06.intermediate A

BOOKLET
INTERMEDIATE A
“ A new concept in effective

communication
“
www.selexidiomas.com
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 Networking
2 Telephoning
3 Email Writing
4 Dealing with Meetings
5 Small Talk
6 Decision-Making
7 Business Trips
Unit 1
SMALL TALK AND NETWORKING
Skills:
• Handling a Small Talk
• Getting to Know the Aspects of Cultural Awareness
Vocabulary:
• Small Talk Related Expressions
• How to compliment
Reading:
• Conference Small Talk
• Cross Cultural Awareness
Listening:
• How to make Small Talk
Speaking:
• Talking to someone for the first time
Grammar:
• Present simple vs. Present continuous
Speaking
Talking to someone for the first time
What kind of situations force strangers to talk each other?
What topics can you talk with a stranger?
What topics are considered taboos when you meet someone ?
Listening comprehension
How to make small talk
Link for the video: https://youtu.be/rjGt9Uskcno
After watching the video, answer the questions:
• What did the study from the university of Michigan show?
• Who is Carol Flemming?
• What does ARE mean?
Classify the following actions with the steps mentioned: Anchor,

Reveal, Encourage.
( ) Ask questions.
( ) Find something you have in common.
( ) Say something about yourself.
( ) Let people talk about themselves.
( ) Find something you're both experiencing in that moment.
( ) Provide something for them to respond to. www.selexidiomas.com

Reading comprehension
Conference small talk
Read this conversation at the coffee break table during a 15

minute break of a session on Attracting International Students.
Bob: Oh, sorry. Could you pass me the sugar?

John: Sure, here you go. So your name tag says you work at the
Bolashak Scholarship. What's that?
Bob: Oh, it's a government scholarship in Kazakhstan to send
students abroad.
John: Interesting. How many students do you sponsor?
Bob: Well we try to send out 3.000 students a year, but right now
we have around 1.500.
John: Hmmm. And , do they all come to the US?
Bob: Oh no. The US and Russia are probably the most popular
countries but the UK is also high up there. And Europe too.
John: Wow. It must be expensive. Hey, Susan. Come here for a
minute....I want to introduce this young man from Kazakhstan.
He works for the… (looks at name tag) Bolashak Scholarship to
send students abroad.
Susan: Oh, interesting. I'm Susan Jameson.
Bob: Bob Parker
Susan: How are you? I work in the International Office of the
University of Connecticut. I'd love to talk to you about
sending students to us.
Bob: I'm from Connecticut. I know UCONN well. It'd be great to
have some students go there.
Susan: Great, what are you doing after this session?
Bob: Nothing. Can we meet at the cafe downstairs?
Susan: That'd be great. I'll bring some information about UConn and
we can talk more about your scholarship.
Bob: Great, good to meet you. Sorry, I didn't catch your name.
John: John.
Bob: John. Bob. See you at the cafe after the session, Susan.
Susan: Great.
Conference small talk
Answer the following questions:
1. How does John introduce himself to Bob?
2. How does John introduce Susan?
3. Why does he tell about Bob's job?
4. How does Bob find out John's name?
5. Why does Bob say “UCONN”?
6. Is this conversation formal or informal?
7. When would the participants shake hands?
8. What other body language might they use in this dialogue?
Vocabulary
How to compliment
Choose the correct words to complete the sentences:

1. You look ... in that dress, Anna. 6. I honestly can't believe that you
Look how beautiful you are! are ... enough to have such grown up
children.
a. startling
b. stunning a. wise
c. stretching b. old
d. starting c. grown
d. Clear
2. I can honestly say I haven't had
such a ... meal for ages. 7. Even if I ....... for a hundred years,
I couldn't possibly reach your
a. delight standard.
b. delighted
c. delightful a. perfected
d. delighting b. pursued
c. practiced
3. I must get to know the name of d. polished
your ... so that I can buy a suit like
that. 8. You certainly don't look your ...
What's your secret?
a. maker's
b. dresser's a. old
c. warder's b. age
d. tailor's c. worth
d. type
4. I must ... you on your performance
in the play — it was remarkable. 9. It's always a ....... talking to you —
you know so much!
a. impress
b. advise a. please
c. congratulate b. pleased
d. enquire c. pleasing
d. pleasure
5. One can tell immediately that you
are a ... by the amazing way you 10 Thank you very much for your
perform. letter. As always it's ....... to read.
a. amateur (a) fun (b) amusement (c)

b. worker entertainment (d) funnily
c. tyro
d. Professional
Cross cultural awareness
Building intercultural bridges for reaching business agreements
“Discussions between companies from different countries often break down

because of a lack of cultural understanding. Training in Intercultural
awareness, as well as languages, is the key to bridging the communication
gap,” writes Samantha Cole.
More and more companies are increasing their language training budgets
to equip staff for global business. But language alone isn’t always enough.
According to Neil Calder, communications consultant, language training is
only half the story. “Companies from different countries can usually deal
with cultural differences. That’s where intercultural training comes in.”
According to Calder, the differences between northern and southern

European countries are well documented. Executives from Germany who
want to do business in Italy or Spain need to understand the ground rules.
Meetings are rarely used to solve problems and reach agreement in these
countries. Instead, meetings are used to spread information about
decisions which have already been made. Similarly, business people need
to understand the cultural systems of respect and deference when they
meet up with Asian counterparts. For example, senior executives from
Japan will only discuss business with people from the same management
level. The message for companies here is, don’t send anybody but senior
people to meeting with Japanese counterparts.
Calder has turned his attention recently to central and eastern Europe
(CEE). So what has he found out?
“There are as many business cultures in CEE as there are countries, but we
can make a few generalizations. For one thing, you can expect to discuss la
proposal at a meeting right through to the agreement stage. But, in the
end, verbal agreements are not taken seriously in the region: your
business partners will want to see something in writing outlining the
agreement in the days after the meeting.”
So how does Calder see the future of intercultural awareness in business?

“Companies are still investing more money in improving foreign language
skills. I want to see a situation where investment in intercultural awareness
is on the same level as language training. Only then will companies be able
to send out well-rounded executives capable of building business bridges in
the global environment.
Cross cultural awareness
True or false?
1. Discussions between companies from different countries are

always succesful.
2. Companies are not interested in language training.
3. Meetings are rarely used to solve problems.
4. Senior Japanese executives only do business with people from the

same seniority.
5. Neil Calder is a journalist.
Discuss:
• Do you think intercultural awareness is as important as foreign

language skills? Explain.
• In your experience, are there more similarities than differences in the

way that people from different cultures behave in meetings?
• What cultural differences have you encountered when doing business

with people from abroad?
• What advice about business meetings in your country would you offer
to someone form another culture?
Grammar practice
Present simple v/s Present continuous
Present Simple Present Continuous
Things which are always true: ❖ Things which are happening at the
moment of speaking:
Water boils at 100 degrees. ➢ The water is boiling now, so you
can put in the pasta.
Permanent situations (or ❖ Temporary situations:

nearly permanent; true for a ➢ Julie is living in Paris for a few
few years at least): months (usually she lives in
London).
Julie lives in London.
❖ Situations which are slowly
changing:
➢ I'm getting better and better at
speaking English.
Habits or things we do ❖ Temporary or new habits:

regularly: ➢ I'm drinking too much coffee these
days because I'm so busy at work.
I drink coffee every morning.
❖ Annoying habits (usually with
'always'):
➢ My flatmate is always leaving the
kitchen in a mess!
Future events which are part of ❖ Definite future plans:

a timetable:
My plane leaves at eight ➢ I'm meeting John after class
tonight. today.
To talk about the future after
certain words ('when' 'until'
'after' 'before' 'as soon as'):
I'll call you when I get home.
To talk about what happens in ❖ To talk about people in pictures

books, plays and films: and photos:
At the end of the book, the ➢ In this photo, my mother is
detective catches the killer. walking beside a lake.
Grammar practice
Present simple v/s Present continuous
Using the words in parentheses, complete with the appropriate

tense.
1. Every Monday, Sally ________ (drive) her kids to football practice.
2. Usually, I ________ (work) as a secretary at ABT, but this summer

I ______________ (study) French at a language school in Paris. That is
why I am in Paris.
3. Shhhhh! Be quiet! John _______________ (sleep) .
4. Don't forget to take your umbrella. It _________________ (rain) .
5. I hate living in Seattle because it ______________ (rain, always) .
6. I'm sorry I can't hear what you ______________ (say) because

everybody ________________ (talk) so loudly.
7. Justin_____________ (write, currently) a book about his adventures

in Tibet. I hope he can find a good publisher when he is finished.
8. Jim: Do you want to come over for dinner tonight?

