Task 1

 Choose the best answer for each of the following questions
or statements according to the passage.

1. After the meeting comes to its second hour, __________.  

A. the author starts to make useful suggestions

B. everybody starts to participate actively

C. the leader begins to ask about how to reward employees

D. everybody is still wasting their time

2. Time is our most precious resource because  ____________.  

A. it is the most perishable good

B. we don’t value time properly

C. there is plenty of time

D. it is worth a lot of money 

3. With tangible goals specified and responsibilities assigned, __________. 

A. the members at the meeting will know the objectives

B. the objectives of the meeting can be achieved

C. every member will think about the costs of the meeting

D. the person who calls the meeting can sit and watch the magic happen

4. Which of the following is NOT mentioned as one of the reasons for ineffective meetings? 

A. The leader fails to do the right things to ensure the efficiency of the meeting.

B. The environment of the meeting is not good enough.

C. People do not value time properly.

D. The participants of the meeting are not active. 

5. Which of the following gives the main idea of this passage? 

A. Everybody should contribute to the meeting.

B. The leader of the meeting plays the most important role.

C. It is important to ensure efficient and effective meetings.

D. Setting out objectives of meetings can improve efficiency. 

Task 2

Read the passage again and complete the following table.

Problems with Ineffective Meetings:

1. No clear objectives or an agenda has been set.

2. No pre-meeting preparation tasks have been assigned.

3. We don’t value our time properly.

4.Participants are disengaged.

Principles to Ensure Effective Meetings:

1. Whoever calls a meeting should be explicit about its objectives, specifying tangible goals and assigning responsibilities.

2. Everyone should think about the costs of a meeting.

3. Assign credit or blame to the person  in  charge after meetings.

Task 3 

Form a group of 4-5 students. Based on the passage and your own experience, discuss the factors that lead to unproductive meetings and work out measures to improve meeting efficiency.

Factors Leading to Unproductive Meetings:

1.No preparation in advance.

2.No agenda.

3.Too many meetings.

4.No focus.

Measures to Improve Meeting Efficiency:

1.Always go to a meeting well prepared.

2.Circulate topics to be covered well in advance of the meeting.

3.Call a meeting only when it is absolutely necessary.

4.Keep meetings focused on the agenda items.