Linguaskill Business key terms

A list of topics to be discussed at a meeting, usually sent in advance so participants can prepare. Reading it before the meeting helps you follow the discussion and contribute at the right moment.

The written record of what was said and decided at a meeting, circulated afterwards for approval. They capture decisions and who agreed to do what, so they are a common source of detail questions in reading tasks.

A specific task assigned to a named person during a meeting, with a deadline. Recognising action points in a text shows you can separate decisions already made from work still to be done.

The latest date or time by which a task must be finished. In listening and reading tasks, deadlines are often embedded in sentences with 'by', 'no later than' or 'before', so listen for those markers.

A plan showing when events, meetings or tasks will happen. It may be a table, a calendar entry or a spoken list of times, and questions often ask you to match activities to their times.

To move an appointment, meeting or delivery to a different time or date. In listening tasks, the original time is usually mentioned first and then changed, so track the final arrangement rather than the first one.

To delay an event or task so it happens later than originally planned. It differs from cancelling because the event still takes place, and exam questions often test whether you caught that distinction.

A document sent by a supplier listing goods or services provided and the amount the buyer must pay. Key details include the invoice number, payment terms and due date, which reading questions frequently target.

A formal document a buyer issues to a supplier before goods are delivered, authorising the purchase at an agreed price. It usually carries a reference number that later appears on the invoice.

The conditions agreed for paying an invoice, such as how many days the buyer has and whether discounts apply for early payment. Phrases like 'net 30' mean the full amount is due within thirty days.

The money sent to settle an invoice, or the advice note confirming that payment has been made. Suppliers often ask buyers to quote the invoice number on the remittance so accounts can be matched quickly.

A formal statement of the price a supplier would charge for specified goods or services, valid for a stated period. Buyers compare quotations before deciding, so figures and validity dates matter in reading tasks.

A formal offer submitted by a company bidding to supply goods or services under a contract, usually in response to a published request. Tenders are assessed against stated criteria before a supplier is chosen.

The process of sourcing and buying the goods and services an organisation needs, from identifying a requirement to signing a contract. It covers requesting quotes, comparing suppliers and managing delivery.

Any person or group with an interest in a project or decision, such as staff, customers, investors or regulators. Reports often describe consulting stakeholders, so identify who is affected rather than only who decides.

A person or institution that owns shares in a company and therefore has a financial stake in its performance. Shareholders differ from other stakeholders because their interest is ownership, not merely involvement.

The total income a business receives from selling its goods or services before costs are deducted. It is often confused with profit, which is what remains after expenses have been subtracted.

The share of revenue a company keeps as profit, usually expressed as a percentage. A rising margin means the business is keeping more of each sale after costs, which is a common comparison point in reports.

A yearly publication in which a company presents its financial results, activities and outlook to shareholders and the public. Reading tasks often use extracts from one to test understanding of figures and trends.

The movement of money into and out of a business over a period. A company can be profitable yet still struggle if cash leaves faster than it arrives, so forecasts track timing as well as amounts.

A prediction of future figures such as sales, costs or demand, based on current data and assumptions. Forecasts are hedged with words like 'expect', 'anticipate' and 'projected', which signal estimates rather than facts.

A specific result a person, team or company aims to achieve within a set period. Targets are usually measurable, and exam texts often contrast an ambitious target with the result actually achieved.

A measure used to judge how well a business or team is performing against its goals, such as customer retention or average handling time. Reports track a small number of these because too many measures dilute focus.

A standard or reference point against which performance is compared, often an industry average or a competitor's result. Benchmarking helps a company judge whether its own figures are strong or weak.

A short meeting or document that gives people the information they need before a task, such as background, aims and responsibilities. Briefings are practical rather than decision-making, so they focus on what to do next.

A formal review meeting in which a manager and employee discuss past performance, development needs and objectives for the coming period. It is forward-looking as well as evaluative, which distinguishes it from a disciplinary meeting.

An initial period at the start of a new job during which the employee's suitability is assessed under different notice terms. Contracts often state its length and whether it can be extended.

The length of time an employee or employer must give before ending a contract of employment. It is usually stated in the contract and may differ during probation and after confirmed employment.

The ending of a job because the role is no longer needed, rather than because of the employee's performance. Affected staff may receive a statutory payment, and the term appears often in HR reading passages.

Time off work granted to an employee around the birth of a child, with statutory rights to return to the same or a similar role. Policies usually set out eligibility, pay and how much notice must be given.

An arrangement that lets employees vary their hours, location or pattern of work, such as compressed hours or remote days. Requests are often formal and subject to business needs and a trial period.

A short internal document sent within an organisation to inform staff about a policy, change or decision. It is more formal than an email but shorter than a report, and usually has a clear subject line.

A short letter sent with a job application explaining why the candidate is suitable and what they can offer. It should connect the applicant's experience to the advertised requirements rather than repeat the CV.

The level of formality in language, ranging from casual to formal, chosen to suit the reader and situation. In writing tasks, matching register to the audience matters as much as grammar accuracy.

The way sentences and paragraphs are linked so a text reads as one connected whole, using referencing words, connectors and repeated key ideas. Examiners reward writing where ideas flow logically rather than in isolated sentences.

To express the same meaning using different words, often to show understanding or to avoid repeating a source. In reading and listening tasks, the correct answer is frequently a paraphrase of what appears in the text.

An incorrect option in a multiple-choice question that sounds plausible because it uses words from the recording or text. It often repeats vocabulary but changes the meaning, so listen for the relationship between ideas.

The main overall meaning of a text or recording, as opposed to specific details. Some tasks ask only for the gist, so answering requires stepping back from individual words to identify the speaker's purpose.

A conclusion you draw from information that is implied rather than stated directly. Questions may ask what a speaker suggests or how they feel, requiring you to combine clues rather than find a matching phrase.

The attitude a speaker or writer conveys through word choice and delivery, such as enthusiasm, irritation or caution. Identifying tone helps you interpret whether a comment is a genuine offer, a complaint or a polite refusal.

The way speakers in a conversation alternate, signal they want to speak and hand the floor to others. In the speaking test, managing turns smoothly and reacting to the examiner's prompts shows interactive competence.

The ability to speak at a natural pace with few long pauses, keeping going even when a word is missing. It is assessed alongside accuracy, so a steady flow with simple language can score better than hesitant complex speech.

How clearly and accurately a speaker produces sounds, stress and intonation so a listener can understand. In speaking tasks, intelligibility matters more than sounding like a native speaker, especially with word stress in business terms.

A word or phrase such as 'however', 'so' or 'by the way' that signals how ideas connect in speech or writing. Using them well guides the listener through your answer and helps you hold the floor while you think.