360º LPT – Read aloud (unit 4) – level B2

Directions:

Look at the following paragragh. Read the paragragh aloud speaking clearly as in a normal conversation.

The Directors are pleased to announce the following results for the half-year ended 31 December 2011. Product and market diversity helped underpin a solid result for the half-year from the company’s Apartment and Construction Divisions whilst Housing and Land operations were adversely affected by the difficult market conditions. Directors confirm the updated profit guidance provided to the market on 21 December 2011 that, based on current market conditions, expects to report a profit after tax result for the 12 months to June 2012 of around $14 million.

A warm welcome to everyone here tonight who has come to celebrate my retirement. Although this is a special occasion for me, I obviously have mixed emotions about it. It’s difficult for me to be making this retirement speech and saying goodbye all my colleagues. I want to thank everyone here for attending and for the wonderful retirement gift of the fine set of golf clubs that Thomas presented me with. I am glad that it wasn’t the proverbial gold watch. I plan to still attend the annual company golf tournament during my retirement years and put these great golf clubs to use and «finally»; beat Thomas at his game.