All posts by weblio PH

Beginner Business Conversation: Team Meetings

READING ALOUD

Let’s read the dialogue. I will be Mr. Evans and you will be Ms. Watson. After reading it once, we’ll switch roles.

会話文を読みましょう。講師がMr. Evans、あなたはMs. Watsonのパートを読みます。読み終わったら交代しましょう。
READ

The new Corporate Marketing Manager, Mr. Evans, calls for his first meeting with the Marketing Department.


Good morning everyone. It is an honor for me to be here today as your new Corporate Marketing Manager. Rest assured that our tasks will be satisfying and pleasant. Ms. Watson, please take note of the minutes of our meeting. By the way, has anyone seen Mr. Newton?
 
About Mr. Newton, I just received a call from him an hour ago. He told me that he will be absent today due to personal reasons.

Noted on that. Well then, let us begin our meeting. First of all, we will be having a weekly report meeting to keep us on the ball. Second, Ms. Carter has allowed us to have free lunch twice a month. Third, I will have a one-on-one meeting with each staff to know all of you better and to promote teamwork and understanding towards our goal.
 
That is a good idea, Mr. Evans, especially now that PharmaCare is growing. In addition to that, I would like to present the updates of our latest product on our next week’s meeting. About the one-on-one meeting, would you like me to include in the minutes of meeting the number of staff you can meet per day?

Certainly. Please include in the minutes that I will be meeting three to four staff per day. Well then, it looks like we are done for today. Our meeting is finished. It was a great pleasure meeting you all. Thank you, everyone.
 

Thank you, Mr. Evans. We will just give you a follow-up of our tasks by the end of the day.

VOCABULARY CHECK
Let’s read the meaning and examples of each word aloud. Please repeat after me.
単語の意味と例文を読みましょう。講師にあとに続いて読んでください。
ANSWER
1. Word:
 
Meaning:
Example:
on the ball (idiom:熟語)
新しい知識を身につけて
to stay alert/informed and to understand quickly

Ms. Watson is on the ball during their business meeting.

2.Word:
 
Meaning:
Example:
promote (verb:動詞)
奨励する
to improve and do something better

As the new leader of their company, he wants to promote better sales and communication skills.

3. Word:
 
Meaning:
Example:
minutes of a meeting (noun:名詞)
会議の議事録
a written document about the happenings during a meeting

Ms. Carter asked Mr. Wilson to write down the minutes of their meeting.

CONVERSATION

Let’s talk. Please answer my questions. You may ask me questions, too.

講師の質問に答えましょう。講師にも同じ質問をしましょう。
ANSWER

1. Do you enjoy meeting new people? Why or why not?
Answer: ________________
2. Have you been in a meeting? How did it go?
Answer: ________________
3. Do you prefer to lead the meeting or be the one to take down notes (minutes of a meeting)?
Answer: ________________
4. Why do you think team meetings are important?
Answer: ________________
5. What is the most memorable meeting you attended?
Answer: ________________
6. How often do you and your workmates/classmates speak English in meetings?
Answer: ________________
7. In every meeting you have attended, how long does it usually last?
Answer: ________________
8. Do you feel shy/nervous whenever you lead a meeting? Yes or no?
Answer: ________________
9. If you could have a meeting with some of the most famous people in the world, who would they be and what would you like to talk about with them?
Answer: ________________
10. Do you consider yourself a good listener in meetings?
Answer: ________________

[HS] If your son was blind, what could you do as a mother or a father?

PASSAGE READING

Please read aloud the following passage. I will check your pronunciation as you read.

READ

Blind People

Having a blind person inside the family might not be easy. It takes a lot of patience and courage to be able to deal with them. Some of them do not want to receive special treatment but they still need guidance from sighted people. Since they cannot use their sense of sight, they focus more on using their other senses. According to a study, blind people are better in using the other senses than sighted people.

One of the things that someone can do for a blind person is to give them what they need. Going to school and studying is also a right for them. They can still study even without being able to see. There is a special language that blind people use to read. Braille is a written language made up of raised dots that represent letters and numbers. Blind people study by reading using braille or listening to lectures on their computers or mobile phones.

People should also support them in doing what they love. They do not want others to feel sorry for them and think that they are suffering from their condition. Like others, they want to share their talents and abilities. They also want to be able to express themselves by doing what they love. Having people to support them gives them more courage to do so.

COMPREHENSION CHECK

Please answer the following questions based on the passage.

ANSWER

 

1. What is braille?

Answer: ______________________________________________________________

2. How do blind people study?

Answer: ______________________________________________________________

3. What gives them courage to do what they love?

Answer: ______________________________________________________________

CONSTRUCTING SENTENCES

Please construct sentences using each word below.

PRACTICE

Words and Expressions Sample Sentences
support _______________________________________________
suffering _______________________________________________
share _______________________________________________
express _______________________________________________
courage _______________________________________________

EXPRESSING OPINIONS

Please answer the following questions based on your opinion. Give at least one reason to support your answer.

ANSWER

 
1. Do you think being unable to see is difficult?

Answer: ______________________________________________________________

2. How do you think you can help blind people?

Answer: ______________________________________________________________

3. Do you think blind people can be as successful as sighted people?

Answer: ______________________________________________________________

4. Do you think blind people should have the same rights?

Answer: ______________________________________________________________

5. What do you think is the best way to support blind people?

Answer: ______________________________________________________________

6. Do you think blind people should always have someone with them?

Answer: ______________________________________________________________

7. What do you think is the hardest part of being blind?

Answer: ______________________________________________________________

Intermediate Business Conversation: Performance Evaluation

READING ALOUD

Let’s read the dialogue. I will be Mr. Evans and you will be Mr. Newton. After reading it once, we’ll switch roles.
READ

 

Mr. Evans calls Mr. Newton for his Performance Evaluation.


Hi, Mr. Newton. Please have a seat. Are you ready for your performance evaluation? How are you?
 
Yes, I am ready and excited but also a little nervous right now.
 

 
I understand, Mr. Newton. I also feel the same way in situations like this. Anyway, you have been contributing your knowledge to the company for 4 months now. You always give fresh ideas in meetings and on projects. I appreciate your hard work in doing your tasks. However, there are parts of your job that you need to improve on.
 
 
Thank you. What part of my job should I improve on? I believe I always do my best when given tasks. I sometimes work overtime just to finish them within the day.
 

 
That’s right. Though you finish your tasks on time, I’m a little bit concerned about the quality of your work. You usually skip work thrice or twice a week and the quality of your finished tasks doesn’t reach our company’s standards so the team still had to revise before submitting them. We appreciate your efforts but I believe you can perform better at work. If you need advice, we are always here to help you.
 

 
I see. I apologize for my performance for the past 4 months and I appreciate your honest feedback about that. I assure you that I will do whatever I can to improve more. Thank you, Mr. Evans.
 

VOCABULARY CHECK
Let’s read the meaning and examples of each word aloud. Please repeat after me.
ANSWER
1. Word:
Meaning:
Example:
evaluation (noun)
the act of considering something carefully and deciding how good or bad it is
The employees will have their annual evaluation next week.
2. Word:
Meaning:
Example:
feedback (noun)
information or opinions about something

The audience gave a good feedback about the actors’ skills.

3. Word:
Meaning:
Example:
standard (noun)
a level of quality, especially a level that is acceptable

The team was able to achieve the high standard given by the company.

CONVERSATION

Let’s talk. Please answer my questions. You may ask me questions, too.
ANSWER

1. Have you ever been evaluated at work/school?
Answer: ________________
2. How do you react when you’re given good feedback for your performance?
Answer: ________________
3. How do you react to criticisms?
Answer: ________________
4. In what part of your job do you think you should improve/change?
Answer: ________________
5. Why is it important to have performance evaluations in companies?
Answer: ________________
6. Have you ever given feedback to one of your coworkers/team mates?
Answer: ________________
7. What can you say about your performance at work?
Answer: ________________
8. Why do you think other people find it hard to perform well at work?
Answer: ________________
9. Why are criticisms necessary in performance evaluations?
Answer: ________________
10. How do you evaluate people’s performance without offending them?
Answer: ________________

[Uni] Food and Cooking

VOCABULARY READING

Let’s read aloud the following words. Please repeat after me.
講師に続いて音読しましょう。

READ

Meals Flavors Ingredients Cooking Verbs
1. breakfast 6. spicy 11. chicken 16. bake
2. lunch 7. sweet 12. pork 17. mix
3. dinner 8. sour 13. beef 18. add
4. snack 9. salty 14. vegetables 19. pour
5. dessert 10. bitter 15. fruit 20. peel
ANSWERING QUESTIONS

I will ask you the following questions. Please answer.
講師が以下の質問をしますので、答えましょう。

ANSWER

1. What do you usually eat for breakfast?
Answer:________________________________________
 
2. How often do you cook dinner?
Answer:________________________________________
 
3. What kind of food do you dislike?
Answer:________________________________________

ASKING QUESTIONS

Please ask me seven (7) questions. Then, I will answer them one by one.
講師に7つの質問をしましょう。講師がそれぞれの質問に答えます。

ASK

1. _______________________________________________
2. _______________________________________________
3. _______________________________________________
4. _______________________________________________
5. _______________________________________________
6. _______________________________________________
7. _______________________________________________

Grammar|英文法
Lesson66: Shall I / have to / Verb 2 (be動詞以外)2

LESSON GOAL

In this material, you will practice using the expressions “shall I” and “have to” in sentences.

PART A_1

Let’s read the dialogue. I will play Sam, and you will play Alice. Then, we will switch roles.

PART A_2

Hi, Alice. You look sad. What happened?
I have to take the math exam again. I failed it last time.
I’m sorry to hear that.
It’s okay. I just have to study harder to pass.
Shall I help you with studying?
Yes, please. That would be a big help.
I have to go to the club room first. I will meet you at the library in 15 minutes.
Okay. I’ll wait for you.

PART A_3

Please answer the questions. I’ll ask you about the dialogue.

PART A_4

1. Who looks sad?
Answer:
2. Why does Alice have to take the math exam again?
Answer:
3. What does Alice have to do to pass?
Answer:
4. Where does Sam have to go before helping Alice?
Answer:

PART B_1

Study the picture for 1 minute. Please answer the questions below using “shall I/have to.”

PART B_2

beginner--shall-i---have-to---svc---zel-highres (3)
1. What does Jenny have to do?
Answer:
2. When does she have to submit her science project?
Answer:
3. What did Nate ask Jenny?
Answer:
PART B_3

Let’s talk. Please answer my questions. You may ask questions, too.

PART B_4

1. Do you have to go to school tomorrow?
Answer:
2. Where do you have to go after our lesson?
Answer:
3. What club are you a member of?
Answer:
4. Is English difficult to study?
Answer:
5. What do you have to do after class?
Answer:
REVIEW AND FEEDBACK

Now, let us review the things that you learned in this lesson.
(Please give a short feedback on how your student did in your class.)
Grammar
文法
Pronunciation 発音 Vocabulary
単語
Comprehension
理解
GOOD 文法の誤りはほとんどなく、完全な文章で話すことができる ほとんどの単語をはっきりと正しく発音することができる 習った表現を適切に使うことができる 文章を理解し、質問に正しく答えることができる

FAIR
文法の誤りはあるが、完全な文章で話すことができる 発音の練習が必要な言葉がいくつかある たまにミスはあるが、習った表現を適切に使うことができる 文章を完全に理解するのは難しく、質問に正しく答えられないときもある

POOR
文章で話すのは難しく、単語だけで話すことができる 発音の練習が必要である 習った単語と表現を少しだけ使うことができる 文章を理解するのは難しく、質問に答えるのは難しい
TUTOR FEEDBACK

GRAMMAR
Good: Was able to speak in complete sentences with minimal grammatical errors.
Fair: Was able to speak in complete sentences with evident grammatical errors.
Poor: Was able to speak using words only.
PRONUNCIATION
Good: Was able to pronounce most of the words clearly and correctly.
Fair: Mispronounced a few words.
Poor: Mispronounced most of the words.
VOCABULARY
Good: Used appropriate expressions learned in class.
Fair: Used appropriate expressions learned in class and made a few errors in word choice.
Poor: Used only a few words and expressions.
COMPREHENSION
Good: Was able to understand the passages and answer the questions correctly.
Fair: Had a little difficulty in understanding passages and answering questions.
Poor: Had a hard time understanding passages and answering questions.

[TOEFL] Task 4 Practice 1_(TEMPLATE)

PASSAGE READING

Please read the passage silently for 45 seconds.
Then, please read the passage aloud.

45秒で以下の文章を黙読してください。その後、音読しましょう。

READ

(Title)

(passage)

COMPREHENSION CHECK 1

Please answer the questions about the passage.

講師が文章ついて質問するので答えましょう。


Why/How(question)

ANSWER

According to the passage,

CHECK YOUR ANSWER 1

We’ll check the sample answer. Please repeat after me.

解答例を見ます。講師に続いて読みましょう。

SAMPLE ANSWER 1

According to the passage,

LECTURE READING

I will read aloud the lecture part. Please take down notes while I’m reading. After that, please read aloud the lecture part.

講師が講義の一部を音読します。講師が読んでいる間にメモを取りましょう。
その後、音読してください。

ANSWER

(lecture)

COMPREHENSION CHECK 2

Please answer the questions about the dialogue.

講師が会話文について質問するので答えましょう。


What is the professor talking about?

ANSWER

The professor is talking about

CHECK YOUR ANSWER

We’ll read the sample answer. Please repeat after me.

解答例を見ます。講師に続いて読みましょう。

SAMPLE ANSWER 2

What is the professor talking about?

The professor is talking about (topic)

COMPREHENSION CHECK 3

Please explain the idea the professor introduces first by using the example.

ANSWER

First,

CHECK YOUR ANSWER

We’ll read the sample answer. Please repeat after me.

解答例を見ます。講師に続いて読みましょう。

SAMPLE ANSWER 3

Please explain the idea the professor introduces first by using the example.

First, (topic)

COMPREHENSION CHECK 4

Please explain the idea the professor introduces next by using the example.

ANSWER

Second,

CHECK YOUR ANSWER

We’ll read the sample answer. Please repeat after me.

解答例を見ます。講師に続いて読みましょう。

SAMPLE ANSWER 4

Please explain the idea the professor introduces next by using the example.
Second, (topic)

COMPREHENSION CHECK 5

What does the professor conclude in the lecture?

ANSWER

The professor concludes that

CHECK YOUR ANSWER

We’ll read the sample answer. Please repeat after me.

解答例を見ます。講師に続いて読みましょう。

SAMPLE ANSWER 5

What does the professor conclude in the lecture?

The professor concludes that (topic)

Eiken Pre 2 Batch 2_2

DIRECTIONS

In this lesson, you will practice describing pictures.

PICTURE 1

 

Picture A Picture B
pic1-A pic1-B

 

Question 1:
Please look at picture A. They are doing different things. Tell me as much as you can about what they are doing using 5 actions.

Answer:
1. ________________________________________________________________________.
2. ________________________________________________________________________.
3. ________________________________________________________________________.
4. ________________________________________________________________________.
5. ________________________________________________________________________.

 

Question 2:
Now, look at the woman in picture B. Please describe the situation.
 
Answer:

_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________

PICTURE 2

 

Picture A Picture B
pic2-A pic2-B

 

Question 1:
Please look at picture A. They are doing different things. Tell me as much as you can about what they are doing using 5 actions.

Answer:
1. ________________________________________________________________________.
2. ________________________________________________________________________.
3. ________________________________________________________________________.
4. ________________________________________________________________________.
5. ________________________________________________________________________.

 

Question 2:
Now, look at the woman in picture B. Please describe the situation.
 
Answer:

_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________

PICTURE 3

 

Picture A Picture B
pic3-A pic3-b-highres

 

Question 1:
Please look at picture A. They are doing different things. Tell me as much as you can about what they are doing using 5 actions.

Answer:
1. ________________________________________________________________________.
2. ________________________________________________________________________.
3. ________________________________________________________________________.
4. ________________________________________________________________________.
5. ________________________________________________________________________.

 
Question 2:
Now, look at the man in picture B. Please describe the situation.
 
Answer:

_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________

PICTURE 4

 

Picture A Picture B
pic4-A pic4-B

 

Question 1:
Please look at picture A. They are doing different things. Tell me as much as you can about what they are doing using 5 actions.

Answer:
1. ________________________________________________________________________.
2. ________________________________________________________________________.
3. ________________________________________________________________________.
4. ________________________________________________________________________.
5. ________________________________________________________________________.

 

Question 2:
Now, look at the woman in picture B. Please describe the situation.
 
Answer:

_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________

Expert Business Conversation: Job Promotion

READING ALOUD

Let’s read the dialogue. I will be Mr. Adams and you will be Mr. Evans. After reading it once, we’ll switch roles.
READ

 

One morning, Mr. Adams suddenly calls Mr. Evans for a meeting.


Good morning, Mr. Evans. Please take a seat. You might be wondering why I called for a meeting today, but, first of all, I want to thank you for your countless efforts that you have done for our company.
 
 
Thank you, Mr. Adams. I greatly appreciate it. However, I could not take all the credit. Things would have been impossible if it weren’t for my team. My department and I worked tirelessly to exceed in our target sales.
 

 
Indeed it is. You and your department made a great team. Our sales have seen significant growth these past few quarters, and according to reports, it is your team we have to give thanks to. Our marketing campaigns are effective in expanding our customer base, and as a reward, you are promoted to be our corporate marketing manager. Your staff will receive promotions and performance bonuses as well.
 
 
Thank you so much for this great opportunity, Mr. Adams. Rest assured that my department and I will continue to do our very best.
 

 
It is I who should be thanking you, if not for your hard work and excellent leadership, our company will never reach this far. Congratulations to you and your team, Mr. Evans!
 

VOCABULARY CHECK
Let’s read the meaning and examples of each word aloud. Please repeat after me.
ANSWER
1. Word:
Meaning:
Example:
customer base (noun)
group of customers who repeatedly buy the goods or services of a business
Our customer base has grown significantly since last year.
2. Word:
Meaning:
Example:
quarter (noun)
period of time divided into four; one year has 3 months each quarter
We have not been able to meet our sales for the past few quarters.
3. Word:
Meaning:
Example:
promote (verb)
advance or raise to a higher position or rank
He was promoted at work.
CONVERSATION

Let’s talk. Please answer my questions. You may ask me questions, too.
ANSWER

1. Is it normal to ask for a raise or a promotion in your country?
Answer: ________________
2. If you had to choose between a satisfying job and a well-paid one, which would you choose?
Answer: ________________
3. Have you taken/studied courses that helped you with your current job?
Answer: ________________
4. How have working conditions changed in recent years? Have there been any significant improvements?
Answer: ________________
5. How long have you been working at your present job?
Answer: ________________
6. Would you describe yourself as a workaholic?
Answer: ________________
7. When do you think should a person ask for a promotion?
Answer: ________________
8. What are your career goals?
Answer: ________________
9. What do you like most about your job?
Answer: ________________
10. Describe yourself as a worker using three words.
Answer: ________________

Expert Business Conversation: Project Management

READING ALOUD

Let’s read the dialogue. I will be Mr. Evans and you will be Ms. Watson and Mr. Wilson. After reading it once, we’ll switch roles.
READ

 

The marketing team is discussing their current project.


Good morning, everyone. Let us discuss one of our marketing campaigns called the Project Wexler. We have started our preparations last week and we are expected to complete it by Wednesday next week. This needs to be approved by the Corporate Sales Director by Friday next week. If the plan goes well, the project will be put to an actual run on September 7. Ms. Watson, could you give us an update on our expenditures?
 
 
Of course, Mr. Evans. Right now, we have stretched our budget for digital production. We only have $3,710 left. If we continue to spend at our current rate, we would not be able to cover our expenditures should revisions be requested. Our budget for research was also exhausted.
 

 
I understand. Thank you, Ms. Watson. How close are we to completing the digital production, Mr. Wilson?
 
 
The digital production is 70% complete, Mr. Evans. As planned, we will be ready to present the initial output on or before Wednesday next week.
 

 
Noted. We cannot request additional budget for this project, so I suggest that we present the output to the Director this afternoon no matter that it is only 70% complete. This way, potential revisions, research, and the project completion itself shall be all covered by the remaining budget.
 
 
I think that is a very good idea.
 

 
Very well. Mister Wilson, allow me to check the initial output prior to meeting with the Director. Ms. Watson, please send me a detailed report on the expenditures. Let us keep everyone posted.
 

VOCABULARY CHECK
Let’s read the meaning and examples of each word aloud. Please repeat after me.
ANSWER
1. Word:
Meaning:
Example:
campaign (noun)
an organized course of action to achieve a particular goal
The marketing campaign is successful.
2. Word:
Meaning:
Example:
expenditure (noun)
amount of money spent

Our expenditure should be kept at minimum.

3. Word:
Meaning:
Example:
revision (adjective)
the act of changing or correcting something
The revision of the project is incomplete.
CONVERSATION

Let’s talk. Please answer my questions. You may ask me questions, too.
ANSWER

1. What do you think are the most important things to consider when managing a project?
Answer: ________________
2. Do you mostly work individually or with a team?
Answer: ________________
3. Which more are you in project management/s? The doer or the thinker?
Answer: ________________
4. How do you express your disagreement with others’ opinions?
Answer: ________________
5. How do you effectively express suggestions?
Answer: ________________
6. Do you believe that quality is better than quantity?
Answer: ________________
7. Do you believe that it’s better to submit late projects than never submitting any projects at all?
Answer: ________________
8. Have you and your team ever encountered problems with a project? How did you manage?
Answer: ________________
9. What projects you have accomplished are you most proud of?
Answer: ________________
10. What are the qualities of an effective project manager?
Answer: ________________

Expert Business Conversation: Business Presentation

READING ALOUD

Let’s read the dialogue. I will be Mr. Evans and Ms. Carter and you will be Mr. Wilson. After reading it once, we’ll switch roles.
READ

 

Mr. Evans and Mr. Wilson will present their company’s sales and marketing performance to the PharmaCare Head, Ms. Carter.


Good morning, everyone. As a footnote to the first half of this year, Mr. Adams and I are here to present our sales and marketing performance. Should you have questions during our presentation, please do not hesitate to ask.
 
 
Let me start with an overview. Our department deals with individual and corporate customers, both of which require different marketing strategies. As was outlined at the beginning of the term, we are shifting our efforts into securing more corporate customers. Business-to-business dealings are deemed more profitable and cost-effective in the long run.
 

 
As a result of this business decision, our customer base of individuals has been reduced. This is expected. Right now, we are down by about 9%. The actual performance is actually better than the estimate of 15%. Also, we have managed to secure 3 big contracts, all of which are with pharmaceutical firms.
 
 
Although the focus of our business is being shifted to corporate customers, we will continue to cater to individual customers. This will not be as big as before, but it is still necessary to keep us “famous” in the market. To reduce our spending, we will hire marketing agencies to do the marketing for us.
 

 
Thank you Mr. Evans and Mr. Wilson. I’m very impressed with your profound presentation and I agree with your proposals. Kindly coordinate with the rest of the Marketing Department team to sort out the hiring process. Please update me before this week ends.
 

VOCABULARY CHECK
Let’s read the meaning and examples of each word aloud. Please repeat after me.
ANSWER
1. Word:
Meaning:
Example:
shift (verb)
to change
We need to shift our focus on important business matters.
2. Word:
Meaning:
Example:
contract (noun)
a legal agreement between two people or organizations
We secured a contract with a high-paying client.
3. Word:
Meaning:
Example:
profound (adjective)
having a great/deep understanding and meaning
Because their business presentation is profound, their boss agreed to proceed with their proposal.
CONVERSATION

Let’s talk. Please answer my questions. You may ask me questions, too.
ANSWER

1. When was the last time you presented something at work? How did it go?
Answer: ________________
2. Do you feel nervous whenever you present something in front of people?
Answer: ________________
3. What are the important things to do before doing a business presentation?
Answer: ________________
4. What are the things people should avoid when doing a business presentation?
Answer: ________________
5. What was the best presentation you had ever listened to?
Answer: ________________
6. What was the worst presentation you had ever listened to?
Answer: ________________
7. If you were to make a business presentation, what would be your topic? Why?
Answer: ________________
8. Do you conduct presentations in English at work?
Answer: ________________
9.

What would you do a day before your business presentation?
Answer: ________________
10. Why do you think it’s important for companies to have business presentations?
Answer: ________________