This is a structured course designed to help students identify with a very formal version of the English language. More and more businesses want to create a uniformed way of using a business telephone, delivering presentations, sending emails, attending and making conference calls, and applying money, date and time structures. We work within the boundaries of this uniformity to offer you a uniquely designed course.
The students who take this course are professionals who want to ensure that their English level is at a standard that would be accepted by employers worldwide. Many would be either planning to move to another country or seeking either a promotion or creating opportunity.
Gain confidence and expand your vocabulary whilst working within simulated business tasks allowing you to apply the theory.
Materials are tailor-made to suit your current and expected working environments. If there is a specific focus on presentations, business introductions, meeting formats or anything specific, we will ensure that this course is modified to create maximum benefit and knowledge.
Each class lasts for 55 minutes, and we use Skype to teach because it stores the chat which you can always refer to. Where possible we try and offer you a simulated environment where you are forced to apply theory in a realistic scenario.
Classes are individually prepared based around your strengths and weaknesses and are therefore unique to your situation.
Choose between course instructors offering you both a male and female perspective.
Homework is provided at the end of each class.
Our calendar allows you to book your classes in your own time zone, just click on the link below or go to the “book classes” page on our website! We offer one-off classes or packs, providing complete flexibility. Our language instructors are available 6 days a week at times to suit everyone.
The English language has long been considered the language of business. Its more refined and formal format does not draw comparison to the type of English used outside of the workplace.
Business English
Why is Business English important?
This more formal and refined version of the English language was voted the language of business. For many students considering moving to another country and looking for job opportunities, it’s essential to understand this version since it will help towards finding opportunities. From answering a business phone to integrating into a workforce, its importance and unique traits play a part since it’s more geared towards interacting with clients and customers than its more casual format.
The following example is based on the English that retail employees such as sales assistants or store managers would need.
Task
Below you will find some sentences that will require you to find missing words in order to make them complete.
We use ……. to hang garments.
All our stores are open .. the weekends.
Make sure every garment has a price and size label. Use a …… gun to place it on the neck label.
Changing rooms are also known as ……. rooms.
POS stands for ….. .. ….
A traditional cash register is now known as a …..
A manager who is responsible for a region of stores is called a …….. Manager.
A …… store manager reports to a store manager.
A super store manager is called a ……. manager.
A team leader is also known as a ………
The most famous retail saying is; … customer .. always …..
A fitting room is also known as a …….. room.
The person who is in charge of window displays is called a …… merchandiser.
Men’s clothing is called the …….. department.
The device used to fold clothing is known as a ……. ……..
If you are not working on a particular day, you are having a _ _
A shop worker is known as a ….. ………
Shoes, jewellery and handbags are called women’s ……….
Customers pay for items in a shop at a …. point.
APR for a store card is also known as an …… …. .. ………
Some students assume that Business English is a different language. It seems frustrating at the best of times that after passing exams, integration into a work environment is challenging.
Simply put, there are three main considerations: high, medium, and low, otherwise known as Very formal, semi-formal, and casual. The type of organisation that you work for depicts the business tone.
Some students assume that Business English is a different language. It seems frustrating at the best of times that after passing exams, integration into a work environment is challenging. One word will help define this, and it’s; “formality”.
Simply put, there are three main considerations: high, medium, and low, otherwise known as Very formal, semi-formal, and casual. The type of organisation that you work for depicts the business tone.
Business Compound Prepositions
Compound prepositions combine a preposition with another word or words to create a new meaning. These compound prepositions are frequently used in business communication to express specific relationships, positions, or actions.
1. In front of
2. Next to
3. Out of
4. Due to
5. In addition to
6. On behalf of
7. In line with
8. In accordance with
9. In relation to
10. In response to
Business Phrasal Verbs
Phrasal verbs are commonly used in business contexts and can help add clarity and precision to your communication.
1. Carry out – to perform or complete a task or action
2. Set up – to establish or create something, such as a business or a meeting
3. Take over – to assume control or responsibility for something
4. Bring up – to mention or raise a topic or issue in a discussion
5. Follow up – to continue or pursue something, often after an initial contact or meeting
6. Look into – to investigate or examine something in detail
7. Bring in – to introduce or incorporate something new, such as a policy or a product
8. Take on – to accept or assume a responsibility or task
9. Call off – to cancel or terminate something, such as a meeting or an event
10. Work out – to resolve or find a solution to a problem or situation
Slang
While these phrases are commonly used in business settings, using them appropriately and considering your audience and context is essential.
