Business English

Material
Level 2 – Rank B
Level 2 – Rank B – Lesson 1: Greeting your colleagues
Tip
See Rather than the standard, “How are
you?” greeting, it’s more natural to call
the person by their first name.
Tip
It’s natural to make small
talk after greeting someone.

Example 1 Example 2

Sung Hee: How are you? Sung Hee: Hi, Li. How’s it going?
Li: Pretty good, thanks. How about you,
Li: I’m fine, thank you. And you? Sung Hee?
Sung Hee: I’m fine, thanks. Sung Hee: Not too bad. Did you have a nice
Li: So how was your weekend, Sung weekend?
Hee? Li: I did, thanks. We had nice weather on
Sung Hee: I just stayed at home. Saturday, so I just read a book at a
park. What about you?
Sung Hee: Nothing special. Just stayed home
and watched the big game on TV. Did
you see the game?
Li: Goodness, I totally forgot about it!
So, what happened?
Sung Hee: The home team won by a landslide!
The other team didn’t stand a
chance. At first, it lookes as if…
Level 2 – Rank B – Lesson 1: Greeting your colleagues

Try Practice greeting your colleague and start small talk using
some of the following topics:
1. Weather
2. A sports game
3. Recent news
4. A new movie
5. Holiday

Greet your colleague and think of other topics to start small talk.
Act
Level 2 – Rank B – Lesson 2: Running into an old contact
Tip Tip
See Meeting an old contact is an So make the effort to
excellent opportunity to develop the remember your contact and to
business relationship. continue the relationship.

Example 1 Example 2
(Sung Hee has just arrived at his company) (Sung Hee has just arrived at his company)
Bill: Hi, have we met before? You look really Bill: Hi, have we met before? You look really
familiar.
familiar.
Sung Hee: Oh, hi. I’m sorry I can’t remember. Do you work
Sung Hee: No, I don’t remember. here?
Bill: Maybe we met at a trade show or Bill: No, I’m here on assignment in the IT department.
networking party. Sung Hee: I see. What company are you with?
Sung Hee: I don’t know. Bill: I’m an IT consultant with Techno Consulting.
Bill: Did you go to the Busan Technology Awards Sung Hee: Oh, I see. Maybe we exchanged business cards at
Ceremony last year? the Seoul Technology trade show last October.
Sung Hee: No, I didn’t. Bill: Yes, I was there. I remember now. You work in
sales right?
Bill: Oh, OK. Anyway, I’m here on assignment in
Sung Hee: Yes, that’s right. I’m sorry I can’t remember your
the IT department. Maybe I’ll see you name.
around. Bill: That’s OK. I’m Bill Chatterton. Let me give you
Sung Hee: OK, see you. my card again.
Sung Hee: Yes, and let me give you mine. I’m Park Sung Hee.
Just let me know if I can help you with anything.
Level 2 – Rank B – Lesson 2: Running into an old contact

Try Answer these questions:

1. When was the last time you’ve met an old contact?

2. How long have you not seen him/her?
3. What did you talk about?

Act Imagine you’ve run into an old contact you can’t really remember.
Make effort to remember the person and build the relationship.
Level 2 – Rank B – Lesson 3: Inviting your colleague out
Tip Tip
See A sudden invitation by someone
you don’t know very well could be
When inviting someone out, it’s
polite to ask if he or she is free and to
intimidating. give them some background
information first.

