Teacher Discussion Forums

Would you all care to rank some of the best Business English textbooks in the market?
If you would be kind enough to post whether they are American English or British English, it would be helpful. Also, what levels are they aimed towards (low, low-intermediate, intermediate, advanced).
I am looking forward to the responses.

Ann, I'm not quite sure what you are trying to ask with your poll. We can't rank them as it's an either/or type poll, and I wouldn't pick one over the other. Unless a class specifically asks for a book to follow, I don't tend to use one book exclusively anyways.

I'm most familiar with NIBE, then Business Options, then Market Leader. Probably my favourite higher-level textbook though, is Business Matters by Mark Powell.

Sorry! I got carried away.
I am attempting to decide on a course textbook for my students and was wondering if one or the other has experienced a higher success rate.
This is a course for advanced students learning American English. NIBE is an excellent book but it has too many references to British English and I don't want to adopt that book in my class.
Any other ideas?
*I have noted the "Business Matters" suggestion. Thanks!*

Andrea,
Does "Business Matters" cover American-English or British-English?
I am in a bind because I have to decide on a book really fast.

Business Matters is more British-based, but not excessively. A lot of the articles focus on European countries.

Hmmm...all right! Thanks!
I'll have to keep looking for something that covers more American-English.

Have you seen "English for Global Business" from Univ of Michigan Press? It is American English and focuses on oral skills.

Emily

Ann,

The classroom is not Iraq you know, neither is it a globalisation question, if it is English you want , then perhaps Cambridge could help.

Best regards, Plato.

I'm sorry but I don't see what Iraq has to do with any of this. Moreover, I am picky about my books so no, Cambridge cannot help (being uppity about it and all).
I found some great resources in for my American students. Thanks all for the suggestions.
And I do use the NIBE occassionally.

Glad to hear you found some good resources, Ann! Any chance you would be willing to share with us here? I'd love to hear what you found.

Many thanks, Emily

Emily,

Could you give us an example of the topics in English for Global Business? What format does it use?

Thanks,
Alexanndra

Alexanndra,

Here are the main topics in English for Global Business. Focus is on listening and speaking skills. In addition to the print book, the audio program is on 2 cassettes or 2 CDs.

Hope this is useful! Best, Emily

Module One: Getting Acquainted
1: Introducing Yourself 2: Introducing Others 3: Starting a Conversation4: Ending a Conversation & Leave Taking

Module Two: Describing Your Work
1: Talking about Facts & Figures 2: Introducing Your Company 3: Describing Company Organization 4: Describing Job Responsibilities

Module Three: Telephoning
1: Problems Telephoning 2: Making a Phone Call3: Scheduling a Meeting4: Ending a Phone Conversation

Module Four: Traveling Internationally
1: Making Plans 2: Making Airline Reservations 3: Booking a Hotel & Checking In 4: Describing Products at a Trade Show

Module Five: Discussing Issues
1: Starting a Discussion 2: Giving Opinions, Agreeing/Disagreeing 3: Developing the Discussion 4: Summarizing Views & Making Suggestions

Module Six: Entertaining a Business Associate
1: A Business Lunch 2: Ordering Food 3: Ordering Drinks 4: Etiquette in Social Situations

Emily,

Thanks for taking the time to give me the details! Do you use the CD's? Are they necessary? Do you find the language natural and useful?

Showem,

How many classroom hours do you use to get through one unit of Business Matters? We do most of the excercises in class (they pretty much won't do homework) and it usually takes us 4 - 5 one hour classes to get though each unit. I like the book, too, but I wish the units were shorter. People get edgy. I think I'm going to start skipping some of the exercises. Also, I'm not familiar with the other books you mentioned. Are any of them similar to Business Matters, but with American English?

Thanks!
Ale

Ann,

Just thought I'd mention that these days Cambridge University Press and other Brittish publishers also produce books with American English, so you don't have to write them off automatically, just be sure to check which "English" they use before you buy!

Good luck,
Ale