UNIT 4: BUSINESS IS BUSINESS In this unit, you will learn the following:

Grammar

Link words: to, in order to, so as to/ so that, in order that Present perfect with yet, since, for,just,still Present perfect continuous

Pronunciation

Shift of stress from verb to noun, noun to adjective, and from adjective to noun.

Constructive and corrective sentence stress. Sound-Spelling links

Vocabulary

Prefixes: mis, dis, in, un………….. Words and phrases related to business

Functions

Complaining (orally and in writing) Apologizing Asking and answering questions Making comments

Skills

Reading business letters Reading for general ideas Reading for specific ideas Managing through a conversation Listening for gist Listening for specific information Making inferences Writing a report

Warming up:

1. What is business? What are the activities related to business?

2. What does the idea of “Business Is Business” imply?3. What does the picture show?4. Why do people go to banks?5. What do they use to deposit or withdraw money from bank

accounts?

Suggested answers:

1. It is work relating to the production, buying, and selling of goods and services.

2. It means that business does not comply with health, safety, and environment regulations/its aim is to make profits only.

3. It shows a bank.4. They go to banks to keep their money / to deposit money

into bank accounts. 5. They use cheques.

Words to say( page159)

Teacher draws a table on the blackboard and shifts from verb to nouns to adjectives pronouncing them and making pupils repeat after her/him.

Verb nouns adjectives Produce/………………/ Product/………………./

Production(s)/………………. /Productivity/…………………./Producer/…………………………/Produce/…………………………./

Productive/……………………/Unproductive/………………../

DISCOVERING LANGUAGE

Before you read

Look at the picture and answer the following questions:

a. Why is the expression “handle with care “written on the box?b. What do you think the woman does for a living?c. What does she feel?

Suggested answers:

a. The expression “handle with care” is written on the box because it contains easily broken objects.

b. She is a seller/ a business woman……..c. She is angry because the vases have been broken in transit.

As you read

Activity One: Read the letters 1-4 below and identify the one which the picture above best illustrates:

Remark: Teacher should give the correct order of the letters to avoid the confusion of pupils.

The answer: Letter 4.

Activity two: Reread the letters and then choose a or b to complete each sentence:

1) These letters are:a. Job application letters.b. Business letters.

2) Business letters are:a. Formal letters.

b. Informal letters.

3) The beginning of the letters explains:

a. The details.b. The purpose for writing

4) The middle of the letters contains:

a. Expressions of gratitude to the reader.

b. details

5) The end of the letters explains:

a. What will happen next.

b. The purpose of the letter.

The Answers

1. They are business letters.

2. They are formal letters.

3. The beginning of the letters explains the purpose for writing.

4. The middle of the letters contains the details.

5. The end of the letters explains what will happen next.

Activity Three: Answer the following questions according to the texts:

1. How many glass vases did Mrs Djeffal order?2. Has her order been received? If yes, what did the company send her

as an order acknowledgement?3. Did the company dispatch the glass vases to Mrs. Djeffal?4. Was Mrs. Djaffal satisfied with the order she received? What did she

do then?

The Answers

1. She ordered 4000 glass vases.2. Yes, it has been received. They sent her a duplicate, duly signed, as

an order acknowledgement.3. Yes, it did4. No, she wasn’t. She wrote a letter of complaint.

Activity four: Complete the following using a ,b ,c or d :

a. A letter of complaintb. Order acknowledgementc. Order placementd. Advice of dispatch

1. The letter in which Mrs Djaffal ordered the vases, is called………………………………………

2. The letter Mrs Djeffal received from the company acknowledging her that the order has been received ,is called……………………………………….

3. The Letter Mrs Djaffal received from the company telling her that the vases were dispatched to her, is called………………………………..

