What do you know about Lenovo?
Lenovo is one of the great success stories of the modern Chinese economy. Once mainly known as China’s personal computer (PC) market leader, it became a household name worldwide with its purchase of IBM’s PC division.
The company, originally called Legend, began like many other technology companies–as a small start-up. In 1984, 11 computer scientists started the firm in a small building in Beijing. Their research and know-how were important tools as they built low-cost computers for the domestic market.
By the mid-1990s, Legend had grown into the top-selling PC maker in China’s home and office markets. The following decade, the company changed its name to Lenovo (see table). Along with the name change came a big move that really raised eyebrows.
In 2005, Lenovo completed the acquisition of IBM’s PC division, including its desktop and notebook lines. This was huge news. After all, IBM had been largely responsible for the birth of the home PC market 20 years earlier. It had invented the laptop computer, and its ThinkPad line was one of the world’s top brands. Lenovo had boldly announced to the world that it was a serious force in the PC industry.
Lenovo quickly made changes to the ThinkPad line. For instance, it started selling ThinkPads (which had always been black) in titanium. It also sold versions of the notebooks with wider screens. These changes were met with some resistance, yet Lenovo was determined to make the line its own as it left IBM’s shadow. Taking its place as an industry leader, the company has been praised for its support in the fight against piracy. In April 2006, Lenovo signed a $1.2 billion deal with Microsoft, agreeing to install Windows operating systems on its new computers. The company has also helped build its brand by sponsoring the Olympics.
After the IBM deal, Lenovo took its place as the world’s third-largest PC seller. Along with computers, Lenovo develops cell phones, computer equipment, and other electronic products. With over 20 years in the business, $13 billion in revenues, and 20,000 employees, it’s a powerhouse that we’ll surely be hearing from for many years to come.
1. What was Lenovo’s situation like before the IBM deal?
A. It only had 11 employees.
B. It was known for its top-end PCs.
C. The company was the market leader in China.
D. As the inventor of the notebook computer, Lenovo was in great shape.
2. The article suggests that Lenovo’s deal with IBM was:
A. planned many years in advance
B. strongly welcomed after Lenovo started changing the ThinkPad line
C. limited to IBM’s notebook lines
D. a major development in the industry
3. Which of these events took place first?
A. Lenovo sold its one millionth computer.
B. Lenovo and Microsoft signed a deal.
C. Lenovo became a public company.
D. Lenovo changed its name.
4. Which of the following is not mentioned as an example of Lenovo’s leadership?
A. Its wide range of low-cost cell phones
B. Its deal to install Windows on its computers
C. Its sponsorship of major sporting events
D. Its actions against piracy
5. What does the article suggest about Lenovo’s future?
A. The company will soon be the world’s top PC seller.
B. It’s in a strong position to continue making headlines.
C. Lenovo will soon begin selling cell phones and other products.
D. The deal with Microsoft may be met with resistance.
How would you describe this chart?
Every presentation starts the same …
Remember from the impromptu style, having a strong start makes getting into the swing of things that much easier.
Accept the Mission
Your boss, supervisor or other co-worker may be the person to put you in the position the deliver the presentation. Sounding confident is the key to starting strong and staying strong. Being confident comes from preparation.
Accept the Mission
Introduce Yourself
Give an Overview
Mention the Timing
Address Questions Asking
«First in 1984 …»
«Then in 1994 …»
«And now I would like to move on to 1998.»
«Next, as we can see in 2004 …»
«And shortly after that in 2005 …»
Simple Past Tense
(you have finished the time period you are talking about)
a household name (noun) – a name that everybody knows.
a start-up (noun) – a new company.
know-how (noun) – knowledge.
.
an acquisition (noun) – a purchase.
huge (adjective) – very big.
boldly (adverb) – mostly.
lucrative (adjective) – confidently and bravely.
resistance (adj) – opposition.
determined (adjective) – firmly intent on doing something.
sponser (noun) – support.
to raise eyebrows (verb) – attract attention.
More expressions here
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