Unit 3. Session 1.- Internal business communication.

Situation

Mr. Johnson sends Eva the following RR Ltd. Memo (or Memorandum) about NewTech Software Issues.

To: All Staff

From: Mr Parker, CEO

Date: November 21, 2021

Subject: NewTech Software Issues

It has come to my attention that many employees are having trouble using our recently acquired NewTech sales management software because it currently creates duplicate client entries. Some of you have stopped using the system altogether. We want this software to help you do your jobs better, not to take up more time. Therefore, it is fine to hold off using it until we resolve the technical issues with NewTech staff.

P.S.: NewTech Software is an IT department outsourced company.

A memo, or memorandum, is one of the most common forms of business communication.

A memorandum, more commonly known as a memo, is a short message or record used for internal communication in a business. Once the primary form of internal written communication, memorandums have declined in use since the introduction of email and other forms of electronic messaging.

While there are many types of business letter formats, the format of a memo is entirely different to other formats. A salutation and signature are no longer necessary, because the point is to convey needed information or communicate a call to action as quickly and efficiently as possible.

A well-written formal letter is made up of basic parts that you can check in the work unit 2, but the format of a memo is much simpler.

Think about it

Write in the forum:

What do you think about Mr. Johnson´s memo?
Do you find it useful?
Can you think of other interesting ideas to be more eﬃcient to write in this memo?

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1. A common office communication format: The Memo.

Situation

Eva sees Mr. Johnson in his department asks him a question: "I have just read your email but what´s a memo, Mr. Johnson?"

Mr. Johnson answers Eva: "In order to make interoffice communications easier, we use memos about company policies. Please put this format into practice immediately, Eva. You have to improve in this aspect because you use messages which are too colloquial messages at work and the texts are too long".

Eva: Ok, Mr. Johnson but I am not used to sending memos, in fact I have never sent one.

Mr. Johnson: Eva, if you need to send us a memo, remember these rules:

Use short sentences.
Keep language professional, simple, brief and polite.
Clearly state the purpose of the memo in the subject line and in the first paragraph.
Use bullets (numbers are the most suitable) if a lot of information is conveyed.
Proofread before sending.
Address the memo to the person (or people) who will take action on the subject, and CC those who need to know about the action.
Attach additional information.

Notes So, a memo is a form of internal communication between people from the same office or organization. Memos are commonly used in place of notes or text messages, especially when the message needs a touch of formality. Memos have a twofold purpose: they bring attention to problems and they solve problems. Theoretically, all memos should be in paper form at least before, because nowadays many offices have adopted the electronic memo like emails as official correspondence.

In a memo a salutation and signature are no longer necessary, because the point is to convey needed information or communicate a call to action as quickly and efficiently as possible.

An effective memo must be brief yet complete, short, concise and highly organized. Memos need to be coherent, so the ideas have to be linked together with linking words. If it´s necessary you can attach a file.

Just as there are many rules about how to write a business letter, there are guidelines that you should generally try to follow when writing a memo, these are:

Parts of a memo:
- To: (Addressee´s or Readers' names and job titles).
- From: (Sender´s or Writer's name and job title).
- Date: 25 February, 2021.
- Subject: (it must be short, specific, concise and highly organized).
- Body of the message: a series of paragraphs where you develop the subject of the memo.

The Rules to write an effective Memo:

Use short sentences.
Keep language professional, simple, brief and polite.
Clearly state the purpose of the memo in the subject line and in the first paragraph.
Use bullets (numbers are the most suitable) if a lot of information is conveyed.
Proofread before sending.
Address the memo to the person (or persons) who will take action on the subject, and CC those who need to know about the action.
Attach additional information.

1.1. Memo simples.

While the format of a memo should generally stay the same, the tone and content can change depending on the audience. For example, a memo about organizing a summer picnic for the staff will have a much more cheerful tone than a memorandum informing everyone that the company has to skip raises due to a decrease in business.

Writing a memo is comparable to jumping up on a desk in the office to tell everyone they need to do something, so always write a memo The subject could range from a reminder to get expense reports turned in by the end of the month, to the need to make a final sales push before the end . Here are some examples of samples of formal memos in a company.

