery, the supplier
is not in a position to give satisfaction to the customer, the purchaser is entitled to cancel the order.
In international trade, an order coming from a foreign country is called an indent or a shipping order.
Delivery
• Direct delivery: The buyer is given a delivery note in duplicate. A copy must be signed by the
buyer and sent back to the seller.
• Indirect delivery: The seller sends the buyer a document called a consignment note which lets
the buyer know the date the goods were shipped and the means of transport used. Before taking
delivery of the goods and signing the delivery note, the consignee must make sure that the
goods have been delivered in good condition.
A clean and clear signature means that the consignee accepts the goods and no claim could later be
lodged against the company.
The Invoice
Both buyer and seller need several copies of an invoice for their accounts departments. Indeed, the
invoice is a very important document because it is accepted as legal proof in the event of a dispute.
The invoice must bear the following statements:
• the seller’s name, address, Trade Register number;
• the date and number of the invoice;
• the buyer’s name and address;
• the description of the goods, reference number, quantity, unit price, total price per item;
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• the total price plus taxes, reductions if applicable are subtracted to find the total price to be paid;
• Order number, delivery order number, means of dispatch, weight of the parcels;
• Date and means of payment;
• the clause to assign jurisdiction stating that the only competent court in the event of a dispute is
the one in the seller’s town.
If an invoicing error has been made, a credit note is issued to avoid any correction. The amount of
that note will be deducted from the next invoice, whereas a debit note is made out if the customer
has been undercharged.
Normally companies send at the end of each month or quarter a statement of invoices. This
document allows the customer to check the summary of all the invoices sent to him during this
period of time. It simply indicates the dates, the numbers and the amounts of the different invoices.
There is also the “pro-forma” invoice. It is the exact replica with discounts and taxes of the invoice
that will be sent to him if he places an order. They are often required by customs, exchange
authorities or banks if required to open a Letter of Credit.
The consular invoice is issued by an exporter and signed by the consul of the importing country in
order to make customs formalities easier.
Terms of Payment
The payment may be settled in various ways. However some are more commonly used than others,
but all of them have to present two basic characteristics:
• the least risky possible for the seller;
• the most competitive for the buyer.
In international business transactions, the Letter of Credit (L/C) is the safest means of payment for
the seller, as it always grants the guarantee of a bank or credit institution. The seller will receive his
payment in due time and the buyer is bound to comply with the terms of the Letter of Credit.
There are several forms of Letters of Credit:
• an irrevocable L/C : its terms cannot be changed without the full knowledge and permission of
the seller. Once a bank confirms it, credit is risk-free;
• an L/C at sight: It means that payment is generally settled in a fixed short-term period in
exchange for the documents authorizing the buyer to obtain the purchased goods. These terms
of payment are the least risky of them all;
• an L/C after sight: Once the business negotiation has been agreed upon by both the seller and
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the buyer, the latter can receive the goods and pay later on. In this case it is advisable that a
date or delay be clearly fixed in order to avoid any misunderstanding or abuse;
• an L/C at date certain: The mention of a fixed date for payment is compulsory. This term of
payment is the safest one.
Nevertheless, an L/C implies expenses to both the buyer and seller. Indeed, apart from the fixed
cost of the opening procedure of an L/C, the amount of the fees charged by the bank is proportional
to the importance of the shipment.
Several steps have to be taken when adopting the payment by Letter of Credit:
• The buyer officially requests his bank to open a credit in favour of the seller, for a fixed period of
time and for the amount mentioned on the pro-forma invoice previously sent by the seller;
• The buyer’s bank sends a Letter of Credit to the seller’s bank, which immediately forwards a
copy to the seller;
• The seller can despatch the consignment. Meanwhile, he sends all the shipping documents as
well as a Bill of Exchange (B/E) to his own bank;
• The seller’s bank forwards these documents to the buyer’s bank, which issues an order of
payment in favour of the seller, in the terms mentioned in the L/C;
• The buyer’s bank keeps the B/E and gives the shipping documents to its client along with an
authorization for him to take possession of the goods at their arrival;
• Once the goods are checked by the buyer, his bank debits his account when the B/E is due.
Definition of an L/C:
A Letter of Credit (L/C) is the written obligation of a bank, made at the request of its customer (the
buyer) to honour an exporter’s drafts or other demands for payment upon compliance with
conditions specified in the letter of credit.
When a Letter of Credit is issued by the buyer’s bank, it assumes the responsibility of payment for
the seller.
There are three types of payment under an L/C:
• Sight drafts: the seller has to be paid on demand, when he presents the documents;
• Time drafts: the opening bank accepts the draft and the buyer will be paid at maturity;
• Deferred payment: the seller effects the shipment but does not get paid immediately.
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What is a Bill of Exchange (B/E):
It is an unconditional order in writing, addressed by one person to another and signed by the person
giving it. It requires that the person to whom it is addressed to pay on demand or at a fixed or
determinable future time, a sum in money to the order of a specified person to the bearer.
It is generally drawn to cover export documents, to which it is attached, for example an L/C. Indeed,
it gives some protection to the exporter in so far as the bank will not pass on to the customer the
documents covered thereby.
A Bill of Exchange with documents attached is called a Documentary Draft, implying that the
shipping documents relating to a shipment of goods are released to the buyer on acceptance of the
Draft. These terms are known as Documents against Acceptance (D/A).
However these documents present more risks for the seller than Documents against Payment (D/P).
In this case, the seller can have full control over the documents and the goods only until the buyer
has accepted his draft. Under D/P terms the shipping documents relating to a shipment of goods are
released to the buyer on payment of a documentary draft drawn on him by the seller. That is to say
that the seller retains full control over the documents and the goods until the buyer has paid.
Exercises
Write an essay on:
(20 Marks)
1. What are the successive steps of a commercial transaction?
2. Write about the invoice: what are its purposes, contents, etc…
3. What is an L/C?
II
14. THE SHIPPING DEPARTMENT: PACKING AND TRANSPORT (ROUTING ORDERS, BILL OF
LADING, WAYBILL, SHIPPING DOCUMENTATION)
Introduction
Any business organisation should have someone in charge of exports. In small firms, there may be
just one person fulfilling all or most of the tasks. In larger organisations, there may be a whole Export
Department or a Shipping Department.
This department is responsible for finding out the most efficient and cheapest way to export of
goods, in order to preserve the firm’s competitiveness. To achieve such an aim, it has to choose the
best terms of delivery, means of payment, and arrange export credit, export insurance in order to be
able to quote specific and competitive prices to its potential buyers.
Prices may cover a wide range of services, but must nevertheless comply to certain common rules.
These rules were first prepared by the International Chamber of Commerce in Paris in 1936. They
are known as Incoterms, which is an abbreviation for International Commercial Terms:
Most commonly used INCOTERMS:
• EX-WORKS Preço à saída da fábrica, não incluindo o preço de carregamento
• EX-FACTORY Preço à saída da fábrica, incluindo o preço de carregamento
(Ex-Works e Ex-Factory, são utilizados indiferentemente referindo o preço à saída da fábrica)
• EX-WAREHOUSE Preço à saída do armazém

This price does not include the costs nor the risks of the transport of
goods until the final place of delivery
• LOCO PRICE Preço do ponto de partida
• FAS Franco ao Longo do Navio

(Free Alongside Ship) + port where the goods will be loaded
The goods must be delivered by the seller in the agreed limit of time
alongside the ship where they will be loaded
• FOB Franco a Bordo

(Free On Board) + name of the port
The goods must be delivered at an agreed port and on board of a
ship that the buyer had previously stipulated
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Franco Transportador
• FCA
(Free Carrier) + city of delivery
The goods must be delivered by the seller to the carrier at a
previously agreed place
• CFR Custo e Frete

(Cost and Freight) + port of delivery
Boarding and transport fees including the freight to the place of
delivery
• CIF Custo, Seguro e Frete

(Cost, Insurance and Freight) + port of delivery
It covers the same charges as the CFR, adding them all the
insurance costs covering the risks of transport until the goods are
unloaded at the port of delivery, which must be stipulated
• CIP Frete e Seguros pagos

(Carriage and Insurance Paid)
• DES Entregue no Navio

(Delivered ex Ship)
• DEQ Entregue no Cais

(Delivered ex Quai)
• DDP Entregue Direitos Pagos

(Delivered Duty Paid)
II
What is a Bill of Lading (B/L):
It is a document authorising the shipment of goods. It is considered “clean” when the goods to be
loaded are in good condition.
There are several types of Bills of Lading:
• Airway Bill of Lading • Guia de transporte aéreo
• Barge Bill of Lading • Guia de transporte fluvial
• Common carrier B/L • Guia de transporte em linhas regulares
• Free Along Side (FAS) B/L • Guia de transporte entregue no cais
• Foul B/L • Guia de transporte emitida com reservas
• Railroad B/L • Guia de transporte ferroviário
• Truck B/L • Guia de transporte por camião
Exercises
Read the following text and use some of its information to fill in the B/L form:
(20 Marks)
Port-Ceramics is a factory situated in Caldas da Rainha. It produces tableware items for European
and American supply chains and retailers, like Harrod’s, Marks and Spencer’s, Carrefour, Wal-Mart,
and many others.
It exports its goods through a forwarding agent, Forward A. Ltd.
By next week, it will have to send two containers of 40 feet each of 1000 ready packed diner sets,
with a gross weight of 2.5 kg each, for a total value of 100.000 Euros, from Lisbon to London, to
arrive before October 12, as Marks and Spencer’s want to launch a promotion of those items in mid-
October all over their British stores.
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Liner Bill of Lading

MARY U2
Nº of Original Bill of Lading:
Shipper: Consignee: Notify Party:
Vessel: Port of Loading: Port of Destination:
Freight Payable at:
Nº of Packs: Kind of Packing: Gross Weight: Measurement

(cubic metres):
Description of Goods:
Place and date of issue:

___________________________________
Signed by: __________________________

Position: ____________________________
Freight paid in: __________________________________________________

Per: ______________________________________________
as agents of: _______________________________________
II
III. THE MANAGEMENT PROCESS AND ACCOUNTING
ACCOUNTING
ENGLISH I
Objectives
Students should be able to demonstrate a confident aproach to perform basic accounting activities,
written reports and recognise differences between the main accounting documents.
Topics
1. The simple past;
2. The present perfect;
3. The past perfect;
4. Postpositions / phrasal verbs;
5. Things we do;
6. Business terms;
7. The nature of planning and controlling;
8. Budgets;
9. Performance reports;
10. From orders to final payment;
Exercises
Resolutions
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IEFP III. THE MANAGEMENT PROCESS AND ACCOUNTING
1. THE SIMPLE PAST
FORM USE STRUCTURE EXAMPLES
Simple To express that a 3. Regular Verbs 5. Regular verbs

FACT occurred in the
Subject + Infinitive • I lived in Paris 2 years
(Pretérito Past.
without “TO” + ED ago.
• You worked a lot
Perfeito) No link with the
yesterday.
Present.
• We played the piano
together last summer.
Compulsory use with:
4. Irregular Verbs 6. Irregular verbs
AGO
Subject + verbal form • We went to the cinema
YESTERDAY
of the Simple past last night.
• I bought a car yesterday.
LAST + notion of • You have to LEARN • The children broke my
time the list… favourite vase.
Progressive To express that an Subject + was / were + I was reading a book WHILE
ACTION was taking infinitive without “TO” + you were watching
(Pretérito place at the same time ING television.
as another .
Imperfeito) WHILE + Subject + was She was working in an office
To express that an /were + infinitive without WHILE her husband was
ACTION was taking “TO” + ING working in a farm.
place WHEN
something interrupted Subject + was / were + I was reading a book WHEN
it. Infinitive without “TO” + you came in.
ING
She was working in an office
WHEN + Subject + WHEN her husband bought
simple Past at the Simple a farm.
form
Interrogative To ask a question DID + Subject + infinitive Did you go to the cinema last
without “TO” night?
Did you play tennis or golf
last Sunday?
Negative To deny or to answer Subject + DID NOT + No, I did not go to the
negatively infinitive without “TO” cinema.
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List Of Irregular Verbs
Infinitive Simple Past Past Participle Translation

/Present
Abide Abode Abode Residir
Arise Arose Arisen Surgir
Awake Awoke / awaked Awoke / awaked Acordar
Be Was / were Been Ser / estar
Bear Bore Borne / born Sustentar / dar à luz
Beat Beat Beaten Bater / derrotar
Become Became Become Tornar-se / convir
Befall Befell Befallen Acontecer / suceder
Beget Begot Begotten Engendrar/ procriar
Begin Began Begun Começar
Behold Beheld Beheld Contemplar / ver
Bend Bent Bent Arquear/ inclinar-se
Bereave Bereaved Bereaved / bereft Despojar / desolar
Beseech Besought Besought Suplicar / rogar
Bet Bet Bet Apostar
Bid Bade Bidden Ordenar / mandar
Bid Bid Bid Oferecer/licitar/saudar
Bind Bound Bound Atar / sujeitar
Bite Bit Bitten Morder
Bleed Bled Bled Sangrar
Blow Blew Blown Soprar/ fazer explodir
Break Broke Broken Quebrar/ interromper
Breed Bred Bred Criar / educar
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Bring Brought Brought Trazer
Broadcast Broadcast Broadcast Radio-difundir / emitir
Build Built Built Construir
Burn Burnt Burnt Queimar
Burst Burst Burst Rebentar / brotar
Buy Bought Bought Comprar
CAN Could Been able to SER CAPAZ de
Cast Cast Cast Lançar / fundir
Distribuir (actuação)
Catch Caught Caught Apanhar/ apreender
Surpreender
Chide Chid Chid Queixar-se / ralhar
Choose Chose Chosen Escolher
Cleave Clove / cleft Cloven / cleft Aderir a / ligar-se a
Cling Clung Clung Agarrar-se com força
Clothe Clothed / clad Clothed / clad Revestir
Come Came Come Vir
Cost Cost Cost Custar
Creep Crept Crept Rastejar
Crow Crowed / crew Crowed Cantar (galo) / vangloriar-se
Cut Cut Cut Cortar
Dare Dared / durst Dared / durst Ousar / provocar
Deal Dealt Dealt Distribuir / tratar de
Dig Dug Dug Escavar
Do Did Done Fazer
Draw Drew Drawn Traçar/ desenhar/ extrair
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Dream Dreamt / dreamed Dreamt / dreamed Sonhar
Drink Drank Drunk Beber
Drive Drove Driven Conduzir
Dwell Dwelt / dwelled Dwelt / dwelled Residir
Eat Ate Eaten Comer
Fall Fell Fallen Cair
Feed Fed Fed Alimentar
Feel Felt Felt Sentir (-se)/ apalpar
Fight Fought Fought Combater / lutar
Flee Fled Fled Fugir
Fling Flung Flung Lançar/derrubar/ vibrar
Fly Flew Flown Voar
Forbear Forbore Forborne Reprimir-se / desistir
Forbid Forbade Forbidden Proibir
Forget Forgot Forgotten Esquecer
Forgive Forgave Forgiven Perdoar
Forsake Forsook Forsaken Desamparar / renunciar
Freeze Froze Frozen Gelar/ ficar imóvel
Get Got Got Obter, ...
Gild Gilded / gilt Gilded / gilt Dourar / adornar
Gird Girded / girt Girded / girt Cercar/ investir/ troçar
Give Gave Given Dar
Go Went Gone Ir
Grind Ground Ground Moer/fiar/polir/oprimir
Grow Grew Grown Crescer
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Hang Hanged / hung Hanged / hung Pendurar / enforcar
HAVE Had Had TER
Hear Heard Heard Ouvir/estar informado
Hew Hewed Hewed / hewn Decepar / desbastar
Hide Hid Hidden Esconder
Hit Hit Hit Acertar no alvo/ bater / ferir
Hold Held Held Segurar/ aguentar/ reunir/considerar/valer
Hurt Hurt Hurt Magoar/ prejudicar
Keep Kept Kept Guardar / registar
Kneel Knelt Knelt Ajoelhar(-se)
Knit Knit Knit Fazer malha/ atar
Know Knew Known Saber / conhecer
Lay Laid Laid Colocar/ deitar/ atribuir/ pôr (ovos)
Lead Led Led Preceder/ guiar/ dirigir
Lean Leaned / leant Leaned / leant Inclinar-se / apoiar-se
Leap Leaped / leapt Leaped / leapt Pular / transpor
Learn Learned / learnt Learned / learnt Aprender
Leave Left Left Sair / cessar / desistir/ deixar / separar-se
Lend Lent Lent Emprestar / conceder
Let Let Let Deixar / permitir/ alugar
Lie Lay Lain Estar deitado / jazer / consistir / existir
Light Lighted / lit Lighted / lit Alumiar / acender / incendiar
Lose Lost Lost Perder
Make Made Made Fazer / fabricar / realizar / causar / atingir, ...
MAY Might Been allowed to SER PROVÁVEL/ SER AUTORIZADO A
Mean Meant Meant Significar/ destinar/ tencionar
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Meet Met Met Encontrar/ reunir/ saldar/ conhecer/
Mow Mowed Mowed Ceifar/cortar/dizimar
MUST Had to Had to TER DE/ dever/ ser necessário
Pay Paid Paid Pagar
Put Put Put Pôr / colocar
Read Read Read Ler
Rend Rent Rent Rasgar / dilacerar/ desunir
Rid Rid Rid Desembaraçar / livrar
Ride Rode Ridden Cavalgar
Ring Rang Rung Tocar (campainha)
Rise Rose Risen Erguer-se/ nascer (Sol)
Run Ran Run Correr/ competir / administrar/ decorrer
Saw Sawed Sawed / sawn Serrar
Say Said Said Dizer
See Saw Seen Ver
Seek Sought Sought Investigar / inquirir / pedir
Sell Sold Sold Vender
Send Sent Sent Enviar
Set Set Set Colocar / resolver
Sew Sewed Sewed / sewn Coser / costurar
Shake Shook Shaken Agitar / fazer vacilar
SHALL Should Devo / deves / tenho de
Shear Sheared / shore Sheared / shore Tosquiar / tosar / aparar
Shed Shed Shed Derramar / entornar
Shine Shone Shone Brilhar
II
Shoe Shoed / shod Shoed / shod Calçar / ferrar (animais)
Shoot Shot Shot Disparar / fuzilar / rematar
Show Showed Showed Mostrar / exibir
Shrink Shrank Shrunk Encolher / diminuir
Shut Shut Shut Fechar
Sing Sang Sung Cantar
Sink Sank Sunk Afundar / desmoronar
Sit Sat Sat Sentar-se / reunir-se
Slay Slew Slain Assassinar / chacinar
Sleep Slept Slept Dormir/ repousar/jazer
Slide Slid Slid Escorregar / deslizar
Sling Slung Slung Atirar (funda)/pôr a tiracolo
Slink Slunk Slunk Esgueirar-se
Slit Slit Slit Fender / rachar
Smell Smelt / smelled Smelt / smelled Cheirar / pressentir
Smite Smote Smitten Embater / derrotar

