UNIT I

My Major is Development Economics

Objective:
1. The students are able to introduce about themselves (related to the personal identity
and the major of study)
2. The students are able to greet other people
3. The students are able to address other people related to English speaking culture

PART 1: Introduction
Some students from around the world meet. They are all exchange students studying at a U.S.
university for a semester1.

Picture:https://images.app.goo.gl/sRdHdueUqTDnWe2h8

Task 1:Pay attention on the following conversation talking about the different programs they
will study at the university.
Lucía : Thanks for meeting up today, guys. I’m happy that I’ve met so many other
exchange students already. It’s a big relief
Peter : Yeah, we’re all in the same boat, so let’s try to support one another throughout
the semester.
Ajay : Are we taking any of the same classes?
Lee : I think we all have different majors, so we might not be in any of the same
classes.
Akinyi : What’s your major, Lee?
Lee : My major is Development Economics. How about you?
Akinyi : Mine is quite different. I’m majoring in business.
Ajay : And my major is journalism. How about you, Jana? What’s your major?
Jana : I’m studying engineering. I’m not exactly sure what type of engineering I’ll
eventually major in. Maybe electrical or aeronautical engineering.
Lucía : And I’m an American studies major.
Peter : That’s interesting. What do you study?
Lucía : We study the novels, music, film, politics, economy and history of the United
States. I’m excited to be in the U.S. this semester to study as much as I can about
the culture. How about you, Peter? What’s your major?
Peter : I’m an education major. I’d like to teach young children. They’re full of energy
and curiosity. I guess kind of like us.

1. https://share.america.gov/everyday-conversations-whats-your-major/ Page 1
 Vocabulary Review

- To meet up means to meet a person or people in order to do something together.

- The word guys is an informal way to refer to two or more people. Although the word “guy”
means “man,” the informal guys can refer to men and/or women. Some people in the U.S.
use the term guys in this way. However, there are others who do not agree with this usage
because “guy” means “man” and does not include “woman” (or both man and woman) in its
meaning.
- To be in the same boat means to be in the same situation as others.
- In university and college, each student choices a major. A major is a chosen field of study,
the specialization of the student. “Major” can be used as a noun or a verb.There are
different ways to talk about one’s major. One of these ways is to say, “My major is _____.”
For example: “My major is history.”Another way is to use the word “major” as a verb. When
using the word “major” as a verb, use the phrase major in. For example: “I’m majoring in
____.”A student can also use “major” as a noun to refer to him- or herself. For example: “I’m
an American studies major.”One can also use the verb study to talk about one’s major. For
example: “I’m studying biology” and “I study biology” both show the student’s major.
- Not exactly sure: The person is not 100 percent certain about something.

Task 2:In the following, there are provided examples of questions and answers that are talking
about a university student. After you study about them, practice with your own explanation

Information from a student2

Q: What is the name of your college/ university?
A: The name of my university is (…say the full name of your university…). It is more popularly
known as (…name that people call it in short…).
Q: What subject are you studying?
A: My major is Economics. I completed my school majoring commerce and studying in
Economics was a long dream for me
Q: Which part of the course do you enjoy most?
A: I enjoy learning new things in every semester. The project works in each semester is the
part I enjoy most. These projects enable me to work in a group and hands on the theories I
learn throughout the semester.
Q: Why did you choose to study that?
A: Honestly, I did not particularly select this subject. I attended the university admission test in
commerce faculty and based on my performance on the exam and interview with the
faculty members, I was offered this subject from their end. I wanted to study in commerce
faculty and now I feel very lucky that I was offered this major.
Q: Is it a difficult subject to study?
A: In a general sense, this subject requires extensive study, research, group works and other
academic activities. Things are new and challenging in many cases but I think with passion
and dedication it can be conquered. To me, it is a difficult yet very enjoyable subject.
Q: What is your favorite subject?
A: Economics without any doubt is my favorite subject. I am very fascinated to discover the
connection of this subject in our everyday life and the global economic structure has made
it more complex yet more intriguing. I love to explore different theories and researches
done on this subjects and how economics is all around us.
Q: What is the best thing about your university?
A: I love my university life. The classes, friends, teachers, university life, my freedom to do so
many things and my participation in some charity works organized by the university are
equally important to me. If I have to select one best thing about my university, I would
choose my exposure to a diverse culture and academic life that has motivated and inspired
me to do even better than I initially thought. I was exposed to a life and era that was
unimaginable to me and that is the best part of my university life so far.
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https://ieltspracticeonline.com/ielts-speaking-part-1-study-question-answer/

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Q: What are your future study plans?
A: It will take me 7-8 months more or so to finish my graduation and then I will try to get
admitted to a foreign university which has a reputation for better education. There I will
complete my Master’s degree and would get involved in a job. Besides doing the job I have
plans to get enrolled in a professional MBS course to further my education. If time allows, I
also wish to do some research based courses related to my academic background and
interest.
Q: What kind of job would you prefer after graduation?
A: I would prefer to work in a multinational company which will offer me a position related to
my academic background and have a positive working environment to learn and explore
new things. I would not worry too much about my designation and salary initially but the
company must have sufficient scope for career enhancement.
Q: What is your career plan after you graduate?
A: For the first few years, I will work in a multinational company. Then maybe in 10 years, I
will plan to start my own business. I would like to be an entrepreneur rather than working in
a company for the rest of my life. I know being an entrepreneur is not that easy and it
requires a lot of dedication and commitment. However, I would work to fulfill this plan after I
finish my graduation.