1. “Thinking outside the box” – referring to innovative and creative thinking.
2. “Get the ball rolling” – to initiate or start a project or task.
3. “On the same page” – to be in agreement or have a shared understanding.
4. “Win-win situation” – a scenario where all parties benefit.
5. “Low-hanging fruit” – refers to easy or quick opportunities for success.
6. “Touch base” – to have a brief meeting or conversation to update or check in with someone.
7. “Throw someone under the bus” – to blame or sacrifice someone else to protect oneself.
8. “Drop the ball” – to make a mistake or fail to meet expectations.
9. “Move the needle” – to significantly impact or create meaningful change.
10. “Put all your eggs in one basket” – to invest all your resources or focus on a single option, which can be risky.
Importance Of Business English
The main reason to learn Business English is to enhance your professional communication skills and increase your opportunities in the global business world.
Life After IELTS
The IELTS exam is indeed a qualification that endorses your level of English. Employers will know you can hold meetings, write emails, and build professional relationships.
Learning English and applying the English language in situations are two different things. My take on this as a teacher is that if you aspire to achieve a promotion, create an opportunity, or even fast-track a career, you must set a level.
English language professional proficiency in the service sector is different, such as working at a supermarket. The bar is higher if you have a professional base, such as an accountant or project manager.
Empathetic Voice Tones
In business communication, using an empathetic tone of voice is vital as it helps build rapport, understanding, and trust with your colleagues, clients, and partners. Here are a few examples of empathetic voice tones in Business English:
1. Concerned: When someone expresses a problem or challenge, respond with a tone that shows genuine concern. For example, “I understand the difficulties you’re facing. Let’s work together to find a solution that works for everyone.”
2. Supportive: Show empathy by offering support and encouragement. For instance, “I appreciate your hard work on this project. If there’s anything I can do to assist you, please let me know.”
3. Understanding: Acknowledge the emotions and perspectives of others. For example, “I can understand why you might feel frustrated. Let’s discuss how we can address this issue and find a resolution.”
4. Patient: Maintaining a patient tone when dealing with complex or challenging situations. For instance, “I understand this process can be overwhelming. Take your time, and I’ll guide you every step of the way.”
5. Positive: Maintain an optimistic and motivating tone, especially during difficult times. For example, “Although we face challenges, I believe in our ability to overcome them. Let’s focus on the opportunities ahead and work towards achieving our goals.”
Remember, using an empathetic voice tone in business communication shows that you value and understand the emotions and concerns of others. It helps foster positive relationships and effective collaboration in the business world.
Learning about voice tones is better suited if you are intermediate to advanced. For more information about our Business English course, contact us today.
Phrasal verbs are an essential part of the English language, especially in business settings. Part of our English For Work course.
“Unlock the Power of Business Phrasal Verbs and Take Your Communication Skills to the Next Level! Are you tired of feeling stuck in business conversations, struggling to convey your ideas clearly? Don’t let language barriers hold you back from success! Our comprehensive course will equip you with the essential phrasal verbs and expressions to navigate any professional situation with confidence. From networking to negotiations, we’ll guide you step-by-step to master the language of business. Join now and start speaking like a pro!”
Phrasal verbs are an important part of the English language, especially in business settings. Here are a few reasons why:
They are commonly used in everyday business communication: Phrasal verbs are often used in business settings, so it is vital to understand and use them correctly to communicate effectively.
They can add precision and nuance to communication: Phrasal verbs can add shades of meaning to phrases, making communication more precise and nuanced. This can be important in negotiations, where the difference between one phrasal verb and another can mean a successful outcome and a failed one.
They can help you sound more natural and fluent: Using phrasal verbs correctly can help you sound more natural and fluent in English, which can help build trust and rapport with colleagues and clients.
They are often used in idiomatic expressions: Phrasal verbs are often used in idiomatic expressions, which are common in English. Understanding these expressions and using them correctly can help you communicate more effectively with native speakers of English.
They are essential for understanding business English: Phrasal verbs are an integral part of business English, and understanding them is crucial for understanding business documents, emails, and other forms of communication.