Translation

Feedback

Si bien el formato de una nota generalmente debe permanecer igual, el tono y el contenido pueden cambiar según la audiencia. Por ejemplo, un memo o memorando sobre la organización de un picnic de verano para el personal tendrá un tono mucho más alegre que un memorando informando a todos que la empresa tiene que suspender los aumentos de sueldo debido a un parón en el negocio.

Escribir un memo es comparable a subirse a un escritorio en la oficina para decirles a todos que tienen que hacer algo, así que siempre escriba un memo con la suposición de que cualquiera podría terminar leyéndolo. El tema puede variar desde un recordatorio para obtener informes de gastos entregados a finales de mes, hasta la necesidad de hacer un impulso final de ventas antes de que finalice el trimestre. Aquí tienes algunos ejemplos de muestras de memos formales en la empresa.

Sample Memo.

Here is a sample internal memo from a fictional publishing company informing employees about upcoming schedule changes due to a Thanksgiving holiday. Production could also have sent separate memos to separate departments as well, especially if there were more detail that each department needed and that wouldn't pertain to the other departments.

TO: All employees.

FROM: Mr. Johnson, CEO.

DATE: March 22, 2021.

SUBJECT: Thanks giving Print Schedule Change.

Production would like to remind everyone that the Thanksgiving holiday will affect our print deadlines this month. Any hard-copy pages that would normally go out to the printer via UPS on a Thursday or Friday during the week will need to go out by 3 p.m. on Wednesday, March 24.

Sample memo.

TO: Susan Mellior, Marketing Executive.
FROM: Anne Callaghan, Market Research Assistant.
DATE: October 12, 2021.
SUBJECT: Fall Clothes Line Promotion.

Market research and analysis show that the proposed advertising media for the new lines need to be reprioritized and changed. Findings from focus groups and surveys have made it apparent that we need to update our advertising efforts to align them with the styles and trends of young adults today. No longer are young adults interested in sitcoms as they watch reality televisions shows. Also, it has become increasingly important to use the Internet as a tool to communicate with our target audience to show our dominance in the clothing industry.

If we refocus our advertising efforts of the new line of clothing, we will be able to maximize the exposure of our product to our target market and therefore increase our sales.

1.2. Now it´s your turn.

Now it's your turn

Look at an extract from a memo and complete it with the following words.

return / trade show / Let's / meeting / discuss / such / FROM / SUBJECT / days / location / received / know / feedback / leads / you

TO: Trade Show Team
Cloze (1): JXUwMDFlJXUwMDE0JXUwMDFkJXUwMDAy : C.C. Jones, Marketing Supervisor
DATE: July 10, 2020.
Cloze (2): : Trade Show Return Meeting

Upon your Cloze (3): to work Friday, July 20, from the Cloze (4): , let's plan a noon lunch meeting in the east wing meeting room to go over how the show went. Let's plan to discuss what worked well and what didn't, Cloze (5): as:

Number of Cloze (6): JXUwMDNjJXUwMDA1JXUwMDE4JXUwMDBh in attendance.
Amount and types of marketing materials provided.
Booth displays.
How the giveaways were Cloze (7): .
The Cloze (8): of the booth and traffic at different times of day.
What sparked interest in passersby.
Booth staffing levels.

I Cloze (9): JXUwMDMzJXUwMDA1JXUwMDAxJXUwMDE4 that when you get back from a trade show you have a million things to follow up on, so we will keep the meeting to 90 minutes or less. Please come prepared with your feedback and constructive criticism on the marketing aspects of the show. Existing-customer Cloze (10): and new customer Cloze (11): will be covered in a separate meeting with product and sales teams. Thank Cloze (12): JXUwMDIxJXUwMDE2JXUwMDFh for your work at the show.

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Now it's your turn

Look at an extract from a memo and complete it with the following words.

also / first of all / although / in consequence / to sum up / otherwise

TO: All employees.
FROM: Mr. Johnson, CEO.
DATE: 5 June 2020.
SUBJECT: Problems in the website design department.

Cloze (1): we have agreed to try to cut down on staff, there are some problems in the website design department. Cloze (2): , the person in charge of updating the website is also in charge of managing the department email. Cloze (3): , when many people write to ask for information, and Cloze (4): JXUwMDM5JXUwMDBkJXUwMDFmJXUwMDFj require updated information from the website, she is unable to perform both tasks. Cloze (5): , I suggest we try to reorganise her job to improve efficiency, Cloze (6): our website will never be updated and our emails will not be answered.

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2. Customer services. Usefull language.