4. The letter in which Mrs. Djaffal showed her dissatisfaction, is called……

The Answers

1. Order placement2. Order acknowledgement3. Advice of dispatch4. A letter of complaint

AFTER YOU READ

Grammar desk ( page 162)

Read the sentences below and answer the questions:

1. We are writing to complain about the consignment of the glass vases.

2. Let us know in order to enable us have the damaged items replaced.

3. We would like our order to be processed so as not to miss the Summer Sale.

a. What does each of the link words written in bold type express?b. What is the negative form of each of them?c. What is the tense of the verbs that come after the link words?

Read sentences 4, 5and6, and then answer the questions:

4. I will keep the damaged item s in our warehouse so that your business agent here in Algeria can inspect them.

5. Our dispatch department is processing your order today in order that the consignment will reach you on time.

6. We sent them early so that you wouldn’t miss the Summer Sales.a. What do the words in bold express?b. What tenses are the verbs that followed the link words?c. How do you express negative purposes?

Complete the following rule:

We express……………………………….using: - in order to- So as to ₊…………………..

-To Their negatives are: -in order………

- So as ………… +stem - …….to

We can also express purpose using:

-………………

-………………… +modals (can-could-may-might-will-would-should)

Their negatives are:-In order that

-so that +………………+……………

ANSWERS

1 -a .They express purpose.

B. In order not to/ so as not to/not to.

C .It is the infinitive without to (stem).

2 -a. Sentences 4, 5 and 6 express purpose.

b. The verbs are preceded by modals.

c. We use in order that / so that +modal +not

THE RULE:

We express purpose using: ₋ in order to

- So as to ₊stem

- To

Their negatives are: -in order not to - So as not to +stem - not to

We can also express purpose using:

-so that

-In order that +modals (can-could-may-might-will-would-should)

Their negatives are:-In order that

-so that + modal +not+ stem

ACTIVITY ONE (page 162)

The answers:

a. Dear Sir, I am writing to congratulate you for the new baby.

b. Dear Sir,I am writing to apologize for the offence.

c. Dear Sir,I am writing to apply for the job advertised in USA today.

d. Dear Sir,I am writing to enquire about the quotation for spring and summer clothing.

e. I am faxing you information about the merger of our company with the Yamakachi Company.

Activity two: Rewrite the sentences below using so that instead of the link words in bold type.

a. Would you therefore please let us know about your wishes as soon as possible in order for us to reserve the rooms you need.

b. Please, place your order for our new range of products by 15 December so as to benefit from the discount prices on the price list.

c. We are advertising the new product in order to make consumers know about it.

d. We would like our order to be processed promptly in order not to miss the summer sale.

The Answers

a. Would you therefore please let us know about your wishes as soon as possible so that we reserve the rooms you need

b. Please, place your order for our range of products by 15 December so that you can benefit from the discount prices on the price list.

c. We are advertising the new product in order that consumers can know about it.

d. We would like our order to be processed promptly in order that you will not miss the summer sale.

ACTIVITY THREE (act 2 page 172)

The Answers

A. She took more than forty word processing lessons so that she could have a job promotion.

B. The government refuses to increase the wages in order that they may not cause inflation.

C. The company recruited an expert in marketing so that the sales would increase.

D. The government imposed new tariffs on imports in order that the local industry could be protected.

E. The government will lower the duties so that private exporters may not be disappointed.

WRITE IT RIGHTImagine you are a British businessman interested in opening a shopping Mall in El Madania. Send a letter to your consulate in Algeria to ask for information.

Complete your letter:

2 Tiddington Road,

Stratford-Upon-Avon,

Warwickshire, England

The British consulate in Algeria

3 Chemin Capitaine Hocine Slimane

(ex Chemin des Glycines),Hydra, Algiers

15 June 2012

Dear Sir / Madam,

I am writing to ………………………………….….about the city of El Madania.

I am a ……………………………. Iam manufacturer of clothes and shoes and I am interested in ………………………………………..in the city of El Madania. Would you please………… me information about the following:

a. Safety in the cityb. …………………………c. ……………………………

Thank you for any information you can……………………me with.

I look forward to…………………………………………………

Yours faithfully

Jean Klein

The Answer

Dear Sir / Madam,

I am writing to enquire about the city of El Madania.