Example 1 Example 2

Sung Hee: Hi Li. Do you want to go for Sung Hee: Hi Li. Have you already had lunch?
lunch? Li: No, not yet.
Li: Ah…, well,…, ah…, who’s going? Sung Hee: Well, Hee Won, Min Sung, and I are
Sung Hee: Probably Hee Won and Min Sung. planning to go to that Italian place
Li: Ah…, where are you going? across the street. Would you like
Sung Hee: We haven’t decided yet. Maybe to join us?
to the Italian place across the Li: Sure. What time are you leaving?
street. Sung Hee: In about 15 minutes or so.
Li: Ah…, when are you going? Li: Sounds good.
Sung Hee: Maybe in about 15 minutes or
so.
Li: Ah…, OK, sure.
Level 2 – Rank B – Lesson 3: Inviting your colleague out

Try Practice inviting a colleague out to the following events:

1. A sports event
2. A round of golf
3. Drinking

Act Think of an event you’d like to invite your colleague out to.
Level 2 – Rank B – Lesson 4: Describing your co-workers
Tip Tip
See To ask about someone’s physical
appearance, we say “What does he/she look
Give clear descriptions with several pieces of
information:
like?”. To ask about someone’s personality, • Location of desk • Clothing
we say, “What’s he/she like?”. • Physical appearance • Personality

Example 1 Example 2

Li: Who should I speak to about getting Li: Who should I speak to about getting
a new PC? a new PC?
Sung Hee: You can talk to Mr. Lee Si Woo Sung Hee: You can talk to Mr. Lee Si Woo in IT
Li: Where is he? Li: Where is he?
Sung Hee: He’s in IT. Sung Hee: He sits in the back. His desk is the
Li: What’s he like? third one from the left. He’s the tall
Sung Hee: He’s tall with short black hair. guy with short black hair with the
Li: No, I mean, is he a nice guy? blue tie.
Sung Hee: Oh, yeah. He’s very helpful. Li: I see him. What’s he like?
Li: OK, I’ll try to find him. Sung Hee: He’s a really nice guy, but his English
isn’t very good. So, just make sure
you speak slowly.
Level 2 – Rank B – Lesson 4: Describing your co-workers

Try Practice describing the following people.

Name Appearance Desk Personality

1. Wei Lee Short and slim, long black In the front, second Very friendly
hair, white blouse desk from the right
2. Ken Cheng Tall with little hair, black In this row, fifth desk Easy to speak to
suit from the left
3. Simon Taylor Short and well-built, long In the back, first desk A little moody
blond hair, gray tie from the right
4. Liz Thompson Medium height, shoulder- In that row, third desk Very sharp
length hair, red skirt from the left

Act Describe your co-workers to a business partner.

Level 2 – Rank B – Lesson 5: Telling time
Tip
See We don’t usually use the 24-hour clock
to read time in English. Instead, we use
AM/PM or in the morning, afternoon,
evening, or at night.
Tip
You can also use the following expressions
when referring to another time zone:
Ahead/behind by x hours; a day ahead, minus
x hours; a day behind, plus x hours etc.

Example 1 Example 2
Li: So, what time is our flight to New York on Li: So, what time is our flight to New York on
Wednesday, Sung Hee? Wednesday, Sung Hee?
Sung Hee: We need to be at the airport by 19:30. Sung Hee: We need to be at the airport by 7:30PM.
Li: You mean 9:30? Li: OK, what time do we arrive in New York?
Sung Hee: No, 7:30 in the evening. Sung Hee: The flight’s about 12 hours. So, we’ll arrive at
Li: OK, what time do we arrive in New York? around 7:30AM.
Sung Hee: The flight’s about 12 hours. So, we’ll arrive at Li: And what time would that be in New York?
around 7:30AM. Sung Hee: Let’s see. Korea is ahead by 13 hours. So, New
Li: And what time would that be in New York? York is a day behind minus 1 hour. And just change
Sung Hee: Let’s see. It should be 6:30PM in New York. AM to PM.
Li: But our meeting is at 3PM. Li: So, we’ll arrive at 6:30 in the evening on Tuesday.
Sung Hee: No, 6:30PM on Tuesday. Sung Hee: That’s right.
Li: Really? I’m confused.
Level 2 – Rank B – Lesson 5: Telling time

Try Practice different ways of telling time.