Denise: Oh, I'm sorry, I can't. I _____________ (go) to a movie tonight
with some friends.
9. The business cards __________ (be, normally) printed by a company

in New York.Their prices_________ (be) inexpensive, yet the quality
of
their work is quite good.
10. This delicious chocolate_________ (be) made by a small

chocolatier
in Zurich, Switzerland.
Unit 2
Conferences
Objectives and Contents:
How to Network and Build up

Skills:
Business Relationships
How to socialize in conferences
Expressions used during

Vocabulary: conferences
- Collocations about venues
Companies, money and market
Reading: Shaking hands
-Past Simple vs. Past

Grammar:
Continuous
Extracts from a Business Travel

Program
Chatting at a Conference
Listening
Reception
Speaking
Sp: Attending to conferences

Speaking
Attending to conferences
Do you usually attend conferences?
Do you enjoy them? In what ways?
Do you enjoy meeting people and building relationships?
Look at the chart and discuss.
Which of the following topics are safe and which ones are not?
Which of them can be funny or entertaining?
Which ones could be interesting?
Which ones are helpful/ useful to build up business relationships?
Which ones are taboo?
When do you talk about the topics below?
Example: I talk about clothes when I meet a well-dressed and kind
woman.
1-your company and market trends

2-people you both know
3-family and health
4-movies and music (entertainment)
5-technology and gadgets
6- reading
7-your position in a company and what it involves
8-celebrities
9-food and drink
10-the weather
11-politics
12-religion
13-sport
14-the city you’re in
15-the hotel you’re staying at
Listening
Business travel
Audio file: 06. Intermediate A 01
Listen to three extracts from a business travel program and write

down brief notes below:
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
__________________________________________________
What other facilities does each venue have? Match the

collocations below.
Shaking hands
If you’re in business you shake a lot of hands, so what does your

handshake say about you and the people you’re doing business with.
Find out as we count down the top ten bad business handshakes.
Here we go with number 10, the Sweaty Palmer. A potential deal

breaker, you can’t escape this nervous sweaty grip fast enough. Yes,
wipe that off.
Number 9, the Lobster claw. When this person shakes your hand they
pinch your hand between their thumb and fingers. It’s as if they’re
picking up a canape. Definitely no good if you’re allergic to shellfish.
At number 8 we’ve got the Fist Bump. Nothing says business savvy like a
fist bump. And exploding it? Well that’s just not suitable at all, ever.
Number 7, the Wrestler. He flips his hand on top of yours to assert his
dominance. Rumour has it this is the guy who put the ‘I’ in team.
At number 6, it’s the Phantom. Wow that was quick! Let’s slow it down to
see what happened there. Ah ha! Clearly she’s got more important places
to be and more important people to see.
The Lingerer drops in at number 5. There’s shaking hands and there’s

holding hands. Obviously the lingerer has no idea which is which.
Awkward!
Number 4, the Decliner. Decliners are fastidious folk. They won’t touch a
doorknob without sanitizing it let alone shake hands.
Number 3, the Tickler. Everything appears normal enough and then

something feels a bit odd. It’s their middle finger stroking the palm of
your hand.
In second place it’s the Vice. Once you escape the crushing grip of the
vice you can’t help but feel sorry for him. He must feel terribly
inadequate to shake hands like that.
And here it is, the worst of the worst! The bottom of the barrel, the
handshake only a mother could love! The Dead Fish. If handshakes say
something about you this one has to say you’re a limp wristed push over
who’s easily battered into submission.
Shaking hands
Match the adjective from the text with the correct handshake. Careful!
Some adjectives may have been slightly altered and one adjective
cannot be found directly in the text.
1. Crushing A.TheSweaty Handshake
2. Unsuitable B. The Lingerer
3. Quick C. The Wrestler
4. Non-existent D. The Phantom
5. Odd E. The Decliner
6. Dominant F. The Dead Fish
7. Limp G. The Vice
8. Pinching H. The Tickler
9. Nervous I. The Fist Bump
10. Awkward J. The Lobster Claw
Describe with a partner the most memorable handshake you have

received. Use the adjectives and synonyms from activity A and

any others you already know.
Vocabulary
Expressions used during conferences
Match the sentence beginnings (a-k) to the pairs of endings (1-11)
Useful language
Networking
a.What do you ( ) 1. introduce you to someone give you

my card. know here?
b. Who do you ( ) 2 .enjoying the conference? think of
the venue? giving a talk on PR.
c. Where are you ( ) 3. nice talking to you a pleasure

meeting you.
d. How are you ( ) 4 .based? staying? getting back to
your hotel?
e. Isn’t this ( ) 5 .with the beard? In the dark suit?
f.Who’s the guy ( ) 6 .work for?
g.I think he’s ( ) 7. a drink? anything from the buffet?
h.Can I get you ( ) 8 .a moment, I’ll be right back. I have

to make a phone call.
i.Let me ( ) 9 .do, by the way?
j. If you’ll excuse ( ) 10 .an amazing place? Weather

me awful?
k.It’s been ( ) 11 .in logistics.
Chatting at a conference.
Audio file: 06. Intermediate A 06 - 10
Listen to people socializing at a conference.
What are they talking about? Do they get on with each other?
Topics of Conversation Do the Speakers get on?

a
Vocabulary
Match the following words with the correct definition
Budget -Entrepreneur - Trade union - Offshoring- Loan – Ship- Marketing

mix- Overload Revenue- Market share- Asset -Merger
Words/ expressions Definition

Something belonging to an individual or business
1-
that has value or the power to earn money.
Someone who starts a company, arranges

2-
business deals and takes risks.
The creation of a new company by joining two
3-
separate companies.
An organisation that exists to protect the rights of
4-
employees in a company.
The portion of the total market that is supplied by
5-
a particular company.
An account of probable future income and
6-
expenditure during a fixed period.
7- Money lent to an individual organisation.

Money received especially from selling goods and
8-
services.
1-Place (the distribution and delivery of goods

to market
2-Price (the amount of money for which
9- something can be sold)
3-Product (normally a manufactured item- also
brand, packaging, etc)
4-promotion (activities that help sell a product)
Transferring work to an outside suplier based in

10-
another country.
11- To move goods from one place to another.
12- An excessive quantity of something.
Vocabulary
Budget -Entrepreneur - Trade union - Offshoring- Loan – Ship- Marketing

mix- Overload Revenue- Market share- Asset –Merger
Complete the following exercises with the words above: put the
verbs in the correct forms
1- Our objective is to increase our European _______ by five percent

this year.
2- We are currently preparing the _______________for next year.
3- The company has recently sold some of its __________to an

Australian Investor.
4-The _______________ will have to be approved by the authorities.
5- The _______________ is in pay negotiations with the employer.
6- This order is being __________________ to Puerto Rico.
7- __________ is only suitable for tasks that have been clearly defined
and can be managed at a distance.
8- You may be overwhelmed by the ___________of information that is

available on the net.
9- The World Bank has agreed to a five-year ____________of $125m.
10- __________________have increased by six percent to $183m.
11- _________________have always played a key role in the economy.

Grammar
Past simple v/s Past continuous
Uses of Simple Past Uses of Past Continuous
➢ Action was in progress at a

➢ Action finished in the past
special time in the past.
(single or repeated)
➢ Two actions were happening at
➢ Series of completed actions
the same time (the actions do
in the past
not influence each other)
Form of Simple Past Form of Past Continuous
➢ Regular verbs: infinitive + -ed
➢ Irregular verbs: 2nd column of ➢ (was or were) + infinitive + -

the table of the irregular verbs ing
➢ Auxiliary DID
Grammar
Past simple v/s Past continuous
Complete the sentences with the correct tense.
1) What ______________ (you/do) when I ___________ (call)

you last night?
2) I ___________ (sit) in a cafe when you _________ (call).
3) When you _________ (arrive) at the party, who _________

(be) there?
4) Susie _____________ (watch) a film when she _________

(hear) the noise.
5) Yesterday I _________ (go) to the library, next I _________

(have) a swim, later I _________ (meet) Julie for coffee.
6) We ___________ (play) tennis when John _________ (hurt) his

ankle.
7) What ________________ (they/do) at 10pm last night - it was

really noisy?
8) He ____________ (take) a shower when the telephone

____________ (ring).
9) He ____________ (be) in the shower when the telephone

____________ (ring).
10) When I ____________ (walk) into the room, everyone

____________ (work).
Unit 3
Telephoning
Skills: Handling Effective Conversations on the Phone

Clarifying and preventing misunderstandings
Vocabulary: Telephone Collocations

Using the telephone at work
-
Grammar: Modal verbs for ability, obligation, possibility and

advice
Listening BBC-Business English: Misunderstandings

Invoice messages
Reading Rd: Booking problems

Speaking Sp: Telephoning

Speaking
Telephoning
Do you like making conversations on the phone?
How often do you need to answer or make calls?
How do you feel/ react when you receive phone calls?
Listening conversation
Misunderstandings
Listen to the video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1VYD-_UlAg
BBC Learning English - 6 Minute Business English '14:Misunderstandings
Answer the questions
1. Which “misunderstanding situations at work” are mentioned
2. What can you say if you don´t understand?
3. What problem did Conrado have when he was on the phone with
Stephani?
Match the beginnings with the endings.
a. Hang up means
b. I didn´t understand why
c. If only you´d had
d. It´s better to as know
e. Three times
( )1. Business Betty there to help
( )2. "put the phone down"
( )3. had to call him back.

