Reading 1

                How to Talk to Your Boss in English

Most of us want to make a good impression with our boss or project manager. Creating a great relationship with a line manager can make a promotion or pay rise more likely.

But it's one thing to do this with a boss who speaks your own language – and quite another thing to do it in another language. So if your boss is an English speaker, here are some tips for using the right English.

Remember to be polite

Ask for things or make suggestions rather than making orders. (So "Could I" or "Do you think we should" instead of "You should" or "You must".)

Remember to use polite modals as well: would, could, may and so on

Be enthusiastic

Don't be that person who always complains or tries to get out of a task. Instead, show your boss that you're happy to be in the job and pleased to learn new things. If a boss sees that you're enthusiastic, you're more likely to get interesting projects to do, and you'll also become known as a good worker.

Offer to do things in the office and to get involved.

Be open to feedback

It's important for your boss to know that you are keen to progress in the job. One way to do this is to check in with your boss and to ask for feedback. You need to know if you're doing something right, or if you need to make improvements in how you're doing your work.

Questions ?

What do you learn from this artical ? 

What do you think the key abilities to communicate with others ?

Reading 2 

Read the following passage and finish the task 1-2 

Make you know the words which you didn't know before you learn .

             Car interiors a breeding ground deadly bacteria 

Some people think cars are less of a risk for getting germs than public transport. The opposite may be true. A survey found that most cars are dirty enough inside to breed bacteria such as the deadly E.Coli. The survey was carried out by microbiologists. They analysed steering wheels, hand brakes and other areas to look for bacteria. Most car owners did not spend a long time thinking about keeping the inside of their car clean.

PARAGRAPH ONE:

PARAGRAPH TWO:

Reading 3

                Robot Police

     The world's first robot police officer has started working. Its name is 'RoboCop' and it went into service for the Dubai Police earlier this week. Robocop's first official duty was to greet guests at the opening of a security conference in Dubai. Apart from greeting visitors, its job was to answer questions and give directions. RoboCop has a built-in tablet for people to interact with. People can use the tablet to pay traffic fines and use other smart police services. The tablet is linked to a police station, so people can talk to human police officers. In addition, RoboCop can speak six languages, including English and Arabic. The 170-centimetre-tall robot can also shake hands, salute people and recognize people's emotions and facial expressions.

Dubai Police says RoboCop is the first of many robot police officers for the city. A spokesman said that by 2030, 25 per cent of the Dubai Police force will be robots. He said: "We are looking to make everything smart in Dubai Police. By 2030, we will have the first smart police station which won't require human employees." He added: "The RoboCop is the latest smart addition to the police force and has been designed to help us fight crime, keep the city safe and improve happiness levels." He said RoboCop will, "assist and help people in the malls or on the streets". An official at the security conference commented that the future is here now, saying: "The age of the robots is no longer coming. It has arrived."

1. TRUE / FALSE: Read the headline. Guess if a-h below are true (T) or false (F).

1. The world's first robot police officer, RoboCop, started work in Dubai.     T / F

2. RoboCop's first duty was to be greeted by guests at a conference.     T / F

3. RoboCop had to ask questions and ask for directions.     T / F

4. RoboCop can speak more than six languages.     T / F

5. By 2030, half of Dubai's police force will be robots.     T / F

6. Dubai will have the world's first smart police station by 2030.     T / F

7. Robot police officers will help improve people's happiness.     T / F

8. A security conference official said the age of the robots has arrived.     T / F

2 Put these words into the spaces in the paragraph below.

smart
service
facial
directions
including
duty
human
tablet

The world's first robot police officer has started working. Its name is 'RoboCop' and it went into (1) ____ for the Dubai Police earlier this week. Robocop's first official (2) ____ was to greet guests at the opening of a security conference in Dubai. Apart from greeting visitors, its job was to answer questions and give (3) ____. RoboCop has a built-in (4) ____ for people to interact with. People can use the tablet to pay traffic fines and use other (5) ____ police services. The tablet is linked to a police station, so people can talk to (6) ____ police officers. In addition, RoboCop can speak six languages, (7) ____ English and Arabic. The 170-centimetre-tall robot can also shake hands, salute people and recognize people's emotions and (8) ____ expressions.

Put these words into the spaces in the paragraph below.

looking
official
addition
age
spokesman
happiness
require
crime

Dubai Police says RoboCop is the first of many robot police officers for the city. A (9) ____ said that by 2030, 25 per cent of the Dubai Police force will be robots. He said: "We are (10) ____ to make everything smart in Dubai Police. By 2030, we will have the first smart police station which won't (11) ____ human employees." He added: "The RoboCop is the latest smart (12) ____ to the police force and has been designed to help us fight (13) ____, keep the city safe and improve (14) ____ levels." He said RoboCop will, "assist and help people in the malls or on the streets". An (15) ____ at the security conference commented that the future is here now, saying: "The (16) ____ of the robots is no longer coming. It has arrived."