Situation

office Eva was talking to her first foreign client, a British lady in her 50s. Mr. Johnson heard how Eva addresses her using excessively familiar expressions. So Mr. Johnson decided to correct her and apologize to the client.

After Eva had finished talking to the woman, Mr. Johnson gave her for basic guidelines to follow in socio-professional relationships with clients.

Mr. Johnson: "Have you heard of customer service?" This is a global company, so we have meetings with people from different nationalities and each one has to be treated differently, you know?

Eva: "I’m sorry, I had no idea. I’ll do it better next time, I promise".

Eva does not know what her job involves yet because she is a trainee and she has no experience.

Customer service is the support you offer your customers both before and after they buy and use your products or services that helps them have an easy and enjoyable experience with you. Offering amazing customer service is important if you want to retain customers and grow your business.

Useful language about partner´s questions.
Introducing yourself.	Hello everyone, my name´s Charles Polis. I´m Sales Manager at RR Company. Good morning, I´m Steve Peterson, Director of Human Resources, RR Company.
Stating your aim.	My purpose today is to talk to you about our company. Today, I´d like to talk about our new projects.
Outlining the presentation.	First, I´ll give you some basic information. Next, I´ll talk about our products. Then, I´ll discuss the reasons for our success. Finally, I´ll tell you about our advertising and marketing.
Introducing new information.	Here are some basic facts. Here are some key facts about our company. I would suggest / I recommend To avoid a similar inconvenience in future I request you to ... I completely understand your situation ..
Changing to new section of the talk.	Moving on now to our mission. OK/right. What about our distribution system?
Ending the presentation.	Thanks very much for listening to my presentation. Thanks for coming to my talk. Are there any questions?

Now it's your turn

Fill in gaps with the correct and most appropriate word in each case.

Customer Base / Customer Loyalty / Customer Service Training / Customer Description / Customer Service Representative

Cloze (1): .	Clientela.
Cloze (2): .	Fidelidad de una marca.
Cloze (3): .	Formación en servicio al cliente.
Cloze (4): .	Perfil del cliente.
Cloze (5): .	Representante del servicio al cliente.

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2.1. Habits in human and socio-professional relationships.

In order to be able to talk about the socio-professional relationships that are established in a company, either with clients or among the workers or employers themselves, we will use the following vocabulary:

Human and socio - professional relationships.
Authority.	Autoridad.
Accountability.	Responsabilidad.
Network of interpersonal relationship.	Red de relaciones interpersonales.
Top management.	Alto mando.
Stable.	Invariable.
Offical communication.	Comunicación oficial.
Grapevine. (I heard it on the grapevine)	Rumor (coloquial), me lo ha dicho un pajarito.
Work performance.	Cumplimiento, rendimiento laboral.
Systematic working.	Trabajo sistemático.
Chain of command.	Cadena de mando.
Rules and regulation.	Reglamento.
Duties and responsibilities.	Deberes y responsabilidades.
Goals.	Objetivos.
Superior - Subordinate relationship.	Superior - relación de subordinación.
Cross cultural communication.	Comunicación intercultural.
Comfort zone.	Zona de confort.
Awkward silence.	Silencio incómodo.
Dialects.	Dialectos.

British people are very reserved and do not usually speak to strangers. However, there are many occasions when we must step out of our comfort zone and try to establish a conversation to avoid the typical awkward silence. It is necessary that we establish what is known as a "small talk", of shallow topics.

Likewise, it is very important to remember the courtesy rules seen in the unit 1 and 2. In the identification of the habits and rules communication with other people, knowledge of the different ways of speaking or dialects is also essential.

A dialect is the variety of English that differs from other varieties in terms of vocabulary, grammar, and phonology or accent. Some of the best-known regional accents are:

English dialects.
Hiberno English.	Inglés de Irlanda. Los irlandeses hablan con un acento cantarín, melodioso, que sube y baja y resulta muy agradable al oído.
Scottish.	Dialecto de Escocia. Quizás la característica más importante del acento escocés, y por la que todo el mundo lo distingue, es que sus /r/ suenan de un modo muy similar a la /r/ española. Es uno de los más difíciles de entender.
Welsh.	Dialecto de Gales. Quizás la mayor característica de su pronunciación en inglés es que tienen un constante ceceo, pero también hay que reconocer que vocalizan muy bien. Así que podríamos decir que es un inglés que resulta fácil de entender.
Estuary.	Se usa en Londres y otras zonas del sureste.
West Country.	Acentos del sur e Inglaterra. Se caracteriza por la pronunciación de la "r" después de todas las vocales.
Midlands English.	Son los acentos de las East Midlands y las West Midlands. Uno de los más famosos es el acento de Birmingham, que se conoce como Brumie, y se caracteriza por la apertura y relajación de la pronunciación.
Nothern England English.	Es el acento de ciudades como Manchester, Leeds y Liverpool.
Geordie.	Es el acento de Newcastle y del noroeste en general.
Mancunian.	Es el propio de la región de Manchester y alrededores. Se caracteriza principalmente, porque a menuda cortan las palabras.
Chav.	Es un acento muy vulgar propio de los jóvenes de Londres y el sur de Inglaterra. Lo contrario al acento posh (pijo).
Posh.	T écnicamente se llama ‘Upper Received Pronunciation’, coloquialmente denominado acento "pijo" que se asocia con la aristocracia de Inglaterra y también con algunas instituciones educativas, tales como Oxford y Cambridge.
Cockney.	La jerga rimada cockney (en inglés cockney rhyming slang) es una forma de expresión muy habitual en el inglés británico, especialmente en el habla de las clases populares de Londres, en concreto en las calles del *East End* donde frecuentan barrios obreros.Consiste en reemplazar una palabra de uso frecuente por otra que forma parte de una frase hecha que rima con ella, para luego eliminar la palabra que rima, que pasa a ser inferida. La sustitución tiene muchas veces un efecto humorístico por sus connotaciones. Ejemplos: jam = jam jar = car = coche bread = bread and honey = money = dinero Ejemplo de frase en cockney: Inglés: I ran out of money so I took my car back to my house = Me quedé sin dinero, así que volví a casa con el coche. Cockney: I ran out o´ bread so I took me jam back to me gaff

Now it's your turn

Solution

Wrong (Feedback)
Correct Option (Feedback)
Wrong (Feedback)
Wrong (Feedback)

Solution

Correct Option (Feedback)
Wrong (Feedback)
Wrong (Feedback)
Wrong (Feedback)

2.2. American people.

Today’s customer service goes far beyond the traditional telephone support agent. It’s available via email, web, text message, and social media. Many companies also provide self-service support, so customers can find their own answers at any time day or night. Customer support is more than just providing answers; it’s an important part of the promise your brand makes to its customers.

Whenever we deal with clients we must do it with all kindness and correctness in the treatment. the fact that a large number of companies maintain Whenever we deal with clients we must do it with all kindness and correctness in the treatment the fact that a large number of companies maintain assiduous relationships in foreign countries is not new today. On many occasions, the problem arises when negotiating with clients from other cultures. Thus, the greatest difficulty lies in the customs, protocol, expressions or gestures that for us are correct but that can be mistakenly understood in other cultures, resulting offensive.

Therefore, attending to different cultures, we find different habits and customs in business relationships. You can see characteristics of the cultures:

American culture

Hello! My name is Ada Jackson. I´m from North America and you should take into account the following when visiting the USA.

American meetings are casual and informal, sometimes they take place while having lunch, so you shouldn´t bow. Although they are not very formal, you should wear a smart suit, appearance is quite important for us. We are usually quite punctual but being fifteen minutes late is not considered rude.

Meetings with no clear aim will be considered a waste of time. Set clear goals which can and must be adhered to. Allow time clients for decisions. A meeting is expected to end in results. Be clear about the purpose of the meeting and what you want to accomplish.

You shouldn´t expect an American person to give you a business card in your first meeting, maybe next time. In a meeting, you should get straight to the point, for American people "time is money", so you should get straight to the point with them.

2.3. English people.

English culture

Hello! My name is Thomas Peterson and I´m from the UK. There are certain things you should bear in mind when having a meeting with British people.

As you know you must be very punctual. It is crucial as being late is considered rude. Physical appearance is also quite important, wearing a good suit and driving an expensive car would be quite positive. First impressions are sometimes decisive!

We usually work from 8:30 to 17:00 with a break for lunch, so you must be careful when arranging a meeting. When we meet someone, we normally shake hands and say "How do you do"? and then we normally exchange business cards that must be written in English, the international business language.