( )4. she was getting angry with me.
( )5. than make a mistake later.

Vocabulary
Telephone expressions
In business, phone calls are often interrupted. Match the difficulties and
distractions (A-I) to the appropriate responses (1-9)
A) colleague wants you to sign something.
B) Your colleague leaves a few seconds later.
C) There’s a lot of noise right outside your office.
D) Your boss wants a word with you – now!
E) Someone else is trying to call you.
F) The caller gives you their name – it’s unpronounceable!
G) You think you misunderstood the information the other person just
gave you.
H) You gave the caller a lot of information very quickly.
I) The other person just won’t stop talking!
( )1- Sorry, could you speak up a little?
( )2- Look, I’ve got someone on the other line. Can I call you back?
( )3- Okay? Did you get all that?
( )4- I’ll have to go, I’m afraid. Something’s come up.
( )5- Sorry about that. Where were we?
( )6- Anyway, I won’t keep you any longer. Speak to you soon.
( )7- Excuse me a moment.

( )8- Sorry, could you spell that for me, please?
( )9- Can I just check that with you?

Booking problems
Six weeks ago, Mr. and Mrs. Trellis booked return tickets with SMT Ltd
for a luxury coach tour of the Normandy war fields in Northern France.
The tour will be the first in a new line of services promoted by SMT, who
have researched into demand for these tours. Look at these previous T&T
activities to see how Sheila and the company went about their market
research:
Unfortunately, Terri and Kevin, Sales Records Officers at SMT, have made
a mistake in logging the booking onto the company's computer system.
Between the two clerical officers, the paper records of Mr. and Mrs.
Trellis's booking have been lost. Terri's system has recorded the booking;
Kevin's has not.
This error isn't picked up at the end of the week when bookings are
checked. If Sheila hadn't personally checked the bookings for this first
Cross-Channel service, Mr. and Mrs. Trellis's holiday would have been
ruined. As it is, they are unlikely to be pleased. Due to popular demand
for the new service, there are no remaining seats on the first trip.
Sheila has made it clear to Terri and Kevin that they must clear up the
mess that their error has caused.
What action could the two clerical officers take to resolve the customer
service issues raised?
1. Call Mr. and Mrs. Trellis to explain the problem and ask them to book
the next cross-Channel coach tour.
2. Call Mr. and Mrs. Trellis, explain the problem and offer free tickets for
the next cross-Channel tour.
3. Write to Mr. and Mrs. Trellis, informing them of the problem and
asking them to rearrange their holiday.

4. Expect Mr. and Mrs. Trellis to find out the booking error when they
turn up. Plan to deal with the problem at that time.
Vocabulary
Using the telephone at work
USEFUL PHRASES
Good morning, this is Paqui. May I help you?
Can I ask who’s calling, please?
Just a moment, please. I'll put you through.
Hang on, I’ll put you through
Can you hold the line/on a moment, please? I’ll see If he’s/she’s in his/her office
I’m afraid he’s/she’s speaking on the other line
I'm sorry, the line's busy / engaged.
I'm afraid she's not in the office today.
I'm afraid he's/she’s away on business
Would you like to call back later?
Would you like her/him to call you back?
Would you like to leave him/her a message?
Could I take your name again, please?
Could you spell that for me, please?
Could you speak more slowly, please?
Sorry, I didn't catch that. Can you repeat, please?
I'll give him/her the message as soon as possible.
Thank you very much for your help

I look forward to hearing from you soon.
You're welcome. Bye.

Invoice messages
Audio file: 06. Intermediate A 16
Listen to six voicemail messages. Take notes. Which message is

about:
a- an order?
b- some figures?
c- a meeting?
d- a deadline?
e- a report?
f- a reminder?
Listen again and answer the questions.
Message 1 How many times did Cheryl phone yesterday?

Message 2 What’s the good news about phase one?
Message 3 What did Zoltan include in his report?
Message 4 When was the delivery?
Message 5 When was the estimate due?
Message 6 What do you think is happening at three tomorrow?
Listen to two telephone calls and answer the questions.
Call 1
A) Whose answer phone are we listening to?
B) What does the caller want?
C) Put the lines of the recorded message in the correct order.
_Hello. This is Patterson Meats,

___but if you’d like to leave
___for calling. I’m afraid
___please do so
___your call right now
___after the tone and I’ll get back
___Sylvia Wright’s office. Thank you
___I’m not able to take
___a message,
___ to you as soon as I can.
Invoice messages
Call 2
A) Who didn’t come to the meeting?
1 Bill Andrews
2 Stephanie Hughes
3 Jonathan Powell
4 Melanie Burns
B) Who does Tim already know?

1 Bill Andrews
2 Stephanie Hughes
3 Jonathan Powell
4 Melanie Burns
C) What didn’t the visitors from the UK see?

1 the processing plant
2 the factory
3 the packing department
4 the freezer units
5 a presentation
D) Tim was interrupted during the phone call. Complete what he said to
Sylvia.
Sorry____________________________
I just____________________________
Where__________________________?
E) What were the British visitors worried about?
F) Would the product they came to see be popular in your country?

Would you try it?
Vocabulary
Telephone collocations
Look at the chart below and create as many collocations as possible.
Ask Please
Check About it
Take Again
See if Who’s With me
Help Me With you
Have You Back to me
Give He/she I called
I Speak up Him/her Within the
Can You Hold on Your name hour
Get A message To call me
Tell Someone back
Leave Something A few details
Say A moment On that
Spell It Is there
Read that For me
Get back to Later today
Calling
When
he’ll/she’ll be
back
A message
Grammar
Modal verbs
The modal verbs include can, must, may, might, will, would, should.
They are used with other verbs to express ability, obligation, possibility,
and so on. Below is a list showing the most useful modals and their
most common meanings:
Modal Meaning Example

can to express ability I can speak a little
Russian.
can to request permission Can I open the window?
may to express possibility I may be home late.
may to request permission May I sit down, please?
must to express obligation I must go now.
must to express strong belief She must be over 90 years
old.
should to give advice You should stop smoking.
would to request or offer Would you like a cup of
tea?
would in if-sentences If I were you, I would say
sorry.
Modal verbs are unlike other verbs. They do not change their form
(spelling) and they have no infinitive or participle (past/present).
The modals must and can need substitute verbs to express
obligation or ability in the different tenses.
Grammar
Modal verbs
Complete with the correct modal verb.
1. I didn’t feel very well yesterday. I___________eat anything.

cannot
couldn’t
mustn’t
2. You __________ look at me when I am talking to you.

could
should
would
3. I was using my pencil a minute ago. It ______be here somewhere!

can
could
must
would
4. You really _________be late again.

must not
don’t have to be
5. If you don’t start working harder, you_____repeat the course next

year.
have to
must
will have to
6. His parents spoil him. He’s always _______to do whatever he wants.

been able
been allowed
7. Phone her now. She __________home by now.

has to be
must be
would be
8. You ___________forget your sun cream. It’s going to be very hot!

don’t have to
mustn’t
needn’t
Unit 4
Emails
Skills: Writing emails clearly

Identifying formal and informal emails
Vocabulary: Useful Phrases for Business Emails
Reading: Rd:Asking for help
-
Listening: Lt: Effective emails
Speaking: Emails routine
Grammar: Verb patterns – Infinitives vs. Gerund
Writing Emails for different purposes

