UNIT 2: THE ORGANIZATION OF WORK

Skills Focus

• Listening
• Speaking
 2.1 VOCABULARY The organization of work

A. Match the words and phrases (1-10) with their definitions (a-j).
1. headquarters e a) a shop that sells goods made by a particular company or of a particular type
b) the part of a company that sells the company’s products or services in a particular area
2. plant j c) a building where large quantities of goods are stored before they are sold, used, or sent
3. outlet a out to shops
d) an office in which employees provide information to its customers or sell or advertise
4. subsidiary g its products/services by phone
5. warehouse c e) the main office or main building of an organization
f) human resources – the department in a company that is in charge of employees
6. administration i g) a company that is owned or controlled by another company
7. sales office b h) research and development – the part of a business that develops new products or
improves existing ones
8. R&D h i) the part of a business that manages or organizes its activities
9. call center d j) a factory or a big building in which products are made or power is produced (using
machinery)
10. HR f
B. Complete these sentences using the words and phrases in exercise A. Make changes where necessary.
1. The new tax framework is an attempt to make our country a more attractive location for companyheadquarters
……………….
HR
2. …………………. department focuses on dealing with employees, for example, recruiting them, training them,
dealing with their problems, and managing their records.
sales offices cover the various regions of France with international offices in Frankfurt, Milan, and
3. Three ………………….
Madrid.
subsidiary of Phuc Long Coffee and Tea.
4. Masan is an 80%-owned………………….
R&D
5. …………………. allows a company to stay ahead of its competition by catering to new wants or needs in the
market.
outlets
6. Zara is one of the biggest clothing retail chains that has 152 …………………. around the world.
call center often handles customer inquiries and provides support services around the clock.
7. The ………………….
plant
8. Our company’s ………………. is well known for producing high-quality automobiles with the latest technology.
C. Match a noun from Column A with a noun from Column B to complete each of the following sentences.
recruitment procedure involves initial screening, interviews,
1. The ………………….…………………. Column A

and assessment tests to ensure the selection of highly qualified candidates. recruitment
company policy
2. Our company should review the ………………….…………………. because warehouse

many employees are using personal devices and doing personal tasks during customer

working hours. management

warehouse manager
3. We should recruit a new ………………….…………………. who is company

responsible for overseeing the safety policies and ensuring timely deliveries. Column B

4. To build good customer relationships, we should have the support

customer support
……………………………….……. team that is available 24/7 to address any style

urgent issues and concerns of customers. manager

management style
5. Our CEO is well known for his ………………….…………………. of policy

empowerment and delegation, letting employees take the initiative in their work. procedure
D. Discussion
Work in pairs. Make a list of adjectives to describe good qualities and bad qualities of an organization.
 2.2 LISTENING Listening for gist  Listening for details

PRE-LISTENING
A. Lead-in question
What would your ideal workplace be like?
B. Match the words and phrases (1-5) with their definitions (a-e).
1. director
C a) to voluntarily leave a job or position
2. CEO b) Chief Operating Officer: the manager in an organization who is responsible for
D day-to-day operations
3. COO
B c) one of the managers in charge of an activity, department, or an organization
4. parent company d) Chief Executive Officer: the highest ranked position in a company; the main
E person responsible for leading a company and providing overall direction
5. resign
A e) a company that controls other subsidiary companies
WHILE-LISTENING
A. Listen to a recorded message about an internship position. Complete each gap with ONE or TWO words.

Position: Technology (1) ……………….. Intern

1. Developer
Responsibilities: Work with a team of (2) ……………….., collab on exciting (3) ………………..
Requirements: 2. professionals
• A (4) ……………….. student studying a related university degree
3. initiatives
• An understanding of programming (5) ……………….. and proficiency in more than one
programming (6) ……………….. 4. last-year
• Other skills: communication, (7) ……………….., organizational, and time-management skills.
5. concepts
Benefits:
• A monthly (8) ……………….. 6. languages
• Hands-on experience working on meaningful (9) ……………….. 7. interpersonal
• Potential career development
Applications: 8. allowance
• Résumé 9. projects
• (10) ………………..
• Relevant portfolio or project work 10. Cover letter
B. Listen to an internal presentation about an organizational structure. Complete each gap (1-14) with
ONE or TWO words.

