UNIT:1

SEMESTER:1

1st year english lesson 1

Introduction and Connections

In the world of business, we may meet a lot of people and they may also come from different
places and environments, this is why cultural awareness is needed . Simple rules of etiquette are
important so that you don’t appear impolite .

Working across cultures:

Kate Berardo

1-Do your homework :

*Essential for building relationships when dealing with businesses across cultures.

*Each organization will have its own culture, personality, and way of doing things.

2-Keep your eyes open:

*Your mind is processing a lot of information in new environments, so observation skills may be
clouded or unfocused.

*Notice how people act, dress, and treat each other. Look for non-verbal messages. Being able to read
a situation will greatly improve your ability to have a successful meeting.

3-Take your time:

*Appreciate the need for more time. Communication may be slower and logistics may be different.
You may be working in a culture with a different concept of time .

*Also give yourself more time to process all the information before making decisions.

4-Take individuals into account:

*Individuals may vary greatly from the stereotype of their native culture. Values and behaviours are
also influenced by background, experience, and personality.

*Keep an open mind: be careful not to form an opinion too early or to attribute too much of what you
see to a cultural difference.

5-Tolerate uncertainty:

*This can be extremely difficult for people from some cultures where directness and precision are
valued.

*Business is about managing unknowns. When working with a culture with a high tolerance for
uncertainty. You may not get concrete answers. This, of course can work both ways.

6- Build your intercultural skills:

*When working with people from different cultures, you need a solid understanding of the norms of
that culture.

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*Greater cultural awareness will help you weigh up the pros and cons of your way of doing things and
will give you a better insight into working across cultures.

Activity 1: Complete these phrases to form verb + noun collocations from the text
1-………………………………………relationships.

2-……………………………………..your eyes open.

3-……………………………………….information.

4-………………………………………a situation .

5-………………………………………your time .

6-………………………………………an open mind .

7-………………………………………an opinion .

8-………………………………………unknowns .

9-………………………………………both ways .

10-…………………………………….your skills .

11-…………………………………….the pros and cons .

12-…………………………………….you an insight .

Activity 2:Match the collocations from activity 1 to these definitions

a- Avoid feeling rushed ……………………………………………………………………………………………….

b- Stay alert………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
c- Don’t judge people…………………………………………………………………………………………………..
d- Succeed in creating rapport with others ……………………………………….............................
e- Understand what is going on …………………………………………………………………………………….
f- Have a reciprocal effect …………………………………………………………………………………………….
g- Consider the advantages and disadvantages ………………………………………………………………
h- Make a judgement ………………………………………………………………………………………………………
i- Develop your ability in a certain area …………………………………………………………………………..
j- Deal with and gain understanding of input you receive ……………………………………………….
k- Provide you with useful information to help you understand something………………………
l- Deal successfully with unfamiliar situation …………………………………………………………………..

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1st year English lesson 2
Small talk
Before reading the text, discuss these questions:
1- What do you talk about with someone you don’t know well?
2- What do you do when a conversation is going poorly ?

TEXT
1- Small talk is informal communication and a first building block for
interpersonal relationships. It serves the important purpose of allowing for low-
stakes interactions as people build initial connections and identify common
interests, similar needs, and other mutual interests. Small talk is generally a
friendly, brief conversation with no real agenda other than to share a pleasant
interaction with another person. Small talk is a good way to start a conversation
with someone you don't know or don't know well. If the talk progresses, it can
even start a friendship. Small talk is also a good way to pass the time in certain
situations, such as when waiting in line at the store