Speaking
Emails routines
How often do you have to write emails?
Do you recieve a lot of e-mails?
Do you classify your emails?
Asking for help
Read the email sent to a problem page section of a magazine.
I am from Spain but I live in London since two months. I have 25

years. I came here because of work and I like very much my job. The
problem is I am very lonely. I don’t know anyone here apart of my
colleages at work. They are nice but they are all much older that me.
A problem more is that I am quite shy. In Spain this is not a problem

because already I have friends but in London it is dificult. I live alone
and every night I just look the television.
In Spain I had hobies but here it is impossible!
I like cooking but I’m not used to cook English food. I like live music
but I don’t know where to go in London. And I like walking but London
is very huge and I’m fritened of getting lost!
Maybe if I will have a boyfriend, everything would be easier but I

don’t know how to find one. I want to stay in England because my job
but I’m so bored and lonely. Please help me!
Nuria
PS My English is not very good. Sorry about my mistakes.
Answer the following questions about Nuria’s email:
a. What is Nuria’s problem?

b. Why doesn’t she want to go back to Spain?
c. Why do you think she wants a boyfriend?
Nuria has made five spelling mistakes and 12 mistakes with

her grammar and vocabulary. Can you find them all and correct
them? There may be more than one way to correct the

mistakes.
Vocabulary
Useful phrases for business emails
When we make a request
more formal less formal
I would be grateful if you could … . Could you possibly … ?
I would appreciate (it) if you could

Could you please … ?
….
When we agree to a request someone has made
I would be delighted to … .
I will be happy to … .
(delighted = very happy)
When apologising
I apologise for the delay in

Sorry for the delay in replying.
replying.
I/We apologise for the

Sorry for the inconvenience.
inconvenience.
I/We apologise for any

Sorry for any trouble caused.
inconvenience caused.
Please accept our/my sincere

I/We are very sorry … .
apologies.
Vocabulary
Useful phrases for business emails
When giving bad news
I/We regret that … . Unfortunately … .
I am sorry to have to tell you

I/We regret to inform you that …
that...
I am afraid that I must inform I am sorry to have to tell you

you of/that … . that...
When complaining
I/We wish to draw your attention

I wanted to inform you about … .
to … .
I am writing to complain about …

I would like to complain about … .
.
I am writing to express my
[none]
dissatisfaction with … .
The following phrase may be used as the closing line of the email:
I would appreciate your

I would appreciate if you could
immediate attention to the
sort it out as soon as possible.
matter.
Effective e-mails
Watch the video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jBIG3_YVub0
True or false?
1. Tip number one is "short is always best".

2. Tip number two is related to spams.
3. Tip number three is "get to the point".
4. It is hard to help if the person is not clear.
5. To include a link is not appropiate.
Answer:
What is the formula the speaker propose?
What are the key questions?
Which of the tips from this video will you apply to your next email?
Grammar
Infinitives and gerunds
➢ Use infinitive
after adjectives, for example:

disappointed, glad, happy, pleased, relieved, sad, surprised
This includes "too + adjective" and "adjective + enough". Look at these

example sentences:
-I was happy to help them.

-She will be delighted to see you.
-The water was too cold to swim in.
after certain verbs, for example:

forget, help, learn, teach, train, choose, expect, hope, need, offer, want,
would like, agree, encourage, pretend, promise, allow, can/can't afford,
decide, manage, mean, refuse
Look at these example sentences:

-I forgot to close the window.
-Mary needs to leave early.
-Why are they encouraged to learn English?
➢ Use -ing...
when the word is the subject of a clause:

-Swimming is good exercise.
-Doctors say that smoking is bad for you.
after a preposition:
-I look forward to meeting you.
-They left without saying goodbye.
after certain verbs:

avoid, dislike, enjoy, finish, give up, mind/not mind, practise
Look at these example sentences:

-I dislike getting up early.
-Would you mind opening the window?
Writing
Emails for different purposes
Information, Action, Help
You are going to write two emails: the first asking for
information; the second asking for action.
➢ EMAIL 1 :Write an email to a business contact or colleague asking for

information. Prepare the situation using the questions below. The
information can be real or imaginary.
-What is your company’s business?

-What products/services do you offer?
-What is your position in the company?
-What information do you want right now?
-Who are you going to write to, to get this information?
-Can you make your request for information more specific?
-Do you want to give any information to them? / promise action? / offer
help?
Now write the email. When you finish, work with a partner. Check each
other’s grammar, spelling, punctuation and style. Is everything clear,
well-structured and easy to understand?
➢ EMAIL 2: Write an email to a business contact or colleague asking for

action. Prepare the situation using the questions below. The
information can be real or imaginary.
-What is your company’s business?

-What products/services do you offer?
-What is your position in the company?
-What action do you need right now?
Grammar
Polite question forms
Polite Question Direct Indirect

Forms
Form of request Prefer to use the Prefer question forms:
imperative: e.g. Send e.g. Could you please
me your report this send me your report
week, please this week?
Use of expressions Make simple Use more wordy
statements and use expressions: e.g. I was
fewer words: e.g. I wondering if you could
need those figures let me have those
today. figures today? It would
be really help if you
could…
Please and thank you Use please and thank Use please and thank
you less often. you frequently
Being Direct and Polite?
In some cultures it is possible to be direct without being impolite. In other
cultures, it is considered rude and aggressive to be TOO direct. Be
careful!
Example:
I’m sorry to trouble you. I wonder if you would mind getting me those
figures?
Do you think you could possibly get me those figures?
Do you think you could possibly get me those figures, please?
Would you please get those figures?
Can you get me those figures?
Get me those figures
Persuade people to do things

Persuade people to do things

Is there any way you can…? I wonder if you could…
I don’t suppose you could….? Would you mind…(+ing)
Would you do me a favour and…..? I’d really appreciate if you could
Unit 5
Meetings
Skills: Handling Meetings Efficiently
Vocabulary: Useful phrases for Meetings

Starting a meeting
Reading: Dealing with Meetings

Getting down to business
-
Grammar: Present Perfect vs. Present Perfect Continuous
Past Perfect
Listening: Every meeting ever
Speaking Taking part in meetings

Speaking
Taking part in meetings
How often do you attend meetings?
What’s your role in meetings?
Are meetings useful or a waste of time?
What are some reasons that a meeting fail?
Reading
Dealing with meetings
Whether we like it or not, conflicts sometimes happen during

meetings. Which piece of advice for resolving a conflict do you
agree with most?
A. The best way to stop an argument is to get the people who disagree to
brainstorm solutions to the problem. This works well because it’s a
positive approach to the situation. Arguing is so negative and such a waste
of time. Brainstorming solutions helps everyone to work as a team again.
B. An effective way to end a conflict is to get the people who disagree to

say what the others’ positions and opinions are. Most conflicts happen
because people don’t really understand what the others are thinking. If
they have to think hard about this, it takes the heat out of any
disagreement, no matter how strong.
C. There’s no way that a solution to a disagreement can be found if

people are angry and upset. The most important thing that
people need to do to stop an argument going further is to cool off. They
can do this by taking a short break from the meeting, splashing some
water on their faces, and getting some fresh air.
D. An argument should be stopped by getting the people involved to

say sorry to each other for letting the situation get out of control. If
people said unpleasant things to each other during the argument, they
should apologize for having said them. That’s the only way that everyone
can move on and stop thinking about the conflict.
Answer:
1. What are your strategies for resolving a conflict?

2. What was the last conflict you had to deal with? How did you resolve it?
3. Do you think apologies are important in business?

Vocabulary
Useful phrases for meetings
Useful English Phrases for Participating in a Business Meeting
➢ Opening the Meeting
Good morning/afternoon, everyone.