Reading 4

Task 1 Write the correct person’s name under the adjective that best describes him or her.

There’s no point in arguing with Bruce. He won’t listen to the opinions of others, even if they prove him wrong.

As the owner of a small company, Carol has to be able to do many different things. In addition to her regular duties, she’s also the accountant, hiring manager, and even receptionist sometimes.

Victor takes care when making decisions in order to avoid unnecessary risk.

People love working for Randy because he’s relaxed. He doesn’t mind if his employees are late and he gives them a lot of freedom.

Robert, the new boss, fired four people in his first week. He’ll do whatever he has to in order to turn the failing company around.

Patricia works hard and she makes an effort to do her tasks well.

Fresh out of university, Tanya, was excited about getting started with her job and learning new things.

Mike is very helpful. He’s always willing to be of assistance to the other members of the team.

easygoing

____________

prudent

____________

diligent

____________

stubborn

____________

eager

____________

ruthless

____________

cooperative

____________

versatile

____________

Task 2 Match each word on the left to a word on the right with an opposite meaning.

Reading 5

Task 1 Write the correct person’s name under the adjective that best describes him or her.

Ben doesn’t like to talk about his athletic achievements. Although he was once in the Olympics, he doesn’t think he’s better than anyone else.

Despite coming from a poor family, Danielle is determined to succeed. She plans to be the first person in her family to graduate college.

Takeshi would never quit his job. He thinks of his company as his family, and he plans to stay there until he retires.

Laurence is an intelligent man.

Tina gave up her dream of being an astronaut because it wasn’t realistic. She has decided to study IT instead because it will allow her to get a job.

People like Carol because she is sincere. She speaks truthfully, from her heart.

Grace is an excellent public speaker. She is able to organize her ideas well and communicate them fluently.

Like usual, Paul made the decision with little hesitation.

ambitious

____________

articulate

____________

bright

____________

decisive

____________

genuine

____________

loyal

____________

humble/modest

____________

practical

____________

Task 2 Match each word on the left to a word on the right with an opposite meaning.

Reading 6

Task 3 Write the correct person’s name under the adjective that best describes him or her.

After losing her job, Lily waited six months before starting another. She’d had several offers, but she waited until the perfect one came along.

John is an excellent newspaper editor because he pays great attention to detail and he is careful to ensure that everything is formatted perfectly.

Lloyd thinks he’s more important than everyone else because his father is the company’s boss. He treats everyone like they are beneath him.

As a junior in the company, Winston always does what he’s told to do, even if he doesn’t like it.

Unlike most of the staff, Alex doesn’t need to work overtime. He’s always able to finish all of his tasks by 5 o’clock.

Everyone in the office knows Penelope. She is very friendly and confident in her social skills.

In his professional life, Terry is always on time for every day of work, meeting, and interview.

Brenda is an excellent project manager because she is able to find quick and clever ways to overcome difficulties that suddenly arise.

arrogant

____________

resourceful

____________

meticulous

____________

obedient

____________

patient

____________

out-going

____________

productive

____________

punctual

____________

Task 4 Match each word on the left to a word on the right with an opposite meaning.

Reading 7

                       Applying for a job in English

Here's some essential English vocabulary for a job hunt.

Job searching

There are many ways of finding out about a job. You could spot a job advertisement in the newspaper, or in a trade publication. In the UK, you could see a vacancy in the Job Centre. You could also see a listing on an online job board, hear about an openingfrom a friend or colleague, or more rarely, be contacted about a position from a recruiter orheadhunter.

Applying

If you're interested in a company, you could write a letter of speculation. For jobs you see online, you might fill in an application (form). Frequently, though, you reply to an ad with your CV (resume in American English) and a covering letter.

If you are shortlisted, you might be called in for an interview (an in-person or face-to-face interview). You might also have a phone interview.

The hiring manager or someone from the HR department will talk to you to find out if you can do the job, if you want the job, and whether you will fit in with the team. An interview is also your opportunity to find out if the company is a good match for you.

If they like you (and you like them) you'll probably need to supply references, which are checked by the company. Then a firm offer can be made, and you can start negotiating salary and otherbenefits.

Tips for success!

Tailor (or customise) your CV for the role you apply for. Don't just send out the same CV for each job. Make sure you proofread it for grammar and spelling mistakes.

Be the first to hear about a vacancy or opening
Develop your network of contacts. Attend industry events (such as fairs or conferences), be a member of industry organisations. Work your contacts: ask them for information or advice, and do the same for them.