2- Making Small Talk in Business Settings

Small talk plays a significant role in business settings as it is the first step in the
development of long-term business relationships. Small talk can help to not only
identify similarities, but can also lead to continued communication necessary for
developing deeper and more authentic relationships. In a business setting, these
relationships can lead to professional opportunities, including partnerships,
sales, and promotions.
Effective small talk is not only speaking, but listening, too. Engaging the other
person in the conversation keeps them from getting bored and makes the
conversation a true dialogue with both people contributing. Asking open-ended
questions is one way to engage the other person. It is important to avoid
interrupting the other person when they are talking.
Maintaining eye contact, leaning forward slightly, and smiling (if/when
appropriate) are strategies for providing positive nonverbal feedback that
communicates interest.
3- Good Small Talk Topics
There are certain subjects that make for good small talk topics. These topics
should not require any real expertise, nor should they cause embarrassment if
one is not informed. The following list includes topics that are likely to serve
well with small talk:
 weather forecast
 sports (local and/or national)
 tasty food/good restaurants
 popular books, shows, or movies
 travel/destinations
 4- Small Talk Mistakes
While there are some subjects that make for better small topics, there are also
some subjects that should be considered off-limits for small talk. These are
subjects rich with controversy and likely to be divisive. These are topics that
will make people uncomfortable and may embarrass or upset people at worst.

The following list includes topics that should be avoided during a small talk:

 politics
 religion
 financial status
 jokes/humor
 ill/ health

5- Small Talk Examples

The following is an example involving Jason and Ben. Both are
employees at the same organization and They engage in the following
small talk:
Small talk about work
Jason: So, are you still with the same
company? Ben: Yeah, I am, actually. It’ll be
ten years next year. Jason: And everything’s
going well?
Ben: Things have noticeably picked up, so that’s a relief. What about you? Have
you been promoted yet?
Jason: [laughs] I have, actually. I remember telling you about that.
Ben: Good for you! What’s your official title these days, then?
Jason: Principal planning consultant.
Activities :
Activity 1: Read the text then answer the comprehension
questions : 1-What is the best way to make a conversation
flow ?
2-What are the topics suggested to talk about during a first meeting ?

Activity2: Choose one correct answer from the available options

1-Which one of the following is the best definition of small talk?

a-When people use short sentences to speak to each other b-A short, friendly
conversation about a common topic
c-When people use small, simple words to have a conversation.
d-When people speak quietly so that they don't disturb others

2-Which one of the following is NOT a good small alk topic?

a-Sports b- Movies c-Religion d-Food

3-Why should you avoid asking someone about his or her family unless
you know them well?
a-Because the person may be experiencing a difficult family situation and you
may upset him or her by asking.
b-Because you may mispronounce the names of his or her family members
c-Because the person may report you to a manager for asking such a personal
question
d-Because most companies have a policy that prohibits conversations about
family at work

Activity3: Are the following statements True or False?

1. It is common for people who are waiting together to engage in a small talk.
a-True b-False

2. Religion is usually considered a "safe" topic for small talk.

a-True b-False

3. Children are taught not to speak to strangers who engage them in small talk.
a-True b-False

4. It is rude to make small talk with someone who's delivering your mail.
a-True b-False

5. Sport is not usually a "safe" topic for small talk.

a-True b-False

6. When making small talk, complimenting someone's clothes or hairstyle is

usually acceptable.
a-True b-False
7. Divisive topics like politics are usually considered unsuitable for small talk.
a-True b-False

8. It is common to talk about the weather while sharing an elevator.

a-True b-False

9. It is polite to interrupt a conversation in order to make small talk.

 a-True b-False

10.People often use small talk to fill an uncomfortable silence

a-True b-False

Activity4: Match the following terms with their definitions

Terms
1. small talk
2. weather
3. topic
4. religion
5. marital status

Definitions

a-A polite conversation about everyday things.

b-A belief or worship of a god or gods.
c-The temperature, rain, clouds and winds .
d-The condition of being married or single.
e-A subject for conversation or study .
Unit 1
Semester One
1st Year English Lesson 3

