ためになる英語94

Part 8

Story

After returning from her trip Kathy successfully applied for and entered The Le Cordon Bleu Pâtisserie and Baking Program to become certified. She studied for almost two years in Seattle, Washington.

Vocabulary

Apply (verb); make a formal application or request.

Examples

1. I applied for that banking job at SMBC. I hope I get it.
2. I need to apply to the Universities this weekend.
3. Q. Have you applied for that research position yet?

Certified (adjective); officially recognize as possessing certain qualifications or meeting certain standards.

Examples

1. I’m a certified barista.
2. You need to be certified to teach English overseas.
3. Q. Are you certified to use that machinery?

Nik

Part 7

Story

Kathy had wanted to start her own dessert shop ever since she visited one in Paris a few years ago. Since that trip she’s been practicing making all kinds of desserts. She’s tried making everything from Italian Tiramisu to Guava ice cream from South Africa. Now, she’s very confident in her ability to make great desserts.

Vocabulary

Practice (verb); the customary, habitual, or expected procedure or way of doing of something.

Examples

1. I practice the piano every day.
2. I really need to practice my English pronunciation.
3. Q. Have you been practicing parking? Your driver’s test is coming up.

Confident (adjective); feeling or showing certainty about something.

Examples

1. I’m not so confident in my public speaking abilities.
2. I’m confident the party will go well.
3. Q. Are you confident that the experiment will work?

Nik

Part 5

Story

As Kathy finished up on the phone her associate Samantha walked into the shop.

“Morning Kathy! How’s everything? I hope you don’t mind but I took the initiative and scheduled the interview with that new girl for tomorrow.”

“Morning Sam. Yeah everything is good. Okay that’s great. What time is she going to come by?”

“I told her to come here at 2 pm. I hope she’s good. Her knowledge of baking seems good and her recommendations are of the highest quality.”

Vocabulary

Initiative (noun); the ability to start things on your own.

1. I took the initiative and ordered next week’s supplies.
2. Please take the initiative and get the project started.
3. Q. Are you good at taking initiative when things need to be done?

Quality (noun); the standard of something as measured against other things of a similar kind.

1. That Whiskey is of the highest quality.
2. Honesty is a desirable quality.
3. Q. Do you think Louis Vuitton bags are good quality?

Nik

Part 4

Story

Kathy and her friend opened ‘La Maison de Chocolat’ in a pretty trendy neighborhood. They became popular quickly. Their customers were typically women in their 30’s and 40’s who were looking to buy something special for their parties.

Vocabulary

Trendy (adjective); very fashionable or up to date.

Examples

1. Crocs were very trendy sandals a few years ago.
2. People say that Naka Meguro is a trendy area in Tokyo.
3. Do you remember when Tamagotchi was popular ?

Customer (noun) a person who buys goods or services from a shop or business.

Examples

1. A line of customers were waiting to get into the ramen shop for lunch.
2. A few customers commented on how good our cakes were.
3. Do you know how many customers came in yesterday? A. We served around 220.

P.S. A customer is defined as ’someone who buys goods or services from a store or business.’ A client is also a type of customer. In business, the two terms are often used differently based on the types of relationships built. Customers are generally people who come to you mainly to buy products or services you supply. Clients buy your advice and solutions personalized to their particular needs.

Nik

Part 3

Story

Kathy checked the list and put down the clip board. She picked up the phone and dialed the number to the supply company. She had a contract with a local supplier. Since a small café had opened down the street she had to be smarter with her orders. The competition was putting pressure on her shop.

Vocabulary

Contract (Noun); a written or spoken agreement, especially one concerning employment, sales, or tenancy, that is intended to be enforceable by law.

I have a new contract with Softbank. I can use 20 GB of internet.

My current work contract is finished this spring. We will have to talk about an extension.

Q. Did you see Masahiro Tanaka’s contract? It’s a seven year, and 155 million dollar contract.

Competition (Noun); the activity or condition of striving to gain or win something by defeating or establishing superiority over others.

The competition for dentists in Kanto is pretty strong. I’ve heard there are more dentists than convenience stores in Japan.

I have a swim competition next weekend. I have to train a lot.

Q. Have you seen the competition for the science fair?

Nik