• You will hear three telephone conversations or messages. • Write one or two words or a number in the numbered spaces on the no

Man: Sara, can you bring me up to speed with the production situation? We’ve had a few problems, haven’t we?
Woman: Yes, we had technical problems on the assembly line and, on top of that, prices of the plastic components have rocketed, and because of that we’re about to increase the prices of our goods which won’t please our customers.
Man: Surely everyone’s affected, not just us?
Woman: Yes, but we should have made agreements with our suppliers to sell only to us, like many of our competitors do. We missed out there.
Man: Why was that?
Woman: I suggested it at the monthly team meeting, but they thought there was no rush. I tried bringing it up at the focus meeting, but we didn’t get round to it.
Man: Well, it’s time we did. What else?
Woman: We had to recall all products made last month because of defective casings. This was because we simply didn’t have enough skilled operators, although the earlier problems with missing machine parts had already been resolved. So we’re back on track now.
Man: I’m glad to hear it. Thanks.