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Speaking Negotiating a compromise

1

1. 
   The class agree to speak more if the teacher gives them less homework.
   

A satisfactory compromise for both parties assuming that oral competence is more important than the homework programme.

2. 
   A five per cent increase now with a further two per cent if productivity targets are met. Probably more satisfying for the workers, who will see it as a victory, than for the management, who may feel they have lost face.
   
3. 
   The company agrees to continue advertising on condition the newspaper drops the story. Perhaps more satisfactory for the company, since they need to advertise anyway.
   
4. 
   The supermarket chain agrees to pay on time providing the dairy products meet agreed quality standards. A satisfactory compromise for both parties.
   

2

1. 
   They don’t reach agreement on anything.
   
2. 
   Alfredo refused to compromise, perhaps because Leah didn’t use appropriate language to make her offers of compromise attractive.
   

3

the fair-trade premium for top-grade cocoa beans – $150

prefinancing/advance payments – 60%

growing the crop under shade trees – at least half the crop under shade trees children under 15 – no more children working on the farms

This version is more successful because they both agree to compromise.

4

I’m prepared to meet you halfway. That seems fair.

I can live with that.

We are willing to agree to …, provided that … I’d be reluctant to …, unless …

I think we’ll have to agree to disagree

5.