BUSINESS ENGLISH CURRICULUM

Business English Course

This Business English course is for professionals who want to
stand out in the modern workplace. You will focus on developing
your language and professional skills to help you further your
career. A key part of the course is critical thinking and soft skills,
and it includes training for the challenging situations people face
in national and international business environment. 

BUSINESS ENGLISH ( BEGINNER)

Instructional Goals and Purposes: The purpose of this course is to teach students to
apply the basic rules of grammar, spelling, capitalization, number usage, and
punctuation; utilize terminology applicable to technical and business writing; develop
proofreading and editing skills; and write effective sentences and paragraphs for
business applications.

I. Identify language structure in sentences

A. Identify the eight parts of speech
B. Recognize how the parts of speech function in sentences
C. Use words in a variety of grammatical roles.

II. Recognize sentence elements, patterns, and types

A. Recognize basic sentence elements including subjects and predicates
B. Differentiate among phrases, dependent clauses, and independent clauses
C. Understand how to use simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex
sentences
D. Identify four basic sentence patterns. e. Punctuate statements, commands,
questions, and exclamations
E. Use techniques to avoid basic sentence faults such as fragments, comma
splices, and run-on sentences
III. Create the plural form of a noun
A. Distinguish between proper and common nouns
B. State the basic rules for forming the plurals of most nouns
C. Make regular and irregular nouns plural
D. Spell correctly the plural form of nouns ending in y, o, and f; proper nouns;
surnames; compound nouns; and numerals, letters, degrees, and abbreviations
E. Make challenging nouns plural, including foreign nouns and special nouns

IV. Create the possessive form of a noun or pronoun

A. Summarize the basic rules of forming the possessives of nouns
B. Use steps to apply an apostrophe to correctly show possession
C. Distinguish between descriptive nouns and possessive nouns
D. Create correct possessive forms of compound nouns, organizations, names,
abbreviations, of nouns showing joint ownership, and of nouns showing individual
ownership

V. Utilize the correct pronoun form in a sentence

A. Use subjective, objective, and possessive pronouns correctly
B. Distinguish between personal possessive pronouns (such as its) and
contractions (such as it’s)
C. Choose the correct pronoun in compound constructions, comparatives,
appositives, reflexives, and as complements following linking verbs
D. Make pronoun references clear, and ensure that personal pronouns agree with
their antecedents in number and gender
E. Choose alternatives to common-gender antecedents
F. Make personal pronouns agree with subjects joined by or or nor, indefinite
pronouns, collective nouns, company and organization names, and the
adjectives each and every
G. Recognize the functions of who, whom, whoever, and whomever, and follow
steps to use these words correctly in a sentence

VI. Identify and use verbs in a sentence correctly

A. Identify verbs and verb phrases in sentences, including sentences that are
inverted in order
B. Distinguish between transitive and intransitive verbs
C. Recognize active and passive voice verbs
D. Convert sentences written in passive voice to sentences in the active voice
E. Construct verbs in the present, past, and future tenses correctly
F. Recognize and use present and past participles
G. Recognize gerunds and supply appropriate modifiers of gerunds
H. Identify and remedy split infinitives
I. Correctly punctuate introductory and other verbal phrases
J. Rewrite sentences to eliminate awkward participial phrases
K. Locate dangling verbal phrases and other misplaced modifiers
L. Rewrite sentences to avoid misplaced verbal phrases and modifiers
 M. Supply correct verb forms in the progressive and perfect tenses
N. Recognize sentence constructions requiring the subjunctive verb mood
O. Create sentences using the subjunctive mood correctly
P. Identify and write the correct forms of irregular verbs in sentences
Q. Locate the subjects of verbs
R. Make verbs agree with true subjects
S. Make verbs agree with subjects joined by and, or, and nor
T. Select the correct verbs to agree with collective nouns and indefinite pronouns
U. Make verbs agree with quantities, fractions, portions, clauses, and a number/the
number
V. Achieve subject-verb agreement within who clauses

VI. Identify and use adjectives in a sentence correctly

A. Form the comparative and superlative degrees of regular and irregular adjectives
B. Use articles correctly
C. Use adjectives after linking verbs
D. Punctuate compound and successive independent adjectives correctly

VIII. Identify and use adverbs in a sentence correctly

A. Form the comparative and superlative degrees of adverbs
B. Avoid double negatives when using adverbs in a sentence
C. Use adverbs to modify verbs, adjectives, and other adverbs within a sentence
D. Identify pitfalls in the use of adverbs

IX. Recognize and use prepositions in sentences

A. Identify prepositional phrases and label the preposition and its object(s) in each
phrase
B. Avoid using prepositions in place of verbs and adverbs
C. Use troublesome prepositions correctly
D. Omit unnecessary prepositions and retain necessary ones within sentences
E. Construct formal sentences that avoid terminal prepositions
F. Recognize those words and constructions requiring specific prepositions (idioms)

X. Recognize and use conjunctions in sentences

A. Distinguish between simple and compound sentences
B. Punctuate compound sentences joined by and, or, nor, and but
C. Punctuate compounds sentences using conjunctive adverbs, such as therefore,
however, and consequently
D. Recognize correlative conjunctions, such as either . . . or, not only . . . but also,
and neither . . . nor
E. Use a parallel construction in composing sentences with correlative conjunctions
F. Distinguish among phrases, dependent clauses, and independent clauses
G. Expand dependent clauses into complete sentences
H. Punctuate introductory and terminal dependent clauses
I. Punctuate parenthetical, essential, and nonessential dependent clauses
 J. Recognize simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex sentence
patterns
K. Convert simple sentences into a variety of more complex patterns

XI. Use basic punctuation rules

A. Insert commas correctly in series, direct address, and parenthetical expressions
B. Punctuate dates, addresses, geographical items, and appositives correctly
C. Place commas appropriately in punctuating independent adjectives, verbal
phrases, and prepositional phrases
D. Use commas correctly in punctuating independent, introductory, terminal, and
nonessential clauses. e. Use commas correctly in punctuating degrees,
abbreviations, and numerals
E. Use commas to indicate omitted words, contrasting statements, clarity, and short
quotations
F. Identify and correct errors in comma usage
G. Use semicolons correctly to join independent clauses; correct errors in such
usage
H. Use semicolons correctly before enumerations and explanations; correct errors in
usage 4
I. Use colons correctly to introduce an independent clause and to emphasize words
and thoughts
J. Capitalize the first word following a colon
K. Use dashes correctly in sentences
L. Use quotation marks correctly for direct quotations, definitions, special
expressions, unfamiliar terms, and titles of articles
M. Combine other punctuation marks correctly with quotation marks in sentences

XII. Use basic capitalization rules

A. Use capitals correctly for the first words of sentences, direct quotations, and
items in outlines
B. Use capitals correctly in headings and in titles of publications
C. Capitalize correctly proper nouns, short forms used for proper nouns, personal
and official titles used with proper names, and proper adjectives
D. Capitalize correctly the names of commercial products
E. Correct errors in capitalization usage

XIII. Use basic guidelines for expressing numbers

A. Correctly choose between figure and word forms to express general numbers,
money, and numbers beginning sentences
B. Express dates, clock time, addresses, and telephone numbers appropriately
C. Use the correct form in writing related numbers, consecutive numbers, periods
of time, and ages
D. Use the correct form in expressing numbers in conventional phrases, with
abbreviations and symbols, and as round numbers
E. Express weights, measures, and fractions correctly
F. Use the correct form in expressing percentages, decimals, and ordinals.
XIV. Write clear, complete sentences
A. Compose sentences that are grammatically correct
B. Compose sentences that are punctuated correctly
C. Compose sentences that express a clear thought
D. Avoid fragments, run-on sentence

BUSINESS ENGLISH ( HIGH BEGINNER LEVEL)

Instructional Goals and Purposes: The focus here is mainly on the workplace.
Lesson 1
Theme: Introductions
The first lesson focuses on the verb "to be," which will help students to begin discussing
basic questions. Possessive adjectives such as "her" and "his" will encourage students
to discuss what they learn from other students, and learning nations and national
adjectives can help them talk about their own countries.

Language items will include:

 The verb "to be"

 Revision of possessive adjectives: my, your, her, his
 Basic greetings
 The use of names of countries
 Expansion of lexical set: basic greetings

Lesson 2
Theme: The World Around Me
This lesson focuses on objects that can be found both in and out of the room/
workplace, to help them become familiar with the concept of here/there, this/that.
Working on basic adjectives in opposite pairs (big/small, cheap/expensive, etc.) will help
students begin describing their world. 

Language items will include:

 Spelling skills
 Revision of letters of the alphabet
 The use of questions and negatives with the verb "to be"
 The use of determiners: this, that, those and these
 The use of articles: "a" and "an"
 Expansion of lexical set: "everyday objects" (singular and plural)
 Expressions including basic opposite adjectives

Lesson 3
Theme: My Friends and I
This lesson helps students begin discussing schedules, meetings, and other
responsibilities. The focus is on numbers, time, status, and other personal items that
require students to give information involving numbers and spelling. 

Language items will include:

 Singular and plural nouns

 Numbers 1–100, phone numbers
 The use of the verb "to be" for giving personal information
 Giving personal information: name, marital status, phone number, address, age
 Asking for and telling the time, prepositions used for telling the time "at," "past,"
"to"
 Expansion of lexical set: "jobs"

Lesson 4
Theme: A Day in the Life of…
The big focus in this lesson is the use of the simple present tense to speak about
routines, habits, and other daily tasks. Make sure to help students learn the differences
between the verb "to be" and all other verbs. This will require a special focus on the
helping verb "to do" in questions and negative sentences. 

Language items will include:

 Times of the day, the 12-hour clock—a.m. and p.m.

