Task 1: Groundwork: Outsourcing and Negotiating
Module 3 Task 1 “Groundwork: Outsourcing and Negotiating” consists of 5 activities and a real-life task:
Activity 1: Work on various aspects of visiting a factory
Activity 2: Work on understanding how a company functions
Activity 3: Understanding contracts
Activity 4: Work on telephoning to make an appointment
Activity 5: Understanding cultural differences in negotiation
Real-Life Task: Conference meet-up / exchange
TASK 1: Groundwork: Outsourcing and Negotiating
Learning objectives for task 1:
SKILLS
READING:
● B1 I can identify the type of technical text, such as technical processes, contracts, procedures
● B1 I can quickly read through longer texts in order to locate specific factual information
● B2 I can extract the information in the different sections of a technical document, if I can reread difficult sections and consult the dictionary.
● C1 I can understand detailed and complex reports, articles and contracts within my field, with the occasional use of a dictionary.
● C1 I can understand in detail specialized texts and complex factual documents in my professional field, such as technical manuals, project descriptions, and legal contracts, with the occasional use of a dictionary.
WRITING: Drawing up a contract
● C1 I can write about complex subjects in a contract, underlining what I consider to be the salient issues.
LISTENING
● B1 I can understand the information content of the majority of recorded or broadcast video material on topics of scientific or professional interest delivered in clear standard speech.
● B1 I can understand the main points of a talk on topics related to my field if the participants use clear standard language and the delivery is relatively slow and clear.
● B2 I can follow the essentials of talks and reports and other forms of professional presentations in my field.
● B2 I can use a variety of strategies to achieve comprehension, including listening for main points and using contextual clues.
● C1 I can understand a wide range of idiomatic expressions and colloquialisms, appreciating differences in style and register, in accord with different contexts and situations.
● C1 I can easily use contextual, grammatical and visual clues to infer attitude, mood and intentions and anticipate what will come next.
SPEAKING PRODUCTION
● B2 I can contribute personal ideas and defend them with arguments in a technical discussion.
● C1 I can give oral reports about technical and professional subjects.
SPEAKING INTERACTION
● B1 I can show agreement or disagreement about what has been said, politely.
● B2 I can initiate, maintain and end discourse naturally with effective turn-taking.
● B2 I can take an active part in discussion in familiar contexts, accounting for and sustaining my views.
● C1 I can use language flexibly and effectively for social and professional purposes.
LANGUAGE
● Vocabulary: Language of negotiations and contracts, manufacturing, corporate and technical vocabulary, telephoning
● Grammar & Discourse: The language of negotiating, modal forms, agreeing / disagreeing
● Pronunciation: Spoken English accents, intonation (persuasion, agreeing, disagreeing, negotiating)
GENRES: Negotiations, specifications, contracts
INTERCULTURAL COMMUNICATIVE COMPETENCE (IC):
Dealing and socialising with overseas visitors and suppliers. Understanding how socialising and negotiating function in different cultures (Middle-Eastern, Asian, American, European, Latin …). Being aware of how intercultural aspects can affect negotiating scenarios and their outcomes.
Virtual Reality activity: Making a telephone call and being able to react to different outcomes presented over the phone.