WEEK 2

WORKPLACE AND
PROFESSIONAL
CONVERSATIONS
 KEY VOCABULARY

1. Job title – The name of a person's position at work. 6. Deadline – The time by which something must be completed.
2. Responsibility – A duty or task that one is required to perform. 7. Supervise – To oversee or manage a task or team.
3. Colleague – A person with whom one works. 8. Collaborate – To work together on a project or task.
4. Task – A piece of work to be done. 9. Position – The role or job someone has in a company.
5. Project – A planned undertaking with specific objectives. 10. Workplace – The location where someone works.

READING PASSAGE

Reading Passage
In my current job as a project manager, I am responsible for overseeing various
projects. My daily tasks include meeting with my team, setting deadlines, and
Comprehension Questions:
1. What are the main responsibilities of a
ensuring that everyone understands their roles. I collaborate closely with my
project manager?
colleagues to achieve our goals and deliver results on time.
2. How does collaboration contribute to
achieving goals?
One of my main responsibilities is to supervise junior staff members. I provide them
3. What role does supervision play in
with guidance and support as they navigate their tasks. By working together, we
managing a team?
can address any challenges that arise and keep our projects on track.

CONVERSATION PRACTICE

1. What is your current job title or field of study? 11. How do you handle deadlines for work or school assignments?
2. Can you describe your main responsibilities at work or school? 12. How do you handle conflict in the workplace or classroom?
3. Who do you often collaborate with at work or school? 13. How do you support new team members or classmates?
4. What project or assignment are you currently working on? 14. Can you share an experience of a successful team project or
5. How do you prioritize your tasks or assignments? group assignment?
6. How do you manage your time effectively? 15. What motivates you to do your best work or perform well in
7. What tools do you use for project or task management? school?
8. How do you communicate with your colleagues or classmates? 16. How do you celebrate successes with your team or peers?
9. What skills are important for your job or studies? 17. How do you stay organized?
10. What challenges do you face in your job or studies? 18. What do you enjoy most about your job or studies?
19. What changes would you like to see in your school or
workplace?
20. How do you approach professional development and growth in
your academic or professional environment?

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 GRAMMAR FOCUS: PRESENT CONTINUOUS FOR ONGOING ACTIONS
Grammar Rules and Examples: Example Sentences:
The present continuous tense is used to talk about actions happening right now or I am working on a new project.
ongoing activities. It shows what someone is doing at this moment and emphasizes She is supervising the team.
that these actions are not finished yet. The formula for the present continuous tense is They are reading the book.
subject + am/is/are + verb-ing.

Fill in the blanks with the correct form of the verb in present continuous.
1. I _______ (work) on a presentation.
2. He _______ (meet) with a client.
PRACTICE EXERCISE 3. They ________ (discuss) the project details.
4. She _______ (manage) a team of developers.
5. We _________ (prepare) for the upcoming meeting.

FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Job Advertisement Writing: Job Advertisement Poster:
Task: Write a job advertisement for a chosen profession. Task: Design a visually appealing job advertisement poster
Include a short description of the job’s responsibilities, required using the job description from Assessment 1. You may design
skills, and experience. Follow the format below: the poster either digitally using design software or manually by
hand. Ensure the poster clearly communicates the following
Job Title: English Teacher key elements: job title, responsibilities, qualifications, and
application instructions.
1. Qualifications:
a. Bachelor’s degree in English, Education, or a related field.
2. Daily Responsibilities:
a. Develop and implement engaging lesson plans that align
with the curriculum.
3. Required Skills:
a. Strong communication and classroom management skills.

AUTHENTIC ASSESSMENT (5 POINTS)

Task: Job Description Writing
Write a short description of your job/profession using the present continuous tense and relevant job-related vocabulary. Limit
your description to 2-3 sentences, keeping it clear and engaging.

Example: Job Title: Policeman

The policeman is patrolling the streets and ensuring the safety of the community. He is responding to emergency calls,
investigating incidents, and assisting citizens in need. The policeman is also working with colleagues to maintain law and order
while enforcing traffic regulations.

