WEEK 3 : Section1~3
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1.) Meeting Roleplay 3: Controlling the Discussion in Meetings + Expressing Opinions
Sustainability Initiatives in Cosmetics Production (Student 2 leading)
You work for a cosmetics company committed to improving its sustainability practices. Conduct a meeting with your team to discuss the agenda items and express your opinions. You may select multiple proposals or suggest additional initiatives.
AGENDA
Sustainable Packaging Options
Proposal 1: Shift to fully biodegradable or compostable packaging across the product range, ensuring a minimal environmental footprint.
Proposal 2: Implement a comprehensive refill program, where customers can return containers for refills, incentivized by discounts and loyalty points.
Proposal 3: Utilize recyclable materials and clearly communicate recycling instructions to encourage customer participation in eco-friendly practices.
Proposal 4: Establish partnerships with environmental organizations that focus on plastic waste reduction, contributing a percentage of sales to their initiatives.
Eco-Friendly Product Development
Formulate a new range of cosmetics using exclusively natural and certified organic ingredients.
Explore and adopt ethical and sustainable sourcing practices for raw materials, ensuring minimal environmental impact.
Ensure complete transparency in the supply chain, offering traceability and proof of ethical sourcing to consumers.
Launch a public awareness campaign to educate consumers about the environmental benefits of sustainability in cosmetics production.
BUSINESS ACTIVITY:
CONTROLLING THE DISCUSSION IN MEETINGS FUNCTIONS AND KEY PHRASES
Introducing the Subject
Today, we’re here to tackle (topic of the meeting).
We need to comprehensively review (topic of the meeting).
Keeping to the Right Subject
Let’s stay focused on the core issue at hand.
Can we address that point later in the discussion?
Changing the Subject
I believe we’ve covered this point in sufficient detail.
Shall we move forward to the next item on the agenda?
Concluding and Summarizing
That seems to wrap things up.
I’ll provide a detailed follow-up in an email.
Thank you all for your contributions. Let’s adjourn the meeting.
BUSINESS ACTIVITY:
GIVING OPINIONS FUNCTIONS AND KEY PHRASES
Asking for an Opinion
What’s your stance on this?
How do you perceive this issue?
Would you agree with the suggestion that...?
Giving an Opinion
From my perspective...
I’m inclined to think that...
It appears to me that we should...
I’m not convinced we should...
Agreeing
I fully agree with that.
That’s an excellent observation.
I couldn’t have expressed it better myself.
Disagreeing
I must respectfully disagree with that.
I see things slightly differently.
I’m not entirely persuaded by that argument.
Responding to Opinions
Absolutely, I agree with that.
You’re absolutely right.
(Name) raises an important point.
What (name) mentioned is worth considering.
Yes, though I would add...
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2.) Business Discussion: Innovation
Vocabulary List
Breakthrough – A significant and sudden advancement that opens up new possibilities in technology or industry.
Disruption – The introduction of a product or service that fundamentally transforms the market, displacing established competitors.
Patent – A legal right granted to an inventor, giving exclusive control over the production, use, and sale of their invention.
Prototype – A working model of a product that is used to test and improve design features before mass production.
R&D (Research and Development) – The investment in exploring new ideas, technologies, or products that can lead to innovation and growth.
Scalability – The ability of a product or system to grow and handle increased demand without losing efficiency.
Commercialization – The process of introducing a product or service to the market and making it available for widespread use.
Iteration – The repetitive process of improving a product by making small adjustments after testing or feedback.
Disruptive Innovation – A groundbreaking innovation that creates new markets or significantly changes the dynamics of existing ones.
Incremental Innovation – A series of small improvements made to an existing product or process over time.
Innovation Article:
Innovation is a driving force behind the success of companies in any industry. Breakthroughs often lead to disruptive innovations that shift market dynamics and set new standards for competitors. Companies that invest heavily in R&D are constantly searching for the next significant advancement. However, successful commercialization requires more than just an innovative idea—it depends on scalability and the ability to refine the product through multiple iterations. While disruptive innovations can reshape entire industries, incremental innovation remains essential for companies to maintain their competitiveness by continuously improving their existing products.
Discussion Questions:
Can you identify a disruptive innovation that has changed how you live or work? How did it impact you?
Why do you think some companies excel at innovation while others struggle?
How crucial is scalability when introducing a new product or service?
Do you think incremental innovation is as important as breakthrough innovation? Why or why not?
What strategies do companies use to ensure that their innovations remain commercially viable and attractive to consumers?
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3.) Casual Discussion: Free Time and Entertainment
Vocabulary List
Leisure – Free time spent on activities that are enjoyable and relaxing, away from work or responsibilities.
Hobby – An activity pursued regularly for enjoyment during one’s free time.
Pastime – An activity that fills your time in an enjoyable or relaxing way, often done regularly.
Streaming – Watching or listening to digital content directly from the internet, without needing to download it.
Binge-Watching – Watching multiple episodes or an entire season of a TV show in one continuous session.
Outdoor Activity – Any leisure activity that takes place outdoors, such as hiking, cycling, or camping.
Concert – A live performance of music, typically attended by an audience, featuring bands or solo artists.
Festival – A large, often multi-day event that celebrates music, arts, or culture, drawing large crowds.
Game Night – A social gathering where people play various games, such as board games, video games, or card games.
Virtual Reality (VR) – An immersive experience where users interact with a computer-generated environment through specialized equipment.
Free Time and Entertainment Article:
In today’s fast-paced world, how people spend their free time has transformed, offering a wide array of entertainment options. Streaming services have revolutionized the way we consume TV shows and movies, making binge-watching a common pastime. Outdoor activities and events like festivals and concerts provide a refreshing break from everyday life, while virtual reality and gaming offer immersive experiences that transport people to new worlds. Whether participating alone or with others, entertainment provides a necessary balance to the demands of daily life and offers opportunities for relaxation and enjoyment.
Discussion Questions:
How do you usually spend your leisure time, and what draws you to those activities?
How have streaming services changed your approach to entertainment?
Do you prefer outdoor activities or indoor entertainment? What are the advantages of each?
Have you ever tried a virtual reality experience? What was it like, and would you do it again?
What upcoming event (concert, festival, or other) are you most excited about, and why?
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