2.4. Japanese People.

You Should Know

Hello! My name is Misuki Aoyama and I´m from Japan. Maybe Japanese have the strictest rules of social and business behaviour.

Seniority is very important and so a young business person shouldn´t be sent to a business meeting with an older Japanese man. Business cards should be exchanged immediatly when we meet someone as our position in our company is essential. Those business cards must be given and received with both hands. You must read them carefully before keeping them in your business card holder, never inside a pocket.

You shouldn´t touch the name, as it is thought it contains a part of that person´s soul. Your business card should be written in English on one side and in the local language on the other. If the letters are in gold, it will be considered a sign of good luck. The oldest person will give his business card to the youngest first and never the other way around.

You shouldn´t expect the Japanese to shake hands. You should bow your head every time you meet someone and the first bow of the day should be lower than when you meet the same person later.

Behind the Stereotype, Japanese people seem to be shrouded in stereotypes like those in no other country. From vending machines to speaking toilets, from the shyness of people in Japan to their eccentric subculture fashion. They leave their cultural fingerprints all across the globe. Japan is known as a quirky, innovative country that is the source of many trend and inventions, some useful, others amusing.

2.5. Indiam People.

You Should Know

Hi! My name is Rahul Ghoshal and I am from India. Some piece of advice when visiting the India sub-continent can be the following:

Westerners may shake hands, however, you can also greet in India saying "namaste". Try not to touch anyone's head. The head is considered sensitive.

In India, we use our right hand only to touch someone, pass money or pick up merchandise. The left hand is considered unclean, so we never use our left hand for greeting, giving or receiving business cards.

We allow an arm's length space between ones and others. We value personal space, don't stand close to Indians. We normally shake hands to greet people but you mustn´t touch women, not even to greet them.

Business cards are exchanged and we are very conscious of the protocol. Always present business cards when introduced. English is appropriate for business cards.

Here people are so polite that when we have to give a negative answer, we don´t normally get straight to the point. Our meetings are usually long and slow, so don´t be impatient. For us those meetings take time! We are usually very hospitable and so you should drink or eat what you are offered at any time.

India is a difficult place to do business. It is a male-dominated society. Western or foreign women may be accepted, but they must establish their position and title immediately to warrant acceptance. Women might not be included in social events or conversation. Western women may invite an Indian man to a business lunch and pay the bill without embarrassment.

So, you will not find local women in high posts in our companies but it is common to find foreign women.

2.6. Now it´s your turn.

Now it's your turn

Fill in gaps with the following words where they best fit in each case:

American

Japanese

India

British

You should get straight to the point with Cloze (1): people.
You should drink or eat what you are offered when you visit Cloze (2): .
When you meet an Cloze (3): person, you shouldn´t bow.
A younger person shouldn´t be sent to complete a meeting with an older Cloze (4): person.
In meeting with a Cloze (5): person, you must be punctual.
You must bow every time you meet a Cloze (6): person.
You mustn´t use your left hand to exchange business cards with someone from Cloze (7): .

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3. How to make questions in English.

Think About It

Look at the following questions. Do you remember what the word order in questions is? What is different about question 3? Where is do or does in question 3?

Does he like jazz?
Why do you want to learn English?
Who wrote Romeo and Juliet?

Feedback

Usually, word order in questions is as follows:
(Question word) + auxiliary verb + subject + main verb?

When the question word is the subject of the question, often with WHO, we omit the auxiliary verb (do/does).

3.1. Questions: forms

When learning a language you soon need to ask a lot of questions. This is what we are learning here, to ask questions. Curiosity may have killed the cat, but I'm sure it's good for you.

