Unit Review & Progress Test

Unit review — Entrepreneurship & Start-ups

Al finalizar esta unidad, deberías ser capaz de utilizar estructuras gramaticales avanzadas para hablar sobre planes futuros, expectativas y eventos programados con precisión profesional. Habrás perfeccionado el uso de tiempos perfectos continuos y expresiones de inminencia para proyectar escenarios de negocio.

Asimismo, habrás adquirido el léxico especializado necesario para discutir modelos de negocio, gestión de riesgos y el ecosistema de las start-ups. Deberías sentirte cómodo utilizando colocaciones de nivel C1 y ajustando el registro para pasar de una conversación informal sobre ideas de negocio a una presentación formal ante inversores.

Grammar consolidation

Complete the second sentence so that it has a similar meaning to the first sentence, using the word given. Do not change the word given. You must use between three and six words, including the word given.

1. It is certain that the company will dominate the market next year. BOUND The company ________ the market next year.

2. The new product launch is scheduled for tomorrow morning. DUE The new product ________ tomorrow morning.

3. I expect to have been working on this project for five years by next December. WORKING By next December, I ________ on this project for five years.

4. The CEO is on the verge of announcing a merger. ABOUT The CEO ________ a merger.

5. It is inevitable that inflation will rise, affecting our margins. BOUND Inflation ________, affecting our margins.

6. We have a meeting scheduled with the venture capitalists at 3 PM. DUE We ________ with the venture capitalists at 3 PM.

7. I'm sure she'll be surprised by the sudden change in strategy. BOUND She ________ by the sudden change in strategy.

8. The plane is scheduled to land in ten minutes. DUE The plane ________ in ten minutes.

9. I will have been running this start-up for a decade by the time I retire. RUNNING By the time I retire, I ________ this start-up for a decade.

10. The contract is expected to be signed any moment now. ABOUT The contract ________ be signed.

Vocabulary activation

A. Word Formation: Complete the sentences using the correct form of the word in brackets.

1. The entrepreneur's _____ (persist) led to a successful IPO.
2. We need to conduct a _____ (feasibility) study before investing.
3. The sudden _____ (volatile) of the market caught many investors off guard.
4. Her _____ (visionary) approach helped the company disrupt the industry.

B. Collocations: Complete the sentences with the correct verb (take, launch, secure, gain, tap, pitch).

5. We need to _____ into new markets to ensure long-term growth.
6. The start-up managed to _____ significant funding from angel investors.
7. It is vital to _____ a competitive advantage in a crowded sector.
8. The team is preparing to _____ their new app to the public.

C. Register Choice: Choose the most appropriate professional term for the context.

9. Instead of "a big problem," a C1 learner might say a (major setback / big mistake).
10. Instead of "starting a business," we often use the term (to venture into / to go into) a new sector.
11. Instead of "making money," we talk about (generating revenue / making cash).
12. Instead of "a lot of competition," we might mention a (saturated market / full market).

Integrated skills task

Source Text

The rise of the "solopreneur" has fundamentally altered the modern economic landscape. Unlike traditional start-ups that require large teams and significant capital, solopreneurs leverage digital tools to build highly profitable, single-person enterprises. While this offers unparalleled autonomy, it also presents significant risks regarding scalability and personal burnout. Without a physical office or a team to delegate tasks to, the burden of every decision rests on a single individual. Furthermore, the lack of a diversified skill set can become a bottleneck as the business grows. However, for those who can master the art of automation and personal branding, the potential for high-margin success is unprecedented. As the gig economy continues to expand, the line between freelance work and true entrepreneurship becomes increasingly blurred.

Writing Task

Instrucciones: Basándote en el texto anterior, escribe un ensayo de respuesta (180-220 palabras). Debes analizar si la autonomía de un solopreneur compensa los riesgos de falta de escalabilidad y agotamiento (burnout). Utiliza vocabulario de nivel C1 y estructuras de futuro para proyectar tendencias. Tu respuesta debe ser formal y argumentativa.

Speaking checkpoint

Answer the following prompts to practice your C1 speaking skills. You may record yourself or practice with a partner.

1. Compare: Compare the advantages of starting a small, niche business versus a large-scale tech start-up.
2. Speculate: How do you think the concept of "the office" will change in the next decade due to remote entrepreneurship?
3. Evaluate: Evaluate the importance of having a mentor when launching a new venture. Is it essential or a luxury?
4. Justify: Some argue that failure is a necessary prerequisite for success in business. Justify this viewpoint.
5. Speculate: If automation continues to advance, will the need for human entrepreneurs decrease or increase?
6. Evaluate: Assess the impact of social media on the success of modern start-ups.

Self-assessment rubric

Answer key

Grammar consolidation 1. is bound to dominate 2. is due to launch / is due to be launched 3. will have been working 4. is about to announce 5. is bound to rise 6. are due to meet 7. is bound to be surprised 8. is due to land 9. will have been running 10. is about to