Reading 14 - Answers
If you want to look at the article again, go to the bottom of the page.
1. d.
2. a.
3. c.
4. d.
5. a.
6. b.
7. d.
8. d.
This text is an e-mail, as is shown by the address route at the top, and because the writer does not need to give his address. Internet sites have a different structure, and while it is a report about business, it is not written as a business report.
The e-mail is casually written (e.g. Hi instead of hello). It contains colloquial language, and information which is not relevant to the main point of the letter. At the same time many details are left out. Therefore this is an informal piece of writing.
When you admit something to someone, you tell them something that you would have preferred not to say. As well as admitting that he was wrong, Gerry informs Ivan of the other points.
Ivan suspected that Gerberman were going to sell their company, so he bought shares in the company. Gerry has heard confirmation that Ivan was right, so he is writng to tell him.
The management borrowed a lot of money to buy the company (that's the high leverage). Repaying the interest is eating up the company's profits, so the management decided to sell to a larger company who would take them over.
The share price will be high "until the end of the month" says Gerry, and as the dividends are due, the shares should be "a nice little earner" until then.
gerberman and Holler are "a nice fit" - they go well together. Gerberman shareholders will benefit, Holler will get a good company, so everyone will be happy except for the competition for their business.
We know Gerry deals in shares, but not whether this is his profession. Also, Ivan might has suggested he watch the share price because Gerry is a journalist.At the same time Gerry's knowledge of businessman may be because he is a businessman himself, so this e-mail could have been written by either a share dealer, a businessman or a journalist.