How to answer questions

　　Example question:

　　What determines the price of a product?

　　Example answer:

　　● The price of a product is influenced by the costs. 1

　　● This is because firms have to charge a price which is greater than costs to make a profit. 2

　　● However in the short run a firm may sell a product at a loss. This may be to gain market share or because the product is still at the introduction phase and has high research and launch costs. 3

　　● Overall it depends on whether we are considering a short or long term pricing policy. Firms may be willing to make a loss in the short run. It will also depend on the objectives of the firm. Some public sector organisations, e.g. may simply try to cover costs.

　　Example

　　Question: Should firms train their employees?

　　Answer:

　　By training their employees firms may be able to increase their profits BECAUSE trained staff are likely to be more productive and make les mistakes. Employees might also be more motivated BECAUSE they might be able to undertake more interesting work and BECAUSE managers are showing that they value their staff (which can satisfy their esteem needs). HOWEVER training costs money and is not always successful. It can also lead to a loss of production while staff are being trained. OVERALL, management will have to weigh up the potential

　　benefits against the costs. If, for example, the firm has the necessary resources, the

　　training is relatively cheap and is likely to lead to significant increases in productivity

　　and profitability the firm likely to invest in it. If, ON THE OTHER HAND, the firm lacks the necessary finance and staff already have the skills required then training is LESS LIKELY.

　　Ⅰ Introduction to BV Speaking

　　format

　　conversation

　　presentation

　　discussion

　　criteria

　　pronunciation

　　vocabulary & grammar

　　discourse management

　　interactive communication

　　examiner

　　interlocutor

　　assessor

　　Cambridge examiner