English Teaching Professional - Issue 21 October 2001

Business Listening and Speaking

Each unit is packed with useful language practice

As the title suggests, this is a business skills book with a focus on listening and speaking. It is aimed at in-work intermediate students, but could also be adapted for those still at school or college.

At first glance, the book seems visually a little dull, but don't let this put you off as it offers a lot of variety. It comprises 15 units which cover the expected themes of meetings, negotiations, etc., but also contains several new additions, such as business technology.

Each unit is packed with useful language practice. This takes the form of two main listening tasks and speaking activities with further follow-up activities. The speaking activities are varied, stimulating and open-ended. They are often linked to previous listenings to encourage recycling, though many of them can also be used independently. The listenings contain a mixture of short and long scripts and incorporate challenging language, though they do not always sound very authentic. The book is designed to be used with a teacher, but it could also work as self-study material. Whilst my initial impression was that it didn't seem very inviting, I found it extremely clear and easy for teachers and students to find their way around.

There are a number of appealing elements:
* a feature which runs through the book called the 'listening clinic'. In each unit phonology is dealt with in isolation to enhance intensive listening skills.
*tapescript and clear answer key, enabling students to study independently
* references in each unit to a supporting website
* well organized note taking space for each unit at the back of the book

All in all, this package is a useful tool for any serious motivated student of Business English at an intermediate level.

Fiona Dunlop
London, U.K.

Business Speaking & Listening
by Maurice Jamall and Bruce Wade

Textbook
ISBN 1-896942-09-1
¥2,450

Audio CD set (2 discs)
ISBN 1-896942-10-5
¥3,500

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