Wh- questions begin with a question word (Whose / Who / What / Which / When/ Where/ Why / How).
- Whose is used to ask about possession.
  - Whose is that house? It's Katie's.
- Who is used without a noun to ask about people or someone´s identity.
  - Who do you want to see? The CEO.
- What is used alone or before a noun to ask about things.
  - What time did you get up on Monday? / What are you doing?
- What is also used to talk about people, animals or things when there is an unlimited choice of answers.
  - What countries have you visited?
- Which is used alone, before nouns, before one/ones or before of, to ask about people, animals or things. It is normally used when there is only a limited choice of answers.
  - Which is our rental car?
  - Which option do you like best, train or coach?
- Where is used to ask about places.
  - Where is the nearest bank?
- When is used to ask about time.
  - When is he arriving?
- Why is used to ask about reasons.
  - Why do you recommend local restaurants?
- How is used alone or before an adjective or an adverb to ask about manner.
  - How did you get to Paris? By train.
  - How old are you? Thirty-five.
  - How long ago did you start work? Three years ago.
  - How often do you travel abroad? Four times a year at least.
- How much is used to ask for the quantity of an uncountable name.
  - How much fish do crocodiles eat?
- How many is used to ask for the quantity of any countable name.
  - How many bananas do gorillas eat?
Questions with yes/no answers begin with an auxiliary or modal verb (is, are, do, does, can...) followed by the subject. We usually answer these questions with yes or no.
- Can Sarah type letters? Yes, she can.
- Does Mr. Johnson work for British Corporation? No, he doesn't.
Negative questions are formed with not, but there is a difference in the word order between the short form and the full form.
- Short form: auxiliary+n' t +subject+verb.
  - Don't they like the working hours?
We use negative questions in speech.
- To ask for confirmation.
  - This is a great pub! Wouldn't it be nice to come here more often?
- To express surprise, admiration or annoyance.
  - Don't you know how to make a reservation?
  - Isn't Katie a great account manager?
  - Can't you be quiet for one minute?

3.2. Pronunciation. Intonation in questions.

Did you know that asking questions with the right intonation is the key to understanding and being understood?

Questions can be pronounced with the voice going up at the end or going down at the end.

Normally questions with yes/no answers have a rising intonation, that is, the speaker stresses the ending of the question. ↑
Wh- questions have a falling intonation and the speaker stresses the beginning of the question. ↓

A Step Ahead

In this video you can improve your intonation in questions:

Summary text

You Should Know

Let's practise the intonation in questions and answers. You can visit the following website, listen to the questions and answers and repeat.

Intonation in questions.

A Step Ahead

Intonation is quite complex. To find out more about it, visit the following website.

Pronunciation tips from bbclearningenglish

3.3. Subject/Object questions.

Subject and object questions may sound confusing but in reality it is quite simple.

Object questions are questions we ask when we want to know the object of the sentence. If the question word is not the subject of the sentence, we use the auxiliary verb. Question Word + auxiliary verb + subject + main verb?
- How often do you have coffee?
- Where does he live?
We ask subject questions when we want to know the subject of the sentence. If the question word is the subject of the sentence, we don't use the auxiliary verb (without do/does). Question Word + main verb?
- Who works at the Paris office?
- Which costs more, the red or the white?
In Object questions if a verb is followed by a preposition, the preposition usually comes at the end of the sentence.
- Where are you from?

Translation

3.4. Now put it into practice (I).

Now it's your turn

Fill in the gaps with the correct word.

Cloze (1): JXUwMDBmJXUwMDNmJXUwMDA5JXUwMDE1 is your surname?
Cloze (2): JXUwMDEwJXUwMDI3JXUwMDE4 do you spell the company name?
Cloze (3): does Katie live?
Cloze (4): JXUwMDBmJXUwMDNmJXUwMDA5JXUwMDE1 does he do?
Cloze (5): JXUwMDBmJXUwMDNmJXUwMDBkJXUwMDBi were you born, in 1988?
Cloze (6): in Spain were you born?
Cloze (7): JXUwMDEwJXUwMDI3JXUwMDE4 Cloze (8): JXUwMDM0JXUwMDAzJXUwMDAxJXUwMDA5 have you been waiting?
Cloze (9): JXUwMDEwJXUwMDI3JXUwMDE4 Cloze (10): JXUwMDM1JXUwMDE4JXUwMDE2JXUwMDBi money has Marie got?
Cloze (11): JXUwMDEwJXUwMDI3JXUwMDE4 Cloze (12): JXUwMDM1JXUwMDBjJXUwMDBmJXUwMDE3 brothers or sisters have you got?
Cloze (13): JXUwMDEwJXUwMDI3JXUwMDE4 Cloze (14): JXUwMDM1JXUwMDBjJXUwMDBmJXUwMDE3 people registered for the course you are attending?
Cloze (15): JXUwMDBmJXUwMDNmJXUwMDA3 are you going with?
Cloze (16): JXUwMDBmJXUwMDNmJXUwMDA5JXUwMDE1 does your classmate look like?
Cloze (17): of these two briefcases is yours?
Cloze (18): is this passport?
Cloze (19): JXUwMDBmJXUwMDNmJXUwMDEx does Sarah like learning German?

