Grammar
Despite ___ unusual circumstances, the company managed to increase its profits.
a) a
b) an
c) the
d) no article
Answer: the
Explanation:
“The” is used before specific, unique, or previously mentioned nouns. “Unusual circumstances” here refers to particular events affecting the company, so “the unusual circumstances” is correct.
What do we call someone who buys and sells goods?
A trader
What’s a polite way to ask someone to repeat something in a meeting?
Possible Answer: “Could you say that again, please?”
What does “on the same page” mean?
To have the same understanding or agreement.
BONUS
BONUS
Of all the candidates, Maria performed ___ (well) under pressure, which impressed the interviewers most.
Answer: best
Explanation:
We are comparing more than two items (“all the candidates”), so we use the superlative form. The superlative of “well” is “best”. This is trickier because people often try to use the comparative “better.”
Choose the correct collocation: “take / make / do a decision.
Make a decision
Give one professional way to refuse a request politely.
“I’m afraid I can’t at the moment, but I’ll let you know if that changes.”
Explain “in the loop.”
Being included or informed about a situation.
When is it appropriate to use “madam” in a business conversation?
Answer:
“Madam” is used as a polite form of address for a woman, especially in formal emails, letters, or speaking to someone you don’t know
Explanation:
It is similar to “sir” for men. For example, in emails: “Dear Madam, I am writing to inquire about…” ESL learners often overuse “miss” or “mrs,” but “madam” is neutral and formal.
Choose the correct form: “I’ve worked / I worked here since 2019.”
I’ve worked here since 2019
What’s the difference between job, work, and career?
Job = specific position; work = general activity; career = professional life over time.
What phrase could you use to summarize your point in a disussion?
You cannot use: To sum up, to summarise, To conclude
Possible answers: In brief, In short
What does “get the ball rolling” mean?
To start something, especially a project or meeting.
To save face means to avoid embarrassment or maintain respect in front of others, especially after a mistake or disagreement.
Answer:
To save face means to avoid embarrassment or maintain respect in front of others, especially after a mistake or disagreement.
Example:
If a manager gently corrects an employee’s error privately instead of publicly, the manager is helping the employee save face.
Explanation:
This expression is common in cross-cultural business communication, particularly in East Asian contexts. ESL learners often misunderstand it literally, thinking it refers to appearance.
Correct the sentence: “I didn’t used to like meetings.”
Should be “I didn’t use to like meetings.”
What does the phrase “career path” mean?
The series of jobs and roles someone has during their professional life.
Correct this informal email sentence: “Send me the file ASAP!”
“Could you please send me the file as soon as possible?”
What does “the bottom line” mean in business?
The most important point or the financial result.
What does “power distance” refer to in a workplace, and why is it important for international business?
In high power-distance cultures, employees may hesitate to speak directly to a CEO, while in low power-distance cultures, open communication is encouraged.
He admitted ___ (make) a mistake, but no one expected him to apologize publicly.
Answer: making
Explanation:
After verbs like “admit,” “avoid,” “consider”, we use the -ing form. So, “admitted making a mistake” is correct.
Explain the term Stepping Stone
A stepping stone is something that helps you progress toward a goal. It’s usually a smaller, intermediate step that makes reaching a bigger objective easier.
Getting an internship can be a stepping stone to a full-time job.
You’re in a meeting and someone keeps interrupting. What’s a polite way to regain the floor?
“If I could just finish my point…” / “Let me continue for a moment, please.”
Explain “to cut corners” and give an example.
To do something quickly or cheaply, sacrificing quality. Example: The company cut corners on safety equipment.
What does it mean to “freshen up” in a business context?
Explanation:
In business meetings, people sometimes say, “I need to freshen up,” before a presentation or important meeting. ESL learners often confuse it with resting or sleeping, but it refers specifically to improving appearance briefly.