1. 3:45 AM 6. 4:44 PM
2. 5:05 PM 7. 3:29 PM
3. 7:15 AM 8. 3:32 PM
4. 9:00 PM 9. 12:00 AM
5. 1:30 AM 10. 12:00 PM

Act Use the time table below as you tell time to a business partner.

Korea time/date City/Time/Date Time Difference

7AM – Aug 23 Manila: 6AM – Aug 23 1 hour

10AM – Oct 2 New York: 9PM – Oct 1 13 hours (EDT)

4 PM – Feb 27 Sydney: 6PM – Feb 27 2 hours

Level 2 – Rank B – Lesson 6: Offering assistance
Tip
See When showing someone how to do
something, instead of using commands,
like “Push the start button.”, say “We
push the start button.”
Tip
Try to avoid saying “No” or “You
can’t do that.” Instead, you can say
“This machine doesn’t have that
function.”

Example 1 Example 2

Sung Hee: Hi, Li. Do you need some help using the Sung Hee: Hi, Li. Do you need some help using the
photocopier? photocopier?
Li: Yes, thanks. All the instructions are in Korean. Li: Yes, thanks. All the instructions are in Korean.
Sung Hee: OK, put your document here. Sung Hee: OK, first we place your document here.
Li: OK. And I just push the start button right? Li: OK. And I just push the start button right?
Sung Hee: No, no, no. What size of copy do you want? Sung Hee: Before that, we have to decide the copy size.
Li: Oh, OK. A4 size, please. I have two documents, Li: Oh, OK. A4 size, please. I have two documents,
but I want them to be on the same sheet. Can I but I want them to be on the same sheet. Can you
do that? do that?
Sung Hee: No, you can’t. Sung Hee: Sorry, I don’t think this copier has that function.
Li: I see. Li: I see.
Sung Hee: Then, push the start button. Sung Hee: Then, we push the start button.
Li: That’s easy. Thanks for your help. Li: That’s easy. Thanks for your help.
Level 2 – Rank B – Lesson 6: Offering assistance

Come up with the steps to using the following item on the

Try list.
1. A projector
2. Fax machine
3. PowerPoint presentation
4. Creating a Skype account
5. Coffee maker

Act Show your business partner how to use a certain software you
use at work.
Level 2 – Rank B – Lesson 7: Giving Advice
Tip Tip
See Make sure you have sufficient
background information before you make
When giving advice, explain how you
feel and then make a suggestion as a
suggestions. question. “I’m thinking…” “Is it possible
to…”

Example 1 Example 2

Sung Hee: Have you finished your presentation slides? Sung Hee: Have you finished your presentation slides?
Li: Yeah, can you take a look at them? Li: Yeah, can you take a look at them?
Sung Hee: Sure. Oh, you should make the font size bigger. Sung Hee: Sure. How many people are going to be in the
Li: Well, it’s size 24. and it’s not a very big audience?
audience. Li: About 20-30.
Sung Hee: Well, it’s too small. Trust me. Also, you shouldn’t Sung Hee: I’m thinking that some people in the back might
have so many colors. It’s very confusing. find it difficult to read some of the slides. Do you
Li: Well, the colors are supposed to make it clearer. have enough space to make the font size a bit
Sung Hee: Do you want my feedback or not? bigger?
Li: Yeah, I can make it bigger.
Sung Hee: Do these colors you used have a special meaning?
Li: Yes, each color represents a different product.
Sung Hee: I see. I’m thinking some people might not
understand that. Maybe you could add a legend at
the bottom?
Li: That’s a good idea. Thanks.
Level 2 – Rank B – Lesson 7: Giving Advice

Before giving your colleague some advice, answer these

Try questions.

1. What’s a common mistake that new employees make in your

company?
2. What kind of advice do you give them and how do they react?
3. What could be the positive outcome of your advice?

Act Give your colleague some advice.

Level 2 – Rank B – Lesson 8: Complaining to your colleague
Tip
See It sounds very direct in English when
you say, “Please do…” or “Please don’t.” It’s
better to phrase it as a question.
Tip
When making a request like this, show
that you understand your colleague’s
situation, explain your situation, and then
make your request.

Example 1 Example 2

Sung Hee: Li, please don’t speak so loudly over the Sung Hee: Li, I know you’re always busy with so many
phone. I can’t concentrate on my work business calls from customers, but I really
when you’re talking so loudly. need to concentrate on my work to finish
Li: Sorry, I was speaking to a customer. my project. Could I ask you to speak a
Sung Hee: Yes, but many people are complaining little more quietly when you’re at your
about it. desk?
Li: Who’s complaining? Li: I’m sorry. I didn’t realize I was speaking so
Sung Hee: Everyone. loudly.
Li: Well, I’m just trying to do my work. Sung Hee: It’s not your fault. It’s just that our desks
Sung Hee: Me too. are so close together.
Li: OK, I’ll be a little more careful next time.
Sung Hee: Thanks a lot, Li. I really appreciate it.
Level 2 – Rank B – Lesson 8: Complaining to your colleague

Before asking your colleague to stop doing something, answer

Try these questions.

1. What are some things that your colleague do that you find
annoying?
2. What would you say to a colleague who never refills the paper
in the copy machine?
3. What would you say to a colleague who makes inappropriate
jokes at the office?
4. What would you say to a colleague who is always late with
his/her assignments?

Act Complain to your colleague.

Level 2 – Rank B – Lesson 9: Calming someone down
Tip Tip
See Telling someone to calm down often
has the opposite effect.
To calm someone down, it’s best to just
listen to them in private. Once you
completely understand their situation, offer a
suggestion if appropriate.
Example 1 Example 2

Li: I hate my boss! Li: I hate my boss!

Sung Hee: What’s wrong with you?
Li: Don just rejected my request for time off. It’s
so unfair.
Sung Hee: Well, you should have made your request
earlier.
Li: I couldn’t because I was too busy working on the
sales campaign. I should complain to our
director.
Sung Hee: Calm down, Li. It’s not the end of the world.
Li: Calm down? How can I calm down?!
Sung Hee: Why, Li? What’s the matter? Come on, let’s talk in
private.
(Li and Sung Hee go to a private room)
Sung Hee: OK, what’s the problem?
Li: Don just rejected my request for time off. It’s
so unfair.
Sung Hee: Why did he do that?
Li: He said that someone else had already blocked
the same time off.
Sung Hee: Oh, that’s too bad. Where were you planning to
go?
Li: I was hoping to visit my parents in China next
month for Chinese New Year.
Sung Hee: I see. Well, let’s try to think of some possible
solutions. Could you change the dates of your trip
a little?
Li: Maybe. I have to check with my travel agent.
Level 2 – Rank B – Lesson 9: Calming someone down

Before calming your colleague down, answer these questions.

Try
1. What are some reasons your colleagues get really upset about work
or the company?
2. How do you usually try to calm them down?
3. What solutions could you come up with for them?

Act Calm down your colleague.

 Level 2 – Rank B – Lesson 10: Review

 Lesson 1: Greeting your colleagues

Greet your colleague on a Monday.
Greet your colleague on a Friday.
 Lesson 2: Running into an old contact
Catch up with an old friend and exchange
contact information.  Lesson 6: Offering assistance
Show your business partner how to use the
 Lesson 3: Inviting your colleague out photocopier at your office.
Invite a colleague out to lunch.
 Lesson 7: Giving advice
 Lesson 4: Describing your co-workers Give your colleague some advice on how to handle a
Describe your co-workers to a business partner. request from an executive.

