Today’s picture: Halloween display (my brother Sean’s next-door neighbour in Chicago, USA)

Part 1: Today's word

An outcome is the result of a process. So, the normal outcome of research will be the publication of a report or perhaps even an important discovery. The outcome of the election will show which party won. It’s also possible to measure the economic outcomes of investments, projects etc.

Given the complexity of the issues, the outcome of her research was rather predictable – more research needed!
Remember, you can check your answer at

Click here for more practice.

Part 2: Test

Here are FOUR sentences with the word of the day. But only THREE are correct. Which is the Odd One Out?

To achieve the desired outcome, a greater effort is required on the part of all stakeholders in the process.

No matter what the outcome of the election is, one thing is sure: there won’t be any significant change in foreign policy.

What outcomes did you get in the test? Did you at least pass?

We measured the economic outcomes of three forms of investment over a 3-year period.

Part 3: Practice Questions:

What are the three possible outcomes of an investment?

Why do negotiations frequently end without a clear outcome?

Part 4: The Phrasal Five

knock sb out- make sb unconscious-
Tyson knocked out a number of opponents in the first round.

lead to sth- result in-
Higher prices normally lead to a fall in demand.

leave out- omit-
You can leave out the last question if you’re short of time.

let sb down- disappoint-
I feel I let my parents down by not getting married in church.
I feel a bit let down by Paula - she never even said thanks.

let sb off- not punish-
I was sure we were going to be smacked but the teacher let us off with a warning.

Part 5: Kiwi Quiz Question

In which sport is the women’s under-17 World Championship currently taking place in New Zealand?

Rugby
Netball
Soccer
Synchronised Swimming

Part 6: Today's online listening and reading:

This is the second part of Charles Handy’s guide to management gurus. In this one, he summarises the philosophy of Peter Drucker, including management by objectives, the effects of globalisation and management of non-profit organisations.

Questions for the listening:

1) Who did Peter Drucker listen to in order to learn?
2) What did the Japanese learn from Peter Drucker’s analysis of General Motors?
3) What is Drucker’s definition of the purpose of any business?
4) What are the five basic roles of a manager?
5) What were the three key ‘discontinuities’ identified by Drucker?

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Today’s musical intro / outro: From the UK
“Black Magic Woman” by Fleetwood Mac. From the CD “While my guitar gently weeps”. 2004: Delta Music
CD may be purchased from here and click here to see an online video of the performers and . here for one of Peter Green’s last performances after his long-awaited return to the music scene.
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