Wednesday's assignment

Contracts

Task 1:

Listen to a talk and take notes of seven key points and supporting details. Compare your notes with a partner.

Before you consider signing a contract ...

When signing a contract ...

Task 2:

Listen again and answer the questions.

1.    What can prevent you from getting the best possible service and price?

2.    What are the potential consequences of not performing due diligence?

3.    What signals should you be wary of when a contract is involved?

4.    What can help prevent misunderstandings or fraud when you sign a contract?

5.    What is contained in “the fine print” and what are the consequences of not reading it?

6.    What points does the speaker make about the language of contracts?

7.    Explain the term direct agreement and give an example of a personal development service agreement. What do both of these agreements have in common?

8.    What are the potential consequences of cancelling a contract?

9.    What will help protect you if there is a breach of contract?

Task 3:

Fill in the following table and add any new idioms/vocabulary that you have picked from the talk.

Key vocabulary	Meaning	Sentences
party
offer
acceptance
consideration
terms
conditions
disclaimer
cooling-off period
regulated sectors
small claims court
estimate
recourse
buyer’s remorse
arbitration
retainer fee
Verbs and verb collocations
to be bound by
to be subject to
to breach
to sue
to file a complaint
to resolve
to perform due
diligence
to disclose
information
be liable for
to reserve the right