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Now it's your turn

Fill in the gaps with the correct word.

Cloze (1): ? We went to St. James´s Piccadilly district in the City of Westminster.
Cloze (2): ? We had a business meeting.
Cloze (3): ? We came back on 21rd May.
Cloze (4): ? I went with the sales manager.
Cloze (5): ? Our partner John arranged everything.
Cloze (6): ? There were about 50 people.
Cloze (7): ? They were writing a memo.
Cloze (8): ? We went there by car.
Cloze (9): ? Yes, I used to go camping every summer.
Cloze (10): ? He's upset because he didn't get a promotion.

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4. Grammar: Past simple vs. Present perfect.

Think about it

Read the following sentences and answer what's the main difference between them?

My boss purchased new computers for the office last week.
We have had the same computers in the office for ten years.

Translation

Click here to read the Spanish version.

As we studied in unit number 2, we use the simple past to talk about complete actions. Examples:
- We travelled to London last week.
- Mr. Parker finished the project on Monday.
When dealing with actions which began in the past and continue at the present moment, we use the present perfect. Examples:
- I have waited for my client for 30 minutes.
Its formula is the following: Subject + have/has +past participle. Example:
- Mr. Parker has worked here for two years.

TIME EXPRESSIONS.

We use time expressions like 'yesterday', 'ago', 'last year', 'in 1975' with the past simple.

We spoke to our client in London yesterday.
Marie got fired three years ago.
Katie joined the company in 1989.

We use time expressions like are 'ever', 'never', 'since' with the present perfect.

I've never seen so many people here before.
Have they ever heard about it?
I've worked in the project since 2015.

Translation

Click here to read the Spanish version.

Think about it

PAST. These are common mistakes made when using the Present Perfect or Simple Past:

I have written to Katie yesterday.
They have visited them last week.
Peter has died three years ago.
I had some cookies for lunch this morning.

Can you correct them?

4.1. Common Present perfect time expressions.

The words "just, already, yet, since, for" are often used with the present perfect.


JUST: It means a short time ago. (ACABO)	'Just' comes between 'have'/ 'has' and the past participle (i.e. the mid position).	I have just* talked to my boss about it. (Acabo de hablar con mi jefe sobre ello)* I have just* eaten, but I’m already hungry again. (Acabo de comer pero todavía tengo hambre)* Where’s Jacob? He’s just* left. (... El acaba de irse)*
ALREADY is an adverb used to show that something has happened early, or earlier than expected. Only in affirmative sentences. (YA)	'Already' comes between 'have'/'has' and the past participle (i.e. the mid position). It may also come in the front position.	I have already* handed in the project. (Ya he entregado el proyecto)* They have already* finished their homework. (Ellos ya han terminado sus deberes)* She has already* sent an email to the manager. (Ella ya ha enviado un email a su director)* Already, the supporters of the newly elected president have occupied the streets to celebrate the event.
YET: It is used only in questions and negative sentences. It shows that the speaker is expecting something to happen. (TODAVÍA)	‘Yet’ usually comes at the end of the sentence.	I haven't told him about the accident yet.* (Todavía no he hablado con el sobre el accidente)* I’m really hungry. I haven’t eaten yet.* (... Yo todavía no he comido)* Jacob hasn’t left his job at the hospital yet.* (Jacob no ha dejado su trabajo en el hospital)* Has the train arrived yet?* (¿Todavía no ha llegado el tren?)*
SINCE: It refers to a specific point in time. (DESDE)	'Since' is used before a time when something began.	She has lived in Paris since* 1996. (Ella ha vivido en París desde 1996).* I haven't seen her since* 2014. (Yo no la he visto desde 2014).* I haven't seen Lucy since* 2014. (Yo no he visto a Lucy desde 2014)*
FOR: It implies a certain amount of time. (DESDE HACE, DURANTE)	'For' is used before a period of time: for two years, for a long time, for a week...	I have waited for you for two hours! (He esperado durante dos horas!) She has lived here for* two years. (Ella ha vivido aquí desde hace dos años)*

Translation

Click here to read the Spanish translation.

4.2. Now put it into practice (I).

Autoevaluación

Complete this exercise with the Present Perfect.