 Lesson 5: Telling time  Lesson 8: Complaining to your colleague

Use the time table and tell time. Complain to your colleague for speaking too loudly
when talking on the phone.
Korea Place Time/Date Time difference
time/date
 Lesson 9: Calming someone down
9PM – Mar 15 Shanghai 8PM – Mar 15 1 hour
Calm down your colleague who is angry for their
6AM – July 31 California 2PM – July 30 16 hours rejected vacation request.

7PM – Dec 25 London 10AM – Dec 25 9 hours

Level 2 – Rank B – Lesson 11: Setting up a meeting
Tip Tip
See When scheduling a meeting, always
give the other person necessary
When scheduling a meeting, give the
other person a choice of dates and times.
information, such as the purpose, the
agenda, and attendees.
Example 1 Example 2

Sung Hee: Li, I’d like to have a meeting with you tomorrow. Sung Hee: Li, how’s your schedule looking this week?
Li: To talk about what? Li: I’m pretty busy today and tomorrow, but
Sung Hee: I’d like to talk about our new sales campaign. I’m free the rest of the week.
Li: Well, I’m pretty busy tomorrow. Sung Hee: OK, could Mr. Kim and I have about an
Sung Hee: When are you free? hour to talk about the new sales campaign
Li: Well, how urgent is this? either Wednesday afternoon or Thursday
Sung Hee: Very urgent. morning?
Li: OK, how about Wednesday afternoon? Li: Sure, how about on Wednesday from 3:00
Sung Hee: OK, I’m free at 3PM. to 4:00?
Li: 3PM is fine, but how long do we need? Sung Hee: That’s perfect. Here’s the draft agenda.
Sung Hee: Maybe 1 hour. Please let me know if you’d like to add
Li: OK, what’s the agenda? anything.
Sung Hee: Agenda? I want to talk about the new sales Li: OK, I’ll let you know by Tuesday.
campaign.
Li: Sung Hee, I think we need to change how to
schedule meetings.
Level 2 – Rank B – Lesson 11: Setting up a meeting

Practice scheduling meetings using the following information.

Try
1. Purpose: to talk about the shift schedule for part-time workers
2. Purpose: to share information on the new global project

Act Schedule a meeting with your colleague.

Level 2 – Rank B – Lesson 12: Expressing your opinion
Tip Tip
See Instead of using negative words, When expressing your opinion, be
like ineffective or poor, try to say it in a sure to give reasons for your opinion and
neutral way. evidence to support your reasons.

Example 1 Example 2

Li: So, how’s our new sales campaign going? Li: So, how’s our new sales campaign going?
Sung Hee: I think it’s ineffective. Sung Hee: We’re not getting the results we expected.
Li: What do you mean? Li: What do you mean?
Sung Hee: The results of the campaign are very poor. Sung Hee: Well, we’re not getting enough new
Li: It’s still to early to say that. customers. Our target was 100 last month,
Sung Hee: But it’s also very expensive. but we only got 60.
Li: Well, we need to spend money to make Li: I see.
money. Sung Hee: It’s also costing us a lot of money. We’ve
Sung Hee: Yes, but… already gone over our budget by 10%.
Li: Sung Hee, maybe we should wait a little Li: That’s a big problem. We need to make
longer before we make any changes. some changes.
Level 2 – Rank B – Lesson 12: Expressing your opinion

Practice expressing your opinion and give reasons and evidence to

Try support it.

1. Is it better to work for a big corporation or a small family business?

2. Is it better to stay with the same company for a long time or to
change jobs often?
3. Is it better to work overseas or in Korea?

Act Express your opinion on a work-related topic to a colleague and

support it with reasons and evidence.
Level 2 – Rank B – Lesson 13: Recommending an idea
Tip Tip
See To get your idea accepted by others When you recommend an idea, follow three steps:
how you say it can be just as important 1. Clearly state the root cause of the problem.
as the idea. 2. Recommend your idea.
3. And explain the possible results.