Build your reputation in the field. Participate in discussions, give talks, publish papers or articles. Take part in online discussions via forums and blogs to come to the notice of thought-leaders in your industry.

If you are specialised enough, with hard-to-find skills and experience, develop your relationship with recruiters in your field. Help them to find suitable candidates for vacancies they've been hired to fill, and you will be valuable to them.

Task 

1 list words you don't know 

2 Tell the key point of applying job

3 Shorten the artical 

Reading 8

                 How to Arrange a Meeting At Work

In many jobs, you'll sometimes have to arrange a meeting with colleagues, your boss or manager, clients, etc.

This page shows you the words and phrases to use to arrange a meeting – when you write or when you speak.

Formal meetings

Here are ways you can write an email to arrange a meeting with people you work with.

I'd like to arrange / organise / call a meeting…

to discuss our strategy / plans
to clarify our policy on / our response to
to prepare for the exhibition / conference
to finalise details / preparations for
to establish guidelines / our procedure for
to examine our financial position
to review our options / our policy on

The meeting will be held at (place) on (day) at (time) / from (time) to (time).
Please find attached the agenda.

Please confirm your attendance / Please confirm that you can attend.

I look forward to seeing you (all) then.

(your name)

Informal meetings

You can either email or phone / speak in person to arrange a more informal meeting. Here are some phrases you can use.

In emails
Would you be free for a meeting on (day) at (time)?
Can you make / attend a meeting on (day) at (time)?

I'd like to discuss / prepare / review…
It's about (subject)

I've prepared an agenda (attached).

Please confirm that this date suits you.

Face-to-face
Would you be free for a meeting later today / after lunch / some time tomorrow about…?

We need to discuss / prepare / review / go over…

Shall we say at around (time) in the boardroom / my office?

Task 

1 list words you don't know 

2 Tell the key point of applying job

3 Shorten the artical 

Reading 9

                    Rights and responsibilities at work

Just starting a job? Here are some useful words and phrases to describe your rights and responsibilities at work.

Most employees and employers will sign a contract, which sets out terms and conditions, salary and holiday entitlements, along with procedures for grievances ordismissal. As contracts are legally binding, both sides should comply with these procedures and with the terms of the contract.

In some countries there is minimum wage legislation (meaning workers cannot be paid under this limit), as well as health and safety laws to protect employees from industrialand workplace accidents. Many workers (though often not those in "sensitive" sectors) can join a union, which (in return for an annual membership fee) will help to protect the workers' rights and will negotiate pay increases for its members, or ballot (organise) strikes.

Over the last 100 years or so, workers, unions and politicians have fought for an increasing number of rights, such as anti-discrimination (making it illegal for employers to discriminate against workers on the basis of their gender, religion, sexuality or disability); maternity (and paternity)leave, sick leave, and pension contributions. Some practices (such as child labour) are illegal in many countries, although the fight against exploitation still continues. A big issue now in the UK is that of unpaid internships (where graduates work for nothing except the chance to gain experience).

If employers fall foul of employment law (i.e. break the law), employees can take their employers to court to win damages. For example, this could occur for cases of unfair dismissal (illegally sacking someone), or constructive dismissal (where the employee is forced to resign).

Task 

1 list words you don't know 

2 Tell the key point of applying job

3 Shorten the artical 

Reading 10

                       Effective Business Writing

Writing effectively means your message is unambiguous and your reader knows what to do next. Effective business writing is clear, concise and courteous.

Writing clearly

– Use an objective sentence
Give your reason for writing in your first sentence so your reader immediately understands why you're writing.

– Keep sentences grammatically simple
If you're writing to an international audience, minimize the risk of misunderstandings by avoiding complicated constructions such as "not only, but…" or "in spite of the fact that…"

If in doubt, use simple word order principles when you write, such as the SVOMPT principle:
Subject Verb Object (Manner Place Time)
"I am writing to confirm our meeting on Tuesday at 3pm."

Write short sentences, with one idea in each sentence. Avoid using too many commas or brackets / parentheses, which can make your sentences over-long.

– Don't write with over-formal words
Use general business words rather than old-fashioned formal words. For example, avoid "above-mentioned" (use "above"); "herewith" and "hereby" (you can normally delete these without changing the meaning of the sentence); and "hitherto" (use "up to now").

– Check your writing before you send it
Check your spelling and make sure your punctuation is correct. Avoid shortening words too much (wld; pls etc), as this can make your reader spend time trying to understand what you want to say.

Make sure, too, that you've answered any questions fully and that the information is complete.

Task 

1 list words you don't know 

2 Tell the key point of applying job

3 Shorten the artical