Fill in the blanks
The car __ __ on the highway, and we had to call for help. (stopped working)
Let’s __ __ the topic of the upcoming project at the meeting. (introduce)
They had to __ __ the wedding due to bad weather. (cancel)
We need to __ __ the plan as soon as possible to meet the deadline. (execute)
Can you __ __ __ a new marketing strategy to boost sales? (create)
The company had to __ __ expenses to stay afloat during the recession. (reduce)
Please __ __ the form with your personal information. (complete)
We need to __ __ with the client to confirm the details of the contract. (pursue)
Hard work and determination can help you __ __ in your career. (make progress)
The company had to __ __ to the union’s demands to avoid a strike. (surrender)
Let’s __ __ on making a decision until we have more information. (delay)
It’s important to __ __ __ industry trends to stay competitive. (stay informed)
The company had to __ __ several employees due to budget cuts. (terminate)
We need to __ __ the issue to understand what went wrong. (investigate)
The company offered a bonus to __ __ __ the lost wages during the strike. (compensate)
We had to __ __ the meeting until next week because of scheduling conflicts. (postpone)
We __ __ __ office supplies and need to order more. (exhausted)
The new CEO will __ __ the company next month. (assume control)
The investor decided to __ __ the proposal due to financial risks. (reject)
Let’s __ __ a solution to the problem before it gets worse. (resolve)
We need to __ __ new technology to improve efficiency. (introduce)
Please __ __ while I check if the product is in stock. (wait)
I __ __ __ meeting the new team next week. (anticipate)
They decided to __ __ a new branch in a different city. (establish)
I’m thinking of __ __ a new hobby like painting or photography. (starting)
Conversation
What was the last thing you had to break down and get repaired?
When was the last time you had to bring up a difficult topic in a conversation?
Have you ever had to call off a trip or event due to unforeseen circumstances?
What is the most important task you have ever had to carry out at work or in school?
Have you ever come up with a creative solution to a problem? Can you give an example?
In what ways have you had to cut back on expenses in your life?
What is the most important form you have ever had to fill out?
When was the last time you had to follow up on something important?
What steps have you taken to get ahead in your career or personal life?
Have you ever had to give in to someone else’s demands? How did you handle it?
What is the longest you have ever had to hold off making a decision?
How do you keep up with current events and news?
Have you ever been laid off from a job? How did you handle it?
What was the last thing you had to look into to solve a problem?
Have you ever had to make up for a mistake you made at work or in your personal life?
What is the longest you have ever had to put off a task or project?
When was the last time you ran out of something important?
Have you ever taken over a project or responsibility from someone else? How did it go?
Have you ever been turned down for a job or opportunity you really wanted? How did you handle it?
What is the most challenging problem you have ever had to work out a solution for?
What new technology or tool have you recently brought in to improve your productivity or efficiency?
Have you ever been put on hold for a long time during a phone call? How did you handle it?
What upcoming event or project are you most looking forward to?
Have you ever set up a new business or project from scratch? How did it go?
What new hobby or interest have you recently taken up?
Why should you practice business phrasal verbs?
Phrasal verbs are an important part of the English language, especially in business settings. Here are a few reasons why:
They are commonly used in everyday business communication: Phrasal verbs are often used in business settings, so it is important to understand and use them correctly in order to communicate effectively.
They can add precision and nuance to communication: Phrasal verbs can add shades of meaning to phrases, making communication more precise and nuanced. This can be important in negotiations, where the difference between one phrasal verb and another can mean the difference between a successful outcome and a failed one.
They can help you sound more natural and fluent: Using phrasal verbs correctly can help you sound more natural and fluent in English, which can help build trust and rapport with colleagues and clients.
They are often used in idiomatic expressions: Phrasal verbs are often used in idiomatic expressions, which are common in English. Understanding these expressions and using them correctly can help you communicate more effectively with native speakers of English.
They are essential for understanding business English: Phrasal verbs are an essential part of business English, and understanding them is essential for understanding business documents, emails, and other forms of communication.
It is important to practice business phrasal verbs for several reasons:
To improve communication skills: Practicing business phrasal verbs can help improve your communication skills, making it easier to express yourself in a clear and concise way in a business setting. This can help you build better relationships with colleagues, clients, and customers.