1. COO 10. web

developer
2. Director
3. officers 11. support
engineers
4. Business
12. research
5. PR
scientists
6. salesmen
13. technical
7. Manager writer
8. accountants 14. software
9. Manager engineers
C. Listen again and answer these questions.
1. Why is the organizational structure simple now?
Because ABC is just a small company, the organization is simple.
2. When was ABC Technologies founded?
The company was founded in 2005.
3. What is the difference between the roles of the CEO and the COO at ABC?
Larry Warner – the CEO, deals with strategy and is often away at the parent company in
Singapore. David Chang – the COO, runs the business on a day-to-day basis.
4. When did Roxanne Kent join ABC? What happened to her predecessor?
Roxanne joined four months ago when the old IT manager resigned.
5. What is Evelyn’s responsibility?
She’s responsible for building our product package.
D. Match expressions in Column A with Column B to complete ways of describing responsibilities.

Column A Column B
1. He has a team of four reporting a) after finance.
2. We have Eliza Cotton – our Office Manager, who takes b) with strategy.
3. She also looks c) directly to him.
4. Larry deals d) for building our product package.
5. She’s responsible e) care of HR.

1c 2e 3a 4b 5d
POST-LISTENING
Complete the text with words in the box.
résumé portfolio university degree
cover letter interpersonal monthly allowance

Preparing for internship applications requires several important steps. First, ensure that you have a solid foundation
university degree
with a relevant (1) ……………….. that aligns with the internship position you are seeking. Next, focus on
enhancing your (2) interpersonal
……………….. skills, as they are crucial in the professional world. A well-crafted (3)
résumé highlighting your academic achievements, relevant experiences, and skills is essential to grab the
………………..
cover letter tailored to each application can showcase your
attention of employers. Additionally, a detailed (4) ………………..
portfolio of your
motivation and demonstrate why you are the right fit for the internship. Building a (5) ………………..
previous work or projects can also provide clear evidence of your abilities and creativity. Lastly, consider the
monthly allowance
financial aspect and inquire about the (6) ……………….. or compensation offered during the internship. By paying
attention to these key elements, you can increase your chances of securing a valuable internship opportunity.
 2.3 SPEAKING Socializing

LEAD-IN
A. Listen to four conversations. Choose the correct description for each one.

Conversation a) Greeting someone and talking about the weather

1
a
Conversation b) Introducing another person
2 d
Conversation c) Introducing yourself and giving information about
3 c your company

