Fill in the blanks.Listen and check.

downsize                  recession        outsourcing        unemployment


Linda: Do you think this ______________ can get much worse?
Miller: On the contrary! I see signs of a recovery. The inflation rate has been steadily declining. and the __________ rate is also low.
Linda: But I've also heard reports that lots of companies will continue to _________over the next few yaers.
Miller: That may be true, but I don't think the recession is the cause. Companies are restructuring and laying off people in redundant positions. And they're also _______more work, so they need fewer permanent staf on the payroll.

What kind of problem is being described? Write the word in the blank.

downsizing     falling market      inflation       unbalanced trade     high unemployment

1. "The company is laying off 500 employees!" ______________
2. "Shares are down 10 points!" _____________
3. "Prices are on the rise!" _____________
4. "We're importing more than we're exporting!" ______________
5. "Too many people are out of work and can't find jobs!" ______________

Correct the mistake in each of the following sentences.

1. The bank is offering a very good interesting rate on loans.
2. The company wanted to take along its competitor, but it didn't have the funds.
3. Bothe the economy and the population were boomed in the 1950's.
4. The smaller company merged to the larger company last year.
5. The two companies proposed to undertake a joined venture.