To increase confidence: Practicing business phrasal verbs can help increase your confidence in communicating in English, which can be particularly important if you are not a native speaker of the language.
To understand business documents and conversations: Business phrasal verbs are commonly used in business documents and conversations. By practising them, you can better understand these materials and feel more confident in your ability to interpret them.
To negotiate effectively: Business phrasal verbs are often used in negotiations, and understanding them can help you negotiate effectively and achieve better outcomes.
To sound more natural: Using business phrasal verbs in the right context can help you sound more natural and fluent in English, which can help you build better relationships with colleagues, clients, and customers.
Exam’s do not prepare us for the real world, but they provide a scaleable measure of achievement. Acting as an indicator to demonstrate the application of theory an employer can gauge your ability to send an email, have a meeting and sell a product or service but most importantly, the ability to interact with customers.
If you are professionally qualified and by this I mean an accountant, nurse, doctor or lawyer, to name a few, then having a higher score is mandatory. An organisation needs to know that an employer can not use the phrase “I am sorry, I didn’t understand”. The reality is that mistakes can cost a business money.
Unless you can pass an English exam with a decent score, finding employment becomes very challenging. That said, not every industry values a high score, so keep that in mind.
This course focuses on the strategy to pass an exam, which means that you will be shown a system that will help you identify with creating templates – you cannot memorise English for an exam, but you can develop a word phrase bank that can be applied. Every student learns differently, so it is far from a one size fits all attitude.
One2oneacademy helps you identify with a bespoke solution, so every student will be provided with a unique approach. This course has a one teacher to one student ratio, offering 10 years of hands-on experience we measure our success on the results.
Each class lasts for 55 minutes, and we use Skype to teach because it stores the chat which you can always refer to. Where possible we try and offer you a simulated environment where you are forced to apply theory in a realistic scenario.
Classes are individually prepared based around your strengths and weaknesses and are therefore unique to your situation.
Choose between course instructors offering you both a male and female perspective.
Homework is provided at the end of each class.
Our calendar allows you to book your classes in your own time zone, just click on the link below or go to the “book classes” page on our website! We offer one-off classes or packs, providing complete flexibility. Our language instructors are available 6 days a week at times to suit everyone.
This is a structured course designed to help students identify with a very formal version of the English language. More and more businesses want to create a uniformed way of using a business telephone, delivering presentations, sending emails, attending and making conference calls, and applying money, date and time structures. We work within the boundaries of this uniformity to offer you a uniquely designed course.
The students who take this course are professionals who want to ensure that their English level is at a standard that would be accepted by employers worldwide. Many would be either planning to move to another country or seeking either a promotion or creating opportunity.
Gain confidence and expand your vocabulary whilst working within simulated business tasks allowing you to apply the theory.
Materials are tailor-made to suit your current and expected working environments. If there is a specific focus on presentations, business introductions, meeting formats or anything specific, we will ensure that this course is modified to create maximum benefit and knowledge.
Each class lasts for 55 minutes, and we use Skype to teach because it stores the chat which you can always refer to. Where possible we try and offer you a simulated environment where you are forced to apply theory in a realistic scenario.
Classes are individually prepared based around your strengths and weaknesses and are therefore unique to your situation.
Choose between course instructors offering you both a male and female perspective.
Homework is provided at the end of each class.
Our calendar allows you to book your classes in your own time zone, just click on the link below or go to the “book classes” page on our website! We offer one-off classes or packs, providing complete flexibility. Our language instructors are available 6 days a week at times to suit everyone.
We all have one thing in common – we all need to find employment. This course is designed for students who are either looking to change employment or find work—a popular course for people who plan to emigrate to another English speaking country and need to make a professional impression.
There are 3 main components:
1 – The CV design in all worldwide recognised formats.
Your CV is professionally designed by a language instructor who has 5 + years of experience as a recruitment consultant, working in the heart of Central London. With this in mind, attention-grabbing design is something that is the main focal point. We don’t use templates, and we design our own.
2 – Creating a covering letter to work alongside your CV.
Have a more standardised and refined tool to accompany your CV when applying for a position.
3 – The interview simulations.
Practice under the pressure of simulated interview questions. There are 2 styles: closed questions and behavioural style interview questions whereby you have to provide examples to support your answers.