Excitar / surpreender/ destruir / castigar/ afectar
Sow Sowed Sowed / sown Semear / espalhar/ disseminar
Speak Spoke Spoken Falar / exprimir-se
Speed Speeded / sped Speeded / sped Ir depressa/ acelerar
Spell Spelled / spelt Spelled / spelt Soletrar / enfeitiçar
Spend Spent Spent Passar (tempo)/ gastar
Spill Spilled / spilt Spilled / spilt Entornar / derramar
Spin Spun Spun Fiar / entrançar / girar
Spit Spat Spat Cuspir / salpicar
Split Split Split Rachar/ separar/ cindi
Spread Spread Spread Espalhar / propagar
Spring Sprang Sprung Brotar / rebentar / nascer
II
Stand Stood Stood Estar ou pôr de pé/ durar / aguentar
Steal Stole Stolen Roubar / furtar
Stick Stuck Stuck Fincar / colar / unir-se
Sting Stung Stung Aguilhoar / picar (ferroadas)
Stink Stank / stunk Stunk Empestar
Strew Strewed Strewed / strewn Salpicar
Stride Strode Stridden Dar grandes passadas
Strike Struck Struck Chocar / vibrar / comover/ fazer greve
String Strung Strung Encordoar / enfiar
Strive Strove Striven Empenhar-se / lutar
Swear Swore Sworn Jurar / blasfemar
Sweep Swept Swept Varrer / dragar/ arrebatar
Swell Swelled Swelled / swollen Inchar / distender
Swim Swam Swum Nadar
Take Took Taken Tomar/ agarrar/ prender/ aceitar
Teach Taught Taught Ensinar
Tear Tore Torn Rasgar / despedaçar
Tell Told Told Contar / informar / distinguir
Think Thought Thought Pensar / imaginar / projetar
Thrive Thrived / throve Thrived / throve Prosperar / medrar / enriquecer
Throw Threw Thrown Lançar / arremessar
Thrust Thrust Thrust Empurrar / furar
Tread Trod Trod / trodden Pisar / calcar / trilhar
Understand Understood Understood Compreender
Undertake Undertook Undertook Empreender /intentar
II
Wake Waked / woke Waked / woken Acordar / velar
Wear Wore Worn Usar / vestir / deteriorar
Weave Wove Woven Tecer / entremear/ urdir
Weep Wept Wept Chorar / prantear
Wet Wet Wet Molhar / humedecer
WILL Would … Desejar / querer / decretar / legar
Win Won Won Ganhar
Wind Wound Wound Expor ao vento / seguir a pista
Wring Wrung Wrung Torcer / apertar / atormentar
Write Wrote Written Escrever
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Exercises
Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the Simple Past for all the verbs between brackets:
(20 Marks)
1. …………………. ( you / to read) the whole list of irregular verbs?
2. She ……………… (to tell) me that she …………… (to go) to the cinema yesterday.
3. Our last auditors ………………….. (not / to write) a negative report on our accounting systems.
4. I ………………… (to speak) on the phone with a client when Mr. Trumps ………… (to come) in.
5. Our last year’s results ……………… (to be) better than what we all had expected them to be.
6. Congratulations! You ……………….. (to win) the first prize, because you ………….………. (to
show) no fear.
7. Ford’s CEO ………………….. (to undertake) a new revolutionary policy.
8. Their profits ………………. (to rise) after their last marketing campaign.
9. He ………………….. (to forget) that he had a meeting at 9:00 a.m. yesterday.
10. They ………………. (to spend) half an hour negotiating the terms of payment.
11. The company …………………. (to give) a party when they ………………… (to buy) a new
factory.
12. Clients ……………. (to begin) to complain when our productivity …………………(to lower).
13. The Human Resources Department ………………. (to plan) a training session in order to
improve the foremen’s leadership skills.
14. Our last Managing Director ……………. (to lead) our company to success.
15. We ……………… (to choose) the best restaurant in town to celebrate our manager’s 20th
anniversary at the head of our business organization.
16. Your teacher ………………. (to teach) you how to use the Simple Past in English.
17. I ……………… (to see) your secretary when I …………………….. (to wait) for you this morning
near your office.
18. John …………… (to keep) asking me for your new address and telephone number, but I
……………… (not / to give) him.
19. The Sun …………………. (to shine) when I ………………… (to get up) this morning but now it
………………… (to start) raining.
20. The telephone ………………….. (to ring) while we ………………… (to open) the front door, then
it suddenly ……………….. (to stop).
II
Resolutions
1. Have you read…?
2. She told me that she went … .
3. …did not write……….
4. I was speeking ………… came in.
5. ……………… were better …..
6. You won ……………….. because you showed………….………..
7. Ford’s CEO undertook…………………...
8. Their profits rose ………………..
9. He forgot …………………...
10. They spent ………………..
11. The company gave …………………. they bought ………………….
12. Clients began ……………. productivity lowered.
13. The Human Resources Department planned ………………..
14. Our last Managing Director led ……………. .
15. We chose ……………….
16. Your teacher taught ………………..
17. I saw ……………… I waited ……………………...
18. John kept …………… but I did not give …………….
19. The Sun shone …………………. I got up ………………… but now it started ………………….
20. The telephone rang ………………….. we openned ………………… it suddenly stopped
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2. THE PRESENT PERFECT
Simple To express that Subject + have / has +

something happened in Past participle
the past and lasted for a
certain time. (* for the regular verbs: Mike has worked in Paris
Verb + ED) for two years.
(*for the irregular verbs: They have already had

check the list) breakfast.
Progressive To express that Subject + have / has I have been living in

something started in the been + infinitive without Portugal since 1999.
past but continues in the “To” + ING
present We have been doing
business with that company
for three years now.
Interrogative To ask a question Have / has + subject + Have you finished your
past participle exercise, already?
Have you been to the

opera, lately?
Negative To deny or to answer Subject + have / has I have never been to

negatively NOT + past participle London but I have already
been to Paris.
Exercises
Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the Present Perfect:
(20 Marks)
1. Thomas ………………………….. (to study) French since he was 11 years old.
2. John and Mary ……………………… (to attend) a meeting that lasted more than four hours.
3. We ……………………. (to be) to China yet, but we would like to go there one day.
4. ……………………………….. (they / to play) tennis for an hour or two, yesterday?
5. My boss ……………………………… (to run) this business since his father retired.
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6. Your best friend ………………………. (to call) you several times this morning.
7. I …………………………….(already / to make) up my mind!
8. My secretary ……………………….. (to try) to contact your department for a week, but she
couldn’t get in touch with anyone.
9. Our suppliers ……………………. (to delay) their deliveries for two weeks.
10. The Accounting Department ………………………… (to pay) these invoices 15 days after all the
goods had been delivered and duly checked.
Resolutions
1. Thomas has been studing French ….
2. John and Mary have attended ……………………….
3. We have not been ……………………..
4. Have they played ………………………………..?
5. My boss has been running ……………………………….
6. Your best friend has called ………………………..
7. I have already made up…………………………….!
8. My secretary has been trying ………………………...
9. Our suppliers have delayed ……………………..
10. The Accounting Department has payed ………………………….
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3. THE PAST PERFECT
Simple To express that a Subject + had + past I had worked in Porto before
FACT was true participle … + BEFORE working in Lisbon.
BEFORE another in the + Verb + ING
past. It implies a certain
chronology.
It is the past of the past.
Progressive To express that an Subject + had been + I had been working for IBM in
ACTION occurred Infinitive without “TO” + France before working for them
BEFORE another event ING in the USA.
in the past.
Interrogative To ask a question about Had + subject + past Had you had time to visit Rome
something that had participle before visiting Venice.
happened BEFORE
some other past event.
Negative To deny or to answer Subject + had + past I had not travelled by plane
negatively that participle before working as a secretary
something had for 3M.
happened BEFORE
something else in the
past.
Exercises
Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the Past Perfect for the verbs between brackets:
(20 Marks)
1. Before living in Paris, they …………………… (to live) in London.
2. He ……………………. (to send) an email before sending a fax.
3. She ………………………. (to feel) a terrible pain before he reassured her about the whole
situation.
4. I ………………………. (never / to have) any problems before coming to this town.
5. …………………………….. (you / to speak) on the phone with before actually meeting him?
II
6. We …………………………….. (to invite) them for weeks before they finally accepted having
lunch with us.
7. You ………………………. (to quit) smoking before becoming pregnant.
8. The Titanic ………………… (to sink) before most of its passengers could be rescued.
9. They ……………………… (to hear) the news before anyone else.
10. She ………………………… (to dream) about the perfect husband for years before knowing
Tristan.
Resolutions
1. they had lived …………………….
2. He had sent ……………………..
3. She had felt ………………………..
4. I had never had ………………………..
5. Had you had ……………………………..?
6. We had been inviting ……………………………...
7. You had to have quitting ………………………..
8. The Titanic had sunk ………………….
9. They had heard ……………………….
10. She had been dreamming ………………………….
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4. POSTPOSITIONS / PHRASAL VERBS
Postpositions are closely linked to the verb. They change its basic meaning adding a specific use to
it. These verbs are known as Phrasal Verbs.
The postpositions are common prepositions of place, manner, etc., that are placed after the verb or
at the end of the sentence.
Postpositions are always phonetically stressed.

List of the most common postpositions:
Postposition Meaning Example Translation
ABOUT Por toda a parte He travels about a lot Ele viaja bastante
AWAY Distanciamento, Take this away from Tira isto daqui.

desaparecimento here.
total, acção imediata
The snow has melted A neve derreteu.
away.
Fire away! Vá! Fale!
BACK Movimento para trás, Don’t look back! Não olhes para trás!
regresso, réplica,
I shall be back soon. Eu regressarei em
atitude reservada.
breve.
She hold back her Ela controlou o seu
fear. medo.
DOWN Movimento para To go up and down. Subir e descer.

baixo, anotar,
Please, write it down! Faça o favor de
diminuição.
escrever isto!
The fire is burning
down. O lume está a apagar-
se.
IN Movimento para o To walk in. Entrar.

interior, no interior
He stayed in all night Ele ficou em casa
(sem movimento),
long. toda a noite.
visita.
I shall pop in Um dia, irei dar-vos
sometime. uma visita.
OUT Movimento para o To go out. Sair.

exterior, no exterior Nós vamos jantar fora
We are dining out
(sem movimento), hoje á noite.
tonight.
desaparecimento
As minhas calças de
total. My jeans are worn
ganga estão
out.
completamente
gastas.
II
ON Contacto, ligado, Put it on the table. Põe isso em cima da

movimento, mesa.
continuação, começo.
Come on! Vá lá!
Switch on the light. Acende a luz.
OFF Distanciamento, I keep him off trouble. Eu mantenho-o longe

separação total, dos sarilhos.
interrupção,
desconexão total. The plane takes off at O avião descola ás
12:00. 12:00.
They paid their debts Eles pagaram todas

off. as dívidas.
OVER Passagem por cima To go over the bridge. Passar pela ponte.
de ... , movimento
para virar, repetição. Please turn over. Faça favor de virar.
I enjoy reading this Gosto de ler esta

letter over and over. carta vezes sem
conta.
ROUND Movimento circular, ou Turn round! Vira-te!

de meia-volta, em
The birds gathered Os pássaros
redor,
round. juntaram-se em
círculo.
He showed me round Ele fez-me visitar

New York. Nova Iorque.
THROUGH Inteiramente, de um Read this contract Leia este contracto

lado ao outro, através. through carefully. atentamente.
I’m through with it! Acabei!
UP Movimento para cima, He went up to Ele foi até á Escócia.

para o Norte, até ... Scotland.
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Exercises
Try to fill in the blanks of the following sentences with the correct postposition without looking at the
list. How many can you get right? (Total marks: 40)
1. Does this bus go …..… to Edinburgh or do we have to change?
2. They dropped ……… yesterday morning on their way … home from school.
3. I have found ………. how you can solve that problem.
4. Never put ………. until tomorrow what you can do today.
5. We shall go ………… tonight to celebrate our mother’s birthday.
6. Try this jacket …………, I think it is your size.
7. Mr. Highlow told his secretary to write ………… a draft of his speech.
8. I cook and you will do the washing …………..
9. We must cut …………. our expenses if we want to have enough capital to invest.
10. I shall call you …………. tonight to know if you want to stay ……..… or go ……...
11. She is looking ………… her keys. She never knows where she puts them.
12. My housekeeper cleans the house and looks ………… my children.
13. I know Paris very well. If you want I can show you ………..…
14. Speak ………, I can’t hear you.
15. World War II broke ……..… in 1939.
16. John flew ………… the Channel to go to Canterbury.
17. Look! He is leaving! Call him ………… , he forgot his gloves again.
18. The prisoner ran …………. a few minutes before midnight.
19. I love this house, but its price puts us …………. the deal.
20. His house burnt ………..…a few weeks after he bought it.
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21. The peace conference failed and the war went ……….…
22. Come ……….., sometime, I would like to show you my new painting.
23. Drink ………… your tea, before it gets cold.
24. Hurry ……….… the concert will start in ten minutes.
25. He paid ………… all his debts.
26. Throw ……….… those useless papers.
27. Hold ……..…, please! I shall put you ……..… as soon as the line is free again.
28. Could you please switch ………… the light before leaving the room.
29. The meeting was soon ……….… and they all went …………. to their offices.
30. The Managing Director read ………..… a long list of names.
31. Take your coat ……….… ! It’s very warm in here.
32. Due to the recent economic crisis, their organization had to lay …… 25 employees.
33. I am willing to take ……… this responsibility.
34. Biologists have recently broken ………… in many fundamental parts in genetics.
35. Our factory turns ………… several hundreds of flower pots a week.
36. The junior executive came …………. with a brilliant idea about the sales campaign.
37. The secretary was told ……….. by her boss for forgetting to forward a memo.
38. The whole crisis was brought ………..… by a minor incident.
39. How do you think things are going to turn ……….…?
40. Owing to the economic crisis, jobs are hard to come …………..
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Resolutions
1. Does this bus go on…..…?
2. They dropped in ……from….
3. I have found out ………..
4. Never put off………..
5. We shall go out ………….
6. Try this jacket on………….
7. …to write down ………….
8. …… out
9. We must cut down …………..
10. I shall call you over …………. to stay in or go out.
11. She is looking for ………….
12. …looks over ………….
13. …..show you around.
14. Speak up……….
15. ….broke out……..….
16. John flew over ………….
17. ……Call him back………….
18. …….ran around …………..
19. ……puts us off…………..
20. His house burnt down………..….
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21. …..the war went through.
22. Come over ………..,……..
23. Drink down …………, ……..
24. Hurry up……….….
25. He paid back………….
26. Throw away ……….….
27. Hold on……..…, ….. put you through …….
28. …….switch off………….
29. …….through……….… back…………..
30. ……read through………..….
31. Take your coat off……….………..
32. ……….had to lay off…… 25 employees.
33. ……….to take up this responsibility.
34. …………… broken through………….
35. ……… turns out ………….
36. ………came up …………..
37. ……… told back ………...
38. …….. was brought up………..….
39. ……….. to turn out?
40. ………….to come about .
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5. THINGS WE DO
All the words that are mentioned in this unit are verbs at the infinitive.
A
Account for Considerar/ tomar em consideração
Acknowledge an order Acusar recepção de uma encomenda
Advertise Publicitar
Alter Alterar / modificar
Apologize Pedir desculpa
Apply for Candidatar-se
Argue Argumentar
Assess Avaliar
Authenticate Autenticar
B
Be acquainted with a problem Estar ao corrente de um problema
Be broke Não ter dinheiro
Be hard up Ter dificuldades financeiras
Be out of cash Não ter dinheiro
Be in the black Ter um saldo credor
Be in the red Ter um saldo devedor
Be entitled to Ter direito a
Be responsible for Ser responsável por
Bid Fazer uma oferta
Book an order Encomendar / registar uma encomenda
Borrow Pedir emprestado
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C
Cancel Anular / cancelar
Carry out Efectuar
Clear goods Pagar taxas alfandegárias / levantar mercadorias
Check Verificar
Complete Acabar
Consume Consumir
Convey Transportar
Consign goods Expedir mercadoria
Cope with Fazer face a
D
Damage Estragar
Defer Deferir
Deliver Entregar
Demand Exigir
Design Conceber
Devise Inventar
Disclose Revelar
Discount Descontar
Display Apresentar / expôr
Drain Escoar
E
Enclose Juntar
Enforce a law Aplicar uma lei
Entrust someone with something Confiar qualquer coisa a alguém
Export Exportar
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F
File Arquivar
Fill in a document Preencher um documento
Forecast / foresee Prever
G
Grant Conceder
H
Hire Contratar
I
Implement Implementar
Import Importar
Invest Investir
Involve Envolver
Induce people to buy Levar as pessoas a comprar
Issue Emitir
L
Lend, lent lent Empresta
Link Ligar
Load Carregar
Lodge a claim Fazer queixa
M
Make a decision Tomar uma decisão
Manage Gerir / administrar
Manufacture Fabricar
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Meet an order Executar uma encomenda
Meet requirements Ter os requesitos
N
Neutralize Neutralisar
Nominate Nomear
Notice Constatar / observar
O
Order Encomendar
P
Pack Embalar
Pay a call Visitar
Pay off one’s creditors Reembolsar os credores
Plan Planear
Preside over a meeting Presidir uma reunião
Produce Produzir
Purchase Comprar
Q
Quote a price Fazer a cotação de um preço / dar um preço
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R
Refund Reembolsar
Release goods Levantar mercadoria
Remind someone of Lembrar alguém que
Remit Enviar capitais
Renew Renovar
Represent Representar
Research Pesquisar
Retire Reformar-se
S
Send an invoice / send off Enviar uma factura
Settle a debt Pagar uma divida
Ship Expedir
Slash prices Quebrar os preços
Sort out Escolher / resolver
Squander money Dilapidar dinheiro
Squeeze a profit margin Esmagar a margem
State Indicar
Store Armazenar
Strive Esforçar-se
Subscribe Registar-se
Subsidize Subsidiar
Supply Fornecer
Sum up Resumir
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T
Tackle a foreign market / an issue Abordar um mercardo estrangeiro / uma questão
Take stock Fazer o inventário
Trade Comercializar
U
Undertake Empreender
Y
Yield Produzir / colher
W
Waste money / time Desperdiçar dinheiro / tempo
Wind up a business organisation Dissolver uma empresa
Withdraw Retirar
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6. BUSINESS TERMS
Trade Comércio
Foreign trade Comércio externo
Home trade Comércio interno
The balance of trade Balança comercial
An agent Um agente
A forwarding agent Um despachante
Exports Exportações
Imports Importações
Producer Produtor
Representative Representante
Retail trade Comércio de retalho
Retail outlet Ponto de venda
Wholesale trade Comércio por grosso
A warehouse Um armazém
Allowances Subsídios
Assets Bens / Activos
A branch Sucursal
Chain store Cadeia de lojas
Department store Grande armazém
Clearance sale Liquidação total
Consumer goods Bens de consumo
Consumerism Consumismo
Cost price Custo
Operating costs Custos de exploração
Production costs Custos de produção
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An item Um artigo
Mass production Produção em massa
Turnover Facturação
Profits Lucros
A range of products Uma gama de produtos
A supplier Um fornecedor
Warehouse Entreposto / armazém
Complaint Queixa
Consignee Destinatário
Consigner Remetente / Expedidor
Forwarding agent Despachante / transitário
Leaflet Folheto
Load Carga / carregamento
Price – list Lista de preços
Port of discharge Porto de desembarque
Sole agent Agente exclusivo
Stockbroker Corretor de Bolsa
Subsidiary Sucursal
Survey Estudo / inquérito
Valuables Valores / bens
Venture Empresa
Cash With Order = CWO Pagamento no acto da encomenda
Cash On Delivery = COD Pagamento no acto da entrega
Deposit Sinal (pagamento inicial parcial)
Down payment Entrada inicial
Forward Sales Vendas a prazo
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Future goods Mercadorias a prazo
Evidence Prova
Gross weight Peso bruto
Net weight Peso líquido
Owner Proprietário
Witness Testemunha
Customs duties Direitos alfandegários
Debit note Aviso de débito
Delivery dates Datas de entrega
Promissory note Promissória
Prospective customer Potencial cliente
Potential buyer Potencial comprador
Receipt Recibo
Stock shortage Ruptura de stock
Statement of invoices Extrato de facturas
Attested cheque Cheque visado
Cheque without cover Cheque sem cobertura
Dud cheque (Idem)
Overdraft Descoberto
Current account Conta corrente
Debtor Devedor
Discount rate Taxa de desconto
Draft Letra
Payment at sight Pagamento à vista
Place of issue Local de emissão
Standing orders Encomendas por satisfazer
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Balance Saldo
Collateral Caução para um empréstimo
Deeds Títulos
Debenture Obrigação
Loan Empréstimo
Safe Cofre
Utility bills Facturas de electricidade / água
Bond Título emitido pelo Estado
Commodities Mercadorias / bens de consumo
Redeemable Descontável
Scarcity Escassez
Security Garantia
Stock exchange Bolsa de Valores
Spot market Mercado à vista
Bullish trend Mercado em alta
Bearish trend Mercado em baixa
Sagging prices Preços em baixa
Soaring prices Preços em alta
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7. THE NATURE OF PLANNING AND CONTROLLING
Basic purposes of planning
1. to forecast the nature of things, their number and the length of time necessary
2. to produce them, in order to synchronise their achievement.
3. to define objectives, their priorities and purposes.
4. to draw guiding management lines and to determine realistic courses of action.
5. to sort out possible strategies.
6. to apply rational policies.
7. to choose the most adequate procedures.
8. to comply to rules, laws, programmes.
9. to calculate budgets.
Some ways to plan efficiently
Once the objectives have been set, some decisions must be made:
a. which means are essential: material and human resources.
b. when are they necessary.
c. how can their efficiency be controlled.
d. how much can reasonably be spent or invested in terms of time and money.
e. what may be the degree of profitability and satisfaction
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The part played by control
Planning and control are inter-dependent. Indeed, plans can only be efficient if they establish
adequate standards of control of their implementation. The control process helps to measure the
overall performance but it may also correct what had been planned or even unveil other possible
courses of action. Control is in fact an instantaneous means to obtain a feedback. That is why the
best systems of control are drawn in accordance to the specificities of their object. This evidence
implies a different form of control for each specific task to be accomplished. Nevertheless, there are
some common steps that can be taken in order to create a system of control:
a. establishment of standards of control that suit the characteristics of the task.
b. Creating measures of performance according to the demands of the task and the objectives
previously planned.
c. Correcting any deviation that may cause a delay in the achievement of the goals.
Exercise
You are the head of the production line in a factory, determine what can be the guiding lines of the
management planning and control of the overall performance of your department.
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8. BUDGETS
The purpose of budgeting
Budgets are financial forecasts based on former results, present capacities and future prospects.
They play an essential part in the managerial control process of the whole business activity, as they
state data on revenue, expenses, assets, but also on direct operational needs such as labour hours,
raw materials, equipment, services, sales volume, for example.
In fact, there should be a budgeting process for each department or sector in a business
organisation, in order to enable the manager to check the relation between input and output in every
part of his organisation and to avoid any deviation from what had been previously planned. A budget
summary may include every departmental budgetary plan, thus allowing the manager to have an
accurate vision of the overall needs and performance.
A budget should consider several factors:
1. revenue (expected income) and expenses (utility bills, travel, organisational costs, equipment
renewal, data processing, advertising, …)
2. time (direct-labour-hours, machine-hours, units of materials, …)
3. space (rent, space allocated per unit, …)
4. materials (raw materials, any resources necessary to the achieve the final product)
5. product development (research and development)
6. production costs (any operational stage involved in the output of the final product)
7. sales forecast (it is the fundamental basis of any plan and budget. It must be as realistic as
possible)
8. services
9. capital expenditure (plant, machinery, equipment, inventories, …)
10. cash flow (available cash, tied up cash like in credits, excess cash, cash receipts)
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Drawbacks in the budgeting process
If this process is too detailed it may give useless information, it may also require an exaggerated
amount of time to go through the whole useless details and thus it would become too expensive in
relation to its real use and relevance.
Miscalculating the real costs and needs is another common danger while preparing budgets. Indeed,
there are external factors that must be included in this process such as inflationary prices, economic
crisis. Thus, prices applied in the past may not be an accurate reference for the present.
Sometimes budgets may be swollen for sheer fear of not meeting the financial needs of the
organisation.
Another drawback is a long-term budgetary planning, as it might become meaningless if unforeseen

