Class 1

Reading: Advertising comprehension: False Advertising


Vocab: Advertising vocab match-up

Watch these adverts:

John Smith: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eG4OaZetqyg

Dyson: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CatkHM4MRrA

What product are they trying to sell?
What tactics are used in each one?
Who is the target audience?
What 'atmosphere' are they trying to create in the advert?
Is there a jingle?
Is the logo / slogan visible?
How effective do you think the adverts are?

Speaking: In pairs you are going to come up with a concept for an advertisement. 

You will have to think of:
A slogan
Form of advert (TV, radio, poster.. )
Target audience
Advert storyline

You will present your concept to the rest of the class as if to a boardroom of marketing executives

The 'executives' will vote for the best advert

Grammar:

Countable and uncountable nouns - What are the rules?

Explanation: Click here

Practice: Click here


Listening practice

Lead-in: How important is money to you? / Do you live to work or work to live?   /  Have you ever struggled to make ends meet?

Listening: Working could kill us!

According to the text, which characteristics define lower skilled jobs?
How many people were surveyed?
What three factors have an even greater impact on health than working?
The article says that stress at work is avoidable. True or false?.


Reading and Business Vocab: Work / Life Balance

Work-life balance refers to the balance between a person's career and his personal life. Many people work longer hours and use fewer vacation days, in part because of globalization, outsourcing, and a loss of job security. As a result, employees have less time for personal interests, personal development, and family. Reduced productivity, depression, high levels of stress, and burnout result from such an imbalance.

Although the employee makes the choice to work longer hours, the corporate culture is also responsible. Companies should educate their workers on the importance of a healthy work-life balance. It's also helpful to provide flex time, maternity and paternity leave, telecommuting, or even recreation or exercise facilities. If they don't, people will become money-rich, time-poor.

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Preview the lesson material:

Warm Up: Discuss the question with your partner for five minutes.

1. How many hours do you work each week? Is this a lot? Why do/don't you think so?

Comprehension Questions: Answer the questions before/after your read the article.

1. People work longer hours because they are worried about their jobs.  T / F
2. Employees might ignore personal interests if there is a poor work-life balance. T / F
3. Only the company is responsible for overwork. T/F
4. All employees should have flex time and recreation facilities. T/F

Discuss: Discuss these questions with a partner. Remember to support your answers.

1. Were you surprised by any of the information in the article? Why/not?
2. What are the working conditions at your office/place of employment?
3. What would make your play of employment a more enjoyable place to work?