I am a British businessman. I am a manufacturer of clothes and shoes and I am interested in opening a shopping mall in the city of El Madania. Would you please send me information about the following:

a. Safety in the city.b. The economic situation in Algeria.c. The geographical situation of the city of El Madania .

Thank you for any information you can provide me with.

I look forward to receiving your reply.

Yours faithfully

Jean Klein

Jean Klein

Activity two: Reread your letter and label its basic parts. Use the following:

1. The dateline2. Salutation3. Signature4. The sender’s address5. The receiver’s address6. The body7. The reason for writing8. Closing + Name9. What action you would like the reader to do.

The Answer:

1. The dateline: 15 June 2012

2. Salutation: Dear Sir/ Madam

3. Signature: Jean Klein

4. The sender’s address: 2 Tiddington Road, Stratford-Upon-Avon, Warkshire, England.

5. The receiver’s address: The British consulate in Algeria

6. The body: I am a British businessman………………the geographical situation of El Madania

7. The reason for writing: I am writing to enquire about the city of El Madania

8. Closing + Name: yours faithfully Jean Klein

9. What action you would like the reader to do: I look forward to receiving your reply.

Activity Three: Make the best use of the information above to write a reply to Mr. Jean Klein. Follow the order below:

1. Thank Mr. Jean Klein for his enquiry.2. Say you are sending an information report.3. Express appreciation for any help.4. Invite further contact.

Pay attention to the format of your letter

The suggested letter

The British consulate in Algeria

3 Chemin Capitaine Hocine Slimane

(ex Chemin des Glycines), Hydra, Algiers

July 10th,2012

Mr. Jean Klein

2 Tiddington Road,

Stratford-Upon-Avon,

England.

Dear Mr. Jean Klein,

Thank you for your enquiry about opening a business in El Madania. The enclosed report describes both the location of the city and the economic situation in Algeria. In addition, we have included a report about safety in the area.

We can help you devise and planning strategies that will define your goals and develop plans to achieve them. We are proud to serve such a discriminating and exacting clientele.

If you have any questions regarding your business, please contact us.

We look forward to serving you.

Sincerely yours,

The consul

Prepared by: Mrs. Boulkaboul Madjda

SAY IT LOUD AND CLEAR1. Watch and listen to this video.

Double click on the icon, and the video will open with Real Player.

Procedure: The teacher writes the same sentence on the board many

times. She /he asks the pupils to listen to the sentence and underline the stressed word.

Pupils listen to the video, underline the stressed word on their copy books.

The sentence: Are Peter and Helen visiting us on Friday?

The teacher asks the following questions:1. Do the answers change when the stressed word changes?2. Complete the following sentence:

Sentences should have at least …………….(one) main stress. When you change the stressed word, the …………………….. (the meaning ) ………………………(changes) , and therefore the ……………………(answers) change too.

More practice:Task 2 page 164: Answer the questions above correcting your partner as in the short dialogue below:Aim: The focus is on corrective stress.The pupils take the example of the video and their textbook as models to write short dialogues.

WORKING WITH WORDSTask 1 page 165: Use the prefixes in the box to form words out of the underlined phrases. Then, replace the underlined phrases with the words you have formed.

Mis- dis- in- re- im- un- mal-Aim   : to introduce the prefixes above and their meanings.

First:Read the meanings of the following prefixes:

Prefix Meaning / use Example

dis + verb negative/opposite dislike / disembark / dismiss / disconnect

im + adjective opposite impossible / impolite / impatient / imperfect

in+adjective opposite indirect / inadequate/ informal / indecisive

mis + verb/noun wrongly/ badly mistook / mishandle/misunderstand

un + verb / adjective negative / opposite

unlock / unhappy/ unreasonable / unhappy

Re + verb again Rethink / remake / rewrite/

Now, read the paragraph of task 1 and use te prefixes to replace the underlined phrases:Key to the exercise:

MemoThe employees of the company are dissatisfied with their working

conditions. Some of them complain about mistreatment and malpractice while others say that the wages are unfair and that the managers are insensitive to their feelings.