variables interfere.
Why Budgets are Bad for Business
How often have you heard managers say: “This is a good idea, but it’s not in my budget”? Budgets often control
the wrong things. They measure inputs but ignore outputs such as the quality of the product or customer
satisfaction. These items are difficult to measure, yet they may be the key to success or failure of the business.
Managers may make unwise decisions to meet the budget, especially if incentive pay is involved for staying
within the budget. They may not invest in research and development, or make capital investments for
productivity, or invest in activities that will result eventually in greater market share because these investments
do not show immediate results. Some of these items should be included in the long-range plan rather than in the
1-year budget. Real savings may come from adhering to the budget. The 3M Company includes in its strategic
forecasts “non-incremental growth opportunities” for laboratories that come up with a new product for which
neither costs nor revenues can be predicted with great certainty.
Thomas A. Stewart
In Fortune, June 4, 1990
Exercises
Discuss on these three topics with the rest of your classmates and then choose one and write on it
giving your own perspective.(20 Marks)
1. Mention a few purposes of the budgeting process
2. Why variable budgets are flexible ones?
3. Explain the pros and cons of budgeting.
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9. PERFORMANCE REPORTS
Once a plan has been implemented, and its results have been available, the control process
requires a “performance report”. It will present several sources of information, including the amount
of budget that had been forecasted, the amount that was really used, and any deviation from the
plan. An explanatory part may add valuable details as to help formulate a criticism, make a decision,
operate a change and ultimately it will motivate managers and coordinators to proceed with their
efforts in order to achieve their previously set objectives.
The performance plan relies on budget forecasts announced by the sales department, in general.
These are based on current sales results, potential increase or decrease on sales rates, but they
consider material costs or expenses as well. The performance report is the result of collected
information from each department by the accounting department, which will classify it and then
analyse it by department.
These reports expose any positive or negative action that interfered with the plan in terms of
budgeted amounts, productivity, thus a revision can be undertaken if necessary.
In that case, we say that it is a management-by-exception, as it will only consider deviations from the
plan. Consequently plans should present some sort of comprise between a limited scope and a
wider one, offering flexible possibilities that could take into account unforeseen events such as an
economic or political crisis.
Performance reports basically provide a reliable means of control in any business organisation.
Example of a standard performance report:
Ceramics S&M.
Sales Department Performance Report for November 2004
Budget forecast Real Deviations Explanation

amounts (Variance)
(Actual)
Revenue from sales 100.000 85.000 15.000 Important orders had

been cancelled
Expenses 8.000 12.000 4.000 Unforeseen raise on gas

and plane tickets
Net income 92.000 73.000 19.000
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Exercise
(20 Marks)
Draw a performance report of a business organisation. It can be the one you are working for or
another one. Why not a well-known business organisation? Try to find the relevant information
necessary to help you achieve this task.
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10. FROM ORDERS TO FINAL PAYMENT
Orders
All the orders must be accurate and clear in any detail that is given. Orders may be considered a
legal proof in case of dispute. Here are some of the most important elements that orders should
include:
1. Reference to the catalogue, leaflet, or product list. Always mention the reference number of the
product.
2. Reference to the colour, pattern, model, design, decoration.
3. Mention the quantity of each item that you wish to order and be precise as to its specificities, for
example: size, length, width, weight, volume, …
4. If you had previously required samples you may ask for the ordered goods to be in conformity to
the samples already sent.
5. If exact goods required are not available, you could mention any alternative goods that would be
acceptable.
6. You also have to require some documents, such as : pro forma invoice, or the invoice itself, a bill
of lading, if necessary you have to give accurate information as to the customs documents that
are demanded by the authorities.
7. Do not forget to give instructions on packing particularities, as the number of items per pack, or
box, in case of damaged goods this point is of the utmost importance as to determine the legal
responsibilities.
8. Shipping and forwarding instructions must be given in full details as to the choice of the
warehousing terms, the chosen route, the preferred means of conveyance, the names of the
agents or middlemen in charge of the transportation of the goods.
9. Accurate details as to the adopted terms of payment and “Incoterms”.
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How to place an order: some useful expressions.
• Will you please send us the following articles …
• We have duly received and examined the samples and have decided to …
• Please supply the following items …
• We would be grateful if you could send us …
• The material must be true to sample supplied.
• The overall length (weight, height, …) must not exceed …
• If decoration … is not available, please send decoration ref. …, provided the price is not more
than 10% higher.
• Kindly forward through our agent, J. and J., London, the following goods.
• Please be so kind as to note that delivery is required before March, without fail, or we reserve
the right of cancellation after this date.
• If sales are satisfactory, we shall make your brand one of our standard lines.
• I would appreciate prompt execution of this order, as its items are urgently needed.
• Will you kindly forward it by train, carriage paid, and charge it to our account.
• As soon as we receive your invoice, we shall send you a cheque for the amount due.
• We would wish you to draw on us for the invoice value 30 days after delivery / or sight through B.
and B. Bank, Edinburgh.
• Thank you in advance for your kind cooperation.
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Execution of orders
An order must be acknowledged at once, normally in the form of the articles ordered, which serves
as a double check on the terms mentioned in the order and on the references of the required goods.
These letters must be courteous and state that the order is being attended to and that the delivery
will be as stipulated in the order.
Example of the body of a letter acknowledging an order:
Dear Mr Thompson,
We acknowledge receipt of your order nº 572-03 and thank you for your preference.
Here is the list of the items that you ordered:
…
We assure you that our staff has already started to execute it and there should be no difficulty in forwarding the goods to
you by your stipulated date.
In view of the urgent nature of your order, we suggest that you arrange payment by banker’s transfer and would
appreciate if it were confirmed by fax as soon as possible.
We trust that your satisfaction with this order will afford us further opportunities of doing business with your firm.
Best regards,
…. & Co.
J. J. Morris
Sales Manager
Forwarding the goods
The dispatch of goods must inform the customer on all the necessary steps for taking delivery, such
as:
1. the quantity and type of the items that are consigned
2. references of the shipping company
3. the port of loading and the name of the ship
4. list of the shipping documents
5. the name of the bank through which payment is to be made
6. the name of the forwarding agent
7. the name of the insurance company.
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Example of a letter announcing the dispatch of goods and giving instructions for payment:
A & A Ltd.
187, Mulberry Road
Canterbury, UK
Mrs. Milton
2354, Av. Nascimento
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Your ref. Mi/D/10-5
Our ref. A. M/ 10-15
Canterbury, October 15, 2004
Subject: Order nº 3759-04
Dear Madam,
We are pleased to inform you that the dispatch of your order nº 3759-04 has just been completed according to your
demands. It will be due to dock at Plymouth in November 25.
The goods are packed in wooden crates which should stand up to the roughest handling. We trust they will reach you in
good order.
Each item has been duly checked and tested and carries our full quality certificate.
The shipping documents (B/L, commercial invoice, insurance certificate) have been handed to Lloyd’s Bank, in Rio de
Janeiro, who have accepted our draft for $18.000.
We shall be looking forward to hearing from you confirming the safe arrival of the goods at your warehouse.
Best regards,
A & A Ltd.
A. Wilson
Export Manager
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Invoicing and Payment
Once the order has been acknowledged, a commercial invoice must be sent to the customer. In
order to do so, certain formalities have to be undertaken.
Indeed, the great majority of business transactions are conducted on credit terms previously agreed
by both the buyer and the seller. Most credit terms allow the buyer to pay from 14 days to 6 months
or even more.
In times of crisis, the supplier automatically requires from the buyer’s bank his financial status and
credit rating references when the order is placed. In such a case the bank or credit firm act as a
referee for the buyer.
Once these requirements have been satisfactorily settled, the order is put into execution and the
invoice and payments terms are confirmed.
The invoice is sent with a short letter announcing its enclosure.
Errors must be avoided. Nevertheless, if any mistake should occur, a courteous letter is sent in order
to apologize for the inconvenience and correcting every mistake that had been made.
Here are some useful expressions to be used in such circumstances:
• As we are about to secure an important order from … , we would be grateful if you could let us
know about their financial standing and trustworthiness.
• We have been Mr. …’s bank for many years and we can assure you that our client has always
enjoyed an excellent reputation in our firm and we consider him as most reliable.
• Our client has always fulfilled all his financial commitments and can be trusted unconditionally.
• Our client has always made a point in meeting his liabilities and each of the instalments has
been duly paid.
• We have received warning that …. & Co have had some business and financial difficulties,
hence their payments have been overdue.
• Most of the properties of …. & Co. have been mortgaged and we would advise you not to
undertake any business transaction with this firm.
Exercises
(20 Marks)
Write the body of a letter ordering a certain quantity of items of your own choice.
Then imagine what could be the reply to your letter, overall if your correspondent is having some
serious technical problems in its production line.
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IV. THE ACCOUNTANT’S ROLE IN A BUSINESS ORGANISATION
ACCOUNTING
ENGLISH I
IV. THE ACCOUNTANT’S ROLE IN A BUSINESS ORGANISATION IEFP
Objectives
At the end of this chapter the student will demonstrate a higher level of oral communication skills, an
ability to develop an argument and be fluent in legal and accounting vocabulary.
Topics
1. The present conditional;
2. The past conditional;
3. The modal and defective verbs;
4. The IF clauses;
5. Legal vocabulary;
6. The accountant’s role;
Exercises
Resolutions
IV
IEFP IV. THE ACCOUNTANT’S ROLE IN A BUSINESS ORGANISATION
1. THE PRESENT CONDITIONAL
Simple Form Subject + WOULD + To express a wish. I would like to visit Egypt.
infinitive without “TO”
I wish he would come and stay for
a while.
To express that an When I was a child, my mother and

action occurred I would go for long walks in the
frequently. park.
To express a She would be about 21 when she

probability. got married.
To express the I’d rather play tennis than football.

preference with the
expression: “Would
rather = I’d rather”
To express a I suppose that if he came to your

supposition or a party he would enjoy it.
condition.
Progressive Subject + would be + To express that an I would still be working on that

Form Action verb + ING ACTION would be balance sheet if you had not helped
occurring if a condition me.
were fulfilled.
I would be swimming if I were on
holidays.
Interrogative Would + Subject + To enquire about Would you rather read a book or
Form Infinitive without “TO” someone’s wishes, watch TV?
preferences.
To politely request Would you be so kind as to give me

something the red book on that upper shelf?
Would you care for a cup of tea?
Negative Subject + would not + To answer negatively I would not do it if I were you.
Form Infinitive without “TO” to a request or to deny
a probability.
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2. THE PAST CONDITIONAL
Simple Form Subject + WOULD HAVE + To express that I would have been
Past participle of the Verb something had not delighted if he had
occurred because come and visited
its condition could me, but he did not
not be fulfilled. come.
Progressive Form Subject + Would have To express that an I would have been
been + Action Verb + ING ACTION could have working with you if
been occurring if a they had accepted
condition had been my application,
fulfilled, but it was which they didn’t.
not.
Interrogative Form Would + Subject + HAVE + To enquire about Would you have
Past Participle of the Verb something that helped me if I had
might have asked you when I
happened if … was having trouble
with that report?
Negative Form Subject + Would Not Have To deny a possible I would not have
+ Past Participle of the occurrence done it even if you
Verb had asked me
because I was much
too busy at that
time.
Exercises
Translate the following sentences into Portuguese:

(20 Marks)
1. Michael came home very late last night, and of course he would walk in the dark, step on the
dog that would bark and wake up the whole family.
2. During our summer holidays, my sister and I would play tennis until sunset, then my mother
would come and tell us that dinner was served.
3. As they disapproved the terms of payment and delivery dates, we would have expected
them to cancel all their orders, but they would rather try another agreement with our
managing director, as they were interested in our products.
IV
4. Mr. Turner said he would retire when he was sixty, but nobody believed that he would.
5. Our lawyer assured us that the judge would enforce the law, as we would have wished him
to.
6. I wished they were a little more understanding as regards our temporary technical problems,
otherwise I would rather they looked for another manufacturer.
7. Would you kindly ask Miss Thompson to come and see me as soon as she can?
8. I would have replied to your email much sooner if all the data that you required had already
been available, but it wasn’t, so I apologise for such a delay.
9. I had told Sam how easy it was to meet the chairman of that organisation but he wouldn’t
believe me.
10. The British brokers would always arrive at the office five minutes before the meeting was
scheduled to start.
11. They should have been warned of all the hardships they could have encountered throughout
their journey to the desert, it might have prevented their misfortune.
12. We would be terribly sorry for you if you missed that opportunity.
13. You should apologise to your secretary before she starts looking for another job.
14. Shouldn’t you work harder in order to succeed in becoming a managing director?
15. You could have bought it for much less if only you had been to the shop I had told you
about.
16. I would rather not share my office with anyone else; otherwise I could be interrupted or
distracted constantly, for no valid reason at all.
17. Would he have attended that meeting if Jane had invited him to?
18. I would like to tell you how much your work impressed me.
19. They would have complained about the delay if we had not dispatched the goods before
Christmas.
20. Miss Patterson should have warned your clients that you couldn’t postpone your
presentation any longer, as there were more people interested in your project.
IV
Resolutions
1. Miguel chegou ontem a casa muito tarde e, é claro, teve que andar no escuro, tropeçou no
cão que comecou a ladrar e acordou a família toda.
2. Durante as nossas férias de Verão, eu e a minha irmã jogavamos ténis até ao por do sol,
até que a minha mãe me chamava dizendo que a mesa estava posta.
3. Como eles não aprovaram as condições de pagamento e as datas de entrega, nós

estavamos à espera que eles cancelassem todas as encomendas, mas em lugar disso, eles
tentaram outro acordo com o nosso Director, porque estavam de facto interessados nos
nossos produtos.
4. O Sr. Turner dizia que se reformaria quando tivesse sessenta anos, mas ninguém
acreditava que o fizesse realmente.
5. O nosso advogado assegurou-nos que o juiz faria cumprir a lei, tal como lhe tinha pedido.
6. Gostaria que houvesse um pouco mais de compreensão no que respeita aos nossos
ocasionais problemas técnicos, senão preferiria que eles procurassem outro fornecedor.
7. Poderia fazer o favor de dizer à Miss Thompson que me venha ver logo que puder.
8. Eu já teria respondido ao seu email se a informação que me pediu já estivesse disponível,

mas não estava, pelo que peço desculpa pelo atraso.
9. Eu tinha dito ao Sam como seria fácil falar com o Presidente da empresa, mas ele não
acreditou.
10. Os corretores ingleses chegavam sempre ao escritório cinco minutos antes da hora prevista
para a reunião.
11. Se tivessem sido avisados de todas as dificuldades que iriam encontrar ao longo da viagem
pelo deserto, isso ter-lhe-ia evitado os azares que aconteceram.
12. Lamentaríamos imenso se perdesse essa oportunidade.
13. Deveria pedir desculpa à sua secretária antes que ela comece a procurar outro emprego.
14. Não deveria trabalhar um pouco mais, se quer chegar a Director Geral?
15. Terias comprado mais barato se tivesses ido à loja que te indiquei.
IV
16. Preferia não partilhar o meu escritório com mais ninguém; seria interrompido ou distraído
constantemente, sem nenhuma razão válida.
17. Ele teria vindo à reunião se a Jane o tivésse convidado?
18. Gostaria de lhe dizer como o seu trabalho me impressionou…
19. Eles teriam reclamado pelo atraso se não tivéssemos despachado a mercadoria antes do
Natal.
20. A Sra. Petterson deveria ter avisado os clientes de que você não poderia adiar mais a sua
apresentação, já que havia mais pessoas interessadas no seu projecto.
IV
3. THE MODAL AND DEFECTIVE VERBS
Some verbs are called defective because they can not be conjugated at all tenses and forms, they
must not be followed by “TO”, nor is it necessary to add an “S” at the end of the 3rd. person of the
Singular at the Present Tense. Thus, they need some equivalents at the tenses and forms they are
defective.
Some others are called Modal verbs as they can only be conjugated at a Mode.
There are nine peculiar verbs in English:
1. Can
2. May
3. Must
4. Will
5. Shall
6. Ought to
7. Should
8. Need
9. Dare
Present Simple Conditional Equivalent Use

Past used at the
missing tenses
1. CAN COULD COULD To be able to + Physical, intellectual and moral

Verb capacity.
EX: You are strong, thus you
can lift that heavy table.
EX: She can speak Chinese.
To express that some reflexes
have been acquired through
practice:
EX: She can swim, play tennis
and ride horses.
Familiar request.
EX: Can you give me your
telephone number?
IV
2. MAY MIGHT MIGHT To be allowed to To express a probability:

+ Verb
EX: It may rain tonight.
Formal or polite request:

EX: May I have a word with
you, please?
To allow someone to do
something:
EX: You may smoke outside if
you wish.
3. MUST (not used) (not used) To have to + To express a need, an

