Unit One: Ethics In Business

Listening And Speaking

As You Listen:
Coping
When you listen to a debate about important issues, you do not listen just to
get information but also to:
Appreciate the opinions/ arguments which are expressed.
Evaluate these opinions by agreeing or disagreeing with them.
Form your own opinions about these issues at the same time.
Exercise 01: listen to your teacher simulating a debate involving three
businessmen and tick who says what. B: Bob, G: George, M: Mark.
B

a. Companies must make a lot of money so that people who

have invested in them get profits.
b. A company bears responsibility to all people whose
welfare and livelihood depend on it.
c. No companies should spend more than is required to
reduce pollution.
d. Companies should be managed for the benefit of
shareholders.
e. Companies should be managed for the benefit of
stakeholders.
After Reading:
Coping
1. When we ask for or give opinions (or say what people think) we use:
The expressions listed in table 01.
2. Opinions are not facts. We can agree or disagree with them by using:
The expressions listed in table 02.

Table 01
Asking someone for their
opinion
Do you think..?
What do you think
about..?
What do you think of..?
What do you say to
that..?

Giving your opinion

I think that...
I believe that...
In my opinion...
It seems to me (that)...
As far as Im
concerned...
As for me...
If you ask me...

Saying what people

think
(Some people)
think/believe that....
Be in favour of
Be against
Be undecided
Be in two minds

Table 02
Agreeing strongly
Agreeing
Agreeing but not strongly
Disagreeing politely
Disagreeing strongly

Absolutely/exactly I couldnt agree moreYou are telling me right you are.

Yes, I know I quite agree with you- thats
right- youre right.
I suppose so- I guess so
Yes, but- I know, but- I see your point, butbut dont you think? Im not so sure.
No. thats not true- you must be joking! - No
way- I cant accept that- rubbish!