Unit 3 Welfare Is the Better Part of Well-being

Objectives Focus Warming up 4.1 Summarizing a conversation 4.2 Using notes to write a report 4.3 Planning and editing a report Sum-up Assignment

objectives This unit deals with how to take notes in business contexts, how to summarize conversations and how to plan and write reports. It's a unit which can be used either as an introduction for students with little experience in report- and summary writing.

Focus Sharpening and practicing note-, summary- and report-writing Practice in the preparatory and planning stages of all serious and professional writing activities

Warming up In business we only write reports when we are asked to, normally by our boss or superior. Many people are afraid of writing reports. In this unit we want to show how note taking and report writing can be made easier. The unit takes up some of the elements of Unit 2 on letters, s, faxes and memos, but it concentrates on the more specialized skill of writing reports and making summaries of conversations.

4.1 Summarizing a conversation This section introduces the topic of using English for different purposes in business. Taking notes on information you hear and summarizing the main points of a conversation are very important communication skills when using English in business.

A warm-up discussion Business English is used in various ways. Further discussion questions: Which of the methods are you familiar with? How often do you use the methods illustrated in your own work? How effective do you find them? How easy or difficult are they for you to do in English?

B Listening Different styles of notes may be suited to different circumstances. Numbered notes may well be useful for ‘ easy reference ’. More discursive notes may be appropriate as ‘ a record for the files ’.

Listen to the recording two times. look at the three notes and choose the best one. Listen to the recording again. And draft your own summary in the way, which you find the most appropriate.

4.2 Using notes to write a report Look at the notes Use and summon up your already existent resources. Expand the notes into paragraphs and connected text Refer to File 67 and compare the model to yours

4.3 Planning and editing a report In a business context there are many things you should do before you even think about ‘ writing ’ or how you are going to write the report. Work in groups of four and number the items.

Suggested answers 1. Assemble the material (item 6) 2. Plan the report (item 1, 2, 5, 7, 9, 10) 3. Draft the report (item 3, 4, 13, 15) 4. Edit the report (item 7, 8, 11, 14, 16)

Part B C D Read the memo in part C Read the report in part D Work in pairs, and draft an improved report together. Compare your report with the Model report in File 69.

Some of the reasons why the Model report is better are Numbering sections helps There is a clear introduction There is a conclusion In between there is the main body of the report

Sum-up How to make a smooth phone call How to make request, offer help and ask permission Some methods of taking massage. How to prepare a phone call

Assignment A role-play activity. Practice about taking notes during telephone conversations.