🔥 Warm-Up (5 minutes)
- What kind of company news do you usually follow — mergers, layoffs, expansions?
- Why do you think companies issue press releases for major announcements?
📖 Key Vocabulary
| English | Type | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| merger | n. | The two companies announced a merger last week. |
| acquisition | n. | The acquisition was completed after months of negotiation. |
| shareholder | n. | Shareholders voted to approve the new plan. |
| restructuring | n. | The company underwent restructuring to reduce costs. |
| headquarters | n. | The company moved its headquarters to a new building. |
| press release | n. | The press release announced record profits. |
| stakeholder | n. | The decision affects all major stakeholders. |
| expansion | n. | The company's expansion into new markets continues. |
| layoff | n. | The layoffs affected about 5% of staff. |
| profit margin | n. | The profit margin improved after the cost-cutting measures. |
🧠 Grammar / Strategy Focus
Linking words connect ideas and show relationships such as contrast, cause and effect, or addition. However and on the other hand show contrast (“Sales increased; however, profits declined”). Therefore and as a result show cause and effect (“Costs rose sharply; therefore, prices were adjusted”). In addition and furthermore add information (“The company expanded overseas; in addition, it launched a new product line”). These words usually appear at the start of a clause, followed by a comma, and are heavily tested in TOEIC Part 6.
✏️ Part 5 Practice
Incomplete Sentences
📝 Part 6 Practice
Text Completion (Subject: ABC Corporation and Delta Industries Merger)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ABC Corporation and Delta Industries announced today that they have agreed to merge, creating one of the largest companies in the region. The merger is expected to close by the end of the year, pending approval from shareholders and regulators. (1), the combined company will operate under the name ABC-Delta Holdings.
The merger is expected to create significant cost savings through shared resources. (2), it is expected to expand the company's presence in international markets. Some restructuring will take place over the next six months; (3), the companies do not expect major layoffs. (4), employees in overlapping departments may be offered new roles within the combined organization.
Media Contact: press@abcdelta.com
📰 Part 7 Practice
Reading Comprehension
A Ho Chi Minh City-based technology company announced this week that it will open three new offices across Southeast Asia over the next two years, including locations in Bangkok, Manila, and Jakarta. The expansion is part of the company's strategy to strengthen its presence in the region and better serve international clients.
According to the company's CEO, the decision follows a year of record growth, with revenue increasing by 35% and the client base expanding significantly. However, the CEO also noted that the expansion would require careful planning, as hiring and training new staff in unfamiliar markets presents unique challenges. The company expects to hire approximately 200 new employees across the three new offices.
🎧 Listening Practice
Talk (Part 4 style)
Teacher: read the script aloud twice (or record it) at natural speed, then ask students the questions below.
Good afternoon, everyone. I'm pleased to share some exciting news. As many of you know, we've had a strong year, and as a result, the board has approved our plan to expand into three new markets over the next twenty-four months. This expansion will create new opportunities for many of you, including potential transfers and leadership roles. However, I want to be clear that this process will take time, and we'll share more details as they become available. Thank you for your continued hard work.