Jobs and Work

A. What do you do?
To find out what someone’s job is, you ask ‘What do you do?’
 Kerstin talks about her job:
‘I work for a large European car maker. I work on car design. In fact, I run the
design department and I manage a team of designers: 20 people work under
me. It’s very interesting. One of my main responsibilities is to make sure that
new model designs are finished on time. I’m also in charge of design budgets. ‘I
deal with a lot of different people in the company. I’m responsible for
coordination between design and production: I work with managers at our
manufacturing plants.’
NOTE:
in charge of + noun responsible for + verb + -ing responsibility + infinitive / -
ing
One of my responsibilities is to make sure that … One of my responsibilities is
making sure that … You don’t say: ‘I’m a responsible.’
B. Word combinations with ‘work’
If you work or have work, you have a job. But you don’t say that someone has
‘a work’. Work is also the place where you do your job. You don’t say for
example, ‘at the work’ or ‘to the work’.
Here are some phrases with ‘work’.
The economy is growing fast and more people are in work – have a job – than
ever before. The percentage of people out of work – without a job – has fallen
to its lowest level for 30 years.
Frank talks about his job:
‘I work in a bank in New York City. I leave for work at 7.30 every morning. I go
to work by train and subway. I get to / arrive at work at about 9. I’m usually at
work till 6. Luckily, I don’t get ill very much so I’m not often off work – away
from work due to illness.’
 C. Types of job and types of work
A full-time job is one for the whole of the normal working week; a part-time
job is for less time than that. You say that someone works full-time or part-time.
A permanent job does not finish after a fixed period; a temporary job finishes
after a fixed period.
You talk about temporary work and permanent work.
Activity One: Look at A opposite. Correct the expressions in italics.

‘I work for a large French supermarket company. It is an international company

and (1) I work about the development of new supermarkets abroad. (2) In fact, I

running the development department and (3) I am manage for a team looking at

the possibilities in different countries. It’s very interesting. (4) One of my main

is to make sure that new supermarkets open on time. (5) I’m also charged with

financial reporting. (6) I deal at a lot of different organizations in my work. (7)

I’m responsible of planning projects from start to finish. (8) I work closely near

our foreign partners, and so I travel a lot.’

Activity Two: Complete each gap in the text with one of the prepositions from

B opposite. Rebecca lives in London and works in public relations.

She leaves home for work at 7.30 am. She drives…….. (1) work. The traffic is

often bad and she worries about getting………. (2) work late, but she usually

arrives ………….(3) work at around 9. She finishes work quite late, at about 8.

‘Luckily, I’m never ill,’ she says. ‘I could never take the time (4)………work.’
She loves what she does and is glad to be (5) work. Some of her friends are not

so lucky: they are (6)…….of work.

Activity Three: What is being advertised in each of these job advertisements

(1–6)? Use an expression from C opposite, including the words in brackets. The

first one has been done for you.

 Librarian required for public library afternoons 2 till 6. (job)→ A Part

Time Job

 Personal assistant needed for busy office, 9 am to 5.30 pm (work)→

 Experienced barman wanted, 8 pm until midnight. (work)→

 Teacher needed for summer course, 1 to 31 August (job)→

 Salesman required for showroom – good prospects for right person

(work)→

 Lawyer wanted for law firm – long hours, 4 weeks holiday per year

(job)→
Unit 1 / lesson 4

JOBS IN DIGITAL AGE

What is the Digital Age?

First of all, let’s have an understanding of what the digital age really means. Nowadays, it has
been defined as a period in the course of human history that is shaped by digital information and
communication technologies.
Collins Dictionary simply defines ‘the digital age’ (or information age) as “a time when large
amounts of information are widely available to many people, largely through computer
technology”. The era started during the 1980s and is ongoing. The Digital Revolution also marks
the beginning of the Information Era”.
Impact of Applications of the Digital Age in our lives
This generation and the next will be born truly digitally native. For them, the internet will
be a background utility, noticeable only when it is absent. Smart homes and smart applications
will work and encompass every part of our lives, all seamlessly and effortlessly.
We will be forced to abide by the rules and regulations of technology. Things are speeding
up and becoming more complex, especially as we grow older. With a few clicks on our phones or
computers, we can access nearly all of human knowledge that exists in our time. And this will
expand even further as our technology grows. Will there ever be a limit? Probably not.
Life in the digital age is truly information-driven, with data becoming more valuable than
oil for example, (companies will lash out to know what drives customer interest.) Insights gained
from refining data will allow companies to spend money where it should be spent, saving them
time and money.

