Current project
Present continuous
1. Listening
The Managing Director is getting up-to-date on the current projects of various departments. In some cases, they have no current projects, but have fixed plans for the future. As you listen, match the projects/plans with the departments. The first one has been done for you.
请见附图一
Listening Task
MD：OK, let’s have a look very briefly at the current departmental projects. Why don’t we start with EDP?
EDP：We’re doing a user study for the installation of the new micros. So we’re talking to all the new users at the moment.
MD：Right, what about Finance? I believe you are thinking of changing our accounting system.
FM：Yes, that’s right. We’re having problems with the old system so we’re looking into a new accounting system.
MD：Fine, let’s move on to Marketing. Are you working on any special projects?
MM：Not really; but we are planning an advertising campaign for our new product.
MD：Interesting. I look forward to seeing it. What about Production?
PM：Well, as you know, we are currently installing the new automated assembly line.
MD：Of course. You must be pretty busy. Personnel, what are you doing?
PeM：We’re trying to recruit new young graduates at the moment.
MD：How’s that going?
PeM：Fine.
MD：Well, the Administration Department are not represented here today. They are moving to new offices next week, so they’ve got their hands full. Research and Development are also very busy-they’re testing the new prototype. That just leaves Transport and Management Services. John?
TM：The Transport Department is rationalizing the distribution network-so we’re hoping for some big cost cuts in the near future.
MD：Good. And Management Services?
MSM：Well, we haven’t got anything we’re working on just at the moment but we are running a series of quality training seminars next month.
MD：Right, that just about covers it.
2. Presentation
In this extract, you heard the present continuous tense used in two ways:
to indicate the present (and temporary) nature of the activity
to indicate that a future plan is fixed (cannot be changed)
2.1 To indicate the present (and temporary) nature of the activity
We are doing a user study at the moment.
We are currently installing the new assembly line.
Note: Time markers like: at the moment, currently, now are often used.
2.2 To indicate that a future plan is fixed (cannot be changed)
We are moving to new offices next week.
We are running a series of quality training seminars next month.
Note: We use the present continuous to mean a present fixed plan to do something in the future.
3. Controlled practice
A. Complete the tapescript of a meeting by inserting the right form. Use each of the following verbs once:
work on, find, run at, come, do, happen, plan, approach, teach, think, expand, manage
MD：At the moment, the market _____ ____. So this is an opportunity we must take. Our advertising agency ____ ___ ____ a new campaign for next month. Now, what about Production?
PM：Currently we ___ ___ ___ 75% capacity-so, that gives us some spare capacity.
MD：Good, how ____ we ____ on staffing levels in the factory?
PM：We ___ ___ it difficult to recruit technicians. There seems to be a shortage on the job market.
MD：What ___ you ___ to do about it?
PM：Well, we ___ ___ of using a recruitment agency. A chap from a local agency ___ ___ in to see me on Monday to talk about it.
MD：Fine, what about cash flow? The upturn in the market is going to be a drain on cash.
FM：That’s right. At the moment, we ___ ___ on an overdraft of about ₤85000. I can go and talk to the Bank Manager about it. We’ve always been a good customer.
MD：Yes, do that as soon as possible. Finally, training. We’re going to need some more sales reps and technicians in production. What ____ ____ at the moment in training?
TM：We ____ ____ a refresher sales course but we’ve got spare capacity…
B. Sylvia Drake and Michael Moore are arranging a meeting to discuss next year’s sales budget. Look at their diaries for Monday to Wednesday and complete the conversation.
责任编辑：sealion1986