The present organization of our company is inefficient. It is time to rearrange and reorganize it so as to re-establish good labour relations.

It is impossible to improve production and productivity if the policy of wages is not reconsidered.

Task 2 page 165: REJECTED AND REPLACED The reasons:This activity needs a large knowledge of technical English. And because the rest of the unit doesn’t deal with financial vocabulary, I prefer to replace it with an activity which will be very helpful for them in LISTENING AND SPEAKING and in their everyday life.

The suggested activity (taken from: Cambridge University Press Test Your Business Vocabulary In Use)Activity: Choose the best word from the brackets ( ) to fill the gaps. The first one is an example:

1. We need to recruit four new people for our office in Manchester. (join/recruit)

2. We are using a recruitment ..................to find them for us. (agency/head hunter)

3. They advertised the ....................in the local newspaper last week.(positions/applicants)

4. So far, 60 people have applied for the ..................... (works/posts)5. We are going to look at all the letters of ................................. over

the weekend.( application/situation)

6. On Monday, we will draw up a ............................ of 10 or 11 people.(reference/shortlist)

7. Then we’ll invite them all to come for an ......................... (interview/appointment)

8. We hope to ...................the successful applicants by the end of the month. (apply/appoint)

*****************************************************************

LISTENING AND SPEAKINGTask 1 page 166: Read the short texts below and answer the following question:Aim:

A warming up to distinguish between situations wanted and positions vacant.

The answers are:a-advertisement b-in newspapers and magazines c-The short texts on the left hand side of the page are ‘work wanted’ ads; the text on the right hand side is a firm offer of recruitment (situations vacant).

Task 2 page 166: Listen to your teacher as s/he simulates a dialogue and say which advertisement (in exercise 1) above the speakers are talking about.

Task 3: Read the job advert about the position vacant and fill in the information chart about the job advertised.Aim:

To make pupils summarize the job offer in order to write an application letter later.

Job advertised: ……………………………………………………………………Job requirements: - ……………………………………………

- ………………………………………….- …………………………………………

Job benefits: - ……………………………………………..- ……………………………………………….- ………………………………………………..- …………………………………………………..

Read the following tip box, then do the activities:

Steps to follow to find a job!!

Imagine you have just finished your high studies, the first thing you do is to look for a job. What are the different steps you should follow to get this job?

First, you read the newspapers in order to look for the positions vacant.

Second, you apply for the job, it means you write an application letter.

But, this application letter must be accompanied with a C.V.What is a C.V? It stands for Curriculum Vitae. In this CV, you write a

summary about yourself, your education, your professional experience and your interests.

Third, when you receive a reply to your application letter, you will be invited to attend an interview.

This interview is of great importance. So prepare yourself for it seriously!!

I hope this job will be for you!!!

Your Turn I changed this activity, I replaced it with a more suitable activity – at least for me- so that pupils can put into practice what they have learnt so far. i.e apply for a job and write a C.V.Activity 1: Imagine you are interested in the job advertised in activity 1 of listening and speaking page 166. Write an application letter following this lay out. But before this, complete your C.V.A / complete this C.V with your personal information:

Personal information:

NameAddressDate of Birth:

Nationality:

Telephone Number:

Mobile Number:

Email Address:

Gender:

Your photo HERE

EDUCATIONUniversity of:

Degree Subjects: Relevant modules: Research project or dissertation: School :

2000 – 2000 : 2000 – 2000 :

EXPERIENCE

July 2000 – Sept. 2000 Employer – JobTitleJuly 2000 – Sept. 2000 Employer – JobTitle

ACTIVITIES

In terests : (what are your interests?): Qualities:

Personal/Skills Computing skills: Languages: Driving licence:

Now, complete this application letter so that you can send it!!!

