After studying this unit, the students are able to master the key words and structures, and more importantly, to communicate for the following purposes:

ü understanding business trips

ü understanding airport security procedure

ü Arranging Business Trips

ü understanding and writing a Letter of Appreciation

ü Choosing Gifts for Foreign Friends

ü mastering Using a Dictionary

The method of approach

1. Discussing, listening, reading, presenting, and role-playing by the students;

2. Explanation and demonstration by the teacher;

3. After-class research and practice by the students.

Unit content

Reading A: Business Trips Don’t Have to Be All Business

Reading B: Manchester Airport Security Procedure

Listening & Speaking: Arranging Business Trips

Writing: Letter of Appreciation

Mini-project: Choosing Gifts for Foreign Friends

Learning Strategy: Using a Dictionary

Time requirement: 8-9 periods

Unit Focus

accomplish        amazing      seek out       take in       local

more than happy    lay          secure        expense account

for free           be entitled to   relaxation     rental       put aside

haunt             festival

Teaching procedures

This unit is arranged for a time span of 8 hours, during which a time limit is suggested for each step. Though it’s always important to keep a time limit in mind for each activity, a teacher should never stick to a rigid time plan in teaching, but rather follow a more flexible time table when dealing with unexpected in-class occurrences and make necessary adjustments accordingly. Note that not every step suggested here is a must in teaching. A teacher can make whatever changes he thinks necessary.

Hour 1:

  Course introduction     45 minutes      

Warming-up  Task 15 minutes

Objective: Ss can identify different items for a business trip. 

Steps:

• Ss read Warming-up Task.

• Get Ss to look at the different items in the table.

• Ask Ss to discuss with their partners.

• Ask Ss to give their choices and explain.

• Ask for additional items.

• Give examples for additional items if necessary.

Examples for Additional Items:

Luggage Trunk, Shoes, Contact Lenses, Ties, Make-up, Razor, Product Samples, etc.

New words in Reading A 15 minutes

Objective: Ss can get familiar with the new words and expressions, etc.

Steps:

• Ss listen to the new words and expressions, etc.

• Ss read the new words and expressions, etc.

Notes: For a class with higher English proficiency, the teacher may follow the following steps:

• Ss preview the new words and expressions.

• Ss read the new words and expressions.

• Ss dictate several important new words and expressions.

Discussions before Reading A 15 minutes

Objective: Ss can get familiar with the new words and expressions, etc..

Steps:

• Ss know something about Reading A.

• Ss discuss the following two questions:

1. What are the two important things for you to keep in mind when you are going on a business trip?

2. If you can take advantage of your business trip, what will you bring home for your company and for yourself?

• Comment briefly on their work.

Hours 2-3:

  Reading A     45 minutes   

Language points 35 minutes

Paragraph 1

accomplish: v. to succeed in doing or completing something

e.g. We have to accomplish the task on time.

I don’t feel I have accomplished very much today.

The first part of the plan has been safely accomplished.

amazing: a. very good, especially in an unexpected way

e.g. It was amazing that he knew nothing about the event.

We listened to her amazing story with attention.

It’s amazing how quickly people adapt to their environment.

seek out: to look for and find someone or something, especially when this means making a lot of effort

e.g. We have to seek out a really good person for the job.

We need a diversity of cultures, so we seek out new ideas and new practices.

A salesman’s job is to seek out customers in the market.

Paragraph 2

take in: to include something in the travel plan; to try to accept in order to appreciate or understand something

e.g. After dinner, we can take in sights of this city.

When we finish business talk with our partners in Qingdao, we will take in the local beer.

The teacher put his ideas in simple words for the students to take in.

local: n. a person who lives in a particular place or district

e.g. The locals are very friendly in the city.

The locals tend to be suspicious of strangers.

We are open to everyone—visitors and locals alike.

more than happy: very happy; with great pleasure

e.g. I’m more than happy to take you there in my car.

We were more than happy to hear of your business success!