Transforming Jobs and Skillsets in the Digital Age:

The digital age has ushered in a new era of technological advancements and has profoundly

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affected the job market. As automation, artificial intelligence, and other emerging technologies
continue to evolve, jobs and skillsets are undergoing transformation. In this lesson, we will
explore how the digital age is reshaping jobs and the skills that are becoming increasingly valuable
in this rapidly changing landscape:
- Automation and Job Transformation: Automation has led to the transformation of jobs
across various industries. Routine, repetitive tasks that can be easily automated are being taken
over by machines, freeing up human workers to focus on more complex and creative aspects
of their roles. This shift requires workers to adapt and acquire new skills to complement and
collaborate with automated systems.
- Emphasis on Digital Literacy: In the digital age, being digitally literate is no longer an
optional skill but a necessity. Digital literacy encompasses a range of skills, including the ability
to navigate and use digital tools, effectively communicate online, and critically evaluate and
analyze digital information. As technology becomes increasingly integrated into work
processes, workers must possess a solid foundation in digital literacy to succeed in their roles.
- Data Analytics and Interpretation: The abundance of data generated in the digital age has
created a demand for professionals skilled in data analytics and interpretation. Organizations are
harnessing the power of data to gain insights, make informed decisions, and drive business
strategies. Jobs related to data analysis, data science, and business intelligence are on the rise,
requiring individuals to possess skills in data collection, analysis, and visualization.
- Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: As automation takes over routine tasks, there is a
growing need for workers who can engage in critical thinking and problem-solving. These
skills involve the ability to analyze complex situations, identify problems, and develop
innovative solutions. Critical thinking skills enable workers to navigate ambiguity, adapt to
changing circumstances, and make informed decisions that machines are not yet capable of.
- Adaptability and Lifelong Learning: In the digital age, the ability to adapt to new
technologies and learn continuously has become vital. Rapid advancements in technology
mean that skills that are in high demand today may become obsolete tomorrow. Workers must
embrace a mindset of lifelong learning, actively seeking opportunities to upskill and reskill

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 themselves. The willingness to adapt and learn new technologies and tools will ensure
continued employability and career growth.
- Creativity and Innovation: While automation may handle routine tasks, creativity and
innovation remain uniquely human traits. Jobs that involve creativity, such as design,
marketing, content creation, and product development. These roles require individuals to
think outside the box, come up with original ideas, and find innovative solutions to problems.
- Collaboration and Communication: In a digital and interconnected world, the ability to
collaborate and communicate effectively across diverse teams and cultures has become
essential. Jobs often involve working with colleagues and clients from different locations,
necessitating strong communication skills, both online and offline. Collaboration tools and
platforms facilitate remote teamwork, requiring workers to adapt their communication styles
to fit virtual environments.
- Emotional Intelligence and Empathy: As technology permeates various aspects of work,
the importance of emotional intelligence and empathy cannot be overstated. Jobs that involve
interactions with customers, clients, or colleagues require individuals to possess strong
interpersonal skills. Empathy, active listening, and the ability to understand and connect with
others on an emotional level are skills that machines cannot replicate.
Activities
Activity 1: Match the meanings of the terms in the table below with their meanings.
term meaning
1. social media A. a vast network of remote servers around the globe which are
hooked together
2. artificial intelligence B. Began around the 1970s and is still going on today. It is also
known as the Computer Age, Digital Age, or New Media Age
3. Information Era C. websites and applications that enable users to create and share
content
4. The Digital Revolution D. technological innovations that are created and implemented to
improve the efficiency of the insurance industry
5. InsureTech E. the ability of a digital computer or computer- controlled robot to

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 perform tasks commonly associated with intelligent beings
6. cloud F. the advancement of technology from analog electronic and
mechanical devices to the digital technology

Activity 2 : Give the opposite of the following word from the text .
word Opposite
unnoticeable
weak
simple
focus
inside
laboriously

Activity 3 : Give the synonym of the following word from the text.
word synonym
partnership
minimization
adjust
Extend
Essential
unique