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THE BLUE TREE
Business English
CEFR A2
Pre-Intermediate
warm up
Answer the questions below.
| How often do you need to speak English at work? |
TRANSCRIPT
I have to speak English quite often at work, especially when we have meetings with international clients or colleagues from other countries. Sometimes it’s just a short conversation or a quick update, but other times I need to explain something more complicated. At first, it was a bit stressful, but now I’m getting used to it, and I even enjoy the challenge.
| What do you have to do more: speak or write? |
TRANSCRIPT
In my job, I do more writing than speaking. I send emails every day, write short reports, and sometimes prepare documents in English. Speaking happens less often, maybe once or twice a week during online meetings. I feel more confident when I write because I have more time to think, check the vocabulary, and correct mistakes before sending anything.
| How do you feel when you have to speak English? |
TRANSCRIPT
How do you feel when you have to speak English?It depends on the situation. If it’s a one-on-one conversation, I usually feel okay. But when I have to speak in front of a group, especially with native speakers, I get nervous. I worry about my grammar or pronunciation. But at the same time, I know that making mistakes is part of learning, so I try not to be too hard on myself. Every time I speak, I feel like I improve a little.
part one
KEY LANGUAGE
Go through the flashcards below. Make sure you understand all the words and expressions.
VIDEO
Watch the first part of the video.
COMPREHENSION
Answer these questions. Refer to the information from the video.
- How important is it to know what to say in a given situation in English?
- What is the first scenario about?
- Why shouldn’t we say: “I don’t know”?
- What can we say instead? Open the toggle below to see the ideas from the video.
What to say when you don't know the answer
- I’m not sure, but I can find out.
- I’ll find out for you.
- Let me come back to you on that.
part two
KEY LANGUAGE
Go through the flashcards below. Make sure you understand all the words and expressions.
VIDEO
Watch the second part of the video.
COMPREHENSION
Answer these questions. Refer to the information from the video.
- What is wrong with “I’ll try”?
- How should we answer a specific yes/no question?
- What can you say in this situation?
- What is the best thing to say when you don’t think you can manage the deadline?
part three
KEY LANGUAGE
Go through the flashcards below. Make sure you understand all the words and expressions.
VIDEO
Watch the third part of the video.
COMPREHENSION
Answer these questions. Refer to the information from the video.
- What is the third situation about?
- How do some people react in situations like these?
- What two words can make things a little better?
- What else can you say?
- Why should we use ‘we’ instead of ‘I’?
part four
KEY LANGUAGE
Go through the flashcards below. Make sure you understand all the words and expressions.
VIDEO
Watch the fourth part of the video.
COMPREHENSION
Answer these questions. Refer to the information from the video.
- What is the fourth situation about?
- What is the worst thing to say in such a situation? Why?
- What can you say instead?
part five
KEY LANGUAGE
Go through the flashcards below. Make sure you understand all the words and expressions.
VIDEO
Watch the fifth part of the video.
COMPREHENSION
Answer these questions. Refer to the information from the video.
- What is the fifth situation about?
- What shouldn’t you say?
- What are the alternatives?