 Revision of basic verbs used to describe daily routines
 The use of the present simple (1)
 The use of the first, second, and third-person singular in the present simple
 Expansion of lexical set: "daily routines"
 Expressions including verbs and nouns that go together, prepositions used for
times of the day—in the morning, afternoon, evening/at night

Lesson 5
Theme: The Workplace
In this lesson, the students will learn the present simple by using adverbs of frequency
such as "usually," "sometimes," "seldom," etc.

Language items will include:

 Continuation of the present simple (2)

 Revision of basic verbs used to describe work tasks
 The use of negative and question forms in the present simple
 The use of the first, second, and third-person plural in the present simple
 The use of adverbs of frequency
 Prepositions of place and movement: "to," "in," "at"
 Expansion of lexical set: "daily work routines"
 Expressions including asking for help and asking someone to repeat
 Lesson 6
Theme: Talking about Work
Exploring the work world while discussing a larger time frame when introducing days of
the week, months, and seasons to the class. Students will discuss typical activities for
each time of the year, day of the week, or month. 

Language items will include:

 Greetings and informal discussion about work tasks

 Revision of seasons, months, and days of the week
 Expansion of lexical set: "means of communication"
 Expressions including terms used for talking about the relationships between
people in an office

Lesson 7
Theme: The Ideal Office
Drill down into the office world by focusing on office equipment. Ask students to
discover what other students' workplaces look like by working with "any" and "some"
(i.e., Are there any tables in your office?, We have some copiers in our office, etc.).

Language items will include:

 Revision of lexical set: "things in the office"

 Revision of daily work tasks
 The use of "there is" and "there are" for descriptive purposes and in the
interrogative form
 The use of "some" and "any" in the positive, negative, and interrogative form
 Expansion of lexical set: "furniture" to include items commonly found in an office
 Expressions including prepositions of place including: on, in, near, next to, in
front of, and between

Lesson 8
Theme: The Interview
Expanding students' vocabulary skills with common workplace collocations. Use mock
interviews to introduce the modal "can" to speak about abilities.

Language items will include:

 Verbs expressing skills and abilities

 Revision of expressions used for asking and giving personal information
 The use of "can" to express ability
 The use of "to have"
 Expansion of lexical set: "skills and abilities"
 Expressions including verb-noun collocations (words that go together)
BUSINESS ENGLISH (INTERMEDIATE LEVEL)

Instructional Goals and Purposes: The purpose of this course is to teach students to
communicate successfully in general business situations. The students will learn the
following skills:

 To communicate with others in practical, business oriented situations

 To use English in a variety of business contexts, from negotiating, to using
telephone, to making presentations, to socializing
 To express themselves in English with greater fluency, accuracy and
confidence

Lesson 1: Introductions

 Course outline and approach

 Typical and critical scenarios the target language

Lesson 2: Meetings

 Chairing, setting the agenda, controlling the conversation

 Participating, turn-taking, listening and taking notes
 Being diplomatic, agreeing and disagreeing

Lesson 3: Business Correspondence

 E-mails- register, style, standard phrasing

 Notes and memoranda

Lesson 4: Telephoning

 Checking and clarifying information

 Listening to different accents, intonation to get the exact message

Lesson 5: Making Presentations

 Introducing a topic effectively

 Sequencing ideas
 Making conclusions
 Responding to questions

Lesson 6: Process Management

 Describing processes, cause and effect

 Criticizing, recommending
 Quality assurance, continuous improvement
Lesson 7: Negotiating

 Key negotiating language, framing your argument

 Negotiating with clients

Lesson 8: Reports

 Skim reading reports and newsfeeds

 Reporting ideas and information
 Writing reports

Lesson 9: Other Areas of Language

 Case studies
 Writing effective proposals
 Managing teams
 Cross-cultural Awareness

BUSINESS ENGLISH (ADVANCED LEVEL)

Instructional Goals and Purposes: The purpose of this course is to teach students to
communicate successfully in general business situations. The students will learn the
following skills:

 To communicate with others in a business environment.

 To use English in a variety of business contexts, from negotiating,
networking, decision-making, resolving conflict etc.
 To express themselves in English with greater fluency, accuracy and
confidence

Lesson 1: Networking

 Writing formal and informal register

Lesson 2: Clarifying and Confirming

 Writing effective e-mails

Lesson 3: Decision-making
  Writing layout
 Writing structure of reports

Lesson 4: Making an Impact in Presentations

 Preparing slide presentations

Lesson 5: Resolving Conflicts

 How to avoid conflicts in e-mails

 How to resolve conflicts in e-mails

Lesson 6: Ethical Problem-solving

 How to solve problems with ethical considerations

Lesson 7: Negotiating

 Key negotiating language, framing your argument

 Negotiating with clients

Lesson 8: Brainstorming

 How to accept ideas and opinions

 How to reject ideas and opinions
 How to do collaboration

Lesson 9: Teleconferencing

 Practicing the steps in teleconferencing

 Considering barriers in teleconferencing