We will be more than happy to hear from you on how we can work together and benefit both our companies.

lay: n. the landscape of a place or a situation of a certain event

e.g. He knows the lay of the land here.

I want to get the lay of the land before I take any action.

Before he buys the stock he wants to check the lay of the land.

Paragraph 3

secure: v. to obtain or achieve something, especially after a lot of effort

e.g. The team managed to secure a place in the finals.

She secured 2,000 votes in the general election.

He secured a place for himself at the law school.

expense account: an arrangement by which money spent by someone while they are at work is later paid back to them by their employer

e.g. Put the cost of the train fare on your expense account.

I’ll put this lunch on my expense account.

We cannot fly first class on our expense account.

for free: without payment

e.g. You are so lucky to get a theater ticket for free.

Our website provides English lessons for our registered members for free.

These pictures can be kept for free. You may take whichever you like.

be entitled to: to have the right to have or do something

e.g. You will be entitled to your pension when you reach 65.

Everyone is entitled to his opinion.

If one side failed to honor the contract, the other side should be entitled to cancel it.

relaxation: n. ways of resting and enjoying yourself; time spent resting and enjoying yourself

e.g. I go hill-walking for relaxation.

His day is evenly divided between work and relaxation.

Relaxation exercises can free your body of tension.

Paragraph 4

rental: a. of or relating to the act of paying for the use of something (like an apartment or house or car)

e.g. I’m going to have a video rental shop and make big money.

What about the facility rental services?

I cannot afford to buy a car. This is a rental car.

put aside: to decide not to deal with something; to save something for later use

e.g. Will you please put aside your work and listen to me for one minute?

Let’s put aside our difficulties for a while and enjoy the party.

She puts aside 1,000 yuan every month for her son’s future education.

haunt: n. a frequently visited place

e.g. After 10 years, I revisited the old haunt again.

The college library is a favorite haunt for students.

Is this one of your usual haunts?

Paragraph 5

festival: n. a day or period of time set aside for feasting and celebration

e.g. We all enjoyed the happy activities of the Spring Festival.

This city has a music festival every summer.

as well as: in addition to sb./sth./doing sth.

e.g. He grows flower as well as vegetables.

   They visited some factories, hospitals as well as the school.

Paragraph 6

“stop and smell the roses along the way”: the title of a song written by American singer-songwriter Mac Davis in 1974. Parts of the lyrics go as follows:

Hey Mister, where are you going in such a hurry

Don’t you think it’s time you realized

There’s a whole lot more to life than work and worry

The sweetest things in life are free

And they’re right before your eyes

CHORUS:

You’ve got to stop, and smell the roses

You’ve got to count your many blessings every day

You’re gonna find the way to Heaven is a rough and rocky road

If you don’t stop and smell the roses along the way

take advantage of: make use of sth well, properly

e.g. They took full advantage of the  hotel’s facilities.

    We should take advantage of the trade fair to advertise our product.

Task 1 5 minutes

Objective: Ss can understand the passage and answer the questions.

Steps:

• Ss do Task 1.

• Ask Ss to work individually.

• Check the answers.

Suggested Answers

1. They are the goals you will achieve and the methods you will use to achieve them.

2. The first thing to do is to find the locals as your resource.

3. You can buy him dinner if you have expense account money.

4. Because you’ve worked very hard on your business objectives.

5. You can rent a car and explore the local haunts.

6. You will bring home successful business for your company and a nice set of new memories for yourself.

Task 2 5 minutes

Objective: Ss can decide whether the following statements are true or false according to the passage.

Steps:

• Ss read the passage.

• Ss complete the task.

• Ss compare their work with others.

• Select Ss to present their work.

Key

Key: 1. F    2. F    3. F    4. T    5. T

Language lab 45 minutes

             Task 1 5 minutes

Objective: Ss know the spelling and meaning of the words and expressions from Reading A.

Steps:

• Ss read Task 1.

