💼 Conversation Class: Business
Exploring the world of commerce, companies, and professional life
Warm-Up: Video Discussion
💭 Reflection Questions:
- What do you think makes a successful business?
- Have you ever thought about starting your own company?
- What reflections came to you while watching the video?
"There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure." ― Colin Powell
Exercise 1: Reading Challenge
Complete the business story
📋 Instructions: Fill in the gaps [1—5] with the correct sentences (A-F). There is ONE EXTRA sentence you do not need.
Starting a business is never easy, but Maria had always dreamed of opening her own café in the city center. [1] She created social media accounts, posted daily photos of her delicious pastries, and even organized a grand opening event that attracted hundreds of curious customers.
The first months were incredibly tough. Maria worked from dawn until late at night, managing inventory, serving customers, and handling the accounts. [2] There were days when she questioned her decision, wondering if she should have stayed in her comfortable corporate job.
Everything changed when Maria joined a local business networking group. [3] These weekly gatherings became invaluable—she learned about marketing strategies, found reliable suppliers, and even partnered with nearby businesses for cross-promotions.
The turning point came during her second year. Word of mouth spread about her excellent coffee and warm atmosphere. [4] Regular customers started coming daily, and her café became known as the neighborhood's favorite meeting spot.
Now, three years later, Maria employs six people and is planning to open a second location. [5] Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs? "Believe in your product, work harder than you ever thought possible, and never stop learning from others."
Exercise 2: Vocabulary Puzzle
Crack the business code!
| 🔀 Scrambled | 🎯 Emoji Clue | 📝 Definition | ✅ Answer |
|---|---|---|---|
| mernakigt | 📢💰 | Making people aware of products/services | |
| mareagn | 👔📋 | Person in charge of a team/department | |
| airvtdese | 📺📰 | To promote a product publicly | |
| pfotri | 💵📈 | Money made after costs | |
| lsso | 📉💸 | When expenses exceed income | |
| baker enev | ⚖️💰 | Neither profit nor loss | |
| minegte | 🤝💼 | Gathering to discuss business |
Exercise 3: Idiom Detective
Solve the mystery with context clues
📦 Word Bank: deadline • light • market • loop • minutes
"I'm on holiday next week, but please keep me in the ______ while I'm away."
(Clue: Keep me informed)
"Joshua was late for the meeting again so he can take the ______."
(Clue: Write the official record)
"I'm going to have to work all weekend in order to meet the ______."
(Clue: Finish by the due date)
"If we release it this quarter, I'm certain we can corner the ______ in smart-wallets."
(Clue: Dominate the industry)
"That was Tom on the phone, we've got the green ______ to start the Omega project."
(Clue: Approval to proceed)
Grammar Focus: First Conditional in Business
Making predictions and negotiations
📌 Example: "If we lower the price by $3, I think we can increase sales two fold. Yes, if we sell it for $9.99, we'll definitely increase sales but we won't make as much profit."
Structure: If + present simple, will/won't + base verb
Use: For real future possibilities and their results (very common in business!)
Scenario 1: Your company wants to expand to a new market.
Example answer: "If we hire local staff, we'll understand the market better."
Discuss: What will happen if you enter that market? What if you don't research first?
Scenario 2: You need to decide whether to invest in new technology.
Example answer: "If we don't upgrade our systems, we'll fall behind our competitors."
Discuss: What will happen if you invest? What if you wait?
Scenario 3: Your product price is higher than competitors.
Example answer: "If we reduce the price, we'll attract more customers but make less profit."
Discuss: What will happen if you lower prices? What if you keep them high?
Speaking Section: Business & Companies
Discussion cards for meaningful conversation
💡 Discussion tips:
- Describe what the company does
- Talk about its impact on the economy
- Use present simple for facts
💡 Discussion tips:
- Share your personal experience
- Compare big vs small companies
- Use present perfect for life experiences
💡 Discussion tips:
- Explain what attracts you to them
- Talk about company culture and values
- Use "would like to" for preferences
💡 Discussion tips:
- Discuss professional networking
- Talk about digital vs physical cards
- Share business card customs in your culture
💡 Discussion tips:
- Give examples (utilities, transportation, etc.)
- Discuss pros and cons of state ownership
- Compare with private sector
💡 Discussion tips:
- Explain your reasons for or against
- Discuss challenges of entrepreneurship
- Use First Conditional: "If I started a business..."
💡 Discussion tips:
- Consider technological changes
- Talk about shifting consumer habits
- Use future forms for predictions
💡 Discussion tips:
- Explain why you don't like them
- Discuss monopolies and lack of choice
- Share frustrating experiences
💡 Discussion tips:
- Discuss ethical considerations
- Talk about work
- Consider company values and reputation
💡 Discussion tips:
- Discuss investment culture
- Compare with other countries
- Talk about financial education
🎯 Conversation Starters:
- "In my opinion, successful businesses need to..."
- "If I could work for any company, I'd choose..."
- "The biggest challenge for businesses today is..."
- "I think in the future, most companies will..."
💡 Remember to use the business vocabulary and First Conditional structures from today's lesson!