Introduction

This unit, “Companies”, is intended to describe the different parts of a company, the departments, the workplace setting, the workforce and some of the activities that usually take place in companies. You are going to learn vocabulary and expressions used at work, and learn about the structure of formal and informal emails, by reading some examples, and some tips for writing formal and informal emails.

The unit has three separate sections. In each of them there are texts, conversations, grammar reference, and a writing section. After the texts, there is a table with the new vocabulary. In every section there are conversations and useful vocabulary used in communicative contexts. There is also a writing section, which includes explanations and multiple examples, such as emails, or letters. There is a revision of basic grammar rules with examples and exercises. You can revise the grammar and at the same time learn helpful vocabulary used in the administrative field.

In the first section, “Profiles”, you will meet three different characters and read about their life and work. You will learn how to introduce yourself and others in formal and informal contexts, and ask and give personal information. You will also see some examples of informal emails.

In the second section, “Workplace setting”, there is the description of an office. You will learn how to describe different settings, and how to give directions. At the end of the section you will see a business letter and its layout. And finally, you will learn about connectors and punctuation.

In the third section, “Main Departments in a Company”, there is a brief description of the most common departments in a company. We will meet Samantha Oliver, and read about her daily routine. You will get familiar with the adverbs of frequency, telling the time, and other expressions related to time, how to say the years, etc. We will learn about Samantha’s work in the Purchase Department, read some emails related to an urgent order, and a phone conversation. You will learn some expressions used in phone conversations.

All characters appearing in this work are fictitious. They are serving the purpose of showing plausible contexts and situations which students of administrative management might encounter, thus, providing them with helpful vocabulary and resources to use in a real workplace situation.

Each unit has a central theme and it provides information and examples set in business contexts with the aim of giving the students the tools to develop their language skills in their workplace. Furthermore, there are exercises and activities online to practise the contents of the unit.

We wish you every success in your professional life!