• Allow Ss 5 minutes to do the task.

• Check the answers.

Key

Key: 

1. G   2. E   3. I   4. D   5. J   6. H   7. A   8. F   9. C   10. B  

             Task 2 10 minutes

Objective: Ss can use the words and expressions from Reading A.

Steps:

• Ss do Task 2.

• Ask Ss to work individually.

• Check the answers.

Answers 

1. entitled       2. amazing       3. attraction        4. itinerary

5. relaxation     6. locals         7. regional         8. transparent

9. deny        10. procedure

             Task 3 10 minutes

Objective: Ss can use the words and expressions from Reading A.

Steps:

• Ss do Task 3.

• Ask Ss to work individually.

• Check the answers.

Key:

1. We should take advantage of the favorable situation to develop our economy.

2. You are entitled to a higher salary with your educational background.

3. They used to spend the weekends in London and take in a movie or two.

4. How can we seek out a person fit for the job?

5. He put aside his work on the computer and went to answer a phone call.

             Task 4 10 minutes

Objective: Ss can express ideas in writing using the two models outlined for Task 4.

Steps:

• Read the models to Ss with an explanation if needed.

• Ss work in pairs.

• Check the answers.

Key: 

Model 1

1. I would rather rent the house than buy it right now.

2. They would rather try and fail than give up the plan.

3. Mary would rather travel by train than by plane.

Model 2

1. She is clever as well as beautiful.

2. I have to wash the dishes as well as cook the food.

3. He likes climbing mountains as well as swimming.

             Task 5 10 minutes

Objective: Ss can use the vocabulary in Reading A for translation.

Steps:

• Ss work individually or in pairs and translate the sentences.

• Ask two Ss to write their translations on the board.

• Comment briefly on their work with emphasis on the structures of their sentences.

Key:

1. You need to ensure that you are fully prepared for your future job.

2. With their help, we accomplished our task in the end.

3. Three months later, he finally secured a job with a large computer company.

4. The manager denied him the chance to explain.

5. Mr. Smith arrived just as we were setting out for the airport.

6. Mary put aside her work to help prepare for the meeting tomorrow.

7. We are all entitled to equal protection by the law.

8. They had different opinions regarding this project. 

Hours 4-5:

        Listening 45 minutes

             Task 1 5 minutes

Objective: Ss can accurately write down the correct information.

Script:

M: Northwind Airways, good morning. May I help you?

W: Yes, do you have any flights to Sydney next Tuesday afternoon?

M: One moment, please... Yes. There’s one flight at 4:45 p.m. and one at 6:00 p.m.

W: That’s fine. Could you tell me how much it costs?

M: Economy, business or first class?

W: Economy, please.

M: That would be $246.

W: OK. Could I make a reservation?

M: Certainly. Which flight would you like?

W: The 4∶45, please.

M: Could I have your name, please?

W: My name is Mary Jones, that’s M-A-R-Y J-O-N-E-S.

M: How would you like to pay, Ms. Jones?

W: Can I pay at the check-in desk where I pick up my ticket?

M: Yes, but you will have to confirm this reservation at least two days before the departure time.

W: I see.

M: Now you have been booked, Ms. Jones. The flight leaves at 4∶45 p.m., and your arrival in Sydney will be at 9∶25 a.m., local time. The flight number is NWA 476.

W: Thank you.

Key

Key:

             Task 2 10 minutes

Objective: Ss can accurately write down the missing information.

Script:

W: Good morning, The Four Seasons. Can I help you?

M: Yes, I’d like to book a table for two for this weekend, March 28.

W: What time do you like your table?

M: At 7∶30 on Friday evening.

W: Fine! I’ll reserve a table for two at 7∶30 p.m. May I have your name, please?

M: Please book it under the name of Mr. Wilson. By the way, is there any chance of a table by the window?

W: I see. But since we have received many bookings, I can’t guarantee anything. Please be assured that we’ll try our best. I hope you’ll understand.

