填空题

Businesses are structured in different ways to meet different needs.
The (26) form of business is called an individual proprietorship. The proprietor owns all the property of the business and is responsible for everything. This means the proprietor receives all the profits--but must also pay any debts. The law recognizes no difference between the owner and the business.
Another kind of business is the partnership. Two or more people go into business together. An (27) is usually needed to decide how much of the partnership each person controls.
There are limited (28) partnerships, which include full partners and limited partners. Limited partners may not share as much in the profits. But they also do not have as many responsibilities.
Doctors, lawyers and (29) often form partnerships to share the profits and risks of doing business. A husband and wife can form a business partnership. Partnerships can end at any time. But partnerships and individual proprietorships exist only as long as the owners are alive.
The most (30) kind of business organization is the corporation. Corporations are designed to have an unlimited lifetime.
Corporations can sell stock to (31) money. Stock (32) shares of ownership. Investors who buy stock can trade their shares or keep them as long as the company is in business. A company might use some of its earnings to pay shareholders what are called (33) . Or the company might reinvest the money into the business.
If shares lose value, investors can lose all the money they paid for their stock. But shareholders are not responsible for the debts of the corporation. (34) .
A board of directors controls corporate policies. (35) .
Corporations can have a few major shareholders. Or ownership can be Spread among the general public. Incorporating offers businesses a way to gain the investments they need to grow. (36) .