Business English
This course in International Business English is designed for people who who will be using English in a Business environment. We will create a number of business settings and situations to bring awareness to students and instill a greater fluidity and confidence in a commercial environment.
This course can only be taken by those students whose English level is upper Intermediate or above.
The Syllabus for Business English:
The course covers areas of business life such as Company Information, the Board of Directors, Business Decisions, Information Technology, Marketing, Insurance, Stocks, Shares and Take-overs, Corporate Strategy, Retailing, Money and Banking, Business meetings, Personal Management, Finance and Accounting, Export-Import, Government and Business.
The course will also cover practical uses of Business and English such as letter and memo writing, preparing and writing your own CVs, interview techniques and presentation skills.
Cambridge Examination course:
The Business English course follows the Cambridge University BEC (Business English Course) syllabus. This course has three levels.
We also offer the more advanced CEIBT (Certificate in International Business and Trade) that can be taken after this course.
These examinations are held in June and December each year.
BEC Preliminary:
BEC Preliminary assesses language ability used in the context of business at the Council of Europe's Threshold Level (B1) for general language proficiency, which is Entry Level 3 in the UK National Qualifications Framework.
BEC Vantage:
BEC Vantage assesses language ability used in the context of business at the Council of Europe's Vantage Level (B2) for general language proficiency, which is Level 1 in the UK National Qualifications Framework.
BEC Higher:
BEC Higher assesses language ability used in the context of business at the Council of Europe's Effective Operational Proficiency Level (C1) for general language proficiency, which is Level 2 in the UK National Qualifications Framework.
Examination Content
Test of Reading (1 hour)
In the Reading component there are six tasks of the following types: multiple choice, matching, word level gap-filling, sentence level gap-filling, multiple choice gap-filling and error identification. The Reading component contributes 25% of the total marks.
Test of Writing (1 hour 10 minutes)
In the Writing component there are two tasks. In Part One candidates produce a short report (based on graphic input, approx. 120?140 words). In Part Two candidates choose whether to write a report, proposal or piece of business correspondence. The Writing component contributes 25% of the total marks.
Test of Listening (approximately 40 minutes including time for completion of answer sheets)
In the Listening component there are three tasks of the following types:
Gap filling or note completion, matching and multiple choice. Texts used are monologues and dialogues, including interviews, discussions, telephone conversations and messages. The Listening component contributes 25% of the total marks.
Test of Speaking (approximately 16 minutes per pair of candidates)
The Speaking Test is conducted by two external examiners and candidates are tested in pairs. At centres with an uneven number of candidates, the last single candidate is examined with the last pair in a group of three. (N.B. The group of three format may only be used to deal with uneven numbers, unexpected absence of candidates, illness, etc. It is not an option that may be selected in normal circumstances where there is an even number of candidates at a session.)
There are four tasks in which each candidate responds to questions, gives a mini-presentation lasting approximately one minute, takes part in a collaborative task with the other candidate and takes part in a discussion with the other candidate and the interlocutor. The Speaking component contributes 25% of the total marks.
Results:
A single, overall grade is awarded, based on the aggregate of marks gained in the four components indicated above. There are no pass/fail marks for individual components, hence there is no requirement to reach a particular level in any component in order to achieve a pass in the examination.
Three classes of passing grade are available, A, B and C, and two classes of failing grade, D and E.
All candidates are provided with a Statement of Results which includes a graphical display of the candidate's performance in each paper. These are shown in a scale of the following: Exceptional, Good, Borderline and Weak, and indicate the candidate's relative performance in each paper. Passing candidates are awarded a certificate
Good Relationships
We build good working relationships which are dynamic. We are always alert to changing needs, and aware of difficulties as they come. We are the first to see the problems that need solutions. One word, proactive.
We use exercises, games and processes that give the student the techniques and tools and intellectual understanding to solve the problems of any situation. We use exercises, games and processes that give the student the techniques and tools and intellectual understanding to solve the problems of any situation.
Focus on Important Issues
Our Business English Courses focus on important issues that may arise in your work. These include all of the following issues: The Art of Saying No, Conflict and Difficult People, Influencing People at Work to Accept Your Way.
Tailored Courses
If one of the issues interests you more than the others, then we can construct the course around it. Remember the course will be entirely constructed towards your needs.
There will be a focus on vocabulary and terminology specific to the industry/sector in which you work, as well as a specific focus on particular skills such as report or letter writing, speech giving, presentations or comprehension, as required or indicated.
