2020年12月英语四级听力原文：长对话1

WOMAN: Mr. Smith, It’s a pleasure meeting you!

Man: Nice to meet you, too. What can I do for you?

WOMAN: Well, I’m here to show you what our firm can do for you. Astro Consultants has branches in over fifty countries, offering different business services. We’re a global company with 75 years of history. And our clients include some of the world’s largest companies.

MAN: Thank you, Mrs. Houston. I know Astro Consultants is a famous company. But you said you would show me what you could do for me. Well. What exactly can your firm do for my company?

WOMAN: We advise businesses on all matters, from market analysis to legal issues. Anything a business like yours could meet. Our firm offers expert advice. Could I ask you, Mr. Smith, to tell me a little about your company and the challenges you face? That way, I could better respond as to how we can help you.

Man: OK, sure. This is a family business started by my grandfather in 1950. We employ just over 100 people. We manufacture an export stone for buildings and other constructions. Our clients usually want a special kind of stone cut in a special design. And that’s what we do in our factory. Our main challenge is that our national currency is rising, and we’re losing competitive advantages to stone produces in India.

WOMAN: I see. That’s very interesting. I will suggest that you let us first conduct a financial analysis of your company, together with the analysis of your competitors in India. That way, we could offer the best advice on different ways forward for you.

Question 8-11 are based on the conversation you have just heard.

Q8: What do we learn about the woman’s company?

Q9: What does the man say about his own company?

Q10: What is the main problem with the man’s company?

Q11: What does the woman suggest doing to help the man’s company?