If we are all here, let's
. . . get started (OR)
start the meeting. (OR)
. . . start.
➢ Welcoming and Introducing Participants
Please join me in welcoming (name of participant)

We're pleased to welcome (name of participant)
It's a pleasure to welcome (name of participant)
I'd like to introduce (name of participant)
I don't think you've met (name of participant)
➢ Stating the Principal Objectives of a Meeting
We're here today to

Our aim is to ...
I've called this meeting in order to ...
By the end of this meeting, I'd like to have ...
➢ Giving Apologies for Someone Who is Absent
I'm afraid.., (name of participant) can't be with us today

She is in...
I have received apologies for the absence of (name of participant),
who is in (place).
Vocabulary
Introducing the First Item on the Agenda

So, let's start with
Shall we start with. .
So, the first item on the agenda is
Pete, would you like to start us off?
Martin, would you like to introduce this item?
Closing an Item
I think that covers the first item.
Shall we leave that item?
If nobody has anything else to add,
Next Item
Let's move onto the next item
The next item on the agenda is
Now we come to the question of.
Giving Control to the Next Participant
I'd like to hand over to Mark, who is going to lead the next point.
Right, Dorothy, over to you.
Summarizing
Before we close, let me just summarize the main points.
To sum up, ...
In brief,
Shall I go over the main points?
Finishing Up
Right, it looks as though we've covered the main items
Is there Any Other Business?
Suggesting and Agreeing on Time, Date and Place for the Next
Meeting
Can we fix the next meeting, please?
So, the next meeting will be on... (day), the . . . (date) of.. . (month) at...
What about the following Wednesday? How is that?
So, see you all then.
Thanking Participants for Attending
I'd like to thank Marianne and Jeremy for coming over from London.
Thank you all for attending.

Thanks for your participation.
Closing the Meeting
The meeting is closed.
I declare the meeting closed
Vocabulary
Reading the Minutes (Notes) of the Last Meeting

First let's go over the report from the last meeting, which was held on
(date)
Here are the minutes from our last meeting, which was on (date)
Dealing with Recent Developments

Jack, can you tell us how the XYZ project is progressing?
Jack, how is the XYZ project coming along?
John, have you completed the report on the new accounting package?
Has everyone received a copy of the Tate Foundation report on current
marketing trends?
Moving Forward
So, if there is nothing else we need to discuss, let's move on to today's
agenda.
Shall we get down to business?
Is there any other business?
If there are no further developments, I'd like to move on to today's topic.
Introducing the Agenda
Have you all received a copy of the agenda?
There are three items on the agenda. First…, Second…, Third…,
Shall we take the points in this order?
If you don't mind, I'd like to ... go in order (OR)
skip item 1 and move on to item 3
I suggest we take item 2 last.
Allocating Roles (secretary, participants)
(name of participant) has agreed to take the minutes.
(name of participant) has kindly agreed to give us a report on this matter.
(name of participant) will lead point 1, (name of participant) point 2, and
(name of participant) point 3.
(name of participant), would you mind taking notes today?
Agreeing on the Ground Rules for the Meeting (contributions,
timing, decision-making, etc.)
We will hear a short report on each point first, followed by a discussion
round the table.
I suggest we go round the table first.

The meeting is due to finish at...
We'll have to keep each item to ten minutes. Otherwise we'll never get
through.
We may need to vote on item 5, if we can't get a unanimous decision.
Every meeting ever
Watch the video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K7agjXFFQJU
Answer the questions:
1. What does a typical Time Nazy do?
2. Does a Time Nazy person stress you out? What character stresses you
out at meetings in your workplace?
3. Give an example of a typical excuse a "Get here when you can"

person might give for not arriving to meetings on time.
4. The Negator never sees the glass as half full. Do you believe they are
a negative person or just a necessary evil?
5. How does a thin-skinned person typically react to someone who

objects to their ideas? In your opinion, what is the best way to deal
with them?
6. How can people stop someone who is rambling on in a meeting?
7. Why didn´t The Leader accomplish the goals of that meeting?

Reading Comprehension
Let’s stop wasting time and get on with it! Did you know you can
download a clock from the internet to calculate the cost of your
meetings? All you need to do is type in the number of attendees
at the meeting and their average hourly wage, and start the
clock. As the seconds tick away and you see how much those
seconds are costing your company, you’ll start to appreciate what
a terrible waste of time – and money – most meetings are.
So what can you do? Firstly, make sure everyone arrives on time.
No excuses. If five people at a meeting are sitting around waiting
for a sixth person to turn up, just think how much money you are
throwing away.
Secondly, get most of the work done before the meeting. That
means sending round detailed agendas, with clear instructions for
all participants telling them what they need to do to prepare for
the meeting. Again, accept no excuses if someone fails to prepare
properly. That means the meeting itself can focus on problem-
solving and decision-making rather than wasting time explaining
the problem that needs to be solved or the decision that needs to
be made.
Thirdly, stick to the agenda. Don’t let anyone hijack the meeting
by chatting about something irrelevant. If they want to talk about
those things, let them call their own meeting. Don’t let them take
over yours.
Fourthly, set a time limit and stick to it. There’s nothing worse
than a meeting that goes round and round in circles with no
decisions ever being finalised. A time limit can be a great way to
focus everyone’s minds on the purpose of the meeting and the
need to achieve something concrete … and then to go back to
work and start implementing the decisions.
Of course small talk has its place, but that place is not a meeting.
Look at this introduction to a meeting. What does the chairwoman

mean by the phrases in bold?
1. Right … I think we should start now. Robert, Alice … could you …?

Robert …? Thanks.
2. OK, so, is everybody here? Who are we waiting for? Hmmm … well, I
think we’ll have to make a start without them. We’ve got a lot to
get through this afternoon.
3. Right, well, as you know, the purpose of today’s meeting is to see
where we are with the marketing plan, and to work out what we
still need to do before the launch, which is now just six weeks away.
4. By the end of the meeting, we need to have a list of firm action points
for the next month. Hopefully we’ll then need only one more meeting
next month to tie up any remaining loose ends.
5. Did everyone get a copy of the agenda I sent round? OK, good.
6. As I say, we’ve got a lot to get through, so please let’s stick to the
agenda. I’ve set aside two hours for this meeting, and we really can’t
afford to run over. Ideally, we can cover everything in an hour and a
half. Does that sound reasonable?
7. Ah, Helena, come and take a seat. We started without you.
8. So perhaps we can get the ball rolling by going through the list of
action points from the last meeting.
9. Borys, you were going to look into the costs of the various options that
came up last time. Could you tell us what you found out?
Now match the nine steps in the meeting introduction (1–9) to the
descriptions (a–i). Can you think of other phrases for the nine
steps?
a.( ) Stating the desired outcome.

b.( ) Introducing the first point on the agenda.
c.( ) Getting people’s attention, interrupting small talk
d.( )Handing over to the first speaker.
e.( ) Dealing with non-attendees.
f. ( )Dealing with a late arrival.

g.( ) Explaining time limits and procedures.
h.( )Stating the purpose
i. ( ) Checking people have seen the agenda.
Vocabulary
Starting a meeting
Match the beginnings and endings to make useful phrases for
getting a meeting started.
1 to make a. aside X hours for sth

2 to have b. the ball rolling by doing sth
3 to see c. everything in X hours
4 to tie d. into sth
5 to send e. a lot to get through
6 to stick f. over
7 to set g. round a copy of the agenda
8 to run h. a start without sb
9 to cover i. sth out
10 to get j. through a list of action points
11 to go k. to the agenda
12 to look l. up (at the last meeting)
13 to come m. up any remaining loose ends
14 to find n. where we are with sth
Complete these small talk questions by choosing the best

form for each verb in brackets.
➢ Asking about current projects:
1. What ___ you ___ on at the moment?

2. How ___ it ___ (go) with your new assistant?
3. ___ you ___ (make) any progress with your big project?
➢ Asking about recent events:
4. How ___ your presentation ___ (go) last week?

5. How ___ (be) your business trip? When ___ you ___ (get) back?
➢ Asking about news:
6. What’s new?
7. ___ you ___ (hear) back from that potential big customer yet?
8. What ___ you ___ (be) up to in your department?
➢ Asking about plans and predictions
9. When do you think they ___ finally ___ (sign) the contract?
10. ___ you ___ (go) to the conference this weekend?
Grammar
Present perfect simple v/s Present perfect continuous
Present Perfect Simple Present Perfect Continuous
Uses: Uses:
➢ An action that started in the ➢ To emphasize the duration

past and continues to the or continuous course of an
present. action.
e.g:I have lived in this city for e.g:I have been writing for an
six months. hour.
➢ An action that
happened before
now (unspecified time)
e.g:I have been to Japan

twice.
Form: Form:
HAVE / HAS + past participle Have/HAS+ been + verb + ing

Grammar
Present perfect simple v/s Present perfect continuous
Put the verbs into the correct tense (Present Perfect Simple or
Present Perfect Progressive)
1.I (play) _______________________ football for five years.
2.My team (win / only) ____________________ two matches so far.
3.The others (be / always)____________________________ better.
4.Are we not there yet? We (walk)_______________________ for

walk)_________________ for walk)________________ for hours.
5.But we (cover / only) ______________ an area of five miles so far.
6.I (finish/just) ______________________________ my homework.
7.I (work)______________________ on this essay since two o'clock.
8.Jane (go out)______________________ with Bob for seven years.
9.Martin (date)__________________ three girls this week.
10.How long (wait / you)___________________ for us?