(your address) ---------------------------

(Date ) -------------------------

(the employer’s address)

-----------------------------------

-----------------------------------

Dear Sir(s)/ Madam,

I would like to apply for the vacancy as a -------------------------(job) advertised in ------------------ (name of news paper) of ------------------(date).

I am ----------------(age) and at the moment I -----------------------------------------------------------------(where you are working). I ----------------------------- (studies, diploma,) . I ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- (professional experience, where you have worked before). I am good at ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ( some of your qualities).

I am very interested in working as ------------------------------(job), because ------------------------------------------------------------------( reasons of applying).

I am available for an interview -------------------------- (dates and times) and I can start working ------------------------- (date), but if it is inconvenient for you, I would be happy to arrange another date.

I look forward to hearing from you soon.

Yours faithfully

(signature)

(your name capital letters)

Task 2 page 168: Study the dialogue sample below and act out snippets of it to rehearse for a job interview (Books closed)

Aim:

To revise the use of the present perfect simple and continuous and to compare between the two tenses.

This consolidation lesson will be presented in a PowerPoint.

Write it up:Task 1 page 168: It is included in the power point.Task 2 page 168: Use the information on the next page to write an annual report for a company of your choice. Use the appropriate tense(s).

- Before writing the report, I need to explain the necessary vocabulary through simple and easy activities taken from:

- OXFORD WORD SKILL/ Intermediate/written by Ruth Gairns and Stuart Redman.

Speaking about financial trends:

1/ Present the vocabulary:A trend is the general direction in which a situation is changing.A/Trend Common verbs and examples Common nouns and

examplesGo up, rise, increase, growEg: Prices have risen by 10 per cent.

Rise, increase, growthEg:We saw some growth last year.

Go down, fall, dropEg: Interest rates fell last month.

Fall, dropEg:There has been a drop in sales.

Remain unchanged/stable SYN stay the same.Eg: Prices have remained unchanged.

Stability Eg: There has been stability in the markets.

Peak Eg: Sales peaked in the third quarter. (third quarter = July to September)

Peak Eg: Sales reached a peak in 2007.

Fluctuate Eg: Sales have fluctuated all year.

Fluctuation Eg: There has been some fluctuation in prices.

B/

Adjective Meaning Adverb A slight rise in costs Very small Costs rose slightly.A gradual rise in profits

Slow and over a long period of time.

Profits have risen gradually.

A steady increase in the interest rate.

Slow but regular and continuing.

The interest rate has increased steadily.

A significant fall in profits.

Noticeable and important. Profits fell significantly.

A sharp fall in sales Very large and sudden. Sales have fallen sharply.

Activity 1: Look at the arrows and complete the sentences. (taken from the same source mentioned above)Example: There was a …slight fall………………………… in 2003.1. Sales …………rose slightly………………………………. in 2004.2. There was a …sharp rise/increase……………………………….in 2005.3. Sales …remained stable/unchanged …………………

……………………..in 2006.4. In 2007, sales …fell slightly………………. ………………………… .5. In 2008, sales …fell sharply…………………………… ……………………

Activity 2: Complete the sentences on the right. The meaning must stay the same.Aim:

To use the adverbs appropriately.Example:There has been a sharp fall in sales. Sales have fallen sharply.

1. There was significant growth in sales. Sales ……grew/rose significantly……………………………

2. There was a gradual rise in the price. The price …rose gradually……………………………………….

3. There was a slight fall in profits. Profits ……fell slightly………………………………………………

4. There has been stability in costs. Costs have remained ……………stable/unchanged……

5. There has been a steady rise in sales. Sales have …………risen steadily……………………………….

Activity 3: Now, use the information and vocabulary studied so far to complete the following annual report about the Algerian company SIM specialized in the production of pastas. Use a different word each timeThe short text is taken from the source mentioned previously.

