Job Discussion Forums

[Drizzt]

I have a student that wants me to teach her business English. I've taught most levels, but I don't have any experience teaching business English. Any tips from some of the more experienced teachers will be appreciated! Also, can anyone recommend some good business English coursebooks?

Thanks...

[tarzaninchina]

I tutor business English and the textbook my student found on a trip to Shanghai was great, although I'm sure local bookstores can order it for you if they don't have it in stock. It comes with student book, teachers' book, and a cassette.

"English for Business Studies: a course for business studies and economics students" 2nd Edition
By: Ian MacKenzie
ISBN: 7-115-12608-9 / F-548
Posts & Telecom Press

The book doesn't cover business writing or contract writing, which is a whole other ball game and is one of the most difficult forms of writing IMO, regardless of what's being written.

Majoring in Business English will be a huge bonus because you'll be able to add a lot to discussion and general knowledge of your student. Also, is your student studying business or working in a professional field? Mine is and she has lots of questions that I'm all too happy to answer, not to mention this serving as a good review for moi.

[Drizzt]

Hi Tarzan,

Thanks for the recommendation, I will look into that! My student is already working in a professional field so she is really motivated to improve her business English!

[Babala]

I taught a course in Business-English using the Cambridge series and I found them to be one of the better textbooks I have used here in China. I probably wouldn't bother with the cassette tapes that come with them though.

[nolefan]

[Drizzt]

Alright, thanks-I'll look into that

[englishgibson]

Drizzt, the suggestions above from the forum’s users are fairly good and I might add that International Business English (I think Cambridge press) is quite satisfactory, though its listening exercises are a bit tough at times. The book I have just mentioned is available at some bookshops in China.

You have not mentioned the level of your student (I suppose intermediate or so since we are talking business English) and neither the location where you are. Shanghai’s Book Traders carries quiet a selection of material. You could also get Business Basics (high elementary/low intermediate students) or Market Leaders (intermediate students). These books are a bit pricier, though great and professional. They all come with teacher’s book and cassettes.

Cheers and beers

[boxcarwilly]

If a student is interested in learning grammar in a Business English context the only book I use anymore is The Language of Business English by Brieger and Sweeney. It's a Longman book. The students like it and it's very easy to use.
Make it easy and s*** gets done!

[matador]

I use the Longman Market Leader books. They have a series from Elementary to Upper-Int.

[Drizzt]

Well, after reviewing several of the books I opted for Market Leader...it's great! Thanks for the recommendation!

[bubblebubble]

i've used market leader, it's good for upper intermediate students. the cases are interesting and my students have a great time working on them.

i'm currently using 'business goals' (cambridge series). so far i find it quite good. the listening material is clear and easy to understand (no odd and strange accent which drives my students nuts). the workbook and the extra worksheet attached at the back of the teacher's book are quite useful too.

i've also used another two textbook: Working in English and Communicating for Business. they are okay ... not that great.

hope this helps!