Each class lasts for 55 minutes, and we use Skype to teach because it stores the chat which you can always refer to. Where possible we try and offer you a simulated environment where you are forced to apply theory in a realistic scenario.
Classes are individually prepared based around your strengths and weaknesses and are therefore unique to your situation.
Homework is provided at the end of each class.
Our calendar allows you to book your classes in your own time zone, click on the link below or go to the “book classes” page on our website! We offer one-off classes or packs, providing complete flexibility. Our language instructors are available 6 days a week at times to suit everyone.
The ability to interact is crucial to this course, and its focus is on voice tones that reflect how you sound. Learning about the way in which you sound to a native speaker can help you to build confidence. Since the course prepares you to communicate with native English speakers in a casual form, it is not suitable for exam preparation. Often we use phrasal verbs and idioms that create a more informal version of the English language. You will be shown how to use these structures to replace long sentence constructions where appropriate.
This is a challenging course covering many of the topics that affect society in general, such as pollution, technology, health & education. Learning how to express your opinion – these one2one specialist classes are ideal for students who need to maintain a level of English or want to know more about the type of English used outside of a working or exam environment.
Compare, contrast and learn new vocabulary – being corrected as you speak helps identify with weaknesses that can be turned into strengths.
Students who are interested in taking this course usually have a want and need to integrate into an English speaking community after emigrating. The content provided in this course, gives you the confidence to have a conversation with your children’s teachers, communicate with the local supermarket manager and ask for advice and help with medical professionals. We aim to help you improve your vocabulary alongside your confidence, making for easier integration.
Each class lasts for 55 minutes, and we use Skype to teach because it stores the chat which you can always refer to. Where possible we try and offer you a simulated environment where you are forced to apply theory in a realistic scenario.
Classes are individually prepared based around your strengths and weaknesses and are therefore unique to your situation.
Choose between course instructors offering you both a male and female perspective.
Homework is provided at the end of each class.
Our calendar allows you to book your classes in your own time zone, just click on the link below or go to the “book classes” page on our website! We offer one-off classes or packs, providing complete flexibility. Our language instructors are available 6 days a week at times to suit everyone.
Welcome to this one-on-one podcast. Numbers are and always will be one of those topics with limited online materials.
Welcome to this one-on-one podcast. Numbers are and always will be one of those topics with limited online materials.
Numbers Podcast
One2one Academy: Work smarter, not harder.
– One2one
Welcome to this one-on-one podcast. Numbers are and always will be one of those topics with limited online materials.
This is one of the main reasons I wanted to provide help, which I hope you will find valuable if you are preparing for an English exam.
Before I begin, let me explain the format. I will read sentences in a similar style to the IELTS listening exam format. The task is simple: listen and write down the numbers you hear.
I have provided the text on our blog to simplify this task, so you only have to fill in the missing numbers.
I will also provide the answers so you can check your work. There will be more recordings, which will be premium, coming soon and exclusively available on Spotify. This may suit students needing more practice with numbers to prepare for an exam.
Technology
Numbers can be a challenging topic. Not all of us are interested in learning about a subject which, for the better part, was replaced by technology.
In recent press coverage, one article suggested that a digital currency would eventually find its place in society. So, it’s no wonder that children can no longer count. Evidence suggests that simple maths is a diminishing skill base for entering the workforce.
English language exam boards, consequently, test a candidate’s ability to understand how numbers are applied in money, dates, and time structures.
In this podcast, I will show how they use numbers in listening tasks, specifically with the IELTS exam board.
I appreciate that there are limited resources online on this topic. I hope you enjoy this podcast as much as I did recording it.
Task
So, let’s begin:
1- The next train departs from platform _ at _ _ :_ _ am.
2- My contact number is _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ ; sorry, I think I made a mistake; it’s _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _.
3- This building was constructed in _ _ _ _ and was restored in _ _ _ _.
4- Will all passengers for flight _ _ _ _ _ departing to Frankfurt, Please proceed to gate number _ _.
5- The deposit for this apartment is £_,_ _ _, and the rent is £_ _ _ per calendar month.
6- Your interview will be on the _th of July at _ :_ _ pm.
7- The address is House number _ _ St Martins Close, Kensington, _ _ _ _ _ _.
8- Place the fish in the oven and set the temperature to _ _ _ degrees.