M: I do, but I’ll appreciate it if it could be arranged.

W: I’ll try my best. So, it’s Mr. Wilson, a table for two on this Friday evening. The guests are coming at 7∶30. OK?

M: That’s right.

W: May I have your phone number? 

M: 9-7-3-6-2-1-8-1-2-8.

W: We’ll keep that table for you until 8∶00. You know it’s always busy at the weekend. Thank you for calling us. Goodbye.

M: Goodbye.

Key:

             Task 3 10 minutes

Objective: Ss can accurately tick off the items according to the conversation.

Script:

W: Good morning, Delta Airline ticket office. How can I help you?

M: Good morning. I booked an open ticket and my travel agent told me that I should confirm the ticket before I fly.

W: Yes, the airline requires the passengers to confirm their open tickets 72 hours before their intended traveling. Would you like to confirm your ticket now?

M: Yes, please.

W: Can I have your name, please?

M: The name is Shan Wang, which is spelled S-H-A-N, and W-A-N-G.

W: And your ticket number is?

M: It’s PDK08065325.

W: When do you wish to fly?

M: I plan to fly on July 6. Do you have any tickets available on that day?

W: Let me see. Your flight is from Rome to Shanghai, and we have tickets available on July 6. Would you like to book it now?

M: Yes, please.

W: So your flight is DA1687 from Rome to Shanghai on July 6, Mr. Wang.

M: Thank you.

W: Thanks for calling. Have a nice trip!

Key:

             Task 4 10 minutes

Objective: Ss can decide whether the statements are true or false

Ss can understand the conversation and choose the best answer.

Script:

W: Bruno’s.

M: Hi, I’m calling from NikaInfo Corporation. We would like to hold a business lunch at your restaurant.

W: Oh, certainly. I’m Linda, the manager. I can help you with that. How many will there be at your party?

M: There will be about 18 people.

W: OK. For a party that size, we have a separate banquet room in the back.

M: Is there an extra charge for the room?

W: No, as long as you can guarantee at least 15 guests, there is no extra charge.

M: That’s great. I’d like to go ahead and reserve the room, then, for Friday, December 2, at around noon. This is a retirement party and we would like to bring a cake for the guest of honor and some bottles of champagne. Will that be acceptable?

W: The cake is no problem at all, but we do charge a fee of $15 a bottle for any alcohol not purchased from the restaurant.

M: Oh, that’s fine.

W: Great. I’ll have the banquet room reserved for lunch for NikaInfo Corporation on the 2nd of December. May I have your name and contact information?

M: Sure. I’m Jeff Tucker and my number is 323- 555-6840, extension 42.

W: Thanks, Mr. Tucker. I’ll give you a call a week in advance to confirm the arrangements.

M: Sounds good. Thanks for your help.

W: Thank you for choosing Bruno’s. We look forward to seeing you on the 2nd.

Key

Key:  

1. F 15                      2. T

3. F any alcohol not purchased from the restaurant/no extra charge     

4. F a week

             Task 5 10 minutes

Objective: Ss can accurately write down the missing information.

Script & Key:

Are you one of those people who are afraid of buying plane tickets online, and would rather call the airlines and talk to a “real live person”? It is understandable that the airlines are encouraging us to book online rather than over the phone, because it can save them money and the benefits to the customers can be significant too. Booking online can be an easy and rewarding experience, if done the right way.

A search for “cheap plane tickets” or similar will bring up dozens of well-known websites. These websites are fairly straightforward to use—you key in your departure and destination city, dates and number of passengers. After a few seconds’ wait, you have your results on the screen in front of you. Check the results carefully as you may have dozens of different flight options to choose from. The cheapest flight option is usually displayed first at the top of the screen with successive options ranging in price.

Apart from the actual price, you may want to consider other aspects too, such as the time of day of your flight as well as the dates of travel—all of this can make a huge difference to the airfare. Sometimes it pays to travel at “inconvenient times” such as early morning or overnight. You can also get a discount on airline tickets by flying on the day of a major holiday.

