Contracts

Task 1:

Listen to a talk and take notes of seven key points and supporting details. Compare your notes with a partner. 

Before you consider signing a contract ...  - make sure you shop around: comparing  prices, guarantees, and warranties, the duration of contract, any terms or conditions that are important  ask 3 companies to compare before signing for services -know who you are dealing with: research this company to see its reputation. world of mouse or reference- never feel pressure to sign the contract right away: offer once a life time special deal and they won't offer it again

When signing a contract ...   - always get it in writing, never rely on verbal promise: don’t hesitate to cross out some parts of agreement that you don’t agree with. Make sure any of these changes  are initialed of all parties before you sign. also fill in any blank spaces so other detail can't be added without your permission or your knowledge  - read the fine print: if you don't understand any of terms or conditions, ask questions.  - have a lawer with you - if or how you can get out of contract: cooling off period, check the consumer service act -keep a copy of the contract that you sign

Task 2:

Listen again and answer the questions. 

1.    What can prevent you from getting the best possible service and price?

    - people don't do the research enough 

2.    What are the potential consequences of not performing due diligence?

    - ripoff

3.    What signals should you be wary of when a contract is involved?

    - sales put pressure on consumers.

4.    What can help prevent misunderstandings or fraud when you sign a contract?

    - people has to do some research about this company or service in order to see their reputation or get a reference letter if it was referred from your friends or family members. 

5.    What is contained in “the fine print” and what are the consequences of not reading it?

    - the contract can't be changed or broken unless you and your parties both agree with the new terms. 

6.    What points does the speaker make about the language of contracts?

     -  use sample language.

7.    Explain the term direct agreement and give an example of a personal development service agreement. What do both of these agreements have in common?

    - direct agreement:  door to door selling situation. 

        a personal development service agreement: gym membership contract 

8.    What are the potential consequences of cancelling a contract?

     - find a lawyer and be sued in court.

9.    What will help protect you if there is a breach of contract?

     - consumer service acts or hiring a lawyer.

Task 3:

Fill in the following table and add any new idioms/vocabulary that you have picked from the talk.

Key vocabulary	Meaning	Sentences
party	some person who sign the contract
offer	contract
acceptance	agree
consideration	concern about
terms	technical or professional words
conditions	a statement that denies something, especially responsibility
disclaimer	a statement that denies something, especially responsibility
cooling-off period	period that you can cancel without penalty
regulated sectors	a non-governmental orgainization that regulates the activities of companies in an industry for the government
small claims court	in charge of 25000or less
estimate	to say what you think an amount or value will be
recourse	look for someone or a thing for help
buyer’s remorse	the sense of regret after having made a purchase.
arbitration	use the law to determine a dispute by impartial referee agreed to by both parties.	We need write one arbitration in this contract.
retainer fee	an upfront cost incurred by an individual in order to ensure the services of a consultant, freelancer, etc
Verbs and verb collocations
to be bound by	To be limited by
to be subject to	To be title with
to breach	Break
to sue	Go to the court.
to file a complaint	Send a official complaint to somewhere
to resolve	Deal with
to perform due	The date when it done
diligence	take careful
to disclose
information
be liable for
to reserve the right	Keep the right to doing something.