Conversation d) Greeting someone and talking about changes

4 b
B. Listen to Conversation 1 and Conversation 2 again and complete the extracts.
Conversation 1
How
J: Good morning! (1) ………… are you
………… today…………?
…………
R: Good morning! I’m doing well, thank you. How about you?
I’m doing
J: (2) ………… ………… great
………… . Have you noticed how lovely the weather is today?
R: Absolutely! It’s such a beautiful day. The (3) ………… clear
………… sky…………
and gentle
………… wind
………… really make it enjoyable.
J: I completely agree. It puts everyone in a good mood and makes the workday more enjoyable.
R: Definitely. It’s a great way to start the day and brings positive energy to the office. Plus, it’s a refreshing change from the
recent rainy days we’ve had.
productivity
J: Absolutely. I find that a good weather day like this can boost (4) ………… …………and motivation
………… . It’s easier to stay (5)
focused…………
………… and engaged
………… when the atmosphere is so pleasant.
R: Well, I hope the weather stays this way for the rest of the week. It’s been a pleasure chatting with you. (6) …………
Have
………… a productive
………… …………!day
J: Thank you! You are too. Let’s make the most of this beautiful day. Take care!
Conversation 2
M: Hey, Anthony! It’s great to see you again.
How
A: Hi, Maria. (1) ………… have…………
………… you been
…………?
M: I’m doing well, thanks. It feels like ages since we last met. Wasn’t it at that trade show in Paris?
A: Yes, you’re right. (2) ………… It’s
………… been…………
a while………… . So, how have things been going for you?
I’m…………
M: Things have been going well. I made a change last year and now (3) ………… working…………
in finance
………… . I really enjoy
the new role.
Congratulations
A: That’s good to hear. (4) ………… ………… ………… on the………….
transition
. By the way, I got promoted last year. I’m now the Head
of Human Resources, leading a team of 50 people.
M: Wow, that’s fantastic! You’ve made significant progress in your career.
responsibilities
A: Thank you. I’m excited about the new (5) ………… ………… …………. and challenges
.
M: Speaking of exciting news, guess what? I finally passed my driving test! It took me three attempts, but I did it.
Congratulations
A: Really? That’s amazing! (6) ………… ………… ………… on getting
………… your license
…………. .
C. Listen to Conversation 3 again and complete the chart.
Name Company’s name Main activities
Chris an outsourcing business providing companies and
Booz & Co
organizations with a wide range of services, including IT,
office equipment, travel, and even cleaning services
Katherine ACB market research

D. Listen to Conversation 4 again and answer these questions.

1. Tick the expression you hear from the recording.
I’d like to introduce you to Nina. Nice to see you again.
I’m in Marketing now. Pleasure to meet you too.
Can I introduce you to Nina? I’m sure we’ll have some great conversations.

a) English b) Spanish c) French d) Chinese

2. Which language is Nina fluent in?
a) swimming b) playing golf c) playing tennis d) sailing
3. What interest do Charles and Nina share?
FUNCTIONAL LANGUAGE
Put these expressions in the appropriate column.

I’d like to introduce you to ... I’m now the Head of Human I’m doing well, thanks.
Resources, leading a team of 50
people.

How have things been going for You both like / enjoy / are We have subsidiaries / branches /
you? interested in ... offices / plants in ...

The company was founded in ... We specialize in / make / I’m from ... / I’m with ... / I work for
manufacture / sell / supply ... ... (company)

Let me give you my business card. Hello, ... Great to see you again. Things have been going well.
 GREETINGS – RESPONDING INTRODUCING YOURSELF INTRODUCING SOMEONE ELSE

 How have things been going for  I’m now the Head of Human  I’d like to introduce you to ...
you? Resources, leading a team of
 Hello, ... Great to see you again. 50 people.
 I’m doing well, thanks.  I’m from ... / I’m with ... / I
work for ... (company)
 Things have been going well.
COMMON INTERESTS TALKING ABOUT YOUR COMPANY NETWORKING

 You both like / enjoy / are  The company was founded in ...  Let me give you my business
interested in ...  We specialize in / make / card.
manufacture / sell / supply ...
 We have subsidiaries / branches
/ offices / plants in ...
TASKS
You are attending an international business conference. In the conference, you encounter two other
individuals, and this is the first time you have met them. Look at the role cards and work in groups of
three.
Student A: Student B: Student C:
You are a marketing manager for a You are an entrepreneur who You are a human resource
technology company. recently launched a startup. professional and looking for
talented individuals for your
Objectives: Objectives: company.
- expand your professional network. - connect with potential investors. Objectives:
- explore potential partnerships or - look for mentors who can provide - identify potential candidates.
joint venture opportunities. guidance and financial support for
his business. - establish relationships with
professionals in related fields.