Verb obligation.
EX: You must read this book.
To express that something is

almost certain, or that it has a
logical conclusion:
EX: He hasn’t come, so he
must be ill.
4. WILL (not used) (not used) It is a Modal as In modern American or British

it is the auxiliary English, WILL can be used after
of the Future: any personal pronoun:
Subject + will + EX: Mr. Johnson will call your

infinitive without secretary to reschedule his
“TO” meeting with you.
(= subject + ‘ll + EX: I will be expecting his call.
infinitive without
(= I’ll be expecting his call.)
“to”).
5. SHALL (not used) (not used) It is a Modal as SHALL is only used after the 1st
it is the auxiliary person of the Singular and the
of the Future: 1st person of the Plural, in
formal speech.
Subject + shall + EX: I shall respond to your
infinitive without question presently, but first …
“TO”.
SHALL is used more frequently
(= subject + ‘ll +
at the interrogative form, in
infinitive without
order to suggest something:
“to”).
EX: Shall we go?
IV
6. OUGHT (not used) (not used) It is a Modal as It expresses a moral or friendly

it can only be advice, a great probability.
conjugated at
the conditional In any case, ought to can be
replaced by should.
Subject + ought
EX: You ought to be ashamed
+ infinitive
of yourself.
7. SHOULD (not used) (not used) It is a Modal as It has the same meaning as
it can only be ought to.
conjugated at
the conditional It also expresses an order, a
suggestion, a need, a
judgement on something.
Subject + EX: You should work faster.
should +
EX: It is important that the truth
infinitive without
should be known.
“TO”.
EX: That should be great!
8. NEED Regular Regular use It is conjugated NEED, can be considered as a

use at all tenses, so normal verb and it can also be
it hasn’t any considered as a Modal. Then, it
equivalent. doesn’t require the use of an
auxiliary at the interrogative and
negative forms:
EX: You needn’t come if you

don’t want to.
EX: Need I attend the meeting?
9. DARE Regular Regular use It is conjugated Dare follows the same rules of
use at all tenses, so use as need.
it hasn’t any
EX: He daren’t address me.
equivalent.
EX: How dare you say such a
thing?
IV
Exercises
Multiple choice questions: Put a circle around the correct answer: (20 Marks)
1. We’ll have to cut back on our expenses, we just … help it.

a) mustn’t
b) aren’t able to
c) can’t
d) shan’t
2. “Do you think John can be of any help?” -“ Of course! He … do almost everything.”
a) is able
b) is allowed
c) could
d) can
3. The method has been tried several times but … be made …
a) couldn’t … work
b) couldn’t … to work
c) wasn’t able to … work
d) wasn’t able to … to work
4. Two of her colleagues helped her and Jane … finish her report just in time.
a) Could
b) Might
c) was able to
d) was allowed
5. “… me tonight?”
a) Could you be phoning
b) Could you phone
c) either a) or b)
d) Might you phone
IV
6. If he had been promoted as expected, he … bought a new car.

a) was able to have
b) had to have
c) must have
d) could have
7. “There remains the problem of our branch in Rome.”
-“Well, we … talk about it next week.”
a) Can
b) shall be able to
c) either a) or b)
d) are able to
8. “… I have a few words with you?”

a) Could
b) Was I able to
c) either a) or b)
d) Would I be able to
9. A few years ago, nobody … the pre-eminent role played by computers.

a) has been able to foresee
b) could have foreseen
c) couldn’t foresee
d) would foresee
10. Had he not studied so hard, he … become the outstanding businessman he is now.
a) couldn’t
b) mustn’t have
c) couldn’t have
d) shouldn’t have
11. You … have written that memorandum.
a) didn’t ought to
b) oughtn’t to
c) ought to not
d) any answer
IV
12. You … have thought of it before.
a) Ought
b) Should
c) Would
d) Might
13.
a) I should like to have met their representatives.

b) I should have liked to meet their representatives.
c) I should have liked to have met their representatives.
d) any of these answers.
14. They … at least half an hour ago.
a) should leave
b) must have left
c) might leave
d) can leave
15. If we had not intervened, the situation … worse.
a) could have been

b) should have been
c) must have been
d) had to be
16. No credit. Buyers … pay cash.
a) would have to
b) should
c) are to
d) will
17. You … harder if you are to succeed.
a) should have worked

b) would have to have worked
c) would have to work
d) should work
IV
18. I met her yesterday, so she … be on holidays.
a) oughtn’t to
b) isn’t to
c) can’t
d) might not
19. “I’d rather … him last night.”
a) Told
b) have told
c) to have told
d) be told
20. He … do it that way otherwise it will be wrong again.

a) would do better to
b) had better
c) had better not to
d) would do better
21. The manager may get furious … the truth.
a) when he learns
b) should he learn
c) had he learned
d) any answer
22. You never … tell.
a) Must
b) Can
c) May
d) might
23. We asked if we … wait inside.
a) May
b) Might
c) Could
d) either b) or c)
IV
24. They … very well have noticed nothing.
a) May
b) Must
c) Should
d) can
25. You couldn’t help it. I can’t see why you … be to blame.
a) Shall
b) Should
c) Might
d) may
26. The new measures … be efficient provided they were enforced without any weakness.
a) Can
b) May
c) Must
d) might
27. I’ll try to help you as best I …
a) Must
b) have to
c) might
d) can
28. She … insist on that point.
a) needs not
b) doesn’t need
c) don’t need to
d) need not
29. I’ve heard she … talk back to her boss.
a) Dare
b) dared to
c) dared
d) any answer
IV
30. No one … disturb him when he is in a meeting.
a) dares not
b) dare
c) did not dare
d) don’t dare to
31. If the energy crisis worsened, we … to change our life-style.
a) should have
b) will have
c) should have had
d) would have had
32. Let’s go together to Paris, … ?
a) don’t we
b) do we
c) do let’s
d) shall we
33. Every now and then, she … at her watch.
a) would glance
b) used to glance
c) I‘ll glance
d) used to glancing
34. We … him: he called us up this morning.
a) needn’t have phoned

b) didn’t have to phone
c) needn’t phone
d) had not to phone
35. We’ll do all we … to save them.

a) may
b) can
c) should
d) could
IV
36. … get up that early in the morning?
a) Have you got to

b) Do you have to
c) Have you to
d) either a) or b)
37. If only I … at once what she meant!
a) may realise
b) must realise
c) was to realise
d) could have realised
38. You … make an omelette without breaking eggs.
a) can’t
b) aren’t able to
c) either a) or b)
d) may not
39. He suggested that the agreement … adopted, and his view prevailed.
a) Were
b) would be
c) should be
d) is to be
40. The boss insists that she … the meeting with the others.
a) Attend
b) will attend
c) attends
d) have to attend
IV
Resolutions
1. c) can’t help it
2. d) can
3. b) couldn’t to work
4. a) could
5. b) could you phone me
6. d) could have
7. a) can
8. a) could
9. b) could have foreseen
10. c) couldn’t have
11. b) oughtn’t to
12. b) should
13. d) any of these answers.
14. b) must have left
15. a) could have been
16. b) should
17. d) should work
18. a) oughtn’t to
19. b) have told
20. b) had better
21. a) when he learns
22. c) may
23. d) either b) or c)
24. a) may
25. c) might
26. d) might
27. d) can
28. a) needs not
IV
29. c) dared
30. b) dare
31. d) would have had
32. d) shall we
33. a) would glance
34. c) needn’t phone
35. b) can
36. d) either a) or b)
37. c) was to realise
38. a) can’t
39. c) should be
40. c) attends
IV
4. THE IF-CLAUSES
IF - clauses Main clauses
1. IF + Present …………………………... Verb at the Future
Ex: If I have enough time, I shall visit you on my way back home.
2. IF + Simple Past ……………………… Verb at the Present Conditional
EX: If you worked really hard, you could be the best.
3. IF + Past Perfect ……………………… Verb at the Past Conditional
EX: If you had sent an email, it would have been more efficient.
Exercises
Conjugate the verb between brackets at the correct tense:

(10 Marks)
1. If he … (to come back) earlier, the client wouldn’t have left.
2. If I had been given a chance as a child, I … (to undertake) longer studies.
3. If they place an important order, we … (to grant) them a discount.
4. Would you mind if I … (to close) the window?
5. If I were rich, I … (to travel) all around the world.
6. If you had asked me, I … (to help) you.
7. If our clients weren’t as good, we … (to have) financial problems.
8. If they had mentioned their demands earlier, we … (to comply) to them.
9. If she wanted, she … (to apply) for a better position.
10. Would you have been happier, if I … (to offer) you a book instead of a plant?
Write an essay on how you would run a business organisation if you were a manager. Give specific
examples. (10 Marks)
IV
Resolutions
1. …had come back …

2. …. I would have undertaken …..
3. …… we will grant…
4. ……I close …?
5. …… I would travel ….
6. ……. I would have helped….
7. ……. we would have ….
8. …..we would have complied….
9. ……she might have applied….
10. ……if I would have offered…?
IV
5. LEGAL VOCABULARY
A
Assignment The transfer of property from one person to another
B
Bankruptcy The state of being unable to pay one’s debts.
Bill of Exchange A written order of one person upon another to pay an amount of
money to a third person on demand or on a specified date. It is also
known as draft.
By-laws Rules and regulations adopted by corporations, associations, etc.

To govern the ongoing activities, thus, they must be in conformity
with their aims and goals.
C
Collateral security Additional security for a debt, subordinate to the original security.
Common law Law developed in American and British courts by decisions cases.
Unlike statutes it is not passed by a legislative body and is not a
specified set of rules, rather it must be interpreted from the many
decisions that have been written over the centuries.
Consent decree A decree entered into with the consent of both parties to a suit.
Credit rating An opinion as to the reliability of a person paying debts.
D
Disclosure In securities law, the revealing of financial information and other
information believed relevant to investors considering buying
securities in some venture. The requirement that sufficient
information be provided to prospective investors so that they can
make an intelligent evaluation of a security.
E
Endorsement Signing a check or note or other negotiable instrument, so that the
rights granted by the check or note are transferred to another
person. When someone endorses the check, it allows the check to
be cashed by another person.
IV
Equity: The application of the dictates of conscience or the principles of

natural justice to the settlement of controversies
A system of justice different from the common law that originated in

England.
Securities law: an ownership claim on a business interest.
F
Fiduciary capacity One serves in a fiduciary capacity when handling money or property
for, or transacting business for the benefit of another party.
I
Injunction An order issued by a court, in equity, that restrains a person from
doing something, or orders the person to do something.
J
Joint stock company A company whose capital is divided into shares.
Jurisdiction The right of a court or other body to hear a case and render a
judgement.
L
Liability A general legal term referring to possible or actual responsibility;
one is bound by law or equity to be accountable for some act; in
product liability, it is in reference to the obligation to pay damages
for which the manufacturer is held responsible.
M
Mortgage The putting up of land and building or both as security against a
loan of money. If the person who obtains the mortgage fails to pay
off the loan as prescribed in the mortgage contract, the lender will
take title and possession of the property.
IV
N
Negotiable instruments Documents such as securities or checks which are signed or
endorsed, thus allowing for the payment of the stipulated amount
that the security calls for, on demand or at some specifically
designated time in the future. A non-negotiable instrument cannot
be transferred by endorsement and delivery.
P
Patent A government grant to an inventor or his heirs for a stated period of
time, conferring upon him a monopoly or the exclusive right to
make, use and vend the invention or the discovery that he or she
has achieved.
An official document that confers rights, privileges or the like on the

use of a discovery.
Pledge The granting of physical possession of goods or personal property

to a person to whom one is indebted. The creditor holds such
property as security until the debt is paid.
Promissory note A written document stating that a certain debt will be paid at a
specified time or within a specified period of time. The note will bear
the signature of the debtor and will state to whom and when the
money will be paid.
R
Real estate Land and whatever by nature or artificial annexation is a part of it or
is the means of its enjoyment, such as minerals, trees, and
buildings.
Redeem: To purchase something back.
To reclaim property by passing off the mortgage or some other

obligation.
Referee An officer of the Court appointed by the Court to take testimony and
to report his findings back to the Court. Under certain
circumstances the referee is authorized not only to hear the case
but also to render a decision.
S
Security A stock or bond that signifies that the borrower owes a specified
amount of money to the stock or bondholder.
IV
6. MANAGEMENT VOCABULARY
A
To assess To select or evaluate.
B
Board of Directors A group of executives standing at the highest rank of a business
organisation, with the power to make decisions and the legal
responsibility to manage an organisation.
Brainstorming A professional meeting during which ideas are exposed in order to

detect or solve problems, or even to put forward some suggestions
to improve the whole organisation.
Break-even point It determines the relationship between sales and expenses, and
also at what size or volume point an operation breaks even
between a loss and a profit. It shows the level of commercial activity
at which the total cost and total revenue of a business organisation
are equal.
Budget A plan in numerical terms exposing the financial potentiality and

forecast of a business organisation and its expected results.
C
Computer-aided Design CAD: The use of computer technology to design.
C. A. Manufacturing CAM: The use of computer technology to the manufacturing

process.
Contingency Variables such as anything incidental to something else: a leader’s

style, personality and its effect upon his subordinates.
Contingency planning Foreseeing possible events or circumstances and creating a

strategy to face them.
Cost effectiveness The best ratio of benefits and costs.
D
Decision tree An overall perspective of risks and probabilities, chance events and
solutions in form of a tree decision points.
IV
Effectiveness The achievement of pre-established objective or planned effect.
Efficiency The achievement of an objective with the least possible amount of

resources.
Entrepreneurs People who are capable to detect opportunities, to gather all the
necessary resources and to take all the calculated risks in order to
succeed in an enterprise.
F
Feedback A reaction to something.
G
Gantt chart A chart developed by Henry L. Gantt exposing through bars the
time needed to perform a specific task. It is used in production
planning and control.
Global corporation An organisation which does business in the whole world.
H
Hierarchy of needs Abraham Maslow presented the human needs in form of a Pyramid,
considering an ascending order of importance from physiological
needs, security, affiliation or social acceptance, esteem to self-
actualisation. Once a need is fulfilled, we pass on to the superior
level of needs.
J
Job enrichment Programs applying to a professional context and emphasising a
position’s main aim, increasing the level of challenge and
developing the will to achieve fulfilment.
Just-in-Time (JIT) The Supply Chain is managed in order to reach the highest
Inventory system Rate of efficiency and speed in the delivery of products. “Zero
inventory” or “stockless production” are other terms used for the
same concept.
K
Kaizen A Japanese term for continuous improvement process which leads
to long-term success.
IV
L
Leadership The ability to guide individuals and lead them towards the
achievement of team or group goals.
M
Management The technique of running, organizing, controlling a business
organisation and the skilful use of any resources, and time in order
to accomplish specific goals efficiently.
Some consider it an art, others a science.
Management by (MBO) This comprehensive managerial system is used to

Objectives effectively and efficiently achieve organisational and individual
objectives. Performance appraisal relies on its results.
Managerial know-how Knowledge applied efficiently to realities, in practice.
Managers Perform managerial functions in an enterprise, like planning,

organising, staffing, leading, controlling.
Matrix Organisation Also known as grid organisation structures, or project, or product

management.
It relies on the link or combination between at least two basic types

of departmentation.
Multinational corporation A corporation which is headquartered in a country but has at least

20 subsidiaries settled in other countries.
O
Organisation development (OD) Its main aim is to improve the effectiveness of team work as
well as the whole organisation, through problem discovery and
solving.
P
Pert (program evaluation and review technique) it is an event network
analysis system usually involving time or costs.
Plural executive A committee or group of individuals who perform managerial

functions.
Policy A general statement, or guiding idea which helps the decision-

making process to comply with standards or limits.
Procedures Plans or guides used in order to perform required actions.
IV
Production management It covers all the managerial functions from the purchasing of (raw)
materials, manufacturing products, warehousing, transportation until
the products or services are bought by the customer.
Productivity The output-input ratio within a time period and quality standards.
Profit The surplus of sales over expense.
Q
Quality of Working Life (QWL) It is a system which focuses on job design and job
enrichment programs.
R
Real-time information Information received while it is occurring.
Return-on-Investment It measures the relation between investment in assets and profits

control made at a departmental level within a business organisation.
S
Sales forecast It predicts the selling rate for a period of time.
Scalar relationships Whenever subordinates report directly to their hierarchic superiors,

within the chain of command of an organisation.
Scientific management F. W. Taylor’s approach to management, as it applies scientific

methods of inquiry, analysis and summary to managerial tasks, in
order to accomplish a higher productivity rate through labour-saving
techniques, and methods for motivating workers.
Social responsiveness A commitment stressing the willingness of an organisation to adopt

beneficial policies for itself as well as for the society.
Staffing It is concerned with the competence level of an organisation. It is in

charge of identifying workforce needs, requirements, recruiting,
selecting, placing, promoting, appraising, training the workers in
order to increase or maintain competency levels.
V
Variable budgets They distinguish period costs (related to time) and variable costs
(related with the output volume).
IV
7. THE ACCOUNTANT’S ROLE
Top accounting officer: the controller
He is in charge of the whole accounting department. He may advise managers and provide some
help in budgeting. Thus, he is a relevant element of the making-decision process as managers will
rely on his information to analyse variances or pricing strategies, or even as regards taxation his
interventions may be highly praised.
However, in smaller firms, a controller will be required to compile data mainly for reporting purposes.
He might be empowered by the top manager to create the best accounting system for the firm, and
then to control its use. The manager delegates part of his authority onto the controller as far as
accounting information is concerned.
The Treasurer
He is mainly concerned with any financial issue, such as the provision of capital, investments,
credits, collections, insurance (= risk management).
The Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in the USA, and Chartered Accountants
in the UK.
This qualification is obtained by passing a national examination. A CPA is an outside auditor.
A Certified Management Accountant (CMA) is essentially an internal accountant and is specialised

in management accounting.
They must be able to deal with economics, finance, management and information systems.
Ethics for management accountants
There are standards of ethical conduct that management accountants have to comply with. They
basically refer to competence, confidentiality, integrity and objectivity.
In June 1990, the journal Management Accounting published a special issue on business ethics. Its
articles dealt with the urgent need to study, implement and control some rules that would regulate
the position of management accountant.
Roger B. Smith, former Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of General Motors, once said, “ethical
practice is, quite simply, good business. Employees should never do anything (they) would be
ashamed to explain their families or be afraid to see on the front page of the local newspaper”.
IV
Most large American companies have a “Corporate Code of Conduct”. This code gives some guiding
lines as to how to behave in case some decision may seem unethical.
As Smith said, “it is easy to do what is right; it is hard to know what is right.”
Financial accountant
His main aim is to provide financial information to an organisation’s managers, investors,

shareholders, and to any governmental institution.
Thus, he is concerned about yearly performance measurements and comparisons and how to
accurately communicate them through economic analysis and reports.
Decision-making process
Any accounting activity aims at providing managers relevant and accurate information so as to
enable them to make appropriate decisions to improve the profitability rate of the whole organisation.
The decision-making process relies on alternative choices that aim at a certain objective.
Decisions must be taken on a daily routine basis such as production planning or scheduling. They
also involve long-term strategies such as the launching of a new product or line into the market.
Making decisions involves budget data, feedback from performance reports and even external
information to the organisation such as economic or political variances.
Exercises
(20 Marks)
1. Explain the various functions of accountants.

