Job Discussion Forums

dynow · Joined: 07 Nov 2006 Posts: 1080

Hello all,

Looking for some suggestions.

The class looks like this:

-12 students, at their company, approx. 25 years old

-They have Intermediate level vocab more or less, verb tenses/sentence structure maybe a bit below, but everyone is communicative

-Ideally, a reasonable amount of business-related topics (to keep their boss happy) but varied topics will be necessary or they'll be bored as hell

-Class is only once per week

I've already had one class with them for evaluation purposes but need to decide on a coursebook for them. An ideal book would have a good amount of business vocab, plenty of grammar and group work activities. A workbook to go along with it would be great as well.

Thanks in advance!

scottie1113 · Joined: 25 Oct 2004 Posts: 375 Location: Gdansk

With the exception of specialized vocabulary and different topics for discussion, business English is no different than regular English.It's all about communication skills.

Did you do a needs analysis with them? Why do they want to improve their English? Do they send email or take/make phone calls from/to customers in other countries?

I've used several business English books, but I always come back to New English File with extra material designed for their wants/needs.

dynow · Joined: 07 Nov 2006 Posts: 1080

Insubordination · Joined: 07 Nov 2007 Posts: 394 Location: Sydney

I've never looked at 'Market Leader' and would like any comments if anyone has used it.

'In Company' has grammar, listening, vocab and speaking topics with a business focus. The intermediate level is OK and easy to teach but it's not quite 'me' but I did a lot of good lessons using it. The CD is essential. Don't like upper-int as much.

'Intelligent Business' is great because it seems more authentic but has too much focus on reading. I've only seen the red-coloured one but I think it's upper-int.

At a pre-int level, my favourite textbook (ever!) is 'Tech Talk'. I have had so many successful lessons that engaged businessmen and women. I can't recommend it highly enough. It's far better than anything else I've mentioned, I'm only worried it might not be the level you need.

sparks · Joined: 20 Feb 2008 Posts: 632

Stay away from Market Leader. I'm using the advanced book now for a one-one and I find myself supplementing and skipping entire sections constantly. The readings are terribly boring. There are too many listening sections, the grammar is almost non-existant, there is a smattering of vocab, and that's about it. Lot's of build-up and pictures to introduce a writing which involves simply (for example) inviting someone to attend a conference. English File is good, I like Inside Out as well as In Company.

thefuzz · Joined: 10 Aug 2009 Posts: 271

I like to use "English 365" as it comes in 3 levels and contains a great mix of general and business English. It's published by Cambridge and last time I came to Poland I picked up a few copies at an English bookstore.

dynow · Joined: 07 Nov 2006 Posts: 1080

Has anyone ever used "Language Leader", Intermediate level?

I just popped into a bookstore to see what they have, and this book seemed quite appropriate. Topics and pictures were mature but not drone and boring, plenty of grammar emphasis, etc. Workbook and CD ROM as well.

I had a look at New English File, wasn't terribly impressed, at least not for this class.

nocturnalme · Joined: 11 Aug 2004 Posts: 73 Location: Gdansk, Poland

I have a similar group and find New English File very good. Supplement it with other stuff, find some speaking activities but use it as a base. The topics are pretty varied and it 'flows' well - no bizarre leaps of grammar or vocab like some textbooks.
'International Express' may be worth a look too. It's a business coursebook, which may keep the boss happy, but is pretty general too.