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 that wants to improve its sustainability practices. Have a meeting with your team to discuss the items on the agenda and share your opinions. You can choose more than one proposal or suggest other ideas.
AGENDA
Sustainable Packaging Options
Proposal 1: Transition to biodegradable or compostable packaging materials for all products.
Proposal 2: Introduce a refill program allowing customers to bring back empty containers for refills at a discount.
Proposal 3: Utilize recyclable materials for packaging and provide clear recycling instructions to customers.
Proposal 4: Partner with organizations focused on reducing plastic waste and contribute a portion of sales to their initiatives.
Eco-Friendly Product Development
Develop a new line of products made from natural and organic ingredients.
Research and adopt sustainable sourcing practices for raw materials.
Ensure transparency in the supply chain to guarantee ethical production.
Launch a campaign to educate customers about the importance of sustainability in cosmetics.
BUSINESS ACTIVITY:
CONTROLLING THE DISCUSSION IN MEETINGS FUNCTIONS AND KEY PHRASES
Introducing the Subject
We’re here today to address (topic of the meeting).
We need to go over (topic of the meeting).
Keeping to the Right Subject
Let’s not drift away from the main topic.
Can we revisit that later?
Changing the Subject
I believe we’ve thoroughly discussed this point.
Shall we move on to the next item?
Concluding and Summarizing
I believe that covers everything.
I’ll follow up with a summary in an email.
Thank you all for attending. Take care.
BUSINESS ACTIVITY:
GIVING OPINIONS FUNCTIONS AND KEY PHRASES
Asking for an Opinion
What are your thoughts on this?
How do you feel about it?
Would you agree that...?
What’s your perspective on this?
Giving an Opinion
From my perspective...
In my view...
I tend to believe that...
I’m inclined to think that...
It seems to me that we should...
I don’t believe we should...
Agreeing
I completely agree.
That’s absolutely true.
I couldn’t agree more.
Disagreeing
I have to disagree with that.
I’m afraid I don’t share the same view.
I’m not entirely convinced.
Responding to Opinions
Exactly, I totally agree.
You’re absolutely right.
(Name) has a good point.
What (name) says makes a lot of sense.
Yes, although... / Yes, however...
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2.) Business Discussion: Innovation
Vocabulary List:
Breakthrough – A sudden and significant discovery or advancement that leads to new possibilities in a field.
Disruption – The introduction of a new product or service that fundamentally changes an industry or market.
Patent – Legal protection granted to an invention, giving the inventor exclusive rights to its use and commercialization.
Prototype – An initial working version of a product, used to test and refine design concepts.
R&D (Research and Development) – The process by which a company invests in exploring new ideas, technologies, or products.
Scalability – The capacity of a system, product, or process to handle growth or increased demand efficiently.
Commercialization – The process of bringing a product or service to market and making it available for consumers.
Iteration – The repetition of a process in order to improve or refine a product.
Disruptive Innovation – A type of innovation that creates a new market and displaces existing competitors.
Incremental Innovation – A gradual series of improvements made to existing products or processes.
Innovation Article:
Innovation is at the heart of progress in any industry. Breakthrough ideas often lead to disruptive innovation, reshaping markets and redefining competition. Companies that invest heavily in R&D are constantly searching for the next big idea. However, successful commercialization is not just about having a great concept—it also involves scaling the product and refining it through multiple iterations. Disruptive innovations can revolutionize industries, while incremental innovation helps companies stay competitive by continuously improving existing products.
Discussion Questions:
Can you think of a disruptive innovation that has changed the way you live or work? How did it impact you?
Why do you think some companies are more successful at innovation than others?
How important is scalability when introducing a new product or service to the market?
Do you believe incremental innovation is as valuable as breakthrough innovation? Why or why not?
How do companies ensure 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 away from work or obligations, used for relaxation or enjoyment.
Hobby – An activity that someone does regularly in their free time for pleasure.
Pastime – An activity that occupies one’s time, typically for enjoyment or relaxation.
Streaming – The act of watching or listening to media content directly from the internet without downloading it.
Binge-Watching – Watching several episodes or an entire season of a TV series in one continuous session.
Outdoor Activity – Any activity that takes place outside, such as hiking, biking, or camping.
Concert – A live performance of music in front of an audience, often featuring bands or solo artists.
Festival – A large-scale event that celebrates music, art, or culture, usually lasting several days.
Game Night – A social gathering focused on playing board games, video games, or card games.
Virtual Reality (VR) – An immersive experience that allows users to interact with a simulated, computer-generated environment through specialized equipment.
Free Time and Entertainment Article:
In today’s fast-paced world, how we choose to spend our free time has evolved, with an increasing number of entertainment options available. Streaming platforms have revolutionized the way we watch TV and movies, making binge-watching a popular pastime. Outdoor activities and social events like festivals and concerts also provide a break from everyday routines, while hobbies such as gaming and exploring virtual reality create immersive experiences. Whether alone or with others, entertainment offers a crucial balance to the demands of daily life.
Discussion Questions:
How do you typically spend your leisure time, and why do you enjoy those activities?
How has the rise of streaming services changed the way you consume entertainment?
Do you prefer outdoor activities or indoor entertainment? What are the benefits of each?
Have you ever participated in a virtual reality experience? What did you think of it?
What upcoming event (concert, festival, or other) are you most looking forward to attending, and why?
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