9- I bought a copy of a new thriller called Empowered. It’s number _ on the UK best-sellers list. It was _ _% cheaper online. The paperback version cost me £_._ _.
10- The starting salary for this position is £_ _, _ _ _ per annum. If you decide to accept it, the start date is on the _ _th of September. You should note that there is a _ month notice period.
Unfortunately, that’s all the time we have for today; please remember to like, share, and comment. Good luck with this task and see you next time, bye for now.
This podcast was written and produced exclusively for One2one Academy and the presenter was Sanj Saigal.
The Human resources function has evolved and is now embracing artificial intelligence. The politics surrounding the interview process goes under the microscope in this controversial lesson plan.
The interview process has become more dynamic, inclusive, and technology-driven over the past ten years, with a greater focus on assessing a candidate’s potential beyond just qualifications and experience.
Format
In the past, interviews were predominantly conducted in person. Phone interviews were also common, but video interviews were less prevalent. Nowadays, video interviews have become more popular and are often used to assess candidates remotely.
Interview Technology
The use of technology during interviews has significantly evolved. In the past, relying on paper resumes and documents was common. Today, online applications, applicant tracking systems, and digital portfolios are frequently used to streamline the process and gather more comprehensive information about candidates.
Assessment methods
Traditional interviews mainly focused on asking questions and gauging a candidate’s qualifications and experience. However, modern practices have introduced various assessment techniques such as behavioural interviews, case studies, group interviews, and skills assessments. These methods provide a more holistic view of a candidate’s abilities and potential fit within an organisation.
Emphasis on soft skills
While technical skills and qualifications were often the primary focus in the past, there has been a shift towards evaluating a candidate’s soft skills in modern practices. Employers now place greater importance on traits like communication, teamwork, adaptability, and problem-solving abilities.
Interview Diversity and inclusion
Over the past decade, there has been a growing emphasis on diversity and inclusion in the workplace. As a result, modern interview practices aim to reduce bias and increase diversity by implementing structured interview questions, blind resume screening, and diverse interview panels.
Conversation Questions
Part 1
1. Is using artificial intelligence and algorithms to screen and select job candidates fair for companies?
2. Should companies be allowed to ask candidates about their salary history during the interview process?
3. Is it ethical for companies to use personality tests or psychological assessments in hiring?
4. Should companies be required to offer feedback to all candidates who were interviewed but have yet to be selected?
5. Is it fair for companies to conduct background checks on job candidates without their knowledge or consent?
6. Should companies ask candidates about their political or religious beliefs during the interview process?
7. Is it ethical for companies to replace video interviews with in-person interviews?
8. Should companies be required to provide interview accommodations for disabled candidates?
9. Is it fair for companies to conduct multiple rounds of interviews with the same candidate?
10. Should companies be allowed to ask candidates about their plans for starting a family or having children?
Part 2
11. Is it ethical for companies to use social media profiles and online presence to evaluate job candidates?
12. Should companies be required to disclose the salary range for a position before the interview process begins?
13. Is it fair for companies to ask candidates to complete unpaid assignments or tests during the interview process?
14. Should companies be allowed to ask candidates about their past experiences with mental health or disabilities during the interview process?
15. Is it ethical for companies to ask candidates to provide access to their personal social media accounts?
16. Should companies be required to have diverse interview panels to ensure unbiased decision-making?
17. Is it fair for companies to ask candidates about their future career plans and how long they intend to stay with the company?
18. Should companies be allowed to ask candidates about their marital status or family responsibilities during the interview process?
19. Is it ethical for companies to ask candidates about their previous salary expectations during the interview process?
20. Should companies be required to provide clear and transparent feedback to candidates regarding their interview performance?
Part 3
21. Should companies be allowed to use automated video interviews where candidates record their responses to pre-determined questions?
22. Is it fair for companies to ask candidates to complete personality assessments that claim to predict job performance?
23. Should companies be required to provide interview feedback to candidates within a specified timeframe?
24. Is it ethical for companies to base hiring decisions on a candidate’s social media presence or online reputation?
25. Should companies be allowed to conduct drug tests during interviews?
26. Is it fair for companies to ask candidates about their credit history or financial situation during interviews?
27. Should companies be required to disclose the specific criteria they use to evaluate candidates during the interview process?