Grammar
Past perfect
Past Perfect
Use:
➢ When we look back from a certain time in the past to tell what
had happened before.
Example: Before her sixth birthday, Jane had never been to the
zoo.
Form:
had + 3rd column of irregular verbs
Example: I had spoken
had+ infinitive + ed
Example: I had worked
Grammar
Present perfect simple v/s Past perfect
Choose the correct tense
1.When I opened the refrigerator, I discovered that someone

____________ the last piece of cake.
A) has eaten
B)had eaten
2.She failed the test because she _____________.

A)hasn't studied
B)hadn't studied
3.By the end of the night, John ___________ with everyone at the party.
A)has talked
B)had talked
4.____________ Brazilian food until my trip to Rio last month.

A)I've never had
B)I'd never had
5.They couldn't drive home because _____________ their keys in the

car.
A)they've locked
B)they'd locked
6.We ____________ the new English teacher yet.

A)haven't met
B)hadn't met
7.Don't get the floor dirty - my mother _____________ the house.

A)has just cleaned
B)had just cleaned
8.You're working late again?! ___________ overtime every day this

week!
A)You've worked
B)You'd worked
Unit 6
Making decisions
Skills: Making Decisions in different situations
Vocabulary: Expressions about making decisions

Company decisions
Reading: Away for a day

-
Grammar: Conditionals
Listening: The Art of Decision-Making in Business
Speaking: Sp: Making decisions

Speaking
Making decisions
Are you good at making decisions or are you usually indecisive?
Do you make decisions quickly or slowly?
Do you give things a lot of thought before making a decision?
Do you have a strategy or method for making important decisions?
Do you ever ask the opinions of others before making important

decisions?
Have you ever made a rash decision and later regretted it?
Have you ever been in two minds about what to do in a situation?
The art of decision-making in business
Audio file : 06. Intermediate A 38
Organize a model of the “decision-making process”:
Put the expression from the box in the correct column (a-g)
following a logical order
Choose from alternatives Review the decision Identify the decision to

be made Weigh the evidence Take action Gather information
Identify the alternatives
steps Decision making process

Step 1 a-
Step 2 b-
Step 3 c-
Step 4 d-
Step 5 e-
Step 6 f-
Step 7 g-
Vocabulary
Expressions about making decisions
To change one’s mind – “First I decided to go to university in France,

but then I changed my mind.”
To have second thoughts – “I am having second thoughts about

getting married, what should I do?”
To take into consideration – “Thank you for your views, I will take
them into consideration”
To make up one’s mind – “There are so many choices, it is difficult to

make up my mind about the right one.”
To give it a lot of thought – “I have given it a lot of thought and I

have decided to accept the job offer.”
To be in two minds about something – “I am in two minds about

what to do. On the one hand, John is
very confident and sensible, but on the
other
hand, he doesn’t have a lot of experience
in this industry.”
To make a rash decision – “I made a rash decision and now I wish I

never came here.”
To make a tentative decision – “I have made a tentative decision and

after the meeting I will provide confirmation.”
To weigh up one’s options – “I haven’t decided yet, I am still

weighing up my options.”
To keep one’s options open – “I just want to keep my options open

for now, I still have 6 months to decide.”
Away for a day
The Managing Director of your company has recently read that fun at work
is linked to higher productivity, so he’s decided to send all the staff in the
London office on an away day – a day out to encourage team spirit – and
increase productivity!
Look at the comments below and the newspaper cuttings and decide which
venue would suit most people in the company. You have a budget of €150
per person.
A relaxing day out would be Can we please do No boring discussion

wonderful with just a little something cultural? groups with the old
gentle exercise and lots of What about trying new guys in accounts,
good food. Can we go foods? We want to have please! We want
somewhere near the office? fun and spend time lots of fun activities
Oh, and no silly games, relaxing and chatting. that we’ve never done
please! before!
Mandy, 30,
James, 45, Administration Tom, 23,
Accounts Marketing
SPA HEALTH DAY
Why not reward your hard working staff with a little pampering? Space
Health Club offers a variety of corporate days to refresh and relax your
staff.
Your package includes:
• Unlimited use of the impressive 25m swimming pool with sauna and
steam rooms
• Supervised workout in the Supervised workout in the Supervised
workout in the gymnasium
• Complete relaxation programme
• Yoga and pilates classes
A buffet lunch is included, with complimentary soft drinks and fruit
throughout the complimentary soft drinks and fruit throughout the
complimentary soft drinks and fruit throughout the day.
Prices start from €120 per person.
50 miles from London, off M40 motorway

Away a day
ADVENTURE FARM DAY

A thrilling package for excitement seekers. An away day that your staff will
never forget!
•Go-kart racing
• Bungee jumping
• Rock-climbing
• Clay pigeon shooting
No previous experience is necessary for any of the activities – all of the
instructors are trained to coach complete beginners. A delicious barbecue
lunch is served at the farm.
Prices start from €130 per person.
25 miles from London
Food and Wine Courses at Champers
Champers offers its corporate guests the relaxed informality of a private

home, but with the facilities, standards of service and
cuisine of a quality hotel.
You can relax in the elegant drawing room with log fire and listen to wine
experts give informative talks about our extensive cellar of new and old
world wines, all of which are available for tasting.
The dining room has excellent views across the valley and guests
are served wonderful food cooked by top class French chefs.
Prices start from €135 per person including champagne before

dinner.
25 miles from London

Away a day
Take your staff on an evening out to the Covent Garden Opera House
Turandot!
An unforgettable musical experience in the centre of London. Enjoy an

excellent Italian meal before the show. Performances start at 8.00 pm.
Programmes and interval interval intervalintervalinterval drinks are
interval drinks are interval drinks are included.
Prices start from €145 per person. Discounts for large groups.
Answer:
• What does the manager want to do?
• Why does the manager want to do this activity?
• What is the best location?
Vocabulary
Company decisions
Choose an alternative to complete the sentences.
1 I strongly recommend you make a checklist of points to consider .......

deciding which method of payment to accept.
(a) when (b) what (c) who (d) where
2 How long do you think it will take ....... we'll be in a position to implement the
changes to our distribution system?
(a) upon (b) about (c) to (d) before
3 Yesterday the project manager suddenly announced that the launch of the
new promotion campaign had been....... because of software problems.
(a) transcended (b) created (c) postponed (d) founded
4 Because of their expertise the two young engineers have been ....... the
opportunity to join our staff.
(a) offer (b) offering (c) offered (d) offers
5 One of the indicators of success in any business is how ....... types of

communication channels they use.
(a) much (b) many (c) lot (d) lots
6 An effective customer support system should be ....... as the nerve centre of

all company communication.
(a) regarded (b) imagined (c) thought (d) dreamt
7 It goes without ....... that there are more goals that can be achieved with your
business than simply generating revenue.
(a) talking (b) saying (c) asking (d) arguing
8 A company's success will largely depend ....... how far ahead into the future it
can forecast.
(a) on (b) of (c) at (d) in
9 In addition to an organisation's vision and ability to set goals it is also .......

that every team member feels part of a unit.
(a) lively (b) strict (c) vivid (d) vital
10 Especially large corporations ....... on an international scale create and

pursue a human resources policy covering many different aspects.
(a) operates (b) operating (c) operation (d) operated
Grammar
Conditionals
Conditional Use If clause verb Main clause

sentence type tense verb tense
Zero General truths Simple present Simple present
Type 1 A possible Simple present Simple future

condition and its
probable result
Type 2 A hypothetical Simple past Present

condition and its conditional or
probable result Present
continuous
conditional
Type 3 An unreal past Past perfect Perfect

condition and its conditional
probable result
in the past
Grammar
Conditionals
Decide whether the following Conditional Sentences are Type

I, II or III.
1. If he had dropped the vase, it would have broken.

a) Type I b) Type II c) Type III
2. If you have to do the washing up, I will help you.

3. If I had a hammer, I'd hammer in the morning .

4. I wouldn't run away if I saw a spider.

5. We'd have given you a lift if you hadn't had your bike with you.
6. If you had listened to me, the accident wouldn't have happened.

