TOEIC - Contracts Discussion

This contract is binding, and we expect all the parts involved (both clients and suppliers) to abide by the terms and conditions stated in sections 3a – 37g on pages 1 – 17.

1. One of the underlined words / expressions in the above sentence is wrong. Identify and correct it.

2. True or false: A contract which is binding is flexible and can be changed at any time.

3. Which of these words / expressions could replace abide by?:

   (A) choose (B) agree with (C) obey (D) change

Answer explanation

1. 1. parts = parties

2. 2. False

3. 3. C

On terminator of this contract, the company will be obliged to return any unused materials to the supplier within 28 days, unless provision has been made for a temporary extension. If any of the rules of the contract are broken, all materials must be returned immediately.

1. One of the underlined words / expressions in the above sentence is wrong. Identify and correct it.

2. True or false: Provision has a similar meaning to arrangement.

3. Rearrange these letters to make two words which have a similar meaning to obliged:

   degabtlio edequrir

Answer explanation

1. 1. terminator = termination

2. 2. True

3. obligated / required

The contract was originally verbal, but we've finally managed to get the company to give us something on paper. They say that this contract is un-negotiable, but maybe we can persuade them to amend some of the details before we sign on the dotted line.

1. One of the underlined words / expressions in the above paragraph is wrong. Identify and correct it.

2. True or false: The speaker thinks that it might be possible for small changes to be made to the

contract before she signs it.

3. Rearrange the letters in bold to make four words which have the same meaning as verbal in this

situation

rola kosnep plidemi etodnurdso

Answer explanation

1. 1. un-negotiable = non-negotiable

2. True (amend = change or alter. The noun is an amendment. You can make an amendment)

3. oral / spoken / implied / understood

(Note that if a contract is on paper, it is called a written contract)

Swillpot Airline Catering Ltd were sued by Pan-Globe Airways when they were found to be in beach of their contract, specifically that they had failed to comply with clause 27B, which stated that their food should be "fit for human consumption."

1. One of the underlined words / expressions in the above sentence is wrong. Identify and correct it.

2. Find a word or expression in paragraphs 1 – 3 above which has a similar meaning to comply with

   in paragraph 4.

3. True or false: Pan-Globe Airways are unhappy with Swillpot Airline Catering because they have

   breached all of their contractual terms.

Answer explanation

4. 1. in beach of = in breach of (breach can also be a verb: to breach a contract)

5. 2. abide by (in paragraph 1)

6. 3. False (they have only breached one of the clauses, or parts, of the contract)

Withers Interiors Ltd have entered into an agreement with Sophos Construction to act as sole providers of quality interior fittings commencing 15 August this year. This is to run for 18 months, with a 3 month period of notification in the event of cancellation by either side.

1. One of the underlined words / expressions in the above sentence is wrong. Identify and correct it.

2. Which word in the paragraph is the closest in meaning to the noun contract?

3. True or false: If either Withers Interiors Ltd or Sophos Construction want to end the contract, they

   must tell the other company 3 months before they do it.

Answer explanation

4. 1. period of notification = period of notice

5. 2. agreement

6. 3. True

This contract recognizes the anointment of Mr. Alan Wiley as non-executive Director to the board of AKL Publishing following the company's amalgamation with Berryhill Books. While Mr. Wiley may continue to buy stocks in the company, he may not acquire a controlling interest, and he may have no professional dealings with any third parties during this period.

1. One of the underlined words / expressions in the above sentence is wrong. Identify and correct it.

2. True or false: AKL Publishing recently separated from Berryhill Books.

3. Mr. Wiley can buy as many shares as he likes in the company.

4. In addition to sitting on the board of AKL Publishing, how many other companies can Mr. Wiley work for?

Answer explanation

4. 1. anointment = appointment

5. 2. False (amalgamation comes from the verb to amalgamate: to join and become one. We can also say merger, from the verb to merge) 3. False (he is not allowed to have a controlling interest in the company, so his ability to buy stocks is restricted) 4. None (third parties are people or groups other than Mr. Wiley and the amalgamation of AKL Publishing and Berryhill Books)