28. Is it ethical for companies to ask candidates to provide references from their current employer without their knowledge?
29. Should companies be allowed to ask candidates about their previous criminal history during the interview process?
30. Is it fair for companies to use structured interviews with standardised questions, or should interviews be more flexible and tailored to individual candidates?
” Remote work is a more efficient and productive way of conducting business than traditional office-based work.”
“Data-driven decision-making is essential for businesses to stay competitive in the modern market.”
“Sustainability initiatives in business are just a PR stunt and do not significantly impact the environment.”
“Digital marketing is the most effective way for businesses to reach and engage with their target audience.”
“Artificial intelligence and automation will lead to significant job losses and negatively impact the workforce.”
“Corporate social responsibility should be mandatory for all businesses, regardless of size or industry.”
“Flexible work hours and work-life balance initiatives are crucial for employee satisfaction and retention.”
“Traditional brick-and-mortar stores will become obsolete as e-commerce continues to dominate the market.”
“Innovation and adaptation to new technologies are essential for long-term business success.”
Government regulations and policies are necessary to ensure fair competition in the business industry.”
“Investing in employee training and development is a key strategy for businesses to stay competitive and retain top talent.”
“Businesses should prioritise diversity and inclusion in their hiring practices to foster innovation and reflect the diverse customer base.”
“Corporate mergers and acquisitions contribute to market consolidation and limit competition, ultimately harming consumers.”
“Investing in sustainable and renewable energy sources is not only environmentally responsible but also financially beneficial for businesses in the long run.”
“Ethical sourcing and supply chain management should be a priority for businesses to ensure fair treatment of workers and prevent exploitation.”
“Businesses have a moral obligation to give back to the communities they operate in through philanthropy and social initiatives.”
“Blockchain technology has the potential to revolutionise various industries and improve transparency and security in business transactions.”
“Businesses should prioritise customer experience and satisfaction to build strong brand loyalty and increase profitability.”
“The government should provide more financial incentives and support for small businesses to foster entrepreneurship and economic growth.”
Inheritance tax, also known as estate tax or death tax, is a controversial topic that has been debated for years. It is a tax levied on transferring property or assets from a deceased person to their heirs or beneficiaries.
Join us for this controversial conversation class on the subject of inheritance tax. Featured recently in the media, learn how to express your opinion in English as a second language. This class is available as part of our conversation course.
Podcast
Join us on Spotify!
Inheritance tax, also known as estate tax or death tax, is a controversial topic that has been debated for years. It is a tax levied on transferring property or assets from a deceased person to their heirs or beneficiaries. Below are some arguments for and against inheritance tax:
Inheritance Tax Advantages
1. Promotes equality: Inheritance tax ensures wealth is distributed more evenly among society. It prevents the concentration of wealth in the hands of a few and helps reduce wealth inequality. Taxing the wealthiest estates provides resources that can be used for public goods and services that benefit all citizens.
2. Revenue generation: Inheritance tax generates significant revenue for the government. This revenue can fund public services such as healthcare, education, infrastructure, and social welfare programs. It helps reduce the budget deficit and provides resources for the government to invest in the economy.
3. Prevents the creation of a hereditary aristocracy: Inheritance tax discourages the creation of a hereditary aristocracy by making it more difficult for wealthy families to pass on their wealth to future generations without any taxation. This ensures that individuals are motivated to work hard and contribute to society rather than relying solely on inherited wealth.
Inheritance Tax Disadvantages
Critics argue that inheritance tax is a form of double taxation. The assets being passed down have already been subjected to income tax, capital gains tax, and other taxes throughout the deceased person’s lifetime. Taxing them again upon death is seen as unfair and burdensome.
Inheritance tax can harm family-owned businesses and farms. In some cases, heirs may be forced to sell or liquidate assets to pay the tax, leading to the loss of jobs and the dissolution of family-owned enterprises. This can negatively impact local economies and communities.
Tax planning
High inheritance tax rates often incentivise wealthy individuals to engage in tax planning strategies to minimise their tax liability. This can lead to complex estate planning, the creation of trusts, and other methods to avoid or evade the tax. As a result, the revenue generated from inheritance tax may be lower than anticipated.