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 KEY VOCABULARY
1. Agenda – A list of topics to be discussed in a meeting. 6. Action items – Tasks assigned to individuals to complete after
2. Minutes – The official record of what was discussed in a meeting. the meeting.
3. Facilitator – The person who leads a meeting. 7. Feedback – Information about reactions to a product, service,
4. Discussion – A conversation about a topic. or person's performance.
5. Consensus – General agreement among the members of a group. 8. Presentation – A formal display of information.
9. Proposal – A plan or suggestion put forward for consideration.
10. Follow-up – Further action taken after a meeting.

READING PASSAGE

Reading Passage
During meetings, it’s essential to follow an agenda to ensure that all topics are
discussed efficiently. A facilitator typically guides the meeting, ensuring that
Comprehension Questions:
1. What is the purpose of an agenda in a
everyone has an opportunity to contribute. It’s important to share your opinions
meeting?
respectfully and constructively.
2. Why is it important to share opinions
during discussions?
At the end of the meeting, action items are assigned to specific individuals. This
3. What should be included in the minutes of
ensures that everyone knows their responsibilities moving forward. The minutes
a meeting?
are then distributed to keep everyone informed about what was discussed
and agreed upon.

CONVERSATION PRACTICE
1. What type of meetings do you attend most frequently? 11. What do you do if you don't agree with the consensus?
2. Have you ever led a meeting? What was it about? 12. How do you approach a proposal during a meeting?
3. How do you prepare for a meeting? 13. What strategies do you use to stay engaged during meetings?
4. What is the role of a facilitator in a meeting? 14. Can you describe a successful meeting you attended?
5. What do you think is the most important part of a 15. How do you follow up after a meeting?
meeting? 16. How do you keep track of action items?
6. How do you handle time management during meetings? 17. What tools do you use for virtual meetings?
7. How do you contribute to a group discussion? 18. How do you express appreciation for contributions made during
8. How do you ensure your opinions are heard in meetings? meetings?
9. How do you encourage quieter team members to share 19. What feedback do you usually receive after presentations?
their thoughts? 20. What improvements would you suggest for future meetings?
10. How do you handle disagreements in a meeting?

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 GRAMMAR FOCUS: PHRASES FOR MEETINGS
Grammar Rules and Examples:
During meetings, common phrases help ensure smooth communication. Common phrases used during meetings include:
These phrases are used to start, guide, and clarify discussions, as well as to Let’s get started.
invite participation and opinions. They follow basic grammar rules, including Can we add this to the agenda?
the use of modal verbs for politeness and forming questions to encourage I’d like to share my opinion.
engagement.

Reword the following sentences using suitable phrases for meetings.

1. Start the meeting. →
2. This is my idea. →
PRACTICE EXERCISE 3. Let’s make a decision. →
4. I want to discuss this. →
5. We should keep track of tasks. →

FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Meeting Guidelines:
Task: List at least five specific practices or actions to ensure discussions are respectful, productive, and inclusive in a meeting.
Consider practices that promote effective communication and collaboration among participants.

Meeting Questions:
Task: Choose a meeting topic from the given list and create three significant questions that would help ensure the meeting's
objectives are met effectively. Focus on questions that will contribute to the clarity, progress, and success of the discussion.

Meeting Topic/Agenda
Launching a new project or initiative.
Evaluating team collaboration and setting goals for improvement.
Planning an event or workshop.

AUTHENTIC ASSESSMENT (5 POINTS)

Task: Meeting Simulation
In pairs, simulate a meeting scenario where each person must contribute their opinions and ideas.