PART 2: Greetings in the Classroom3

Pair practice

A: Hi. What's your name?

B: My name is Jung Min. What's your name?
A: My name is Jessica. It's nice to meet you.
B: Yes. It's nice to meet you too. Are you a new student too?
A: No. I'm a sophomore. I take it you are a new student?
B: Yeah. It's pretty exciting to be here.
A: Where are you from?
B: I'm from Korea. My parents wanted me to go to an Indonesian university, so I came here.
A: I have never been to Indonesia. I've been to Malaysia before, but never Indonesia.
B: Why were you in Indonesia?
A: My father thought it would be a good experience to take a vacation to a different country.
He's so into learning about different cultures.
B: That's pretty cool.
A: I thought it would have been more fun if I went without my parents.
B: Well, if you ever want to visit Indonesia, I would be happy to show you around.
A: Thanks for the offer. I'll keep that in mind. Oh, the lecturer is coming. We'll talk more after class.
B: Ok.

Tips
 Say hi / hello and exchange names.
 Exchange nationalities.
 Engage in one line of small talk (weather, surroundings, news).
Useful Phrases
 I'm from...(city or country)*
 I hear it's beautiful/hot/expensive there.
 How do you like it here?
 How long have you been here?
 How do you do?
*Learners often say "I come from..." instead of "I'm from...". Native speakers use "come from"
for things or animals, not people: The toys come from China. Milk comes from cows.
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https://www.englishclub.com/speaking/greetings.htm

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PART 3: How to Address People in English4

English learners often feel confused about how to address people properly. Many feel
uncomfortable asking the question, "What should I call you?" Even native English people find
this question awkward. For example, many women don't know how to address their boyfriend's
mother. On the other hand, some parents don't know what to call their children's teacher.
first name surname, family name, last name
William Shakespeare
Sarah Palin
Vladimir Putin

Why is "What should I call you?" such a difficult question to ask? Perhaps it's because you are
asking the other person to provide their status or position in the world in relation to yours. This
position may involve age, job, education, religion and even marital status.
Note that:
for Mr we say "Mister"
for Mrs we say "Misses"
for Miss we say "Miss"
for Ms we say "Mizz"
In some English speaking countries it is traditional for a woman to change her last name when
she gets married. However, not all women do. If a woman you know has been recently married
do not assume her name will change. You can safely ask, "Are you going by the same name?"
This question gets trickier when a woman gets divorced or becomes a widow. Some women will
change their name back to their maiden name. A widowed woman often keeps her husband's
name unless she remarries. A divorced woman often changes her name back to her maiden
name. If you don't know the woman well, wait for her to tell you if her name is changing.
Since English is a language, rather than a culture, it is difficult to teach English learners exactly
how to address people. There will always be some people and some professions that require
more formality than others. Addressing people in writing has different rules and formalities than
in speaking.

Asking the question

If you are unsure of what to call someone, it's best to use a formal address or simply ask one of
these questions:
 What should I call you?
 What should I call your mum / the teacher / the manager?
 Can I call you [first name] ?
 Is it okay if I call you [the nickname you've heard others use] ?
 What's your name? (use in a casual situation like a party or classroom where first
names are used)

Answering the question

You might not be the only person wondering about titles. Students, colleagues or
acquaintances may not know what to call you. If they seem unsure about how to pronounce
your name, or you want them to call you something more casual, help them out:
 Please, call me [first name]
 You can call me [nickname or short form]

Formal Titles in English

In business situations, use formal titles unless the people you meet tell you otherwise. To get
someone's attention you can say: "Excuse me, Sir" or "Pardon me, Madam/Ma'am." To greet
someone you can say: "Hello Sir" or "Good morning, Madam/Ma'am."

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The phrase "Yes, Sir!" (or "Yes, Madam/Ma'am!") is sometimes used by native speakers in a
sarcastic way. For example when a young child tells his father to "close his newspaper" the
parent might say, "Yes, sir!" and laugh. You might also hear a mother saying, "No
Madam/Ma'am" to her daughter's request for something unreasonable.
Here are the formal titles English speakers use (listen to the pronunciation):
o Sir (adult male of any age)
o Ma'am (adult female - North American)
o Madam (adult female)
o Mr + last name (any man)
o Mrs + last name (married woman who uses her husband's last name)
o Ms + last name (married or unmarried woman; common in business)
o Miss + last name (unmarried woman)
o Dr + last name (some doctors go by Dr + first name)
o Professor + last name (in a university setting)