7. If we don't get tickets for the concert, we'll stay at home.

8. They'd go by bus if they didn't have a car.

9. She'll hear us if you don't stop laughing.

10. He wouldn't have taken the bread if he hadn't been hungry.

Grammar
Conditionals
Complete these sentences with the third conditional.
1. If you ……………………. (not watch) that horror film, you

……………….(not be) so scared!.
2. I ……………………….. (tell) you about the party if you
…………………..(ask) me.
3. The club …………………… (be) more popular if it …………………(be) in
the city centre.
4. If you …………………… (come) with us, you …………………..(have) a
good time.
5. You …………………… (meet) her if you …………………(leave) so early.
6. If they …………………… (show) me the tickets, I ………………….(not
believe) that they were going to Mexico.
7. I ……………………. (go) to see him if I ………………(have) time.
8. They …………………. (not miss) the last bus if they
…………………..(leave) earlier.
Complete these sentences with the first, second or third

conditional form.
1. You ………………………. (get) a pneumonia if you ………………….(not

change) your wet clothes.
2. She was sent to prison because she refused to play the fine; if
she ………………….. (pay) the fine she ……………………(not be) sent to
prison.
3. If I …………………. (have) lots of money, I …………………(drink)
champagne with every meal.
4. Unless Tom ……………….. (take) his library book back tomorrow
he ………………(have) to pay the fine.
5. If the film …………………. (not be) so boring we ……………….(not
leave), but the film was terrible.
6. They ………………….. (miss) the connection if the flight
………………….(not leave) on time.
7. If the band ……………………. (give) a concert here, all my friends
……………..(go). But no one has said a word about it yet.
8. You ……………………. (get) tickets unless you ………………(get) to the
stadium early.
9. You are a bit fat. If I ……………….(be) you I ……………….(exercise)

more.
10.Why didn’t you tell me? If I …………………… (know) you were in
hospital I ………………….(visit) you.
Unit 7
Business Trips
Skills: Talking about Business Trips

Dealing with Common Situations in Business
Trips
Vocabulary: In the Airport
-
Reading: Make life on the road a little less painful
Speaking: Sp: Problematic situations when travelling
Grammar: Comparisons
Listening Travelling on business

Writing A Letter of Complaint

Speaking
Problematic situations when travelling
Have a look at the pictures.
Which of them do you feel identified with?
Which pictures show a problematic situation according to your experience?
Listening
Travelling on business
Audio File: 1.28 In com pany Interm ediate
Listen to 18 short conversations involving people travelling on

business. Where are the speakers? Write the numbers of
conversations under the correct location box:
Speakers (1-8)
In the taxi
On the plane
At the check-in
At customs
In departures
At the hotel
Listen to four conversations in which people meet at the airport

and answer the questions:
Conversation Conversation Conversation Conversation

1 2 3 4
Have the
speakers me
t before?
What topics
do they
discuss?
What plans
do they
make?
Word building:
Vocabulary
In the airport
Complete the chart
Noun Adjective
verb
Arrival
arrive
Departure
Depart
Flight
Fly
Check-in destination flight lounge movie plane

shopping sleep the airport
a-confirm your ________

b- take a taxi to _______
c- queue at ________
d-do some ______
e-wait in the departure _______
f-board the _________
g-watch an in-flight ______
h-try to get some _______
i-arrive at your_________
A meal arrivals bags control customs hotel night

traffic your things
j-go through passport ________

k-collect your ________
l-go through _________
m-be met in __________
n-get stuck in ________

o-check into your _________
p-unpack _________
q-go out for _________
r-get an early_________
Make life on the road a little less painful
Experienced business travellers reveal their favorite travel tips

We reached out to several frequent fliers to find out their favorite travel
strategies.
Tip 1-Have one go-to piece of luggage that always works, no

matter what kind of trip you're taking
"It doesn't depend on the length of the trip — I've even been to Europe
and Africa for 35 days straight and I only take a roller bag," Morrow
says. "I never check luggage, ever. It forces me to be efficient with what
I pack."
Tip 2-Pack less than you think you need.
"I think about the stuff I want to bring, and then I only bring half,"
Rosati says. "And you’re still not going to wear a good two thirds of it.
Tip 3-Bring clothes that are dark colors.
"I am probably the least stylish traveler on the face of the
planet," Frommer says.
"To me it's not about how I look, it’s about how the world looks. And if
I'm worrying too much about how I look, then I'm missing out on my
trip. I wear dark colors that hide stains
Tip 4-Be loyal to businesses and they'll treat you well

"The key thing for business travel is frequent flier programs," Banas says.
"You want to be brand loyal so you can get that elite status and have
access to more perks and upgrades."
If you don't want to marry yourself to one airline or hotel chain for infinity,
Banas recommends at least getting a rewards credit card that lets you rack
up points and miles no matter which company you choose to do business
with.
Tip 5-Dress nicely to give yourself an edge

"When flights are oversold [in economy class], sometimes gate agents will
pick people to upgrade based on whether they're dressed well, or if they
were nice to someone when they checked in," says George Hobica, founder
of discount airfare site Airfarewatchdog.com.
Tip 6-Know the difference between non-stop and direct flights.
"Especially if you're on business and going to and from meetings, it's such
a waste of time to take a day to get there and a day to get back [because
of layovers]," Banas says.
But don't mistake "direct" flights for "non-stop" flights when booking.
"A direct flight might still stop, but you would just stay on the plane
instead of having to switch planes," Banas explains. "There's a lot of
confusion about this. I would say always choose a 'non-stop' flight instead
of direct."
Tip 7-Order a special meal to get fed first
"I always order vegetarian meals because if you order a special meal, you
tend to be served first," she says. "I can't think of a time when I wasn't
served first. Then you can just go to sleep and won't have to wait [for the
full dinner service]."
Tip 8-Figure out your perfect jet lag cure
Everyone reacts to changing time zones differently, so it's important to
figure out what your body needs and doesn't need to avoid jet lag.
For Morrow, that means putting mind over matter and mentally preparing
himself for the time change.
"I'm militant about it [conquering jet lag]," Morrow says. "Literally when I
get to the airport I do the estimation in my head about what time it is in
that local zone."
"So let's say I was going to go to New York and I was going to leave here
at 9 am, that means it's noon on the East Coast. I change my watch to
noon on all of my devices and I do not allow myself even think what time
is it back home."
According to the author write T, F or doesn’t say next to the

following statements.
Statements T, F or doesn’t say

Tip 1: No matter how long/far you
travel, the most important thing is
to avoid packing every time you
travel.
Tip 2: During their trips, travelers
usually use most of the clothes
they carry.
Tip 3: The best way to save time
is to pack only dark-colour clothes.
Tip 4: Being loyal to an airline
company means having access to
more perks and upgrades.
Tip 5: If you dress well, you will
get an upgrade.
Tip 6: You can save time if you
book a direct flight
Tip 7: If you order special meals
such as vegetarian, you are
served first.
Tip 8: By changing time in your
watch, you’ll certainly avoid
jetlag.
Grammar
Comparisons
Grammar
Comparisons
Fill in the blanks with the comparative or superlative form of the

adjective
I went on holiday last year but it was a disaster! My hotel room was ..
smaller than … (small) the one in the photograph in the brochure. I think
it was ……………………………… (small) room in the hotel. The weather was
terrible too. It was ………………………………… (cold) in England. The beach
near the hotel was very dirty – it was ……………………………….. (dirty) all the
beaches on the island. The food was ………………………………………….
(expensive) I expected and I didn’t have enough money. One day I went
shopping in a big department store and I broke a vase. It was
…………………………………………………… ( expensive) vase in the whole shop. But
………………………………………. (bad) thing all was that I lost my passport and I
couldn’t go back home. It was ………………………………………….. (horrible)
holiday all my life.
Writing
Complaint letter
You travelled by plane last week and your suitcase was

lost. You have still heard nothing from the airline
company.
Write to the airline and explain what happened. Describe

your suitcase and tell them what was in it. Find out what
they are going to do about it.
Dear Madam or Sir,
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
____________________________________________________
Unit 8
Persuasion
How to convince and persuade people

Skills:
How to use body language effectively
Vocabulary: Persuasion techniques

Idioms – body parts
- Rd: The importance of persuasion in business

Reading: communication
Grammar: Verb tenses review
Listening: Lt: Body Language Tricks
Speaking: Are you a persuasive person?

