Business English

Students should have a B1 level of English (according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages).

The adopted methodology is student-centred, with a strong practical and communicative component, following the principles of a task-based approach. It includes the following strategies:

• Task-based learning: each unit is developed around communicative tasks with real-world application (e.g., writing an email, preparing a presentation, participating in a meeting).
• Contextualised grammar teaching: grammatical content is introduced progressively and applied in authentic communicative situations.
• Use of authentic materials: incorporation of excerpts from emails, agendas, brochures, and other real business documents.
• Integration of Artificial Intelligence tools: students are guided to use generative AI ethically and responsibly to support written production and vocabulary development.
• Collaborative work and oral presentations: development of interpersonal and communication skills through group activities.

Objectives:

• To develop advanced language skills in business and management contexts.
• To prepare students for real-life professional communication, both nationally and internationally.
• To foster the autonomous production of business documents and formal presentations, ensuring linguistic adequacy and precision.

Skills:

• Writing reports, proposals, and technical business documents in English.
• Delivering structured and effective oral communication in professional contexts, including meetings, presentations, and negotiations.
• Mastery of technical vocabulary and grammatical structures relevant to business and management.
• Independent and critical use of language tools and digital resources in business contexts.

Week 1
Topic: Introduction to Business English in Management Contexts
Grammar Content: Modal verbs of obligation and permission; revision of verb tenses
Activity: Initial language skills diagnostic

Week 2
Topic: Organisational Structure and Company Departments
Grammar Content: Present Simple vs Present Continuous
Formative Task: Business vocabulary quiz

Week 3
Topic: Human Resource Management: Recruitment, Roles and Responsibilities
Grammar Content: Question forms; Passive voice
Formative Task: Matching activity: job roles and descriptions

Week 4
Topic: Internal Business Communication Techniques
Grammar Content: Reported speech; formal structures
Formative Task: Writing a formal email

Week 5
Topic: Marketing and Promotion of Products and Services
Grammar Content: Comparatives and superlatives; adjectives and adverbs
Formative Task: Gap-fill activity using specialised vocabulary

Week 6
Topic: Business Finance: Technical Vocabulary in Financial Reporting
Grammar Content: Past Simple vs Present Perfect
Assessment Moment: Grammar and Vocabulary Test (20%)

Week 7
Topic: Operations Management and Supply Chain
Grammar Content: Conditionals (0, 1, 2)
Formative Task: Logistics-themed grammar quiz

Week 8
Topic: Decision-Making and Business Leadership
Grammar Content: Modal verbs of deduction and speculation
Assessment Moment: Individual Written Test (30%)

Week 9
Topic: Time Management, Scheduling and Meeting Organisation
Grammar Content: Future forms (will, going to, Present Continuous)
Formative Task: Preparation of a formal meeting agenda

Week 10
Topic: Internationalisation and Global Trade
Grammar Content: Relative clauses; vocabulary expansion
Formative Task: Vocabulary activity on globalisation

Week 11
Topic: Writing Management Reports
Grammar Content: Nominalisations; passive structures
Assessment Moment: Written Business Report (20%)

Week 12
Topic: Business Ethics and Corporate Social Responsibility
Grammar Content: Discourse markers; linking devices
Formative Task: Group discussion using technical vocabulary

Week 13
Topic: SWOT Analysis and Strategic Planning
Grammar Content: Verb patterns; language of speculation
Formative Task: SWOT report gap-fill exercise

Week 14
Topic: Preparation of Oral Presentations
Grammar Content: Language for presentations; sequencing expressions
Activity: Rehearsals with structured feedback

Week 15
Topic: Formal Business Report Presentations
Assessment Moment: Final Oral Presentation (30%)

NAO