Scenario 1: Client Presentation Meeting: You are meeting with Scenario 2: Peer Feedback Meeting: You are in a classroom
a client to present a new project or product your team is where students are required to give feedback on each other’s
offering. One participant takes on the role of the project lead, work. One person will present their project, and the other will
and the other plays the client. The meeting should be offer feedback on the strengths and areas for improvement.
professional, structured, and interactive.
Here are the discussion points for this scenario:
Here are the discussion points for this scenario: 1. Project Presentation
1. Purpose of the meeting 2. Feedback on Strengths
2. Project or product details 3. Areas for Improvement
3. Client needs and expectations 4. Clarifications and Questions
4. Budget considerations 5. Next Steps
5. Q&A session

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 KEY VOCABULARY
1. Request – An act of asking politely for something. 6. Permission – Approval to do something.
2. Inquiry – A question or request for information. 7. Confirmation – A statement that something is true or has been
3. Polite – Showing good manners and respect towards others. agreed upon.
4. Formal – Suitable for serious situations or events. 8. Clarification – Making something clear or easier to understand.
5. Informal – Casual and relaxed, often used in everyday 9. Inquiry email – A formal email seeking information.
conversation. 10. Acknowledge – To recognize or admit the existence of something.

READING PASSAGE

Reading Passage
Making formal requests requires a polite approach, especially in professional
settings. Using phrases like “Could you please…” or “I would appreciate it if…” helps
convey respect and consideration. It is also essential to specify what you are Comprehension Questions:
requesting clearly to avoid misunderstandings. 1. Why is it important to use polite language
when making requests?
When making inquiries, especially in written form, it is important to be concise and 2. What are two examples of formal request
direct while maintaining a polite tone. For example, an inquiry email should begin phrases?
with a proper greeting, state the purpose of the email, and include a polite closing 3. How should an inquiry email be
statement. structured?

CONVERSATION PRACTICE

1. Can you describe a time when you needed to make a formal 11. How do you thank someone for their help in a formal situation?
request? 12. How do you respond if someone declines your request?
2. Can you give an example of a formal request you made 13. What tone do you use when writing emails?
recently? 14. How do you adjust your language for different audiences?
3. How do you prepare for making a formal request? 15. Can you give an example of how you would change your
4. What is the difference between a formal request and an language for a formal meeting?
informal request? 16. How do you maintain professionalism in casual settings?
5. How do you usually ask for permission at your job? 17. How do you feel about making requests?
6. What challenges do you face when asking for information? 18. What do you do if you feel nervous about asking for something?
7. What strategies do you use when you want to ask a question? 19. How do you handle a situation where your request is
8. How do you follow up politely on an unanswered question? misunderstood?
9. How do you ensure your requests are clear and polite? 20. Can you think of a time when politeness helped you succeed in
10. What polite phrases do you often use when making requests? a request?

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 GRAMMAR FOCUS: POLITE REQUESTS AND INQUIRIES
Grammar Rules and Examples: Examples:
Polite requests are commonly formed using modal verbs like "could," "would," 1: Could you please send me the report?
and "may" to soften the tone and show respect or consideration. These modals 2: Would you mind explaining this further?
help convey a sense of courtesy, making the request sound less direct and more 3. May I borrow your pen for a moment?
formal. They are often used in professional settings, customer service interactions,
and formal conversations where politeness and diplomacy are essential.

Transform the following sentences into polite requests:

1. Send me the file. →
2. Give me your feedback. →
PRACTICE EXERCISE 3. Tell me the deadline. →
4. Explain this to me. →
5. Help me with this task. →

FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Polite Requests Practice:
Task: Create five polite requests for different situations.
Use the scenarios below:
1. Asking for time off or an extension
2. Requesting information
3. Requesting assistance with a task or assignment
4. Asking to reschedule a meeting or presentation
5. Requesting a recommendation or reference

AUTHENTIC ASSESSMENT (5 POINTS)

Task: Inquiry Email
Write a formal inquiry email to a colleague or supervisor requesting information about a project or task. Ensure the email includes
a proper greeting, body, and closing statement, and uses polite language throughout.

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 KEY VOCABULARY
1. Challenge – A difficult situation that requires a solution. 6. Adapt – To adjust to new conditions.
2. Problem-solving – The process of finding solutions to difficult issues. 7. Collaborate – To work together to find solutions.
3. Solution – An answer to a problem. 8. Resource – A source of help or support.
4. Analyze – To examine something in detail. 9. Initiative – The ability to assess and initiate things
5. Strategy – A plan of action designed to achieve a goal. independently.
10. Feedback – Information on how to improve or fix something.