Speaking
Are you a persuasive person?
Are you a persuasive person?
How often do you use persuasion technics at work?
During a conversation:
What is the sign of a genuine smile?
How can you tell that the other person feels uncomfortable?
How can you tell the conversation is going well?
Is the extreme eye contact a positive sign?
What are the signals sent by crossed legs and crossed arms?
Importance of Persuasion in Business Communication
Persuasion is an art of influencing the mind of the listener and

hence it should be done with great care. Persuasion may therefore
be defined as “an effort to influence the attitudes, feelings or beliefs
of others or to influence action based on those attitudes, feeling or
beliefs.”
Persuasion is a communicative skill. It enables a persuader to

present his point of view from the Receiver's point of view and
induce the Receiver to act accordingly. Persuasion is very useful in
internal management within an organization
Persuasion as a skill requires:

1. Knowledge about the Receiver.
2. Intellectual appeals to arouse the Receiver's interest.
3. Presentation of one's interests from the Receiver's point of view.
Persuasion is important to a job-seeker. He can draft his job

application on the basis of AIDA (Attention-Interest-Desire-Action)
formula. His application must be drafted from employer's point of
view.
A good salesman is expected to be excellent at persuasion

otherwise he cannot arouse the buyer's interest. A good executive
also needs persuasion. It is always better to persuade workers to
take up a particular course or adopt new methods of operation in
job than to order them to do so. Thus, persuasion is important in
almost every activity related to business. Persuasion works both
ways-downward and upward. www.selexidiomas.com
Vocabulary
Persuassion techniques
Technique Examples
Flattery - complimenting your A person of your intelligence
audience. deserves much better than this.
Opinion - a personal viewpoint In my view, this is the best
often presented as if fact. thing to have ever happened.
Hyperbole - exaggerated It is simply out of this world –
language used for effect. stunning!
You are the key to this entire
Personal pronouns - ‘I’, ‘you’ idea succeeding - wewill be with
and ‘we’. you all the way. I can’t thank
you enough!
Imperative command -
Get on board and join us!
instructional language.
Safer streets means comfort,
Triples - three points to support reassurance and peace of
an argument. mind for you, your family and
your friends.
There are thousands of animals
Emotive language - vocabulary
at the mercy of
to make the audience/reader
ourselfishness and disregard for
feel a particular emotion.
kindness.
80% of people agreed that this
Statistics and figures - factual
would change their community
data used in a persuasive way.
for the better.
Rhetorical question - a question
Who doesn’t want success?
which implies its own answer.
Body languaqe tricks
Watch the video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TD884Dl-kLc
True or false?
• Smiling inmediatly is very important.
• Body language is essential when you want to take someone´s

attention.
• Eye contact is very important.
• Crossing your hands shows interest.
• Turn your body towards the person you are talking to.
• Moving too much is not a good idea.
What are the five techniques mentioned?
1 ________________________________________
2 ________________________________________
3 ________________________________________
4 ________________________________________
5 ________________________________________
Vocabulary
Idioms body parts
Idiom Meaning Example sentence
all ears fully listening Give me a minute to

finish my work and
then I'll be all ears to
hear about your
project.
break a leg good-luck Today's the big game,

eh? Break a leg!
cold feet nervous just before a My sister didn't get cold

big event feet until she put her
wedding gown on.
cost an arm and a be very expensive These cakes are

leg delicious, but they cost
an arm and a leg.
cry your heart out cry very hard I cried my heart

out when my best
friend moved away.
face the music meet, stand up to I stayed out all night.

unpleasant When I eventually got
conseqences, for home I had to face the
example criticism or music from my wife.
punishment
(my) flesh and relative I have to hire Mia.

blood She's my own flesh and
blood.
get something off tell someone your Thanks for listening to

one's chest problems me complain about my
boss. I just needed

to get this off my chest.
give a hand, lend a help (someone) do I can give you a

hand something hand when you move if
you like.
Grammar
Tense review
TENSE USE EXAMPLE
-Regular activities / Amy and Sue play
Present Simple
routine tennis on Saturdays.
-Continuous present Amy and Sue are

Present Continuous
action playing at the moment.
-Finished part of
Amy and Sue have
continuous action.
played two sets.
-Completed actions
-They have played
in
several other matches
unfinished time
this year.
Present Perfect period.
-Their parents have just
Simple -Recent events
arrived.
(unspecified time)
-Sue has broken her
-Past action with a
racket so she can't
result in
continue.
the present.
-They have played in
-Experiences up to
many tournaments.
now.
Present Perfect
They have been playing
Continuous Actions begun in the
tennis since
past which continue
2 o'clock this afternoon.
today.
Last Saturday Sue

Finished actions at a
Past Simple played in another
specific time in the
tournament.
past.
Past continuous At 2.45 pm they were

Past ContinuouS
actions. playing the second set.
Completed actions Two other people had

Past Perfect Simple before a specific time played a match before
or event in the past. Amy and Sue arrived.
Continuous actions
Past Perfect At 4 pm they had been
before a specific time
Continuous playing for 2 hours.
or event in the past.
Grammar
Tense review
Complete the sentences with the correct tense.
1. Andy is tired because he __________ (work) all day.
2. By 1960 most of Britain’s old colonies _______

(become) independent.
3. David broke his leg when he __________(ski) last week.
4. (you/have) __________a nice time in Rome?
5. (you/finish) __________ your homework yet?
6. He (be) __________ at his computer for six hours.
7. How long (she/have) __________ that car?
8. How many people (die) __________ in the fire yesterday?
9. I (not/know) __________ much about art, but I like some artists.
10. I (wait) __________ for ages when finally the bus arrived.
11. I (receive) a postcard from Jane yesterday.
12. I (correct) all morning, I’m exhausted. www.selexidiomas.com

Writing
Advertising
You want to advertise your company. It is not a new company but

you lost money last month and you want new customers. You make
plastic bottles for fizzy drinks. Decide who the customers are, and
how to attract them.
Write an advertisement which will be presented to your boss in an

important meeting.
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________

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BOOKLET

“ A new concept in effective

4 Dealing with Meetings

Talking to someone for the first time

What kind of situations force strangers to talk each other?

What topics can you talk with a stranger?

What topics are considered taboos when you meet someone ?

After watching the video, answer the questions:

• What did the study from the university of Michigan show?

• Who is Carol Flemming?

• What does ARE mean?

Classify the following actions with the steps mentioned: Anchor,

( ) Find something you have in common.

( ) Say something about yourself.

( ) Let people talk about themselves.

( ) Find something you're both experiencing in that moment.

( ) Provide something for them to respond to. www.selexidiomas.com

Read this conversation at the coffee break table during a 15

Bob: Oh, sorry. Could you pass me the sugar?

Answer the following questions:

1. How does John introduce himself to Bob?

2. How does John introduce Susan?

3. Why does he tell about Bob's job?

4. How does Bob find out John's name?

5. Why does Bob say “UCONN”?

6. Is this conversation formal or informal?

7. When would the participants shake hands?

8. What other body language might they use in this dialogue?

Choose the correct words to complete the sentences:

perform. letter. As always it's ....... to read.

a. amateur (a) fun (b) amusement (c)

Building intercultural bridges for reaching business agreements

“Discussions between companies from different countries often break down

According to Calder, the differences between northern and southern

So how does Calder see the future of intercultural awareness in business?

Cross cultural awareness

1. Discussions between companies from different countries are

2. Companies are not interested in language training.

3. Meetings are rarely used to solve problems.

4. Senior Japanese executives only do business with people from the

5. Neil Calder is a journalist.

• Do you think intercultural awareness is as important as foreign

• In your experience, are there more similarities than differences in the

• What cultural differences have you encountered when doing business

Present simple v/s Present continuous

Present Simple Present Continuous

Permanent situations (or ❖ Temporary situations:

Habits or things we do ❖ Temporary or new habits:

Future events which are part of ❖ Definite future plans:

To talk about what happens in ❖ To talk about people in pictures

Present simple v/s Present continuous

Using the words in parentheses, complete with the appropriate

1. Every Monday, Sally ________ (drive) her kids to football practice.

2. Usually, I ________ (work) as a secretary at ABT, but this summer

3. Shhhhh! Be quiet! John _______________ (sleep) .

4. Don't forget to take your umbrella. It _________________ (rain) .

5. I hate living in Seattle because it ______________ (rain, always) .

6. I'm sorry I can't hear what you ______________ (say) because

7. Justin_____________ (write, currently) a book about his adventures

8. Jim: Do you want to come over for dinner tonight?

9. The business cards __________ (be, normally) printed by a company

10. This delicious chocolate_________ (be) made by a small

Objectives and Contents:

1) What ____ (you/do) when I _ (call)

2) I ___ (sit) in a cafe when you _ (call).

3) When you _ (arrive) at the party, who _

4) Susie _____ (watch) a film when she _