The company (pay) us a bonus for our efficiency.
Peter (live) in New York for several months.
Many companies (reduce) costs in advertising.
I (work) for this company for the last three years.
Our boss (travel) to the U.S.A many times.
I think you (not make) a mistake. Let's check it up!
The saleswoman (treat) me rudely.
Porsche (launch) a new model of electrical car electric car model.
Microsoft (not increase) its marketing activities in Asia.
I (delete) all the information by mistake.

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Autoevaluación

Put the sentences in the correct tense.

A: I JXUwMDJiJXUwMDEyJXUwMDE2 Katie last week .

B: Oh, really ? I him for ages!

A: We JXUwMDJmJXUwMDEyJXUwMDBiJXUwMDFh to the cinema last Friday.

B: Oh! Well, the film?

A: Well, I it much. I it boring.

B: What afterwards?

A: We went to a pub and met Robert there. You know, I her since school.

B: Yes, I remember her. She one of your best friends for a long time. How is she doing?

A: Katie is fine. She for the Cambridge Foundation for some time but finally she decided to change her job.

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4.2.1. Now put it into practice (II).

Now it's your turn

Fill in the gaps using already / yet / since / for / just.

A: Have you ever thought of expanding your business?
B: Well, yes. In fact, I have asked for a loan to the bank.
A: Can We speak to Mary, please?
B: I'm sorry she hasn't arrived JXUwMDIxJXUwMDFjJXUwMDEx .
A: How long have you had this "iPhone 11 Pro" for?
B: I have had it last year.
A: Has she told you about his new idea?
B: Yes, she has JXUwMDMyJXUwMDFmJXUwMDA2JXUwMDA3 told me about it an hour ago.
A: Have you been promoted?
B: No, not JXUwMDIxJXUwMDFjJXUwMDEx !
A: Mr. Johnson has worked for this company JXUwMDNlJXUwMDA5JXUwMDFk 20 years.
B: Yes, he's been here he was 20.
A: How about a nice drink at the restaurant?
B: Well, it sounds great but I haven't finished my work JXUwMDIxJXUwMDFjJXUwMDEx .

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4.3. Grammar revision.

A piece of advice

Why don't we revise some of the main grammar points we've seen in this unit? Take a look at the following presentation. You might find it interesting.

Revision of grammar.

Appendix.- Licences of resources.

Licences of resources used in session 1. "Heading to the office!"
Resource (1)	Resource information (1)	Resource (2)	Resource information (2)
	By: MrSchuReads. License: CC by-nc-sa 2.0. From: http://www.flickr.com/photos/litandmore/2312869091		By: Bullyinguk. License: CC by-nc-sa 2.0. From: http://www.flickr.com/photos/bullyinguk/3404568440/
	By: Teresatrimm. License: CC by-sa 2.0. From: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ttrimm/5351309838/		By: Tomt6788. License: CC by 2.0. From: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ttdesign/343167587/
	By: Stewf. License: CC by-nc-sa 2.0. From: http://www.flickr.com/photos/stewf/82286956		By: Aftab. License: CC by nc. From: http://www.flickr.com/photos/aftab/5302015421/
	By: Neal. License: CC by 2.0. From: http://www.flickr.com/photos/31878512@N06/4644606033		By: Koalazymonkey License: CC by 2.0. From: http://www.flickr.com/photos/koalazymonkey/3591759602/
	By: Bullyinguk. License: CC by-nc-sa 2.0. From: http://www.flickr.com/photos/bullyinguk/3404251005/		By: Kid.mercury. License: CC by 2.0. From: http://www.flickr.com/photos/11399277@N06/1194708460
	By: La Petite Vie. License: CC by nc-sa 2.0. From: http://www.flickr.com/photos/megjohn/4825800012/		By: Isakini. License: CC by-nc 2.0. From: http://www.flickr.com/photos/isakini/2874255635
	By: Chez Andre1. License: CC by-nc-sa 2.0. From: http://www.flickr.com/photos/zoomcam/5172512986/		By: twicepix. License: CC by-sa 2.0. From: http://www.flickr.com/photos/twicepix/4140229373
	By: Bennthewolfe. License: CC by 2.0. From: http://www.flickr.com/photos/bennthewolfe/3838393859/		By: Thinkpanama. License: CC by-nc 2.0. From: http://www.flickr.com/photos/23065375@N05/2247354856

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