READING PASSAGE

Reading Passage
In the workplace, challenges are common, and it is essential to approach them
with a problem-solving mindset. Analyzing the situation allows us to identify the Comprehension Questions:
root causes and brainstorm possible solutions. Collaboration with colleagues can 1. What is the importance of analyzing a
also bring diverse perspectives that contribute to effective problem-solving. situation when faced with a challenge?
2. How can collaboration enhance problem-
When faced with a challenge, it’s crucial to remain flexible and adapt your solving?
strategies as necessary. Offering constructive feedback can help others improve 3. What qualities are demonstrated by
their approaches. Ultimately, taking initiative in finding solutions demonstrates someone who takes initiative in finding
leadership qualities that are valued in any organization. solutions?

CONVERSATION PRACTICE
1. Describe a recent work challenge you faced. 11. How do you maintain a positive attitude during challenging situations?
2. How did you solve it? 12. How do you involve others in finding solutions?
3. How do you approach problem-solving in your job? 13. What role does communication play in solving problems?
4. What strategies do you use when analyzing a problem? 14. How do you encourage your team to contribute solutions?
5. What is your go-to strategy for conflict resolution? 15. How do you handle feedback on your problem-solving approach?
6. What resources do you rely on when facing challenges? 16. How do you assess the effectiveness of a solution?
7. What tools do you use for tracking problems and solutions? 17. What do you do if your initial solution doesn’t work?
8. How do you document challenges and the solutions 18. Can you share an example of a successful solution you implemented?
applied? 19. Can you think of a time when a challenge taught you a valuable
9. How do you adapt to unexpected changes at work? lesson?
10. How do you stay motivated when faced with repeated 20. How can you foster a problem-solving culture in your workplace?
challenges?

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 GRAMMAR FOCUS: OFFERING SOLUTIONS
Grammar Rules and Examples:
When presenting solutions or suggestions, it's important to use polite and clear phrases that indicate your proposal. Below are
some useful phrases along with examples of their contexts:
“One possible solution is…” (In a meeting about project delays, you suggest an adjustment to deadlines.)
“I suggest that we…” (During a discussion on improving workflow, you propose a new process or tool.)
“How about we try…?” (In a brainstorming session for team engagement, you recommend trying a new strategy.)

Complete the sentences with appropriate phrases for offering solutions.

1. One possible solution is…
PRACTICE EXERCISE 2. I suggest that we…
3. How about we try…?
4. Another approach could be…
5. We might consider…

FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Problem-Solving Scenario: Individual Feedback:
Task: Read the given scenarios. Think of at least three possible solutions for the Task: Share your scenario and proposed
problem. Consider what steps or tools you would need to solve the issue. solutions with your instructor. Discuss the
feasibility of each solution, considering
Scenarios: aspects such as practicality, required
1. Changing Requirements: A client or team leader frequently changes their resources, and potential outcomes. Your
requests, making it challenging to meet deadlines and maintain high quality in instructor will provide constructive feedback
the project. to help refine your ideas.
2. Time Management Struggles: You have many tasks, but it’s hard to manage
your time, causing some to be late and others to lose quality.
3. Miscommunication in Team Projects: You are working on a group project,
but miscommunication causes some members to miss deadlines and others
to submit work that doesn’t meet the requirements.

AUTHENTIC ASSESSMENT (5 POINTS)

Task: Problem-Solving Activity
Reach out to three individuals and ask them about a common challenge they face at school or work. Look for common themes in
their responses, and for each challenge, brainstorm at least three possible solutions, considering the resources needed and the
expected results. Finally, write a brief summary of the challenges and your proposed solutions.

Use the following questions for your interview:

1. What is a common problem you face at school or work?
2. How does this problem affect your job or your team?
3. Have you or your team tried to fix this problem? What worked, and what didn’t?

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 KEY VOCABULARY
1. Negotiate – To discuss something in order to reach an agreement. 6. Agreement – A mutual arrangement between parties.
2. Compromise – An agreement reached by each side making 7. Concessions – Something given up in order to reach an
concessions. agreement.
3. Terms – The conditions under which an agreement is made. 8. Objective – A goal or aim that one seeks to achieve.
4. Proposal – A plan put forward for consideration. 9. Win-win – A situation in which all parties benefit.
5. Counteroffer – A response to an offer in which the terms are changed. 10. Mediate – To intervene in a dispute to help resolve it.