2. Mention a few differences between management accounting and financial accounting.
3. Debate on the importance of ethics in business.
4. Comment on the various steps of most decision-making processes.
IV
V. THE ACCOUNTS DEPARTMENT
ACCOUNTING
ENGLISH I
V THE ACCOUNTS DEPARTMENT IEFP
Objectivos
Students are expected to demonstrate a high degree of fluency, clarity, range of expression and
confidence in major accounting concepts.
Temas:
1. The comparatives and superlatives;
2. The possessive case;
3. Structures of the substantive and adjective;
4. Accounting vocabulary;
5. Bookkeeping;
6. Balance sheet;
Exercises
Resolutions
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IEFP V THE ACCOUNTS DEPARTMENT
1. THE COMPARATIVES AND SUPERLATIVES
Generalities
Comparatives and superlatives apply to adjectives and adverbs.
They stress a similarity, a superiority, inferiority or uniqueness of something in relation with

something else.
There are three categories of adjectives:
1. Short adjectives: with one or two syllables.
2. Long adjectives: with three and more syllables
3. Irregular adjectives: good, bad, far, old, late.
Comparatives
There are three kinds of comparatives:
1. Comparative of equality: It compares two similar things or people
2. Comparative of superiority: It stresses the superiority of something or someone when

compared to something or someone else.
3. Comparative of inferiority: It shows that something or someone is inferior in a definite way,

when compared to something or someone else.
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Comparative of Equality Comparative of Comparative of

Inferiority Superiority
Short Adj.
Structure: Structure: Structure:
As + adj. + as Adj. + er + than Less + adj. + than
EX: The white table is EX: The countryside EX: Sodas are less
as long as the black is nicer than the urban healthy than milk.
one. areas.
Long Adj.
As + adj. + as More + adj. + than Less + adj. + than
EX: My chair is as EX: This armchair is EX: English is less

beautiful as yours. more comfortable difficult than Chinese.
than that one.
Irregular
Adj.
As + adj. + as Good: better than Less + adj. + than
EX: My results are as Bad: worse than EX: This way is less
good as yours. far than I feared it
Far: farther than would be.
( distance)
far: further than
(figuratively)
old: older than
(in general)
elder than
(in a family)
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Superlatives
They are used whenever we want to express that something or someone reached the top level
compared to a group of things or people or it has a certain uniqueness in a definite place.
Superlative of Superlative of
Superiority Inferiority
Short Adj.
Structure: Structure:
The + adj. + EST The least + adj.
EX: She is the prettiest girl in EX: I was the least pleased of all
the village. the members of the audience.
Long Adj.
The most + adj. The least + adj.
EX: This film is the most EX: I chose the least expensive
expensive film of the year car in the market.
2000.
Irregular Adj.
The best The least + adj.
The worst EX: The least good
The farthest / the furthest The least bad
The oldest / the eldest The least far
The latest / the last The least old
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Multiple Choice Questions
(60 Marks)
1. The poor are those who are … able to resist the economic crisis.
a) the less
b) least
c) lesser
d) the lest
2. This is one of the most fascinating countries … the world.

a) Of
b) Over
c) About
d) in
3. … something would get out of hand.

a) Soon or late
b) Early or late
c) The soonest or latest
d) Sooner or later
4. Germany has one the … economies in Europe.

a) fastest growing
b) most fastly growing
c) most fast growing
d) growing most fast
5. This organisation financial situation is still … than you can imagine.

a) Worst
b) Seriouser
c) Less
d) Worse
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6. … he smokes, … he coughs.
a) more … more
b) most … most
c) the more … the more
d) the least … the least
7. We are trying … we can to keep this enthusiasm up.

a) as much as
b) as
c) as more as
d) much as
8. There were four times … contracts as last year.

a) as many
b) more
c) as much
d) as little
9. This … theatres will have to close next year.

a) more famous
b) most famous of
c) most famous
d) less famous
10. This is a difficult question; I’ll answer it … I can.

a) as best
b) as best as
c) as good as
d) so good as
11. Of two evils, we must choose …

a) the less
b) the lesser
c) the least
d) the fewer
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12. There were … people than expected.

a) much more
b) too more
c) many more
d) not so
13. Jane is having the same drink … usual.

a) Than
b) That
c) With
d) as
14. Don’t be mad at him. He is doing …

a) the best
b) the better
c) his best
d) best
15. These apples are not … those we have in pour garden.

a) Better
b) better than
c) as
d) as good so
16. This is certainly … he could have done for us.

a) Most
b) the least
c) the worst
d) worse
17. They have bought the same car … ours.

a) That
b) Than
c) Like
d) As
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18. This medicine is … stronger than the one I used to take.

a) Very
b) More
c) Far
d) too
19. That detail makes the whole deal … interesting.

a) all the most
b) the more
c) so more
d) the more so
20. This opera by Verdi is the one I like …

a) the better
b) best
c) the best
d) the most
21. This year, we have sold twice … books … last year.

a) less … than
b) fewer … than the
c) as few … as
d) few … as
22. The children were so tired that they refused to go …

a) much farer
b) any further
c) some further
d) all the further
23. She worked … of her life in an office.

a) Least
b) the most
c) most
d) the lesser
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24. How many … do you want?

a) More
b) Much
c) Few
d) much more
25. Don’t ignore the opinion of your … sister.

a) Older
b) Elder
c) Old
d) eldest
26. Let’s hope …

a) to the better
b) for the better
c) for better
d) for the best
27.
a) It’s more easily said than done
b) It’s easier said than done
c) It’s more easily to say then to do
d) It’s easier to say than do
28. Prices are … higher now.
a) Much
a) Far
b) so much
c) any answer
29. In such hard times, it would be a … evil to have a zero-growth economy.

a) Least
b) Less
c) Lesser
d) littler
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30.
a) The less cars there will be, the more pleasant this town will be.
b) The fewer cars there will be, the more pleasant this town will be.
c) Less cars there will be, more pleasant this town will be.
d) The fewer cars there will be, the more this town will be pleasant
Resolutions
1. c) lesser
2. d) in
3. d) Sooner or later
4. a) fastest growing
5. d) worse
6. c) The more … the more
7. a) as much as
8. a) as many
9. b) most famous of
10. c) as good as
11. b) the lesser
12. a) much more
13. d) as
14. c) his best
15. b) better than
16. b) the least
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17. d) as
18. c) far
19. c) so more
20. b) best
21. a) less … than
22. b) any further
23. c) most
24. a) more
25. b) elder
26. b) for the better
27. b) It’s easier said than done
28. a) Much
29. c) Lesser
30. a) The less cars there will be, the more pleasant this town will be.
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2. THE POSSESSIVE CASE
The possessive case expresses that something belongs to someone.
Structure: Name of the person who owns the object + ‘S + possessed object
1. A person’s name with an “s” may be followed either by the apostrophe only or by apostrophe
and “s”.
EX: John’s bag The actress’s part
Mary’s house Mr Smith’s office
Charles’s boss (=Charles’ boss)
The Simpsons’s family (=The Simpsons’ family)
2. This rule applies to some neutral nouns, such as personified objects or even abstractions:
EX: England’s history The Parliament’s decision
3. It also applies to some idiomatic expressions including references to animals or parts of the
human body, or followed by end, edge, sake:
EX: The lion’s share (the best part)
At arm’s length (handy)
He was at his wits’ end (he didn’t know what else he could do)
The water’s edge
Art for art’s sake
4. This rule applies to an amount of money when it is followed by worth:
EX: Two dollars’ worth of candies.
5. We use the possessive case after: somebody, anybody, everybody, each other, one
another, …
EX: He didn’t want to hurt anybody’s feelings.
They looked at each other’s faces.
This must be somebody else’s hat.
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6. After using the possessive case we may consider the words shop, office, house, church,
cathedral, school, college, hospital as an understatement and we may omit mentioning it.
EX: At the butcher’s ; to the doctor’s; a party at the Morrisons’.
At Selfridges (= Selfridge’s).
7. We use the possessive case after:
- a notion of time: EX: a week’s holiday.
- a distance: EX: a two miles’ walk.
- a date: EX: last Sunday’s newspaper, last night’s meeting.
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Exercises
Translate the following sentences in English:
(20 Marks)
1. A irmã do Bob ..............................................................................
2. O retrato de Dorian Gray ..............................................................................
3. A obra de Charles Dickens ..............................................................................
4. Uma carreira de actriz ..............................................................................
5. O amigo de todos ..............................................................................
6. Uma semana de trabalho ..............................................................................
7. Dois meses de férias ..............................................................................
8. Um passeio a pé de 2 horas ..............................................................................
9. Vou ao cabeleireiro ..............................................................................
10. Os filhos da Jane ..............................................................................
11. Os concertos de Chopin ..............................................................................
12. O escritório da Ana ..............................................................................
13. Os brinquedos das crianças ..............................................................................
14. A casa dos Ferreira ..............................................................................
15. O marido da Rainha de Inglaterra ..............................................................................
16. Ele não sabia mais o que fazer ..............................................................................
17. O dossier do melhor cliente ..............................................................................
18. Comprei 100 Euros de flores ..............................................................................
19. Uma pausa de 10 minutos ..............................................................................
20. Os jornais de hoje ..............................................................................
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Resolutions
1. Bob’s sister
2. Doreen Gray’s portrait
3. Charles Dickens’ worh
4. An actress’s carreer
5. Everybody’s friend
6. A week’s work
7. To months’ holidays
8. A two hour walk
9. I am going to the hairdresser’s
10. Jane’s sons
11. Chopin’s concerts
12. Ana’s office
13. Children’s toys
14. Ferreira’s house
15. The Queen of England’s husband
16. He didn’t know what else to do
17. The best client’s file
18. I bought one hundred euros of flowers
19. A ten minute’s pause
20. Today’s newspapers
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3. STRUCTURES OF THE SUBSTANTIVE AND ADJECTIVE
Position of the Adjective
a) In English, the adjective must always come before the substantive that it qualifies. Even if a
substantive is qualified by more than one adjective they will always have to be placed before
the substantive they refer to.
EX: A beautiful girl.
A competitive business organization
It is a very interesting, intricate and difficult question
b) The adjective comes always after : some, any, no, every
EX: Something terrible has just happened to me.
c) The adjective comes after unchanged expressions:
EX: A court martial; a President elect; the heir apparent; The Prince Regent
d) involved, concerned, present are sometimes situated after the noun
EX: He wants to talk to the people involved / concerned / present.
e) Position of the adjective in a sentence:
Article Ordinal Quantificative Adjective Noun

Possessive
1 2 3 4 5
The first few original pictures
My last three big apples
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f) Order of value of the adjectives goes from the most subjective to the most objective:
Personal Size Age / Shape Colour Origin Material

opinion / temperature
Estimated
value
nice Big Old round white urban wooden
dirty Small young square black rural plastic
Famous Paris
Adjectives do not have a gender (feminine, masculine) and they can never be considered as Plural
EX: You succeeded in buying cheap raw materials.
Wonderful paintings!
How to transform a substantive and a verb into an adjective:
We have to use some suffixes like: y; ly; like; ish; ful;less; able; ive
1. Noun + y : it means that it has the aspect or the quality of …
EX: cloudy ; dirty; funny; silky
2. noun + ly : it means that it the qualities of …
EX: brotherly; friendly; cowardly
3. noun + like : it means that it looks like or behaves like …
EX: childlike; businesslike
4. noun + ish : it expresses a similitude with … in a pejorative way.
EX: childish; foolish; snobbish; selfish
5. noun + ful : It has the quality or it has plenty of …
EX: beautiful; careful; hopeful; useful; doubtful
Little Note: Do not mix it up with the adjective full, which has two “ll”.
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6. noun + less : it has NOT the quality of …, without…
EX: aimless; careless; hopeless; useless; motherless;

heartless; meaningless; speechless
7. verb + able : it is capable of a deed, or it enables something to be done
EX: acceptable; bearable; laughable ; regrettable
8. verb + ive : does the action of the verb
EX: attractive; digestive; possessive
The prefixes “un-“ , “in-“ , “dis-“, … + adjective express the contrary of that adjective
EX: unhappy; unpleasant; invisible; dishonest…
Some other suffixes are used to express activities or ideas
EX: Socialist, scientific, geographic, revolutionary, affectionate, dependent, humorous,…
Nationality adjectives may end in
• ese Japanese, Lebanese, Portuguese
• (i)an, (-n) American, Australian, German, Italian
• ish (-sh, -ch) Irish, British, Welsh, French, Dutch
• I, … Israeli; Pakistani, Greek, Swiss
Compound adjectives
There are many of them. Here are the most used ones:
1. adjective + adjective dark blue, light brown
2. noun + adjective navy-blue, snow-white, sea-sick
3. noun + past participle home-made, snow-covered
4. adjective + present participle good-looking, hard-working
5. adjective + noun + ED (to describe people): blue-eyed, fair-haired, bad-tempered,

open-hearted
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Present participles used as adjectives
EX: It’s amazing, boring, interesting
Past Participles used as adjectives
EX: I am amazed, bored, excited
The adjectives that describe the size, the weight, the value, the time
have the following structure
• Number + measure unit + noun
Ex: a ten ton truck / lorry; a seventeenth century painting, a forty year old man
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Exercises
1. Fill in the blanks with the correct suffix: -ly; -ish; -ful; -less; able.
(10 Marks)
1. Don’t be silly! It would be fool……….. for us to quarrel.
2. I don’t know what to do. The future looks very doubt………..
3. I was very sad to hear that the children were left mother…………. by the accident.
4. We like living here. There are a great many friend………. people in this street.
5. The children were amused by the laugh………… faces of the clown.
6. He’s very self………. as he only thinks of his own profits.
7. It seems quite a hope………… step towards a mutual agreement.
8. She remained in speech………… amazement for a few minutes.
9. Her attitude has been too snobb……… since she became a superstar.
10. It’s use……….. asking our boss for another raise. He won’t grant it.
2. Fill in the blanks with the suffix: -ed; -ing:
(10 Marks)
1. It is surpris……… how many people cannot swim.
2. She read a very bor………. book.
3. It is pleas………. to think that they are happy.
4. I’ll be interest……….. to see what happens tomorrow.
5. I found this question rather embarrass…………..
6. She is a very commit…. secretary.
7. They are car… human resources managers.
8. Car racers are undaunt….. people.
9. Teenagers are extremely dar…. in their decisions.
10. Managers should be more concern… with their employees motivation.
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Resolutions
1.
1. ish
2. ful
3. less
4. ly
5. able
6. ish
7. less / ful
8. less
9. ish
10. less
2.
1. –ing
2. –ing
3. –ing
4. –ed
5. –ing
6. –ed
7. –ing
8. –ed
9. –ing
10. –ed
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4. ACCOUNTING VOCABULARY
Account Conta
Accounts payable contas a pagar
Accounts receivable contas a receber
Accountable for (ser) responsável por
Accrued expenses Despesas antecipadas
Accumulated depreciation Amortizações acumuladas
Actuarial valuations Valores actuariais
Affiliated companies Empresas do mesmo grupo
Aggregate Agregado
Aggrieved Agravado
Allowance for depreciation Previsão para amortizações
Amalgamation Agrupamento
Articles of association Estatutos
Assets Activo, bens
To assign Cometer
Assignable property Bens que podem ser cedidos
Assignment Missão
Award Prémio, recompensa
To award Premiar, recompensar
Bad debts Cobranças duvidosas
Balance sheet Balanço
To ban Proibir
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Bankruptcy Falência
Benchmarking Comparação com os melhores concorrentes
Bills payable facturas a pagar
Bills receivable facturas a cobrar
Bill of exchange letra de cambio
To bind obrigar
Book keeper guarda livros
Branch sucursal
Brand awareness notoriedade da marca
Brand image imagem de marca
Breach of contract Quebra de contrato
Break-even point nível de vendas em que a receita total iguala a despesa total,
de onde resulta que o lucro é igual a zero
Budget orçamento
By-laws estatutos
By-product sub-produto
To canvass prospectar
Capital budget orçamento financeiro
Capital-gain mais-valia
Capital turnover rácio Capital Social vs. Receitas
Cash flow Resultados mais Amortizações e Provisões
Certified Public Accountant (USA) Técnico de Contas
Chart gráfico
Chartered Accountant in the (UK) Técnico de Contas
Claim Reclamação
Collection cobrança
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Comptroller Director financeiro
Consistency principle Princípio da consistencia dos métodos contabilísticos
Contribution margin Margem de contribuição
Conversion costs Diferenças de Cambio
Corporate law Direito Comercial
Cost allocation Distribuição dos gastos gerais
Creditor Credor
Current asset Activo circulante
Current liabilities Dívidas de curto prazo
Debenture Obrigação
Debtor Devedor
Defer Diferir
Depletion Degradação
Dividends Dividendos
Draft Saque
Expenses Despesas
Fixed assets Activo imobilizado
Goodwill Capacidade de gerar lucros no futuro
Gross margin (Gross profit) Margem bruta
Incentives Incentivos
Incidental cost Custos imprevistos
Income Rendimento
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Income percentage of revenue Rácio Lucro / Vendas
Income statement Demonstração de resultados
Instalment Prestação
Inventory turnover Rotação de stock
Invoice Factura
Joint liability Responsabilidade solidária
Joint venture Sociedade em co-propriedade
Just-in-Time (JIT) system Sistema de gestão de stocks cujo objectivo é igualar o

stock a zero
Lease Alugar
Ledger accounts Conta do Razão
Liabilities Responsabilidades
Markup Multiplicador sobre o custo total para obter o PVP
Net income Rendimentos líquidos
Net worth Valor líquido
Nominal rate Taxa nominal
Operating leverage Alavancagem
Overheads Gastos gerais
Owners equity Capitais Próprios
Partnership Parceria
Predatory prices Preços predatórios
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Price elasticity Elasticidade do preço
Problem solving Resolução de problemas
Product costs Custos do produto
Product life cycle Ciclo de vida do produto
Profits Lucros
Residual income Margem Residual
Sales forecast Previsão de vendas
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Entidade fiscalizadora da Bolsa de Valores americana
Sole proprietorship Sociedade em nome individual
Step costs Custos em escada
Subsidiary Empresa subsidiária
Target costing Custo alvo
Total Quality Management (TQM) Gestão pela Qualidade Total
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5. BOOKKEEPING
Introduction
Whatever the size of a firm, it must record the amount of every transaction in its ledgers, or account
books. This information enables anyone to know, at any time, the exact amount of profits (assets) as
compared to expenses (liabilities).
Bookkeeping, or accountancy, is the technique of recording under the relevant headings all the
transactions carried out in the form of figures.
Bookkeeping
The most used method is double-entry bookkeeping, as it has the advantage of showing not only the
financial position of the trader but also that of the customer. Any sum of money that is paid out is
entered as a credit for the supplier. Conversely, when a customer pays for goods, the cashbook is
credited with this amount and the customer’s account is simultaneously debited.
The Accounts Department
Any transaction involving an expenditure or income must clearly appear in a written document, or at
least a duplicate. Then, an accountant records this information in the books. Expenditures deal
mostly with invoices to be paid by the firm. The payroll is used to record wages and salaries, social
charges and credit to the bank. Cash slips, bank transfers or invoices indicate receipts or other
income.
Accountants must keep the books and accounts up-to-date. In joint-stock companies the auditors
check out these books periodically, overall before the annual shareholders’ meeting. The auditors
are chartered accountants whose job is to make sure that all transactions have been correctly
recorded in order to prevent any fraudulent action or embezzlement.
The Accounts Department is also responsible for seeing that the budget is respected by keeping an
eye on production costs, making inventory and by drawing up the balance sheet which is used to
calculate profits, losses, taxes.
Certain books are compulsory, like the cashbook, the journal, the ledger, but also the Accounts
Payable book (bills, invoices to be paid to the suppliers), the Accounts Receivable book (sums to be
paid by the debtors), and the Customers’ Accounts book which indicates the sums owed by
customers who pay on credit.
In order to calculate a price accurately, other accounts are required. For example, statements are
regularly sent or downloaded from the production departments detailing the raw materials and
energy used, all labour costs, production losses and other relevant information. By adding sundry
expenses for things such as packing or painting, and overheads, the production cost can be
calculated and the profit margin fixed.
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6. BALANCE SHEET
What’s a Balance Sheet?
A balance sheet is a statement showing the assets, the liabilities and the equity or ownership capital
of a business enterprise at a given date.
At least once a year a balance is struck and the balance sheet is drawn up. The year’s accounts are
summed up, including those, which rarely operate (capital and real estate for example). Normally,
this is carried out at the end of the financial year. Among other things, it shows the net profit based
on the trading account, which includes purchases, sales and sundry expenses.
Assets
They may be defined as property or rights owned.
Current assets: they consist of cash and assets to be sold, converted into cash or consumed in the
near future. They include cash, debtors, bills receivable, stock in trade, banks securities, and
deposits with banks, investments, and customers’ liabilities for acceptance, work in progress and
finished goods.
Fixed assets: they are of a long-term nature. Indeed, they are not sold as long as they serve the
needs of the business. They include land and buildings (real estate) furniture and fixtures,
machinery, equipment, trade investments.
They may be subject to depreciation, thus, a provision or reserve for depreciation is deducted.
Intangible assets: They may be goodwill, patents, trademarks, … they rarely appear on balance
sheets, nevertheless, when they are acquired, these items are shown on the balance sheet at cost
and are gradually written down.
Liabilities
They are debts owed by the business, or share capital in authorised issued and fully paid shares,
capital reserve, and revenue reserve.
Current liabilities: creditors and bills payable, current accounts, taxation on profits to date, reserves
for contingencies, acceptances for customers and proposed dividends.
Fixed liabilities: debentures payable, mortgages payable.
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Assets and liabilities on the balance sheet
They may include accrued and deferred items. For example, income earned but not yet received is
known as accrued income and expenses paid in advance as prepaid expenses, deferred expenses
or deferred charges. Both appear as assets because they are owed by the next business year to the
current one.
Similarly, expenses incurred but not yet paid are referred to as accrued expenses or accrued
charges and income received in advance as deferred income. Both appear as liabilities because
they are owed by the current business year to the next one.
Financial reporting
It looks through the legal form of corporate entities and presents financial positions and results of
operations on a combined basis. This means that the assets, liabilities, revenues and expenses of
companies under common control ownership are combined and reported on as a single accounting
entity. If control is less than 50% and greater than 20% the equity method is used. Under the equity
method, the investment is generally reflected at an amount equal to the original cost plus the
investor’s pro rata share of net income from the acquisition date. Any difference between original
cost and underlying equity in net assets at the date of acquisition is usually amortized. When control
is less than 20%, the cost method is generally used.
The term equity is rather complex because it is used in both legal and business contexts. In legal
terminology it refers to a system of law that exists side by side with common law and statute law. In
business its meaning is different. It is used to refer to any right or claim to assets, particularly to the
owners’ interest in a business organization. In an even more restricted sense, the term equity is
applied to ordinary shares only. Here shareholders’ equity or stockholders’ equity should be
understood as capital in shares or stock.
The term stock refers to the capital of a company. Two kinds of shares are listed: common stock,
which is similar to ordinary shares in the United Kingdom, and preferred stock (preference shares in
the UK). Owners of the latter have priority with regard to the distribution of dividends.
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C. M. Ceramics Ltd.
Incorporated and Consolidated Subsidiaries
BALANCE SHEET
March 10, 2010
ASSETS (Euros)
Current assets
Cash 950,000
Marketable Securities at cost 1,550,000
(Market Value Euros 1,570,000)
Accounts receivable 2,100,000
Less: Provision for bad debts 100,000 2,000,000
Inventories 1,500,000
Total current assets 6,000,000
Investment in unconsolidated subsidiaries 300,000
Fixed Assets
Property, Plant, and Equipment
Land 150,000
Buildings 3,800,000
Machinery 950,000
Office equipment 100,000
5,000,000
Less: Accumulated depreciation 1,800,000
Net property, plant, and equipment 3,200,000
Prepayments and deferred charges 100,000
Goodwill, Patents, trademarks 100,000
9,700,000
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LIABILITIES AND STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities
Accounts payable 1,000,000
Notes payable 850,000
Accrued Expenses Payable 330,000
Federal Income Tax Payable 320,000
Total current liabilities 2,500,000 2,500,000
Long-term liabilities
First mortgage Bonds, 5% Interest
Due 20 2,700,000
Total liabilities 5,200,000
STOCKHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Capital stock
Preferred stock, 5% Cumulative,
Euros 100 par value each; authorised,
Issued and outstanding 6,000 shares 600,000
Common stock, Euros r par value each;
Authorised, issued, and outstanding
300,000 shares 1,500,00
Capital surplus 700,000
Accumulated retained earnings 1,700,000
Total stockholders’ equity 4,500,000 4,500,000
Total Liabilities and Stockholders’ Equity 9,700,000
V
Exercises
Fill in the grid with the various items listed below:
(10 Marks)
1. 2 delivery vans
2. 3 trucks
3. 3 company cars
4. 20 tons of raw materials
5. a patent for a new technological process discovered by C. M. Ceramics Ltd.
6. A C. M. Ceramics trademark
7. Interest due on a bank loan
8. The lease on an office building
9. Mortgage on the production plant
10. 5,000 shares in the company
11. new office equipment
12. taxes
13. production line material
14. an unpaid invoice due last month by an important client
15. cash for day-to-day expenses
16. unpaid invoice for last month’s delivery of raw materials
V
Current assets Current liabilities
Fixed assets Long-term liabilities
Intangible assets Shareholders’ equity
V
Draw up a balance sheet using the following information given in Euros: (10 Marks)
1. Gross sales 30,000,000
2. Returns and discounts on sales 60,000
3. Cash for day-to-day expenses 10,000
4. Purchased raw material 1,400,000
5. New equipment 70,000
6. Lease on land 55,000
7. Interests 5% on purchase of van 2,000
8. Mortgage on building 15,000
9. Accounts receivable 2,500,000
10. Accounts payable 1,900,000
11. Office supplies and equipment 30,000
12. Overheads 3,000
13. Advertising expenses 4,000
14. Business trips 3,500,000
15. International fairs 8,000
16. Retained earnings 23,000,000
17. Owner’s equity 8,500
18. Accrued wages payable 5,000
Resolutions
Current assets d), k), m), n), o).
Fixed assets a), b), c).
Intangible assets e), f).
Current liabilities g), h), l), p).
Long-term liabilities i).
Shareholders’ equity j).
V
VI. BUSINESS CORRESPONDENCE
ACCOUNTING
ENGLISH I
VI. BUSINESS CORRESPONDENCE IEFP
Objectivos
Students will have the ability to produce medium length written texts in the form of memos, letters
and reports, demonstrating a sophisticated style and form, the ability to develop an argument and
communicate efectively.
Temas:
1. The passive voice;