Example 1 Example 2

Li: This sales campaign is a big problem. Li: This sales campaign is a big problem. What are we
going to do?
What are we going to do?
Sung Hee: Well, the problem is that our ads are not reaching
Sung Hee: We should change the message of our our target customers.
ads. Li: So, we need to change our advertising medium?
Li: Why do you say that? Sung Hee: I don’t think that’s the problem. I see the root
Sung Hee: The message is too general. cause in the message of our ads. It’s too general.
It needs to be more specific to the industry of our
target.
Li: I see.
Sung Hee: My suggestion is to create three industry-specific
ads which target our main customers, I’m
confident we can see at leas a 10% increase in
inquiries from each sector. This would result in
achieving our target of 100 new inquiries.
Li: That’s a great idea, Sung Hee.
Level 2 – Rank B – Lesson 13: Recommending an idea

Practice stating the problem, recommending your idea, and

Try explaining the possible results with the following problems.
1. You have too much work to do.
2. Sales volume is down.
3. Think of a problem at your office.

Act State a problem, recommend an idea, and explain the possible

results to your business partner.
Level 2 – Rank B – Lesson 14: Agreeing and disagreeing
Tip Tip
See Here are some common ways to agree:
That’s a great idea. | I totally agree.
When you disagree with someone, show respect by
using some of these phrases:
I’m right with you. | I’m all for that. That’s a good point, but… | I see what you mean, but…
I see where you’re coming from, but…
Example 1 Example 2

Li: OK, so let’s get some feedback from real clients. Li: OK, so let’s get some feedback from real clients.
Sung Hee: Yes, I approve your idea. Sung Hee: I totally agree.
Li: In my opinion, we should first talk to our long- Li: In my opinion, we should first talk to our long-
term clients. term clients.
Sung Hee: No, I disagree with you. Sung Hee: That’s a good idea, but I think it’s our new
Li: We can find out why our loyal customers have customers who can really tell us why they
used our products for so many years. selected us this time.
Sung Hee: No, that’s not good. Li: But we can find out why our loyal customers have
Li: What’s your problem!? used our products for so many years.
Sung Hee: I see where you’re coming from, but don’t you
think our prospective customers would be more
interested in why our new customers chose us
over our current competitors?
Li: That’s true.
Level 2 – Rank B – Lesson 14: Agreeing and disagreeing

Practice agreeing and disagreeing on the following topics.

Try
1. One person thinks education is more important than experience to be
successful; the other thinks experience is more important.
2. One person thinks corporate taxes should be higher; the other thinks
corporate taxes should be lower.

Act Imagine your company is planning to make English its official corporate
language. Discuss this with your business partner. Be sure to show
agreement and disagreement.
Level 2 – Rank B – Lesson 15: Confirming information
Tip
See When expecting the answer to be YES,
Example: (I think he likes sushi) You like sushi, don’t you?
When expecting the answer to be NO,
Example: (I don’t think he likes sushi) You don’t like sushi,
do you?
Tip
Note that we answer tag questions the same way
we answer a standard question. EXAMPLE:
• Are you Jun? – Yes, I am.
• You are Jun, aren’t you? – Yes, I am.
• You aren’t Jun, are you? – Yes, I am.

Example 1 Example 2

Sung Hee: I want to confirm some points about the sales Sung Hee: I want to confirm some points about the sales
campaign. campaign.
Li: Yes, go ahead. Li: Yes, go ahead.
Sung Hee: Will we ask our salespeople to speak to our Sung Hee: We’ll ask our salespeople to speak to our
clients? clients, right?
Li: Yes, that’s the plan. Li: Yes, that’s the plan.
Sung Hee: Will they speak to clients from different Sung Hee: And they’ll speak to clients from different
industries? industries, won’t they?
Li: Yes, that’s right. Li: Yes, that’s right.
Sung Hee: Will they speak to our loyal clients? Sung Hee: They won’t speak to our loyal clients, will they?
Li: No, it was your suggestion to speak to new Li: No, they won’t.
clients. Sung Hee: OK, I just wanted to check. Thank you.
Sung Hee: OK, I just wanted to check. Thank you.
Level 2 – Rank B – Lesson 15: Confirming information

Practice changing these standard questions into tag questions.