Informal Titles in English

Casual or very close relationships require an informal form of address:
o First name (friends, students, children)
o Miss/Mr + first name (sometimes used by dance or music teachers or childcare workers)

Titles of Affection
When addressing a child, a romantic partner, or a close friend or family member (usually
younger) people often use these terms of endearment, also known as "pet names":
o Honey (child, romantic partner, or younger person)
o Dear
o Sweetie
o Love
o Darling
o Babe or Baby (romantic partner)
o Pal (father or grandfather calls male child)
o Buddy or Bud (very informal between friends or adult-to-child; can be seen as negative)

Frequently Asked Questions:

How you address people may also change depending on your own age and status. If you are
unsure, use a formal address. If your form of address is too formal, the other person will invite
you to use an alternative form of address, such as a first name.
Q. What should I call my teacher?
A. Start formal. He or she will probably tell you on day 1 during the introduction. If not, use a
formal title, until he or she tells you otherwise. Don't use the generic term "Teacher". This
sounds as if you do not know your teacher's name. (You wouldn't want to be called "Student",
right?) Even if you have a substitute teacher, make sure to address the instructor by a specific
name.
Q. What should I call my fellow students?
A. Depends on ages. In most classroom situations, students call each other by first names. You
may have a few older students in your class. To show respect, address these people by their
last name (unless they ask you to use their first).
Q. What should I call my child's teacher?
A. Start with Mr or Mrs. Call your child's teacher the same thing your child calls her. The teacher
may give you permission to use her first name when your child is not present.
Q. How should I address people online?
A. Depends on the situation. On a social network you can usually use first names, even with
teachers and administrators. In an email, use a formal form of address the first time you contact
a person. The other person will likelyrespond by signing with just a first name. In your next
email you can safely address that person by their first name.
Q. What should I call our school administrator?
A. Formal. Use a formal address until he or she tells you differently.

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Q. What should I call my homestay parents?
A. Start formal. Use Mr or Mrs/Ms + last name until he or she tells you differently.
Q. What should I call my neighbors?
A. Depends on your ages. Neighbors usually address each other with first names, though it
depends on your age and theirs. Introduce yourself using your first name and wait to see how
they introduce themselves. If your neighbor is older you can ask the question during the second
meeting, "Is it okay if I call you [first name]?"
Q. How should I address my colleagues?
A. Depends on the industry. In many businesses people go by their first names. If you are the
new employee, other people will introduce themselves to you.
Q. What should I call my manager or supervisor?
A. Start formal. Even if this person calls you by your first name, address them as Mr or Mrs/Ms
+ last name until they invite you to use their first name.
Q. How should I address the bus driver?
A. Formal. Use Sir or Madam/Ma'am for any type of travel or transportation worker who is not
wearing a nametag. Don't say: "Excuse me 'bus driver'." That is his or her job, not title.
Q. What should I call my (boy)friend's parents?
A. Formal. Children and youth should use Mr or Mrs/Ms + last name. If your friends say it's okay
to call their parents by their first names it is still polite to ask the adults, "Is it okay if I call you
[first name]?" If you and your friend are also adults you can probably use their parents' first
names.
Q. How do I address a waiter/ waitress/ flight attendant?
A. Formal or first name. Use Sir or Madam/Ma'am if you don't know their first name. Do NOT
use "Hey waiter!" or "Hey waitress!" This is considered rude by the restaurant staff and you will
likely not receive friendly service. If you are a regular customer you will build a relationship with
the restaurant or cafe staff. Then you can call staff by their first names.
Q. What should I call my hairstylist or beauty care worker?
A. First name. In the beauty industry most people go by first names. Some may have
nicknames they will tell you to use.
Q. How do I address a customer service clerk?
A. Check for nametag. Some clerks (or restaurant servers) wear name tags. A name tag might
say, "Hi, my name is Danny." In this case it is okay to address this clerk by his first name:
"Thank you, Danny" or "Danny, could you help me find the hamburgers?" If there is no
nametag, use Sir or Ma'am.

Vocabulary Review
acquaintance (noun): someone you know casually (eg: a friend of a friend)
address (verb): to name someone in a specific way (when speaking or writing)
awkward (adj.): feeling uncomfortable
colleagues (noun): people you work with
customer service (noun): help for shoppers, buyers, members
divorced (adj.): not married anymore
executive (noun): manager or high level employee in a company or business
first name terms (BrE) / first name basis: having a close enough relationship to disregard
formalities such as age or status
formal (adj.): showing respect for rules, forms and traditions
formality (noun): something that has no real purpose other than being a tradition
generic (adj.): describing many; not specific
maiden name (noun): a married woman's surname at birth
nickname (noun): a short or cute name used by friends or relatives
pet name (noun): a name used by close friends and family to show their love
respondent (noun): the person who writes back or responds
sarcastic (adj.): ironic; typically having an opposite meaning, often to show contempt or to prove
a pointterms of endearment (noun): words or names that show feelings of care for someone
trickier (adj.): more difficult to understand or do
widow (noun): a single woman whose husband has died

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