2. The reported speech;
3. Global grammatical review;
4. Linking words to be used in the written expression;
5. Expressions used in letter writing;
6. The lay-out of a business letter;
7. Punctuation;
8. Enquiries / replies / price quotation;
9. Orders and executions of orders;
10. Follow up letters;
11. Invoicing and payment;
12. Reminders / claims / complaints.
Exercises
Resolutions
VI
IEFP VI. BUSINESS CORRESPONDENCE
1. THE PASSIVE VOICE
Generalities
The Passive Voice is used to emphasize the object that is submitted to the action of the active verb.
Basic structure:
1. Active Voice: Subject + Active verb + object
(1) (2) (3)
2. Passive Object (of the Active voice ) (3) + To BE conjugated at the

Voice : tense of the Active verb + Past Participle of the active verb +
by + Subject of the active voice
Tenses Active voice Examples at the Passive Voice
Simple Present A cat usually eats a rat. A rat is usually eaten by a cat.
(1) (2) (3) (3) (2) (2) (1)
Simple Past The children read a book A book was read by the children every
every month. month.
Someone told me that … I was told that …
Present Perfect They have discovered a new A new star has been discovered (by
star. them).
Past Perfect Someone had stolen my car. My car had been stolen (by someone).
Progressive form They are building a house. A house is being built (by them).
He was signing the contract, The contract was being signed by him,
when I came in. when I came in.
Modal verbs Anyone can do it. It can be done (by anyone).
You should make a decision. A decision should be made (by you).
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Exercises
Transform the following sentences into the Passive Voice: (30 Marks)
1. We haven’t sent the letter.

………………………………………………………………………………………..
2. They can’t repair your car today.

………………………………………………………………………………………..
3. Someone stole my bag.

………………………………………………………………………………………..
4. Someone told me that the meeting had been delayed.

………………………………………………………………………………………..
5. They shouldn’t allow people to smoke in some public areas.

………………………………………………………………………………………..
6. Visitors must leave their umbrellas in the hall.

………………………………………………………………………………………..
7. They will serve a coffee at 10:00.

………………………………………………………………………………………..
8. Look! They are watching you.

………………………………………………………………………………………..
9. Secretaries often use dictionaries to check the spelling of some words.

………………………………………………………………………………………..
10. His accountant had warned him.

………………………………………………………………………………………..
11. Mr. Jones gave her a watch.

……………………………………………………………………………………….
12. He promised me an interesting position in his business organization.

……………………………………………………………………………………….
13. She told me to wait outside.

……………………………………………………………………………………….
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14. They are drafting this financial year’s balance sheet.

……………………………………………………………………………………….
15. What can we do about it?

……………………………………………………………………………………….
Resolutions
1. The letter has not been sent
2. Your car can’t be repaired today.
3. My bag was stolen by someone.
4. I was told by someone that the meeting had been delayed.
5. People should not be allowed to smoke in some public areas.
6. Their umbrellas should be left by visitors in the hall.
7. A coffee will be served at 10:00.
8. Look! You are being watched by them.
9. Dictionaires are often used by secretaries to check the spelling of some words.
10. He had been warned by his accountant.
11. She was given a watch by Mr. Jones.
12. An interesting position was promised to me by him in his business organization.
13. I was told by her to wait outside.
14. This financial year’s balance sheet is being drafted by them.
15. What can be done about it?
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2. THE REPORTED SPEECH
Verbs in the reported speech
a) Positive or negative statements.
SAY / TELL
EX: Mr. Morris says (that) there’s al letter for you.
He told me (that) it was a registered letter.
Other possible verbs:
ANSWER / WRITE / THINK / KNOW / EXPLAIN / AGREE …
EX: He answered that he would come.
She thinks (that) it’s going to rain.
b) Questions.
ASK / WONDER / WANT/ KNOW / INQUIRE …
EX: They asked me what my name was.
She inquired what I wanted.
The use of the tenses
a) At the Present:
If the verb that is used to report the speech is conjugated at the Present, then the tense of the
reported speech verb doesn’t change:
EX: John: - “I like it very much here.” ……….
John says he likes it very much here.
Mr Jones: - “I’ll be back tomorrow at 10:00” ……
Mr Jones says that he will be back tomorrow at 10:00.
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b) At the Past:
If the verb that is used to report the speech is conjugated at the Past, then all the verbs are at the
Past or the rule of the correspondence of the tenses has to be applied:
Direct Speech Indirect Speech
Simple Present Simple Past
Present Progressive Past Progressive
Present Perfect Past Perfect
Simple Past Past Perfect
Future Present Conditional
EX: Simon: - “I usually play tennis on Sunday.”
Simon said that he usually played tennis on Sunday.
They told me: - “We will work in the same team”.
They told me that we would work in the same team.
Mary: - “I’m sorry, I must go”.
Mary said she was sorry she had to go.
Peter: - “I met your boss once”.
Peter told me that he met / he had met my boss once.
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Other changes
a) Adjectives and adverbs
Here becomes THERE
Ago becomes BEFORE
Today becomes THAT DAY
Now becomes THEN
Tomorrow becomes THE NEXT DAY
EX: Mary: - ”I’m in London. I’m having a great time here.”
Mary says that she is in London and she’s having a great time there.
b) Pronouns
I becomes HE / SHE
We becomes THEY
EX: Mr Moore: - “I’ll send you a letter”.
Mr Moore says that he’ll send you / me / us / a letter.
The Smiths: - “We went to Manchester”.
The Smiths say that they went to Manchester.
c) Possessive Adjectives
My becomes HIS /HER
Our becomes THEIR
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EX: Ben: - “John is my friend”.
Ben says that John is his friend.
Peter and Mary: - “Robby is our dog.”
Peter and Mary said that Robby was their dog.
d) YES / NO questions:
We use IF / WHETHER
EX: Alan: - “Hello, Mary. Can I borrow your John’s bike?”
Mary: - “John! Alan asks if he can borrow your bike!”
I saw James this morning he wanted to know whether

you are going to cinema tomorrow night.
e) Questions starting with a relative pronoun:
We use the same relative pronouns as in the reported question.
EX: Sarah: - “When will Peter be back?”
Sarah asked when Peter would be back.
How do you spell your name?
He asked how I spelt my name.
f) At the imperative:
We have to use the positive or negative infinitive:
EX: Be quiet!
He told them to be quiet.
Don’t laugh!
I told Peter not to laugh.
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Exercises
1. Transform the following sentences from Direct Speech into Reported Speech:
(10 Marks)
1. “You can use my telephone,” she said to her new neighbours.
…………………………………………………………………………….
2. “The bus is late again,” said Peter.
…………………………………………………………………………….
3. “I hope you’ll be there when the train arrives,” they said.
…………………………………………………………………………….
4. “I’d like to come to your party but I’ve got a lot of work to do,” Mary said.
……………………………………………………………………………..
5. “We’ll wait for him if he’s late,” they said.
……………………………………………………………………………..
6. “I must hurry. My friends are waiting for me,” Bill says.
………………………………………………………………………………
7. “We’ll go for a walk if the weather is good,” Linda is saying.
……………………………………………………………………………….
8. Mr Smith told me: “You didn’t ask me, so I didn’t help you.”
……………………………………………………………………………….
9. “Can I speak to Mr Jones?” asked Sam.
……………………………………………………………………………….
10. “How did you get into the garden?” they asked me.
……………………………………………………………………………….
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2. Read the question. Then write the end of the already started sentence using the reported speech
structures:
(10 Marks)
1. “ Who will look after the children?”
She’s trying to find out ………………………………………………………………
2. “How long have they been living here?”
Mr Moore wanted to know …………………………………………………………
3. “Do I have to do all these exercises?”
Peter has just asked me ……………………………………………………………
4. “Are they laughing at me?”
I was beginning to wonder …………………………………………………………
5. “Why hasn’t anyone called this client back?”
My boss wants to know ………………………………………………………………
6. “Can I talk to Mr Walker, please?”
He asked the operator ………………………………………………………………
7. “When does the next train to London leave?”
You should try to know ………………………………………………………………
8. “Has she always worked here as a secretary?”
We should try to discover ……………………………………………………………
9. “Would you like some more tea?”
She wants to know ……………………………………………………………………
10. “Do you want to have lunch with me?”
Steve asked me………………………………………………………………………
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Resolutions
1.
1. She said to her new neighbours that they could use her telephone.
2. Peter said that the bus was late again.
3. They said they hoped you would be there when the train arrived.
4. Mary said she would like to come top my party but she had a lot of work to do.
5. They said they would wait for him if he was late.
6. Bill says he must hurry. His friends are waiting for him.
7. Linda is saying they would go for a walk if the weather was good.
8. Mr Smith told me I didn’t ask him, so he didn’t help me.
9. Sam asked if he could speak to Mr Jones.
10. They asked me how did I get into the garden.
2.
1. She’s trying to find out who would look after the children .
2. Mr Moore wanted to know for how long they have been living here.
3. Peter has just asked me if he had to do all those exercises.
4. I was beginning to wonder if they were laughing at me.
5. My boss wants to know why hadn’t anyone called that client back.
6. He asked the operator if he could please talk to Mr Walker.
7. You should try to know when the next train to London will leave.
8. We should try to discover if she had always worked here as a secretary.
9. She wants to know if you would like some more tea.
10. Steve asked me if I wanted to have lunch with him.
VI
3. GLOBAL GRAMMATICAL REVIEW
1. Multiple Choice Questions : Put a circle around the correct answer :

(20 Marks)
1. It’s getting colder and colder. I think winter has set …
a) In
b) Up
c) Out
d) off
2. The whole dramatic issue was brought … by a minor statement.
a) Up
b) About
c) Off
d) in
3. Nobody expected him to carry … his mission so beautifully.
a) Up
b) Off
c) Out
d) over
4. A good scientist does not take anything … granted.
a) On
b) Off
c) For
d) In
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5. The chairman waited for the agitation to die …
a) Over
b) Off
c) In
d) down
6. She was … a very successful manager.
a) told to be
b) talked of being
c) spoken to be
d) said to be
7. I’m at a loss what … to convince accept signing this contract.
a) Do
b) to be done
c) doing
d) to do
8. Is there anything I can do to stop … such risks?
a) that they take
b) them take
c) them to take
d) them taking
9. I look forward … that extraordinary presentation of your whole team.
a) listening to
b) to listening to
c) to listen to
d) listen to
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10. These clients insisted … earlier, as they had a plane to take later that day.
a) to come
b) coming
c) on coming
d) any answer
11. Prices are likely … again.
a) to go up
b) to going up
c) going up
d) gone up
12. He promised … his best.
a) Doing
b) to do
c) to doing
d) any answer
13. I didn’t mean … rude.
a) Being
b) and be
c) to being
d) to be
14. I wonder how she … come here, after what she had done.
a) dared to
b) dared
c) dared have
d) dares have
VI
15. I think we … tell her the truth immediately.
a) had to
b) needed
c) must
d) any answer
16. How such a marketing strategy … our company is not obvious.
a) has to help
b) is to help
c) must help
d) any answer
17. I’d like this parcel … sent at once.
a) to be
a) was
b) were
c) should be
18. That he … chairman is out of the question.
a) Becomes
b) Became
c) will become
d) should become
19. Take … measures you think most appropriate
a) Whatever
b) However
c) as though
d) none
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20. If anyone …, let me know at once.
a) Ring
b) Rings
c) should ring
d) either b) or c)
2. Fill in the gaps with words expressing quantity: (5 Marks)
1. The restaurant was almost empty, there were ………… customers in it.
2. If I had had …………. time, I would have visited The National Gallery in London.
3. She had so ………….. things to do that she did not know what to begin with.
4. There’s ………….. paper left, could you go and fetch ………..?
5. My secretary spent …………… hours preparing that report for the auditor.
3. Fill in the gaps with the correct article: (10 Marks)
1. ………… hope never failed him during the negotiation of the contract.
2. I haven’t ………… courage to tell him that he has been laid off.
3. …………… Princess Diana was ………… great friend of theirs.
4. He didn’t have much confidence but ………….. confidence he showed us under those
circumstances surprised me.
5. He is known to be ……….. honest man.
6. ………….. United States of America and ……….. France have been invited to participate in
that meeting.
7. Tim plays ………… football and sometimes he plays …….. piano with a band.
8. ………… television has revolutionised the means of communication and information much
more than ………. radio.
9. Jimmy likes ………. music of …………. eighteenth century.
10. ………….. money can’t buy happiness.
VI
4. Complete the underlined words in the following sentences with the correct suffix from the following
list: -hood ; -ful ; -ish ; -ness ; -ly ; -less ; -ship.
(10 Marks)
1. Not being sure about his client’s demands he tact………….. avoided the subject.
2. In the sunshine everything looked bright and colour…………
3. She right…………. Protested about being kept waiting for so long.
4. Some workers objected to the crude…………. of this manager’s language when addressing
them.
5. How can he be fool………… enough to believe that silly story?
6. Care……………. accounts for most serious accidents on the road.
7. Child………… is usually regarded as a time of happi……….. .
8. Real friend………… never dies.
9. His secretary died after a long and unevent………. life.
10. In these hard times, such self……….. behaviour is rather shocking.
5. Complete the following comparisons:

(5 Marks)
1. Teenagers are not ………. conservatives ……….. their elders.
2. English people are usually …………. reserved ………….. Italians are.
3. Office work is ………….. tiring ………….. housework.
4. It takes nearly ……….. time to reach London airport by bus from the terminal ……….. it does
to fly from the airport to Paris.
5. ………… older he gets, the ………… experience he gains.
VI
6. Conjugate the verbs between brackets at the correct tense and form :
(20 Marks)
1. Look at these naughty people! They ………………….. (to laugh) at that poor girl.
2. “Have you seen her lately?”. “Yes! I ………….. (to see) her a few days ago.
3. When he arrived at his office, his secretary ………………… (to speak) on phone.
4. I’ll call you when you ………….. (to be) ready.
5. I ……………………. (to know) Mr. Thompson for ages.
6. He keeps …………….. (to look) at his watch.
7. He …………………………. (to work) with this company for fourteen years when he was
dismissed.
8. What …………………………… (you / to do) if you were rich?
9. He would have come at 9:00, if you …………….. (to ask) him to.
10. I …………… (to send) that letter a week ago.
11. As soon as he …………….. (to come) I’ll make him ………………… (to let) me
………………….. (to attend) tomorrow’s meeting.
12. She can’t help ……………… (to be) grateful for what he had done to her family.
13. He looked away quickly so that she ……………….. (not to discover) that he was sad.
14. I wish you ………………. (to be) happier.
15. Our accountant ………………… (to collect) all the relevant information before the auditors
arrived the other morning.
16. Do you mind ……………………. (to give) me M&M’s file, please?
17. I’d rather …………….. (to process) information than attend clients.
18. The supplier ……………………… (to wait) for hours when he was finally received in the
accountant’s office.
19. They …………….. (to spend) all their weekends at home.
20. We ……………………….. (to sleep) for a few minutes when the telephone rang.
VI
7. Fill in the blanks with the correct postposition or preposition:

(5 Marks)
1. Please, forgive me ………….. being late.
2. What are you thinking ………..?
3. He had lost his key and he was desperately looking ………… it.
4. I can’t listen ……….. every of your complaints at the same time.
5. You can’t depend ……………. the others’ help all your life.
6. We are no longer interested ……………. your services.
7. He insisted ………… coming at 10:00 a.m.
8. He told he would show us the city ………..
9. Take ………… your coat, if you want, it’s rather warm in here.
10. During our last meeting, James came ……….. with the most brilliant idea.
8. Fill in the blanks with the correct relative pronoun:

(10 Marks)
1. Miss Thurp, ……………. I have known for many years, is coming to visit us next week.
2. The chair on ………….. you are sitting is broken.
3. ………………… of these files are you working on?
4. The client ………………. car is parked in the drive-way must take parked it in the clients’
parking lot.
5. I shall introduce you to a man …………. can speak Chinese.
6. Success is not the only thing ………… matters.
7. He asked me ………….. I thought about the case.
8. I don’t care …………… you are going out with.
9. Mozart, ………….. music is the most beautiful expression of the soul, died at the age of 36.
10. …………… have you been up to?
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9. Write the following sentences at the reported speech:

(5 Marks)
1. “Don’t make such a noise”, he ordered the people in the hall.
2. “I’ll never help you again”, John told her.
3. “Can you lend me that book once you finish reading it?”, he asked Fred.
4. “I’m afraid I must go at once”, he said in a hurry.
5. “What will you tell your client when you meet him?”, she asked.
10. Transform the following sentences into the passive voice:

(5 Marks)
1. Secretaries often write letters in English.
2. Mr Patterson has already paid for the drinks.
3. They told him not to make a rude remark about the quality of the products.
4. Every month they receive English clients.
5. We didn’t close the contract because you took too many risks.
VI
Resolutions
1.
1. a) In
2. a) Up
3. c) Out
4. c) For
5. b) Off
6. d) said to be
7. d) to do
8. c) them to take
9. c) to listen to
10. c) on coming
11. a) to go up
12. b) to do
13. d) to be
14. b) dared
15. c) must
16. b) is to help
17. a) to be
18. c) will become
19. a) Whatever
20. b) Rings
VI
2.
1. few
2. more
3. many
4. no, some
5. many
3.
1. 0
2. the
3. 0, a
4. the
5. an
6. the, 0
7. 0, the
8. 0, 0
9. the, the
10. 0
4.
1. –ly
2. –ful
3. –ly
4. –ness
5. –ish
6. –ness
7. –hood, -ness
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8. –ship
9. –ful
10. –ish
5.
1. So, as
2. more, than
3. lest, than
4. as much, as
5. The, more
6.
1. are laughthing
2. saw
3. was speaking
4. are
5. know
6. looking
7. had been working
8. would you do
9. had asked
10. have sent
11. comes, let, attend
12. being
13. could not have
14. would be
15. had collected
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16. giving
17. be processing
18. had waited
19. spend
20. had been
7.
1. for
2. about
3. for
4. to
5. on
6. in
7. on
8. arround
9. off
10. out
8.
1. whom
2. which
3. Which
4. Whose
5. That
6. That
7. What
8. Whom with
9. Whose
10. How
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9.
1. He ordered the people in the hall not to make such a noise.
2. John told her he wouldn’t never help her again.
3. Fred was asked if he could lend him that book once he had finished reading it.
4. He said in a hurry that he was afraid he had to go at once.
5. She asked what would he tell his client when he met him.
10.
1. Letters are often written in English by Secretaries
2. The drinks have already been paied by Mr Patterson
3. He was told by them not to make a rude remark about the quality of the products
4. English clients are received Every month by them.
5. The contract was not closed because he took too many risks.
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4. LINKING WORDS TO BE USED IN THE WRITTEN EXPRESSION
In the introduction
First of all Antes de mais
To begin with Para começar
In the first place Antes de tudo
At first glance À primeira vista
Generally speaking De forma geral
In general Em geral
Presently Dentro de instantes
In the development
According to Segundo, conforme
To comment on Para comentar, explicar, anotar
To deal with Tratar de
To outline Esboçar, delinear
To give account of Relatar, descrever
To allude Aludir, fazer alusão, insinuar
To convey Transmitir, transferir, levar
To describe Descrever
To depict Pintar, representar, descrever
To stress Acentuar, insistir em, pôr o acento sobre
To emphasise Dar ênfase
In my opinion Na minha opinião
VI
Quite obviously Absolutamente óbvio
It is often said Dizem que
To approve of Aprovar, concordar, consentir
It might be mentioned Poderiamos mencionar
To a certain extent Até um certo ponto
It could be said Poderiamos dizer
As far as I’m concerned No que me diz respeito
As we can notice Como podemos notar
In accordance with Segundo
In other words Em outros termos
In short Abreviando
For example Por exemplo
In this respect A esse respeito
After all Apesar de tudo
As a result Como resultado
In addition to Além de
Along with Assim como
Instead of Em vez de
As well as E também
Whereas Ao passo que
While Enquanto
Whilst Embora
As a matter of fact Na verdade
In fact De facto
Indeed Deveras, com efeito, na verdade
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Actually Realmente, na verdade
However Todavia, contudo
Moreover Além disso, demais, aliás
By contrast Contrastando
Nevertheless Não obstante, contudo
Notwithstanding Apesar de, a despeito de
Despite A despeito de
In spite of Apesar de
On the contrary Pelo contrário
Contrary to Contrariamente a
Unlike Diferentemente de
Up to now Até agora
So far Até aqui, até agora
Nowadays Hoje em dia, presentemente
From time to time De vez em quando
Now and then (idem)
Supposing Admitindo que
Fortunately Felizmente
Unfortunately Infelizmente
Provided that Contando que
Eventhough Mesmo se
Although Embora, se bem que
Though (idem)
As for Quanto a
Barely Apenas, simplesmente
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Merely Meramente
Hardly Apenas
Seldom Raramente
Rarely (idem)
Due to Devido a
Either … or Ou
Neither … nor Nem
Even if Ainda que, mesmo que
Eventually Afinal, eventualmente
Including Incluindo
In order to Com o fim de
In the meantime Entretanto
Meanwhile (idem)
Not to mention Sem falar de
Quite Perfeitamente, inteiramente
Since Desde que, visto que
So that Afim de que, para que, porque
Thanks to Graças a
Whether (or not) Quer … (ou não)
In the conclusion
Consequently Como consequência
Thus Assim, deste modo
Hence Por isso
As a conclusion Como conclusão
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On account of Devido a, por causa de
Owing to (idem)
Therefore Por consequência
To resume Para retomar, recomeçar
To summarize Para sintetizar, resumir, sumariar
To sum up Resumir
To quote Citar
A quotation Citação
An understatement Um eufemismo
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5. EXPRESSIONS USED IN LETTER WRITING
EXPRESSIONS TRANSLATION
1. Beginning of a letter 1. Como começar uma carta
Thank you very much for your letter of (date), Muito obrigada por a sua carta de (data) pedindo se
asking if / enquiring about / enclosing / concerning / inquirindo á cerca de / incluindo / sobre
…
In reply to Em resposta a
We have duly received Recebemos devidamente
We acknowledge receipt of Acusamos recepção de
2. Referring 2. Referir-se a
We are writing in connection with Escrevemos em relação a

…………para obter informações acerca de
……………….. to enquire about
…………para obter informações concernentes a
………………. with regard to
As requested Como requerido
We remember you mentioning your need to… and Gostaríamos relembrar V. Excelência de nos ter
we believe that the solution to your problem is the mencionado a sua necessidade de ... e julgamos
new … que a solução ao seu problema seria o novo ...
As promised Como prometido
With reference to Em referência a
Further to Além de
In accordance with your instructions Segundo as suas directivas
As you know Como é do seu conhecimento
As far as we know Tanto quanto sabemos
3. Announcing that… 3. Anunciar que ...
We thank you for your prompt delivery of our order Agradecemos a sua rápida entrega da nossa
nº… and are pleased to report that the goods encomenda nº e temos o prazer de o informar que
arrived in good condition as mercadorias chegaram em boas condições.
We would mention that Mencionaríamos que
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We are interested in Estamos interessados em
We wish to renew our stock of Desejamos renovar o nosso stock de
In support of this view, I shall say that Realçando este aspecto, diria ainda que…
We are planning to Projectamos fazer
We are pleased to inform you that Temos o prazer de os informar que
Delighted Encantado
You will receive by (post), within the next few Receberá por correio, dentro dos próximos dias...
days…
We are pleased to inform you of the dispatch of Temos o prazer de os informar do despacho da
your order nº vossa encomenda nº...
We are sending you (herewith) Junto enviamos
We enclose Incluímos
We are sending you in separate cover Enviamos por correio separado
We are sending you by a later mail Enviamos por correio ulterior
…………………….… an early mail ………………. primeiro correio
The shipping documents – B/L, commercial invoice, Os documentos de envio – B/L, factura comercial,
insurance certificate – have been handed to (Bank), apólice de seguro – foram entregues ao (Banco),
who have accepted our draft for (amount of money) que aceitou o nosso levantamento pela soma de ...
We attach for your information Incluímos para uma melhor informação
We believe you will be interested in the enclosed Acreditamos que estará interessado no nosso
copy of our latest illustrated catalogue showing último catálogo ilustrado, que junto enviamos,
some of the … mostrando alguns dos ...
We shall be forwarding a consignment of Faremos seguir o envio de
The goods will be packed in accordance with the A mercadoria estará embalada segundo os
usual requirements requerimentos habituais
My fundamental objection to A minha objecção fundamental a
We confirm that Confirmamos que
We have received your indent nº… and we are Recebemos a sua encomenda nº ... e temos o
pleased to inform you that we have dispatched the prazer de informá-lo que enviaremos a seguinte
following goods … by … mercadoria ... por ...
We are prepared to Estamos prontos a
We shall do our utmost to Faremos o nosso máximo para
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As you see Como vê
We undertake to Comprometemos-nos / encarregamos-nos
We are anxious to Estamos impacientes por
We are considering Estamos a considerar
We have duly noted Anotamos devidamente
Our clients are increasingly looking for Os nossos clientes estão cada vez à mais à
procura de
We shall take the necessary steps to Tomaremos as medidas necessárias a
We are taking ………………………. Estamos a tomar....
We shall endeavour to Faremos o possível para
We hasten to Antecipamos, apressamos
We shall advise you in due course Aconselharemos Vossas Excelências na devida

altura
We suggest that Sugerimos que
You will understand the advisability of an early Entenderão as vantagens em encomendar o mais
order as we execute all orders in strict rotation. We cêdo possível, uma vez que atendemos as
should therefore advise you to order by the end of encomendas na mais estrita ordem de chegada
the month if you wish to have these articles in stock Caso pretendam obter este stock antes de ……
for aconselhamos que confirmem a encomenda antes
do fim do mês.
We look forward to having your reply Esperamos vivamente receber a vossa resposta
As soon as these requirements have been Assim que estas condicões forem satisfeitas,
satisfactorily settled, we shall be glad to put your teremos todo o prazer em executar a vossa
order into execution encomenda.
Please forward Agradecia que enviásse
We shall get into touch with Entraremos em contacto com
4. Requiring 4. Solicitar
We would be grateful if you could Ficaríamos gratos se pudessem
We would appreciate it if you could send us as soon Agradecíamos que nos enviassem tão depressa
as possible quanto possível
… (without delay) ... (sem demora)
Would you be so kind enough to Teria a amabilidade de
Would you be so kind as to (idem)
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Kindly Amavelmente / gentilmente
Please quote us for the supply of the items listed on Agradecíamos que nos informassem sobre os
the enclosed form giving your prices … preços dos artigos que figuram na lista que
juntamente enviamos
Will you please also state your earliest delivery Queira ter a amabilidade também de mencionar a
date, your terms of payment and discounts for data de entrega mais próxima, as suas condições
regular purchases de pagamento e eventuais descontos para compras
regulares.
Agradecíamos que nos fizesse chegar a sua

Would you please let us have your order rapidly to encomenda rapidamente a fim de assegurar a
ensure delivery by entrega da mercadoria antes de
Assim que for efectuada a entrega, agradecíamos

As soon as the goods are delivered, we would que nos informasse.
appreciate your notifying us
Aproveitamos esta oportunidade para
We take the opportunity to
Tomamos a liberdade de
We take the liberty of
Requeremos
We require
Teria a amabilidade de nos enviar os seguintes
Will you kindly send us the following items by
artigos por
We ask you to draw on us for the invoice value … Pedimos que seja efectuado um levantamento
days after sight through (Bank) relativo ao montante facturado de ... dias após
entrega através do Banco
We are submitting you
Submetemos ao seu parecer
We draw your attention to the fact that Chamamos a sua atenção para o facto que
We would point out that Focamos que
May we remind you that Gostaríamos lembrar Vossa Excelência que
This order is given strictly on condition of delivery Esta encomenda é feita estritamente segundo a
on or before (date) and we reserve the right of condição de a mercadoria ser entregue em ou
cancellation after this date antes de (data) e reservamos-nos o direito de
cancelar se esta data não for respeitada.
You have omitted to
Omitiu
5. Enquiring 5. Informar-se sobre

Will you please send us your prices for Agradecíamos que nos enviasse os seus preços
para
We would be grateful if you could give us a Agradecíamos se nos pudesse enviar a cotação
quotation for para
Would you mind sending us a quotation for IImporta-se de nos enviar a cotação para
Agradecia que nos desse a conhecer as datas de
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entrega mais próximas

Please let us know your earliest delivery dates
Agradecíamos que nos fizesse chegar
We would appreciate if you could provide us with
Teríamos grande prazer em ter
We would be pleased to have
Ficaríamos gratos se nos pudesse informar sobre
We should be obliged if you could give us some a situação financeira da seguinte empresa e se são
information about the financial standing (status) of credíveis e de confiança, uma vez que o seu
the following firm and whether they are reliable and gerente mostrou interesse em negociar com a
trustworthy, as its manager has recently required nossa empresa.
doing business with us.
Qualquer outra informação que poder nos
Any further information you may be able to give us comunicar seria muito apreciada e o seu parecer
will be appreciated, and your advice will, naturally, será, naturalmente, considerado estritamente
be treated in the strictest confidence. confidencial.
Estaríamos interessados em saber se nos poderia
We would be interested in knowing if you could conceder um desconto especial para
grant us a special discount for
Gostaríamos de saber se
We would like to know whether
Poderia mencionar as suas condições de
Could you state your terms for
Quanto é que cobraria por nos enviar algumas
How much would you charge for sending us a few amostras de...?
samples of
6. Replying to inquiries 6. Responder aos pedidos de informação
Em resposta ao seu pedido de informação recebido

In reply to your inquiry of (date) , we are sending em ..., junto enviamos ...
you
Como requereram, junto enviamos todos os
At your request, we are sending you full details of pormenores de
We are sending you herewith our latest catalogue Junto enviamos o nosso catálogo mais recente
together with details of our terms and conditions acompanhado de todos os pormenores das nossas
condições de pagamentos e outras
We are sending you a pro-forma invoice for the
items listed in your inquiry Enviamos uma factura pro-forma para os artigos
figurando no pedido de informação que nos
enviaram.
7. Ordering 7. Encomendar
Please supply the following Agradecíamos que nos fornecesse o seguinte
Kindly forward through our agent (name) the Agradecíamos que tivesse a amabilidade de nos
following goods fazer chegar através do nosso agente (nome) as
mercadorias seguintes
The material must be true to samples supplied O material tem de ser idêntico às amostras
fornecidas
We enclose a trial order. If the quality is up to our
expectations, we shall send further orders in the Junto enviamos uma encomenda para
near future. experimentar. Se a qualidade corresponder ás
nossas expectativas, em breve efectuaremos mais
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encomendas.
O comprimento total não deve exceder ... , e o peso

total não pode ser mais de
The overall length must not exceed …, and the total
weight must not be over … Se o padrão ...(ou referência nº) não estiver
disponível, agradecíamos que nos enviasse o
If pattern …( or reference nº) is not available, padrão ... ou a referência nº ...
please send pattern … or … instead
Se tiver um artigo similar mas de qualidade
superior, agradecíamos que nos enviasse no lugar
If you have a similar article but of better quality do outro, na condição que a diferença de preço não
please supply it instead, provided the price is not seja superior a 10%.
more than 10% higher.
Gostaríamos lembrar que a entrega é requerida
antes de (data) sem falta.
Please note that delivery is required before (date) Se os resultados das vendas forem satisfatórios,
without fail faremos da sua marca uma das nossas linhas
If sales are satisfactory, we shall make your brand principais..
one of our standard lines
8. Reminding 8. Segundas vias
Please find enclosed a copy of your statement of Junto enviamos uma cópia do estrato da sua conta,
account, the balance of which amounting to (….) is cuja soma de ... ainda está em dívida.
still overdue.
We are sorry to inform you that our Accounts Lamentamos informa-lo de que o nosso
Department has checked that the amount (…) is still Departamento de Contabilidade verificou que a
outstanding on your account. soma de ... da sua conta ainda está em divida
We presume that, owing to a series of unfortunate Presumimos que, devido a uma série de
circumstances, you were not able to settle the last circunstâncias infelizes, não vos foi possível
instalment due on (date). liquidar a sua última prestação que estava a
pagamento em ...
If, in the meantime, some action has been taken to Se, entretanto, já tiver liquidado a sua divida,
settle your debt, please ignore this reminder. agradecíamos que ignorasse este aviso.
Se esta soma se encontrar por liquidar no fim deste

If this sum is still due at the end of the month, your
mês, o seu processo será entregue ao nosso
file will be handed over to our solicitor who be
solicitador que se encontrará na obrigação de
obliged to start proceedings against you, which we
iniciar um processo contra Vossa Excelência, o que
very much regret.
lamentamos grandemente.
On checking our accounts, we have found that Ao verificar a nossa contabilidade, descobrimos
referring to your invoice nº of (date) the total que em referência à factura nº de ... a quantia total
amount of (…) is still unsettled. de ... ainda está por liquidar.
Para o nosso interesse mútuo, esperamos que esta
To our mutual interest, we hope this debt will be dívida possa ser liquidada assim que possível.
settled as soon as possible.
9. Complaining 9. Queixas
We are sorry to inform you, that we have received Lamentamos ter de informá-lo que não recebemos nem
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neither the goods nor any explanation for the delay as mercadorias nem nenhuma explicação para um tal
atraso.
If our order nº… is not dealt with before the end of
the month, we shall be compelled to cancel it. Se a nossa encomenda nº não for executada antes do
final deste mês, encontrar-nos-emos na obrigação de a
cancelar.
We would like to inform you that this is the second
time such an accident has happened and that we Queremos informar que esta é a segunda vez que um tal
are very disappointed with your service. acidente ocorre e que estamos muito decepcionados
com a vossa prestação de serviço.
f such an error occurs again, we shall be bound to
look for other suppliers. Se um tal erro voltar a ocorrer, teremos de procurar
outros fornecedores.
We regret to inform you that, owing to faulty
packing, one of our cases reached us in bad Lamentamos informa-lo que devido a uma embalagem
condition. defeituosa, um dos nossos caixotes foi entregue em más
condições.
As you have not been able to meet your delivery
dates, we have lost some of our most regular Visto não ter podido respeitar o prazo de entrega,
perdemos alguns dos nossos clientes mais regulares.
customers. We think a substantial compensation Pensamos que uma indenização significativa deveria ser-
should be paid to us for this highly inconvenient nos paga a fim de compensar esta situação
situation. desagradável.
How can a firm like yours let such mistakes occur? Como é que uma empresa como a vossa deixa que
tais erros aconteçam?
10. Apologising 10. Pedindo desculpa
We are sorry that Lamentamos que
We very much regret that Lamentamos imenso que
We ( must) apologise for Pedimos desculpa por
We apologise for the inconvenience ................................ pelo incómodo
Under the circumstances, we cannot be held Dado às circunstâncias, não nos podemos
responsible for any damage during transport. All considerar como responsáveis por os estragos
claims have to be lodged with the shipping ocorridos durante o transporte. Todas as queixas
company têm de ser dirigidas à empresa de transporte
Owing to unforeseen circumstances we have not Devido a circunstâncias imprevisíveis, não nos foi
been able to honour our commitments, but we can possível honrar os nossos compromissos, mas
assure you that next time we will do our best to give certificamos que numa próxima ocasião faremos o
you entire satisfaction. nosso melhor a fim de vos dar inteira satisfação.
The insurance company will send you an adjuster to A companhia de seguros vos enviará um perito
assess the amount of the damage. para avaliar a importância dos estragos.
We would like to apologise for this Gostaríamos pedir desculpa por este mal-
misunderstanding and we can assure you that such entendido, e confirmamos que tais erros não
errors will not occur again. voltarão a acontecer.
We are unaware that Desconhecemos que
We are afraid that Receamos que
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We are not in a position to Não estamos numa situação que nos permita
We are unable to Não nos é possível
Much to our regret Lamentamos imenso mas
We assume that Julgamos que
We assure you that Certificamos que
Unless we hear the contrary Somente em aviso contrário
There is little doubt that Não restam dúvidas quanto