Try
1. Are you from Seoul?
2. Do you play golf?
3. Did you work yesterday?
4. Will you go to bed early tonight?
5. Have you already had dinner today?

Act Confirm information with your business partner using tag

questions.
Level 2 – Rank B – Lesson 16: Asking for a favor
Tip
See When asking for a favor, it’s better
to explain your problem before
making your request.
Tip
When asking for a favor, check to see
if your colleague is available, explain your
problem, and then make your request.

Example 1 Example 2

Sung Hee: Li, I have a favor to ask you. Sung Hee: Li, do you have anything scheduled from
Li: OK, what is it? 3:00 today?
Sung Hee: Could you explain our sales campaign to Li: No, I’m free. Why?
Mr. Han from marketing at 3:00 today? Sung Hee: Well, I’m not feeling very well, so I’d like
Li: Today? Why? to go home.
Sung Hee: Well, I’m not feeling very well. I’d like Li: Yeah, you don’t look too well.
to go home. Sung Hee: But I have a meeting with Mr. Han to
Li: Oh, I see. I wish you would have told me explain our sales campaign. If it’s not too
a little earlier. much trouble, could you cover for me?
Sung Hee: Sorry. Li: Sure, Sung Hee. I’m familiar with the
Li: OK, I can do it this time. details . I can do it for you.
Sung Hee: Thank you so much. I owe you one.
Level 2 – Rank B – Lesson 16: Asking for a favor

Before making a request to your colleague, answer these questions.

Try
1. What sort of favors do you sometimes ask your colleagues to do for you?
2. How do you deal with the situation when they say no?
3. What favors do your colleagues ask you to do for them?
4. In what situations do you sometimes have to say no?
5. Have you ever returned someone a favor before? What did you do?

Act Ask your colleague for a favor.

Level 2 – Rank B – Lesson 17: Sharing resources
Tip
See Your colleagues can be your best
resource. Be willing to help and they’ll
be willing to help you back.
Example 1
Li: Sung Hee, can you help me with my
Korean?
Sung Hee: Again?
Li: I’m sorry. I’m e-mailing our Korean clients
to ask if we can get some feedback from
them, but I don’t know how to say it.
Sung Hee: I’m quite busy now.
Li: Can you help me with it?
Sung Hee: OK, OK, I can check it before you send it.
Li: OK, much appreciated.
Tip
It’s polite to show understanding of
their situation and then share your
resource.
Example 2
Li: Sung Hee, can you help me with my Korean?
Sung Hee: Of course, Li. How can I help you?
Li: I’m e-mailing our Korean clients to ask if
we can get some feedback from them, but I
don’t know how to say it.
Sung Hee: That is a difficult task, even for me. We
usually don’t ask our clients to do
something for us, so we need to be very
careful how we ask them.
Li: Can you help me with it?
Sung Hee: Sure, I have some Korean templates that
I’ve created for myself. I think I have one
for your situation too. Let me e-mail it to
you and we can make some minor changes
to it together.
Li: Great, thank you so much, Sung Hee.
Level 2 – Rank B – Lesson 17: Sharing resources

Before sharing resources with your colleague, answer these questions.

Try
1. Do you always share resources with your colleagues?
2. What type of resources do you have that may be useful to your
colleagues?
3. In what situations do you share resources like time, experience, skills,
etc?

Act Share some of your resources to a colleague.

Level 2 – Rank B – Lesson 18: Expressing Sympathy
Tip Tip
See Avoid saying “I’m sure he’ll be fine,”
especially when you don’t know what the
When expressing sympathy, avoid
asking for details. Express sympathy and
future holds. offer help when appropriate.