READING PASSAGE

Reading Passage
To negotiate effectively, it’s important to communicate clearly and understand
each side’s needs. Whether you are a student or a professional, you should express
your proposal while being open to a counteroffer from the other party. A
compromise often leads to a win-win outcome, where both sides benefit from the Comprehension Questions:
final agreement. 1. What is the significance of clear
communication in negotiations?
When reaching an agreement, it’s essential to clearly outline the terms so everyone 2. How can compromise benefit both
understands their obligations. Sometimes, making concessions is necessary to parties?
achieve your objective. If the negotiation stalls, a mediator can mediate the 3. What steps should be taken to ensure
discussion, helping to resolve misunderstandings or facilitate communication, clarity in agreements?
especially when a counteroffer changes the initial terms.

CONVERSATION PRACTICE
1. How do you determine your goals in a negotiation situation? 11. Can you share an experience where compromise was necessary
2. How do you prepare for a negotiation discussion? in your studies or work?
3. What strategies do you use during negotiations, whether in 12. Have you ever negotiated a grade or project deadline? How did
school or work? it go?
4. What is your approach to setting terms during negotiations? 13. Can you think of a negotiation that changed your viewpoint?
5. What role does listening play in effective negotiations? 14. What has been your experience with mediation in
6. How do you build trust during negotiations? negotiations?
7. How do you handle difficult or aggressive negotiators? 15. What concessions are you willing to make in a negotiation?
8. What steps do you take if negotiations are not going well? 16. What do you find most challenging about negotiating?
9. How do you remain calm during stressful negotiations? 17. How do you ensure that everyone involved is satisfied with the
10. How do you respond to a counteroffer in negotiations? agreement?
18. How do you define a successful negotiation outcome?
19. How do you follow up after reaching an agreement?
20. What long-term strategies do you use to maintain
relationships after negotiations?

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 GRAMMAR FOCUS: LANGUAGE FOR NEGOTIATION

Grammar Rules and Examples:

Useful phrases for negotiating include expressions that convey your position clearly and assertively while remaining open to
dialogue. Such phrases can help establish a constructive tone, facilitate mutual understanding, and promote collaboration
between parties. Employing these phrases effectively can enhance the likelihood of reaching a favorable agreement for all
involved.

Examples:
“I’d like to propose…”
“What if we consider…?”
“Let’s find a middle ground.”

Rewrite the following statements to make them suitable for negotiation:

1. I want a higher salary. →
2. This project needs more time. →
PRACTICE EXERCISE 3. We can’t agree on terms. →
4. I disagree with your proposal. →
5. This is not acceptable. →

FORMATIVE ASSESSMENT
Making Requests and Negotiating
Task: Fill in the gaps in dialogues with polite language for making requests and negotiating. After completing the dialogues,
practice them aloud and discuss whether the phrases used were appropriate for constructive negotiation.

A: "Hi, I was wondering if you could __________ (politely request to adjust the deadline for a task)?"
B: "I understand your situation, but we’re on a tight schedule. Could we __________ (suggest a compromise or alternative
solution)?"
A: "That could work, but I’d also like to __________ (make an additional request related to workload or resources)."
B: "I’m happy to help with that, but maybe we can __________ (negotiate another part of the task or offer support)."
A: "Great! Let’s go with that plan. Thanks for being flexible!"

AUTHENTIC ASSESSMENT (5 POINTS)

Task: Negotiation Reflection Exercise
Negotiation Role Play: Work in pairs to practice negotiating a specific scenario.

Scenario 1: Salary Negotiation (An employee is negotiating a salary increase after a year of consistent performance
improvements.)

Scenario 2: Deadline Negotiation (An individual is negotiating with a teacher or supervisor to extend the deadline for a project or
assignment due to unforeseen circumstances that have impacted their ability to complete the work on time.)

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