You all should

- introduce yourself and your role to the other group members.
- exchange relevant information about your professional background, current projects, and areas of interest (company name,
company main activities/area of business, department, position, etc.)
- talk about any insights, industry trends, or experiences where you can help one another.
- focus on effective communication, relationship building, and demonstrating your interest in creating meaningful professional
connections.
 2.4 SKILLS BANK

Here are some tips for socializing and networking in business contexts:
1. Be Approachable: Project a friendly and approachable demeanor by maintaining an open posture, making eye contact, and
offering a warm smile. Approachability encourages others to initiate conversations and facilitates the development of
connections.
2. Be an Active Listener: Practice active listening by giving your full attention to the person you’re speaking with. Show
genuine acknowledgment of their thoughts, ideas, and experiences. Avoid interrupting and politely ask relevant questions to
show your engagement.
3. Develop Conversational Skills: Strengthen your conversational skills by being knowledgeable about current events,
industry trends, and relevant topics. This allows you to contribute to meaningful conversations, share insights, and establish
yourself as a good communicator.
4. Exchange contact information: If you have a meaningful conversation with someone, exchange business cards or contact
information. Follow up afterward with a personalized email or LinkedIn message to express your interest in meeting them and
explore opportunities for collaboration.
5. Be authentic and professional: Be yourself and let your personality shine through. However, maintain a professional
demeanor and avoid controversial or sensitive topics that may hinder the networking experience.
 GREETINGS - RESPONDING INTRODUCING YOURSELF INTRODUCING SOMEONE ELSE
- Hi, ... How are you? - I’m from ... / I’m with ... / I work for ... - Can I introduce you to …?
- How have you been lately? (company) - I’d like to introduce you to …
- How’s everything going? - I’m in charge of ... - …, have you met … before?
- Hello, ... Great to see you again. - I’m the head of ..., leading the team of ... - This is … from …, and this is … from …
people.
- Fine, thanks.
- I work with ...
- I’m doing very well.
- I have been working at ... for ... years.
- Not too bad, thanks.
- Pleased / Pleasure to meet you.

COMMON INTERESTS TALKING ABOUT YOUR COMPANY NETWORKING

- You and ... have something in common. - Our company was founded / established - Would you mind exchanging business cards?
- You two are both working in the same in ... - Could I have your email address / phone
industry. - We have subsidiaries / branches / offices / number? I’d like to stay in touch.
- You both like / enjoy / are interested in ... plants / in ... - Let’s connect on LinkedIn. What’s your
- We specialize in / make / manufacture / profile name?
sell / supply ... - We’re very interested in expanding in
- We have a workforce of ... Europe.
- Our company has ... employees / - Do you know who could help us?
subsidiaries / branches.
 2.5 WORD BANK

 advancement (n) /ədˈvænsmənt/ the development or improvement of something

 allowance (n) /əˈlaʊəns/ money that is given regularly by an employer to pay for a particular thing
 coordinate (v) /kəʊˈɔːrdɪneɪt/ to organize all the different activities and people who are involved in
something so that it works effectively
 cover letter (n) /ˈkʌvər letər/ a letter that you send with something explaining the contents of the
document, etc. that you are sending
 cutting-edge (adj) /ˌkʌt̬ .ɪŋˈedʒ/ very modern and with all the newest features
 hands-on (adj) /ˌhændz ˈɑːn/ directly involved in making decisions about the way in which things
should be done
 initiative (n) /ɪˈ
nɪʃətɪv/ a new plan or action to improve something or solve a problem
 internship (n) /ˈ
ɪntɜːrnʃɪp/ a period during which someone works for a company or
organization to get experience in a particular type of work
 interpersonal (adj) /ˌ
ɪntərˈ
pɜːrsənl/ connected with relationships between people
 portfolio (n) /pɔːrtˈ
fəʊliəʊ/ a collection of drawings, documents, etc. that represent a
person's, especially an artist's, work
 predecessor (n) /ˈ
priːdəsesə(r)/ a person who did a job before somebody else
 proficiency (n) /prəˈ
fɪʃnsi/ great skill, ability, and experience
 recruitment (n) /rɪˈ
kruːtmənt/ the process of employing new people to work for an
organization
 technical (adj) /ˈ
teknɪkl/ relating to the knowledge used in a particular subject or type
of work