Example 1 Example 2

Sung Hee: Li, I heard your father’s sick. Is he OK? Sung Hee: Li, I’m really sorry to hear about your
Li: No, he’s not. It’s quite serious. father. I know it’s a hard time for you. If
Sung Hee: Oh, don’t worry. I’m sure he’ll be fine. there’s anything I can do, please let me
Li: Actually, the doctor says he’s in pretty know.
bad shape Li: Thanks a lot, Sung Hee. I’m planning to
Sung Hee: Really? What happened to him? Is it that take a couple of weeks off to go see my
serious? father. So, I might need to ask you to cover
Li: Sorry, Sung Hee. I’d rather not talk about for me while I’m away.
it. Sung Hee: Of course, Li. I’ll do whatever I can. Just
Sung Hee: Cheer up. We’re here for you. let me know how else I can help.
Li: OK. Thanks. Li: I really appreciate it.
Level 2 – Rank B – Lesson 18: Expressing Sympathy

Before expressing sympathy, answer these questions.

Try
1. What are some situations where you may need to express sympathy to a
colleague?
2. What would you say to a colleague who failed a promotion test?
3. What would you say to a colleague who was blamed for a mistake
he/she didn’t do?
4. What would you say to a colleague who lost a big contract?

Act Express sympathy to your colleague.

Level 2 – Rank B – Lesson 19: Helping someone manage stress
Tip Tip
See Avoid telling someone that they look
stressed out as it could be taken as an
If you are really willing to help, ask
what specific tasks your colleague needs to
insult. do, and offer to do the ones you can.

Example 1 Example 2

Sung Hee: You’ve been working late every day. Is everything all
Sung Hee: Li, you look stressed out. right?
Li: It’s just that I have so many things to do Li: It’s just that I have so many things to do before I go
before I go back to China next week. back to China next week.
Sung Hee: What can I do to help you? Sung Hee: Maybe I can help you. What do you need to do before
Li: It’s OK, Sung Hee. I can do it. you leave?
Li: Well I have to prepare a lot of things for the upcoming
Sung Hee: Are you sure? seminar?
Li: Yeah, I’m fine. Thanks. Sung Hee: What exactly do you have to prepare?
Li: I have to contact several clients, write a report for
Don, meet with the sales reps, and set up the seminar
room.
Sung Hee: What is the report for Don about?
Li: It’s a list of attendees and background of their
companies.
Sung Hee: OK, I can write that report and I’ll set up the seminar
room. Do you want it theater style or classroom style?
Li: Ah, theater style would be great. Thanks a lot, Sung
Hee.
Sung Hee: No problem, Li.
Level 2 – Rank B – Lesson 19: Helping someone manage stress

Explain what you can do to help a colleague in the following stressful

Try situations:

1. Tons of paperwork.
2. A project way behind schedule.
3. A report that needs to be submitted this afternoon.
4. Lack of focus because of other noisy colleagues.
5. A difficult problem that needs to be solved right away.

Act Help your colleague manage stress.

Level 2 – Rank B – Lesson 20: Review
 Lesson 11: Setting up a meeting
Schedule a meeting with your colleague.
 Lesson 12: Expressing your opinion
Is it better to work for a big corporation or a small
family business?
 Lesson 13: Recommending an idea
State a problem, recommend your idea, and explain
the possible results to your business partner.
 Lesson 14: Agreeing and disagreeing
imagine your company is planning to make English
its official corporate language. Discuss this with your
business partner. Be sure to show agreement and
disagreement.
 Lesson 15: Confirming information
Confirm information with your business partner using
tag questions.
 Lesson 16: Asking for a favor
Ask your colleague for a favor.
 Lesson 17: Sharing resources
Share some of your resources to a colleague
 Lesson 18: Expressing sympathy
Express sympathy to a colleague whose parent is
sick.
 Lesson 19: Helping someone manage stress
Help your colleague manage stress.