How to Use This Lesson

Build-up Exercises: Vocabulary & Phrasal Verbs

Warm up with quick targeted practice on word forms, collocations, linking phrases, paraphrasing, and phrasal verbs.

A Word Forms

Complete each sentence by writing the correct form of the Unit word in the blank.

1. When two small retail chains decided to ____ last year, they formed a single larger firm.

Hint: Change the noun "merger" into its verb form.

2. The executive board approved the ____ of a regional competitor to expand market share.

Hint: Change the verb "acquire" into its noun form.

3. To lower operational costs, management plans to ____ the company's regional branches next month.

Hint: Use the verb form meaning to reorganize internal operations.

4. The corporation adopted a more ____ manufacturing process to eliminate unnecessary delays.

Hint: Change "streamline" into an adjective describing a simplified process.

5. After two years of weak sales, the firm announced a major ____ of its corporate workforce.

Hint: Change "downsize" into a gerund noun referring to staff reduction.

B Corporate Collocations

Fill in the blank with the correct Unit word to complete the standard business collocation.

1. The parent enterprise bought 51% of the shares to gain a controlling ____ in the firm.

2. Because quarterly profits broke records, the company decided to pay out generous ____ to all investors.

3. The local division will continue to operate as a wholly-owned ____ of the parent company.

4. Without stronger legal regulations, a single tech giant could easily establish a market ____.

5. Corporate directors have a clear legal obligation to maximize value for every ____.

C Common Essay Phrases

Choose the correct transition phrase from the word bank. Each option is used exactly once: Admittedly, Notwithstanding, It could be argued that, By contrast, Consequently.

1. ________, smaller enterprises can respond much faster to changing market conditions, but they cannot match the budgets of big rivals.

2. ________ the recent economic downturn, several new independent retail startups managed to expand their operations.

3. ________ governments should offer financial incentives to support early-stage enterprises.

4. Large multinational providers hold significant capital reserves. ________, local stores operate on extremely narrow profit margins.

5. Regional authorities increased funding for small technology hubs. ________, hundreds of sustainable new jobs were created.

D Sentence Paraphrasing

Rewrite the sentence structure by supplying the missing phrasal verb to keep the original meaning.

Original Sentence:

"The corporate board decided to gradually eliminate the outdated product line over six months."

Paraphrase: The corporate board decided to ____ the outdated product line over six months.

Original Sentence:

"When small businesses encounter severe financial pressures, they are often forced to close down completely."

Paraphrase: Small firms that come up against severe financial pressures are often forced to ____ their operations.

Original Sentence:

"Large companies usually purchase smaller rivals, which creates significant structural shifts in the sector."

Paraphrase: Big corporations usually take over smaller rivals to ____ structural shifts in the sector.

E Phrasal Verb Quick Check

Select the correct phrasal verb to complete each business context sentence.

1. The chief executive agreed to ________ following a dispute with major investors.

2. The enterprise plans to ________ a new electronic payment system across all branches next quarter.

3. Before finalizing any commercial transaction, regulators must ________ a thorough investigation.

Writing Task Execution

Read the prompt, review the required essay plan, and write your essay in the response box below.

C1 Model Essay Analysis

Examine how a strong C1 student naturally integrates target vocabulary, phrasal verbs, and structural patterns.