Last year started well. In the first quarter sales ………increased……. Significantly. the second quarter was even better: sales increased ……….(1)……. . They continued to ……(2)…… steadily in the third quarter and reached a ……(3) ….. at 90.000. By the end of September, sales had ……..(4)………up ……(5)…………almost 50 per cent. In the last quarter there was a slight …….(6)………., but it was still a good year. This year has been very different. Sales …….(7)……….in the first half of the year – up one month and down the next – but in the last three months they have remained …….(8)……. .Key:Sharply/2.Rise/3.Peak/4.Gone/5.By/6.Fall or drop/7.Fluctuated/8.Stable or unchanged

Reading and WritingActivity 1 page 170   :

Warm up activity:

Watch, listen and take notes

Pupils will see a video and then will comment on the content.

What is the video about ? general discussion.

- Now, take your books page 170 and read your text.

Activity 2 page 170 : Read the text below and check your answers to the previous question

Text : American Women at work

Activity 3 : Read the text again and answer the questions below.

A. Why did American women go to work outside home during world war two ?

B. Why did they continue to work after the war ?C. What did their highly salaried husbands buy them cars for ?D. What did they furnish them with TV sets for ?

Key :

A. American women went to work outside home during world war two so that they might help in the war effort.

B. They continued to work after the war in order to contribute in the rebuilding of their country.

C. Their husbands bought them cars so that they can drive their children to school.

D. They furnished them with tv sets so that to prevent them from being bored.

Activity 4 : Say whether the following statements are true of false. Correct the false ones.

A. After WWII, American women’s life became much more comfortable.B. In the 1960’s and 1970’s, American women had to work outside

home.C. In the 1980’s, the number of working women decreased.Key :

A. True

B. False. On the contrary, they could make the choice to stay at home and take care of their children.

C. False. The number of working women increased since a considerable number of them became business owners in the late 80’s.

Activity 5: Vocabulary:

Choose the right answer:

1. To supplyThis word means : a- To take

b- To provide

c- To help

2. To supportThis word means: a- to bear

b- to encourage

c- to nourish

3. Owner

This word means: a- partner

b- proprietor

c- seller

Activity 4 page 171: Read the information in the tip below. Then deduce/infer the central idea developed in each of the paragraphs of the text above.

Aim: To introduce the definition of a paragraph to the pupils

To use ICT (File writing in Use of ICT’s in teaching English)

Key:

Paragraph 1:

WWII gave women the opportunity to work outside their home.

Paragraph 2:

The decrease in the number of working women in the 60’s and 70’s is due to economic prosperity.

Paragragh 3:

American women worked outside again in the late 70’s and 80’s because of economic crisis in addition of becoming aware of the value of economic independence.

Activity 3 page 173: Write a confidential report using link words so that /in order that and modals might/would/could. Have a look on the tip box below first.

Aim:

This activity is a synthesis of what pupils learnt in this unit. It includes the use of link words and modals as well as the production of three coherent paragraphs in the form of a business report by taking into account the Tip Box recommendations.

Key:

Confidential Report

Introduction:

The purpose of this report is to evaluate the performance of Leila Derradj, Production Manager of Autocar, during the year 2007. The report details the decisions that Leila Derraj took month by month in several areas.

Findings

Leila Derraj was appointed on January the 2nd, 2005 so that she would help increase production.

In February, she re-organised the department so as to have more control on the staff and the work to be done.

In March, she introduced break time for workers on the assembly line so that they could improve production. She introduced also a ‘flexible time ‘ scheme for female employees of the company.

In April, she put suggestion boxes in order that workers might give their opinion on the company.

On June, she held a meeting with the workers so that they couldparticipate in decision-making. Finally, she

introduced new items in work contract for workers as to improve their working conditions.

Conclusion:

Leila Derraj’s decisions have led to a new management style. The annual turnover has increased steadily. There has been a peak in productivity and sales have increased considerably which has made profits reach a sharp rise.

Project WorkIt is clear that the project work was presented, discussed from the beginning of the unit. The teacher explains the project on page 174

COMPILING A BUSINESS PORTFOLIO

The project work is verified periodically by the teacher, corrects and provides feedback to his pupils.

The presentation of this project marks the end of the unit!

Prepared by Mr.Dekkiche Abdelmadjid