phone english blogB2 – Upper Intermediate
How do you get big things done? Certainly, there are several different things you can do to accomplish them. Here’s one technique you can try:
Discussion Questions:
1. What is the technique called and how does it work?
2. How can people improve their productivity?
3. What technology helps you to be productive?
4. Do you think smart phones increase or decrease productivity?
5. Are you a very motivated person or do you wait until the last minute to do things?
B1 – Intermediate
Apple and Facebook are among the biggest tech firms known for giving their employees, some might call, “awesome” work perks.
Recently, some companies decided they will provide financial assistance to their female staff should they opt to go for egg-freezing in their 20s or 30s.
Read the article to know more about this egg freezing perk.
http://www.breakingnewsenglish.com/1704/170426-egg-freezing.html
Discussion Questions:
1. What do you think of this perk?
2. What are your thoughts on this statement: “When [IVF] is done purely to protect their job, I think it’s extraordinary that women think this is liberating.”?
3. What unique perks are given to employees at your company?
4. What perks do you want your company to start giving out to its employees?
5. What do you think is the best age to start having children. Tell some reasons why.
B2 – Upper Intermediate
A newbie does not have enough experience. A senior colleague is not technology illiterate. These are some common assumptions and generalizations we sometimes make based on a person’s age.
Ageism exists in the workplace. Are we just supposed to just sweep this issue under the rug?
Click on the link below to read more on ageism in the workplace.
Discussion Questions:
B2 – Upper Intermediate
Globalization has changed society in many ways. Some people believe this has been a positive change, while others argue that it has had many negative impacts.
In business, globalization has its advantages and disadvantages.
Find out by watching the video and be ready to answer the discussion questions.
Discussion Questions:
B2 – Upper Intermediate
Going on package tours sound really interesting. However, if these trips include activities that endanger animals and violate their rights, is it still worth it?
A travel agent in Brighton is changing things by adapting “responsible tourism”.
To read more about this, click the link below.
http://www.bbc.com/news/business-39479367
Discussion Questions:
C1 – Advanced
Work-life balance refers to the balance between a person’s career and his or her personal life. Many people work longer hours and have fewer holidays and days off, in part because of globalization, outsourcing, and a loss of job security. As a result, employees have less time for personal interests, friends and family. Such an imbalance can lead to reduced productivity, depression and high levels of stress. Although the employee makes the choice to work longer hours, the corporate culture is also responsible. Companies should educate their workers on the importance of a healthy work-life balance.
Watch the video carefully and be able to answer the discussion questions below:
http://www.englishwithjo.com/business-english-work-life-balance/#more-1994
Discussion Questions:
B2 – Upper Intermediate
Consumer protection is an important part of any business. It allows fair transaction between buyers and sellers.
This activity will help increase your business vocabulary and practice your sentence construction. Click on the link below and be ready to have a speaking activity. Discuss the vocabulary words then answer the discussion questions.
https://www.businessenglishresources.com/learn-english-for-business/teachers-section/conversation-lessons/business-english-conversation-lessons-consumer-protection/
Discussion Questions:
B2 – Upper Intermediate
In an attempt to reduce the impact of global warming, many organizations are looking at using renewable energy. Google is one of them.
Google wants aims to shift to renewable energy by 2017 in order to power all their data centers and offices.
Read the article below and be ready to talk about technology. Share your thoughts as well.
https://www.voanews.com/a/mht-google-says-will-use-100-percent-renewable-energy/3625221.html
Discussion Questions:
B2 – Upper Intermediate
Migrating to another country would be a breeze if we all spoke one language and had similar cultures. However, once you leave your home country, you start to realize that things are actually very different.
There are many differences among various cultures across the globe. Your ability and willingness to cope with these differences determine how your experience will be like living and working in a foreign country.
Watch the video below and be ready to answer the questions that follow.
Discussion Questions:
1. Do you agree with the speaker that the best way to compete and succeed in today’s economy is to move to other countries?
2. What are the main reasons people move abroad?
3. What are some of the benefits of working in another country?
4. What do you think are the main challenges people face when working abroad?
5. When is the best time and What’s the ideal amount of time to work abroad? Why?
B2 – Upper Intermediate
How important is it really to take care of the customers’ needs? Customer service is making sure a customer is rendered superior quality service and assistance before, during and after a purchase of a product.
Discussion Questions: