Pre-intermediate

Dealing with sensitive situations

Correcting an error

1 Speaking
Work with a partner and discuss the following questions.

• Have you ever had a problem at work? Why did it happen?

• What are some common errors or mix ups that happen at your work?
• How can these problems be fixed?

Look at the tasks in the table with your partner. Do you have experience with any of these? What
errors could occur? Look at the examples and brainstorm with your partner some more.

Hiring temp workers Shipping/receiving Payroll accounting Taking a business trip

• Start work at • Send the wrong • Paid on the • Go to the

the wrong time. product. wrong day. wrong hotel.

Now compare with another group.

2 Speaking
Imagine your company is sending you on a business trip to another country. What expenses would
you need to keep a record of? Talk to a partner and make a list.

Notes

© British Council ARC_A2_07_P081CEA_HO_v1.0

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 Pre-intermediate
Dealing with sensitive situations
Correcting an error

3 Vocabulary
Complete this paragraph about business trips with the words and phrases in the box.

receipts approve pre-trip refund claim process

When you go on a business trip there is a 1. for claiming expenses.

Before your trip you need to complete a 2. approval form and get it

signed by your manager then you can claim expenses for travel, hotels and meals. You should keep all the

3. . When you return from the trip, complete a 4.

form and ask your manager to 5. the expenses. Then give the completed

form to the finance department and they will 6. the expenses to

your bank account.

4 Speaking
Discuss these questions with a partner.

• Why does the manager need to approve a trip?

• Why does the employee have to keep the receipts?
• Do you need to go on business trips in your current job?

5 Listening
Listen to a conversation between Janis and her manager about a recent business trip Janis took.
What errors did Janis make?

© British Council ARC_A2_07_P081CEA_HO_v1.0

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 Pre-intermediate
Dealing with sensitive situations
Correcting an error

6 Language
Listen again and complete the gaps in the sentences.

1. Well done. Now, we talk about your travel claim.

2. Is there a ?

3. Well nothing that can’t be fixed but I your claim yet because

there are a few problems.

4. Could you that please?

5. Also, you have a receipt for each expense over $75.

6. The receipt is missing? What for?

7. I can process your claim this time, but next time that you need to get a receipt.

7 Pronunciation
Listen to these phrases. Does the speaker’s voice rise or fall at the end of each one? Do you know
why this happens?

1. Is there a problem?

2. Oh dear, what problems?

3. Could you double check that please?

4. What was it for?

5. No problem.

Mark the intonation on the tapescript your teacher has given you. Now practice it with your partner.

8 Speaking
Look at the role cards and follow your teacher’s instructions.

© British Council ARC_A2_07_P081CEA_HO_v1.0

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