Speaking 45 minutes

Task 6 20minutes

Objective: Ss can complete information by practicing.

Suggested Answer:

1. A: Peace Airlines. May I help you?

B: Yes, do you have any flights/what flights do you have from New York to Boston tomorrow morning?

2. A: Do you want a one-way or round-way ticket, please?

   B: One way, please.

3. A: Good morning, Grand Hotel. Can I help you?

B: Yes, I would like to book/reserve a banquet room at your hotel.

4. A: Which section would you prefer? Economy, business or first class?

   B: Economy, please.

5. A: I have reserved a table for you at 7:00. May I have your name, please?

   B: Sure. Please book it under the name of Mark Edwards.

             Task 7 25 minutes

Objective: Ss are able to practice booking plane tickets over the telephone.

Steps:

• Ss read Task 6.

• Ss work in pairs, one as a travel agent and the other as a customer.

Key: (Omitted)

Hours 6-7:

        Reading B   45 minutes

             New words   5 minutes

Objective: Ss can get familiar with the new words and expressions, etc.

Steps:

• Ss listen to the new words and expressions, etc.

• Ss read the new words and expressions, etc.

             Fast reading       20 minutes

Objective: Ss can comprehend Reading B.

Steps:

• Ss read the passage.

• Provide help if needed.

             Task 1   10 minutes

Objective: Ss can decide whether the following statements are true or false according to the passage.

Steps:

• Ss read the passage.

• Ss complete the task.

• Ss compare their work with others.

• Select Ss to present their work.

Key

Key: 1. F    2. T    3. T    4. T    5. F

             Task 2   10 minutes

Objective: Ss can comprehend the specific information taken from the passage.

Steps:

• Ss read the passage.

• Ss complete the task.

• Ss compare their work with others.

• Select Ss to present their work.

Key: 1. D    2. E    3. C    4. A    5. B

        Writing   45 minutes

             Task 1   15 minutes

Objective: Ss can get familiar with the style of letter of appreciation.

Steps:

• Ss do the task individually.

• Ss compare with each other’s answers.

• Provide help if needed.

• Present the answers.

Suggested Answers

Dear Barbara,

Thank you very much for the scarf. It was just what I wanted for Christmas!

Its color seems to suit me so much that I have already received some compliments when wearing it. And the embroidery on it, so beautiful! Every time I wear the scarf I will think of you and your thoughtfulness.

Thank you, once again, for your lovely Christmas gift and your kind thoughts. Happy New Year!

Sincerely,

Mary

             Task 2   15 minutes

Objective: Ss can get familiar with some expressions of letter of appreciation.

Steps:

• Ss do the task individually.

• Ss compare with each other’s answers.

• Provide help if needed.

• Present the answers.

Key: 

1. they reminded me of all the nice things you’ve done for me

2. both pleasant and memorable

3. they bring me back to those good old days again and again

4. When you put your arms around me on my aunt’s funeral

5. this will be the beginning of a long-term cooperation for mutual benefits

             Task 3                                   15 minutes

Objective: Ss can get familiar with the style of letter of appreciation.

Steps:

• Ss do the task individually.

• Ss compare with each other’s answers.

• Provide help if needed.

• Present the answers.

Key: (Omitted)

Hour 8:

       Mini-Project   40 minutes

Objective: Ss can know how to prepare some gifts for international business, etc.

Steps:

• Grouping. Divide the class into groups.

• Defining the project. Go through the project with the class and clarify requirements. Remind Ss to pay attention to the gift-giving etiquette in different cultures.

• Timing & cooperation. Give Ss the deadline for completion and guidelines on working together.

• Presentation. Ss present their evidence for completion. In this project, they need to show their choice of gifts by doing a PPT presentation or using other methods of performance. Ask them to do it after studying the whole unit.

       Quiz   5 minutes