Needless to say that we will be delighted to replace É inútil dizer que teremos todo o prazer de
all the articles that do not fit your requirements. substituir todos os artigos que não correspondem
aos seus requerimentos
11. Ending 11. Finalizando
We trust that your satisfaction with this initial order Estamos confiantes de que a sua satisfação para com
will afford us further opportunities of doing business esta encomenda inicial nos permitirá obter outras
with you. oportunidades de negociar com Vossas Excelências.
We trust you will appreciate our efforts to complete Estamos seguros de que apreciarão os nossos esforços
para conseguir executar estas encomendas nos prazos
these orders in due time previstos.
Thank you in advance for your future orders Para já agradecemos as encomendas que poderão
efectuar no futuro
Thank you in advance for your reply and your
De avanço agradecemos a sua resposta e delicadeza
courtesy.
para com a nossa empresa.
If you require further particulars / information / Se desejar obter mais pormenores /informação
details
Ficaríamos gratos por
We would welcome the opportunity to
Ficaremos à sua inteira disposição para
We are at your entire disposal
Esperamos ter a ocasião de o ouvir / ver / receber na
We are looking forward to hearing from you / to nossa fábrica / nos nossos escritórios / nas nossas
seeing you / to receiving you in our (factory / offices instalações
/ premises)
Esperamos ter a oportunidade de ganhar a sua confiança
We hope to have the opportunity of winning your e estamos desejosos de ter o prazer de o receber no
custom and look forward to the pleasure of nosso mostruário.
welcoming you to our new showrooms
Será muito bem-vindo
You will be most heartily welcome
12. Closing salutations 12. Fechos de correspondência

Please give my best regards to Agradeço que transmita os meus melhores
cumprimentos a
Best regards / Respectfully / Yours sincerely / With
best wishes / Yours faithfully Com os meus melhores cumprimentos / atentamente
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6. THE LAYOUT OF A BUSINESS LETTER
Introduction
Nowadays we have at our disposal a wide range of means of communication attending our various
needs and demands. Nevertheless, the business letter, fax or email are the most often used all over
the world, as they represent a permanent record which may be referred to as an evidence later.
Moreover, we can carefully plan, organise and draft the contents of any of these means and we
have the possibility to deal with intricate or lengthy subjects without losing track of whatever matters.
Letters may be a means of conveying confidential information as well.
The present trend of letters tends to a freer, less formal style as it is designed for easy reading, as
time is scarce. Therefore there are essential pieces of information that it must convey:
1. WHO wrote it
2. WHEN was it written
3. TO WHOM it was addressed
4. WHY it was written
There are certain guidelines to follow while presenting your letter, such as the full blocked lay-out,
which means that every line begins at the left margin lined up with the left edge of your letter head,
and punctuation must be as free as possible.
Parts of a Business Letter
The letter head
It is printed or engraved on the firm’s stationery and should contain the name of the company, its
address, telephone number, fax, email, internet site
References
You must mention your reference and that of the person you are answering to if previously
mentioned.
They normally consist of the initials of the sender / date or number of mail
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Date
Do not use abbreviated forms of writing it. There is no need to put “th” or st” after the day of the
month
Special message
It can be “For the attention of” / “Urgent” / “Confidential
Name and address of the recipient : inside address
It should correspond to the name and address on the envelope.
The opening salutation
It is limited to the following forms:
16. “Sir”; “Dear Sir” ; “Dear Sirs” or even ”Gentlemen” / “Dear Madam” ; “Mesdames” . These
salutations are recommended whenever you wish to be formal or if you have not exchanged any
letters previously with your correspondent.
17. “Dear Mr Turner”, “Dear Ms Turner” (to an unmarried or married woman) , “Dear Mrs Turner” (to
a married woman) , “Dear Miss Turner” (to an unmarried woman) , “Dear Andrew” (to a friend or
someone you know well)
Subject heading
It must be concise and overall it must sum up in a few words the main issue of your letter.
The Body of the letter
It must be clear and courteous. Its style should be easy to read and its ideas should be concisely
exposed.
Separate aspects of the same subject should be dealt with in separate paragraphs, and entirely
different matters are to be dealt with in separate letters.
The Closing Salutation
It should correspond to the opening salutation. However, “Best regards” is both formal and friendly.
Underneath the closing salutation there should be mentioned the company of the sender.
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Opening Salutation Closing Salutation
Dear Sir / Dear Madam Yours faithfully / respectfully
Dear Mr. Turner / Ms Turner / Yours sincerely / Best regards
Mrs Turner / Miss Turner
Dear Andrew Best wishes / Best regards
The Signature
It authenticates and fixes the responsibility for the letter.
The name and position held by the writer should be mentioned immediately underneath his or her
signature.
EX: (signature)
Name of the sender
Designation or position
Enclosures
It indicates that something is to be sent with the letter and also the number of documents that are
enclosed: “Encl. 2”
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7. PUNCTUATION
Introduction
In most business letters free punctuation is adopted, nevertheless it may have its part to play in
avoiding ambiguity. In order to do so, here are some fundamental rules to keep in mind.
• Capital letters
We use them to start a sentence, for proper nouns, for titles and certain abbreviations.
• A full stop
We use it to mark that the sentence is completed. It was used after initials or titles until recently.
• A comma ( , )
It marks a breathing point, a short pause in a sentence. It is advisable to use a comma: - to

separate words in a description, list, etc…
18. To focus on a word or to introduce a speech at the beginning of a sentence. (EX: First, … / as
we were approaching the meeting room, my heart started pounding intensely.)
19. To add a further detail to a fact. (EX: It was clear, as he showed the evidence, that she was
guilty.
20. To avoid confusion
• A semi colon ( ; )
It brings a longer pause to the reading than the comma does.
21. It is used to point out a contrast in a description of facts (EX: Mary played tennis beautifully; Ann
could not stand it.)
22. It separates elements of a description or a list, stressing their order of use or importance.
• A colon ( : )
It introduces a description or list, adds an example to what had been stated previously. It introduces
direct speech or announces a quotation.
• Parenthesis or round brackets ( )
They convey additional meaning to the sentence or the exposed idea; sometimes a comma may
replace them.
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• The Hyphen ( - )
It joins two words so they form a unity.
It also divides words at the end of the lines, even though with the word processors it is useless to do
so.
• The simple dash ( -- )
To stress a change that occurred in an idea or thought.
It also adds further details to an explanation.
• The double dash ( -- ……… -- )
They are used as the brackets are but add further emphasis.
• The exclamation mark ( ! )
To express amazement.
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8. ENQUIRIES / REPLIES / PRICE QUOTATION
Inquiries or enquiries
It is a simple kind of letter that anyone has to write at some time or another, nevertheless it must
include:
• the reference of how you have been informed of the name, address and products sold by your
correspondent.
• You may enquire about price quotations, delivery dates, terms of payment, discounts, credit
facilities, after-sale service, etc…
• In the closing salutation you may thank your correspondent for the information provided.
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Turner & Co
30, Sunset Crescent
Preston, Lancashire
United Kingdom
Tel. 77789001 Fax 77789002
Our ref AT / 4 –2-03
4 February 2003
For the attention of Ms Sylvie Guerard
Chevignon SA
15 Rue Lafayette
Paris IX
France
Dear Ms Guerard
Subject: enquiry about products and terms
I have just obtained your contact through a common acquaintance of ours, Mrs Price, who kindly showed
me some of your products.
We have several fashion stores spread out in the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland and wish to
widen our range of brands in exhibited in our stores.
Will you be so kind as to send us a copy of your latest catalogue for the Summer collection along with the
price lists?
We would be grateful if you could also state your terms of payment, earliest delivery dates and discounts
for regular purchases.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Yours faithfully,
Turner & Co
Andrew Turner
Buyer
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Replies to enquiries
These letters do not need to be long but should always be polite and direct to the point. They should
avoid any superfluous detail.
Chevignon
….
Your ref AD / 4-2-03
Our ref SG / 103.2.3
10 February 2003
For the attention of Mr A Turner
Turner & Co
….
Dear Mr Turner
Subject: reply to enquiry
In reply to your enquiry, we are sending you under separate cover, our new catalogue with the
Summer collection, with the price list and special discounts for orders in bulk.
We can supply any of the items, in the quantity you desire, within 6 days.
After studying our prices and liberal trade-terms, you will understand the advisability of an early
order, as we execute all orders in strict rotation.
We should therefore ask you to forward your order by mail, fax or email by the end of the month
if you wish to have these articles in stock for the Summer season sales.
We thank you for your enquiry, and we are looking forward to receiving your order.
Your faithfully,
Chevignon
Sylvie Guerard
Sales Manager
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Exercises
(20 Marks)
1. Write an enquiry letter to a ceramics factory requiring them to send you brochures or catalogues
of their products, price lists, terms of payment and delivery dates.
2. Write the reply to the previous enquiry.
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9. ORDERS AND EXECUTION OF ORDERS
Orders
These letters should be brief, accurate and without any ambiguity.
Here is a list of some of the points that they may include:
1. Reference to catalogue or list
2. Reference number of the item, colour, pattern, model, line, etc…
3. Quantity, number, weight, length, etc, must be clearly stated for each article.
4. Alternative goods acceptable, if exact goods required are not available.
5. All documents required – invoices, B/L (Bill of Lading), customs documents, etc.
6. Full instructions for packing.
7. Shipping or forwarding instructions, with details of warehousing, route, agents, etc.
8. Details of payment.
9. Delivery dates
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TURNER & Co
Your ref
Our ref
27 February 2003
For the attention of Ms Sylvie Guerard
Chevignon
Dear Ms Sylvie Guerard
Subject: Order of goods
Thank you for the catalogue and price list which you so promptly sent me. I have decided to purchase the
…
Our national transport service, Dud and Dud, will be sending you a lorry to Paris IX as soon as our order is
executed. They have quoted me a reduced rate for a return load from Spain in the first week of March and
I would like to take advantage of it in case the goods are ready by then. Please inform me as that
possibility.
As soon as I receive your invoice, I shall ask you to draw on us for the total amount 30 days after sight
through Barclays Bank, London.
Yours faithfully,
Andrew Turner
Buyer
Execution of orders
Usually an order is acknowledged at once, often in the form of a repetition of the articles ordered,
which serves as a check on the accuracy of the order.
These letters must be courteous and refer to the goods. They must state that the order will be
attended to and that the delivery will be as prompt as possible or in accordance to the requirements
expressed previously and agreed by both companies.
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CHEVIGNON
Your ref
Our ref
3 March 2003
For the attention of Mr Andrew Turner
Turner & Co
Dear Mr Andrew Turner
Subject: Execution of your order nº…
Thank you for your order for:
….
It is already being taken care of and there is no difficulty in getting the goods to you by the date you
require. Therefore you can inform your transport service that you may take advantage of their reduction
rate.
We shall draw on you for the invoice value Euros 32,000 at 30 days after sight through Barclays Bank,
London, to whom we have handed the commercial invoice, the Bill of Lading, and the insurance policy
taken out with the Fidelity Insurance Company.
The London branch of Lloyds Bank will deliver these documents to you on the date that you honour our Bill
of Exchange.
As soon as these goods are delivered in London, we would appreciate your notifying us.
We trust your satisfaction with this initial order will afford us further opportunities of doing business with
your stores.
Best regards
Chevignon
Sylvie Guerard
Sales Manager
VI
Exercises
(20 Marks)
1. Write a letter to a factory ordering a container of 40 feet of the products specified and referenced
in an enclosed list. Mention your terms of payment and expected date of delivery. Do not forget
to give your bank’s name and references.
2. Write a reply to the letter mentioned above.
VI
10. FOLLOW-UP LETTERS
They are necessary whenever there is no reply after an enquiry. They should not show surprise or
regret at not having received an order and should avoid any aggressive tone. They must be polite
and concise.
Harmer Ltd
Shoe Makers
17, St James Street
Canterbury
Your ref
Our ref
16 May 2004
For the attention of Mrs Samps
Nice Foot Ltd
23 Prince Phillip Avenue
Edinburgh
Dear Mrs Samps
Subject: Follow-up letter to an enquiry.
When you visited our stand at the English Fashion Exhibition you were interested in our Winter collection.
At your request, we sent you full details of this new collection, but at that time we could not guarantee delivery before
October. This may be the reason for which you have not placed an order with us. However, with the increasing
demands on our lines, we have extended production to another part of our factory, and are now in a position to offer
delivery by September.
As you may not have at hand the catalogues we provided during your visit, we are enclosing our latest ones.
A first limited order can be delivered within a fortnight, so that you can display models in your stores, and you can check
how successful our models are.
Yours faithfully,
Harmer Ltd
James Jens
Head of the Sales Department
Exercises
(20 Marks)
Write a follow-up letter to an enquiry and enclose your new catalogue exhibiting the latest lines of
your products. Do not forget to mention that you will be present at the Frankfurt International
exhibition fair in March and that you would be pleased to receive your client at your stand and
show him or her some of your samples.
VI
11. INVOICING AND PAYMENT
Most business transactions are conducted on credit terms by which the customer is allowed a
certain time for payment, which might vary from 14 days to 6 months.
Nevertheless, credit payment raises certain problems when a customer is new and the supplier
usually asks for references.
Asking for bank references
….
Dear Sirs,
We were very pleased to receive your order for gods to the value of …
As this is our first transaction with you, will you kindly send us the name of a bank or firm who would
be willing to act as a referee for you?
As soon as these requirements have been satisfactorily settled, we shall be glad to put your order
into execution.
We hope that this order will be first of many and will establish a long and agreeable business
association.
Yours faithfully,
….
Inquiring about a new customer’s financial status
Dear Sirs,
We have recently received an order for … from ….Ltd. They have given us your firm as a reference
and we should be obliged if you could give us some information about their financial status and
whether they are reliable and trustworthy.
Your advice will, naturally, be treated in the strictest confidence.
Thank you in advance for your reply.
Yours faithfully,
VI
The invoice
It must bear the following statements:
• the seller’s name, address, Trade Register number, etc…
• the date and number of the invoice
• the buyer’s name and address
• the description of the goods (reference number, quantity, unit price, etc…)
• the total price plus taxes (Value Added Tax), reductions if applicable are subtracted to find the
total price to be paid.
• Order number, delivery number.
• Means of dispatch
• Weight of the items
• Date and means of payment
If the customer has been overcharged, a credit note is issued to avoid any correction. The amount of
this note is deducted from the next invoice.
If the customer has been undercharged, then a debit note is made out.
Payment
The buyer wishes to prove that the goods sent to him have been paid for or will be paid for in
accordance to the agreed terms.
Most of the times in business transactions payment is made by a cheque, a Bill of Exchange, or a
promissory note. Any of these documents may serve as proof.
Exercises
(20 Marks)
1. Write a letter to a client acknowledging his or her order. Enclose the invoice for the ordered
products, remind your client of the agreed terms of payment and dates of delivery.
2. You have just received the invoice for the products that you had previously ordered. Confirm that
you will pay according to the agreed terms of payment, that you could very well rewrite in order
to avoid any possible ambiguity in their settlement.
VI
12. REMINDERS / CLAIMS / COMPLAINTS
In spite of all the care usually given to the handling of an order, errors do occur and give rise to
complaints.
The letter of complaint should be reasonable and understanding. It must state clearly what is wrong
and pointing out the inconvenience caused, supported by facts in order to prove that the complaint is
duly justified.
…..
Dear Sirs,
On March 23, we requested a quantity of blue jeans according to the description on your catalogue,
for May 4.
Our order was placed for: ….
We received your acknowledgement of this order, dated April 2, promising prompt shipment. In order
to enable to check this point, we shall enclose a copy of this document.
Two months later, we are still expecting the goods to be delivered and we have not received any
explanation for such a delay.
As long-time customers of your firm, we feel entitled to better service than this. Please advise us by
return of post when we may expect delivery of this order. If we cannot receive the goods that we
ordered by the end of the month, we must ask you to cancel the whole order, and we shall look for
other suppliers.
Best regards,
…..
Exercises
(20 Marks)
1. Write a similar letter of complaint, stressing your disappointment as regards the handling of the
order that you placed in due time, overall that you have been a loyal client to their products.
2. Imagine a polite answer offering your client an acceptable reason for such a long delay in your
delivery.
VI
VII. BIBLIOGRAPHY
ACCOUNTING
ENGLISH I
BIBLIOGRAFIA IEFP
VII. BIBLIOGRAPHY
SANDLER, P.L. e C.L.Stott (1987), Manage with English, Oxford Univ Press. Londres
TULIS, G. e M. Lannon (1997), Insights into Business, Nelson English Teaching, Londres
BRIEGER, N. e J. Comfort (1998), Finance, Prentice-Hall International, Londres
BRIEGER, N. e G. Sweeney (2000), The Language of Business English, Longman, Londres
HEDGES, R. (2002), Running your own Business, Law Pack, Londres

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IEFP - ISG

Colecção MANUAIS PARA APOIO À FORMAÇÃO EM CIÊNCIAS EMPRESARIAIS

Título Inglês Comercial Básico

Inglês Comercial Básico Guia do Formando

I. THE NUMBERS COUNT ................................................................................................ 1

1. The Definite And Indefinite Articles ....................................................................................... 4

3. The Possessive Adjectives / Position of the Adjectives ...................................................... 21

4. “To Be” and “To Have” ........................................................................................................ 25

Accounting English I Guia do Formando

7. The Alphabet ....................................................................................................................... 41

8. The Numbers ....................................................................................................................... 42

9. The Jobs .............................................................................................................................. 46

10. Office Furniture and Stationery............................................................................................ 51

11. Offices: Old and New...........................................................................................................53

12. Secretarial Vocabulary......................................................................................................... 55

13. Accounting Fundamentals and Users of Accounting Information ........................................ 64

14. What do Numbers Mean?.................................................................................................... 70

15. Secretarial Tasks ................................................................................................................. 71

Guia do Formando Accounting English I

II. ACCOUNTING SYSTEMS............................................................................................ 73

1. The Verbal Forms................................................................................................................ 76

4. The Interrogative pronouns ................................................................................................. 85

5. Prepositions and Adverbs of Place ..................................................................................... 90

6. Directions and Places.......................................................................................................... 97

7. Descriptions / Sizes and Forms / Incoterms........................................................................ 99

8. Countries and Nationalities ............................................................................................... 109

Accounting English I Guia do Formando

9. Feelings ............................................................................................................................. 113

10. Hobbies and Leisure.......................................................................................................... 116

11. Accounting Vocabulary ...................................................................................................... 118

12. Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ........................................................................ 124

III. THE MANAGEMENT PROCESS AND ACCOUNTING..............................................137

1. The Simple Past ................................................................................................................140

Guia do Formando Accounting English I

2. The Present Perfect .......................................................................................................... 151

3. The Past Perfect................................................................................................................ 153

4. Postpositions / Phrasal Verbs ........................................................................................... 155

5. Things We Do.................................................................................................................... 161

6. Business Terms................................................................................................................. 167

7. The Nature of Planning and Controlling ............................................................................ 171

8. Budgets ............................................................................................................................. 173

9. Performance Reports ........................................................................................................ 175

10. From Orders to Final Payment .......................................................................................... 177

Accounting English I Guia do Formando

IV. THE ACCOUNTANT´S ROLE IN A BUSINESS ORGANISATION ............................183

11. The Present Conditional .................................................................................................... 186

12. The Past Conditional ......................................................................................................... 187

13. The Modal and Defective Verbs ........................................................................................ 191

14. The IF-clauses ................................................................................................................... 203

15. Legal Vocabulary ...............................................................................................................205

16. Management Vocabulary................................................................................................... 208

17. The Accountant’s Role....................................................................................................... 212

V. THE ACCOUNTS DEPARTMENT ..............................................................................215

1. The Comparatives and Superlatives.................................................................................. 218

Guia do Formando Accounting English I

2. The Possessive Case........................................................................................................ 228

3. Structures Of The Substantive And Adjective ................................................................... 232

4. Accounting Vocabulary...................................................................................................... 238

6. Balance Sheet ................................................................................................................... 244

VI. BUSINESS CORRESPONDENCE ............................................................................. 251

1. The Passive Voice............................................................................................................. 254

Accounting English I Guia do Formando

2. The Reported Speech........................................................................................................ 257