WEEK 8 : Section1~4
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1.) Presentation: Student 3 Presentation
Business Activity: Dealing with Questions
Inviting Questions
Are there any questions?
Does anyone have any questions?
If you have any questions, I can answer them now.
Checking Understanding
Sorry, I didn’t hear you. Can you say that again?
Sorry, I don’t understand the question.
Step 1: Let me check your question.
Step 2: You’re asking me... is that right?
Commenting on the Question
Thank you for the question.
That’s a good question.
That’s an interesting point.
Structuring your Answer
There are two parts to your question.
First… and for the second part…
Checking if You Answered the Question
Did that answer your question?
Have I answered your question?
Does that make sense?
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2.) Meeting Roleplay: Controlling the Discussion in Meetings + Solving Problems (Student 1 Leading)
Meeting Roleplay 2: Solving Problems(*Read the "Problem-Solving Steps")
Problem:
Most employees work with computers and don’t have much face-to-face communication. Our company holds a social lunch each month for staff to meet others from different departments. But only about 15% of employees attend.
Goal:
Find ways to encourage more employees to come to the monthly social lunch.
*Problem-Solving Steps to the Students
Step 1: Before the Meeting
Think for 3 minutes in class about a solution (or do it for homework).
Think about what actions you or others need to take to use your solution
(Example, "We need a bigger budget. I will write a request and send it to the manager.").
Step 2: During the Meeting
Share your solution in the meeting, listen to others, and decide which solutions to use.
Say what actions you or others need to take to apply your solutions.
The meeting ends when all solutions and actions are clear, and everyone knows who will do what.
(Japanese Translation)
問題解決のステップ
ステップ1: ミーティング前
クラス内で解決策について3分間考える(もしくは宿題としても可)。
自分や他の人が解決策を用いて行うべき行動を考える
(例:「もっと大きな予算が必要です。私は予算の依頼をマネージャーに送ります」)
ステップ2: ミーティング中
ミーティング内で自分の解決策を発表し、他の人の解決策も聞き、どれを採用するか決める。
解決策を採用するために自分や他の人がするべき行動を伝える。
ミーティングは、解決策と行動が明確になり、誰が何をするか決まったときに終了します。
BUSINESS ACTIVITY:
CONTROLLING THE DISCUSSION IN MEETINGS FUNCTIONS AND KEY PHRASES
Introducing the Subject
We’re here to talk about (meeting topic).
We need to discuss (meeting topic).
Keeping to the Right Subject
We’re getting off the subject.
Can we come back to that later?
Changing the Subject
I think we’ve covered this point.
Can we move to the next point?
Concluding and Summarizing
I think that’s everything.
I’ll send a summary by email.
Thank you for coming, everyone. Goodbye.
Business Activity:
Solving Problems
Explaining the Problem
We have a problem with...
There are some problems with...
We can’t…
We tried (action), but it didn’t work.
Solving the Problem
We need to…
We can…
Promising Action
I’ll (take some action).
I’ll ask (someone) to (take some action).
Responding and Thanking
Don’t worry.
That might work.
Thanks for your ideas, everyone.
Let’s try that.
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3.) Business Discussion: Schedules and Work-Life Balance
Vocabulary List
Deadline – The latest time to finish something.
Time Management – Planning how much time to spend on tasks.
Prioritization – Arranging tasks by importance or urgency.
Overtime – Working extra hours beyond the usual schedule.
Burnout – Feeling very tired from too much work or stress.
Flexible Hours – A schedule where people can choose when to start and end work.
Remote Work – Working outside the office, often from home.
Workload – The amount of work given to a person.
Downtime – Time when a person is not working, usually for relaxing.
Boundaries – Limits for time, energy, or personal space to keep balance.
Schedules and Work-Life Balance Article:
Having a good work-life balance is important, especially with today’s busy work environments. Time management and setting priorities help people meet deadlines and avoid feeling too tired from work. Many companies now allow flexible hours or remote work to give employees more control over their schedules. Setting boundaries between work and personal time is also key to staying balanced. While working overtime can help with short-term goals, doing it often may harm overall health.
Discussion Questions
How do you manage your time and tasks in daily work?
Have you ever felt very tired from work? How did you deal with it?
What are the pros and cons of working remotely or with flexible hours?
How do you set boundaries between work and personal life?
What can companies do to help their employees keep a good work-life balance?
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4.) Casual Discussion: Daily Life
Vocabulary List:
Routine – Regular actions people follow in daily life.
Commute – The trip from home to work and back.
Chores – Regular tasks like cleaning or cooking at home.
Errands – Short trips to do tasks like shopping or paying bills.
Leisure – Free time to relax or enjoy activities.
Hobby – An activity someone does regularly for fun.
Meal Prep – Preparing meals ahead of time, often for the week.
Multitasking – Doing more than one task at once.
Socialize – Spending time with friends or family for fun.
Productivity – How well tasks are done in a set time.
Daily Life Article
Daily life includes routines, work, and time for fun. Many people start with a commute and balance work with chores and errands. Meal prep and multitasking are popular ways to use time well. In free time, people enjoy hobbies or spending time with friends and family. Staying productive is important, but so is making time for relaxation and recharge.
Discussion Questions
What does a usual day look like for you? How do you handle your routine?
How do you balance work, chores, and free time?
Do you prefer a set routine, or do you like flexibility?
How do you enjoy spending your free time, and why?
How do you manage to stay productive each day?
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