The debate on inheritance tax revolves around fairness, equality, economic impact, and revenue generation. Proponents argue that it promotes equality and generates revenue for public goods. In contrast, opponents say that it is a form of double taxation, negatively affects small businesses, and encourages tax evasion. The outcome of this debate depends on the balance between these factors and the specific context of each country or jurisdiction.
Conversation Questions
1. What are your thoughts on inheritance tax? Do you believe it is fair or unfair?
2. Do you think inheritance tax helps reduce wealth inequality? Why or why not?
3. What impact do you think inheritance tax has on small businesses and family-owned farms?
4. Is it important for society to discourage the creation of a hereditary aristocracy? Why or why not?
5. In your opinion, does inheritance tax encourage tax evasion and avoidance? Why or why not?
6. Should inheritance tax rates be higher or lower? What factors should be considered in determining the appropriate rate?
7. Do you think inheritance tax revenue is effectively used for public goods and services? Can you provide any examples?
8. How does this tax compare to other forms of taxation, such as income tax or sales tax?
9. Would you support any reforms or changes to the current inheritance tax system? If so, what would they be?
10. How does this tax vary across different countries? Are there any countries with particularly high or low rates that you find interesting?
Writing Practice:
Essay writing task
Some people believe that inheritance tax is beneficial because it helps distribute wealth across society. Others believe that this form of taxation is simply not fair since its money that has already been taxed.
Write an essay to express your opinion. Your essay should have a minimum word count of 250 words, and you should take no longer than 40 minutes to complete this task.
Your essay will be corrected by a language instructor at the beginning of your class in real time so that you can identify any errors made and correct them.
In recent years, the dark web has gained notoriety for being a hub of illegal activities, such as drug trafficking, human trafficking, and cybercrime.
DARK WEB ESSAY TASK
Some argue that the dark web should be shut down to prevent further harm, while others believe it serves a legitimate purpose. Write an essay discussing the pros and cons of the dark web and whether it should be banned.
In your essay, you should:
Provide a brief overview of the dark web and how it works.
Discuss the advantages and disadvantages, such as anonymity, privacy, and access to illegal goods and services.
Consider the ethical and legal implications, including its impact on society, law enforcement, and individual rights.
Argue for or against banning it, and provide supporting evidence and reasoning.
Your essay should be approximately 250-300 words and follow a clear structure with an introduction, body paragraphs, and conclusion. Use appropriate vocabulary, grammar, and sentence structure to demonstrate your English proficiency. Please note that the minimum word count is 250 words.
RESEARCH
TOPICAL
The dark web is a topical discussion because it is a part of the internet that is not easily accessible or visible to the general public. It is a network of websites that can only be accessed through special software or configurations that allow users to remain anonymous. This anonymity has made the dark web a hub for illegal activities such as drug trafficking, human trafficking, cybercrime, and other illicit activities.
The rise of the dark web has led to concerns about the safety and security of individuals and businesses online. It has also raised questions about the ability of law enforcement agencies to monitor and track criminal activity on the internet. The ongoing debate about the pros and cons of the dark web has led many to question whether it should be banned or heavily regulated.
DARK WEB CRIMINALS
It has become more prevalent in recent years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, enabling criminals to sell fake vaccines, personal protective equipment, and other COVID-19-related items. This has led to an increased interest in the dark web among the general public and policymakers.
IELTS is an international English language proficiency test designed to assess the language ability of non-native speakers who want to study or work in English-speaking countries. One of the reasons why IELTS likes essays on technology is that technology is a pervasive part of modern society and significantly impacts various aspects of our lives.
TECHNOLOGY
Technology is an area that is constantly evolving, and it has a profound impact on almost every sector of the economy. As such, it is a topic relevant to many people and can provide a rich source of material for essay writing. Additionally, technology is an area that can be explored from different perspectives, including its impact on society, the economy, and the environment.
Technology is a subject that can be explored at different levels of complexity, from basic technological innovations to more complex and sophisticated technological systems. This provides a range of options for essay writing, allowing candidates to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the subject matter.
THE IELTS EXAM
The IELTS exam board likes essays on technology because it is a relevant and important topic that offers a wealth of opportunities for candidates to showcase their language skills, critical thinking, and understanding of contemporary issues.
This lesson plan is part of our IELTS preparation course. Join us on Spotify for more exclusive material.
