English for Common Interactions in the Workplace: Basic Level from Coursera

In a professional environment, we’re often faced with the need to respond appropriately according to what the situation calls for, whether it be related to situations in daily life or the workplace.

This course was designed to provide the worker with linguistic tools which will enable greater ease in basic communications in the workplace. This way, the student will be able to broaden their lexical and grammatical repertoire in English, thus increasing their professional value and skill, and contributing to not only professional but also social mobility.

The methodology of self-guided instruction will allow the student to manage their own study time, so that they can integrate coursework with the daily demands of their professional life at a rhythm adequate for their own learning process. More importantly, the course is held online, distributed massively, and accessible anywhere in the world through Coursera.

En el contexto laboral frecuentemente enfrentamos la necesidad de interactuar de manera adecuada según la situación comunicativa lo amerite, ya sea, reaccionando a situaciones de la vida cotidiana o bien en el lugar de trabajo.

Este curso fue diseñado para proporcionar al trabajador herramientas lingüísticas que permitan facilitar interacciones básicas comunes en el lugar de trabajo. De este modo, el estudiante podrá ampliar su inventario léxico y gramatical en el idioma inglés, aumentando así su valor profesional y su competencia laboral, contribuyendo no solo movilidad laboral sino que también social.

La metodología auto-instruccional permitirá al estudiante gestionar su propio tiempo de estudio y podrá compatibilizarlo con las exigencias diarias del trabajo, a un ritmo que se adecúe a su proceso de aprendizaje individual. Aún más importante, el curso se dicta en modalidad online, en formato masivo, accesible en distintos lugares del mundo a través de la web de Coursera.

This course’s objective is that students be able to utilize basic-level grammatical and lexical structures (CFER level A2) which will enable basic interactions common to the workplace in English.

Este curso tiene como objetivo que los alumnos sean capaces de emplear estructuras gramaticales y léxico propios del nivel básico (MCER A2) que permitan facilitar interacciones básicas que son comunes en el lugar del trabajo en inglés.

Course contents / Contenidos del curso:

Module 1: Everyday Language on the Job

• Grammar: present simple to be affirmative, negative question structure, all persons.

• Vocabulary: professions / nationalities.

• Indefinite article: a/an.

• Expressions used when introducing yourself.

• Grammar: present simple (I, you, he/she/it, we -- affirmative & negative).

• Vocabulary: work routine verbs.

• Review of adverbs of frequency.

• Times of the day: In the morning /in the afternoon/ at night.

Module 2: Making Phone Calls

• Grammar: present simple (I, you, he/she/it, we --- questions and short answers).

• Vocabulary: telephoning expressions.

• Grammar: making suggestions

• Vocabulary: numbers/dates

• Dates in British English and American English

Module 3: Preparing for meeting

• Grammar: Going To.

• Vocabulary: Flash Review of Cardinal Numbers 1-60.

• Telling time.

• Grammar: There is / There are

• Prepositions of place

• Vocabulary: Places around town

Module 4: Post-meeting etiquette

• Grammar: Past Simple (To Be).

• Use of Past Tense of go with good/bad.

• Vocabulary: Descriptive Adjectives (it was ...).

• Grammar: Past Simple (regular verbs)

• Vocabulary: Correspondence Verbs (w. common phrasal verbs)

What's inside

Syllabus

Welcome to “English for Common Interactions in the Workplace"

Our warmest welcome to you, and thank you for choosing our MOOC “English for Common Interactions in the Workplace,” developed by English UC at the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile. The purpose of this MOOC is to develop basic English strategies for effective everyday interactions in the workplace. This course is designed for administrators and staff of various industries in which interaction with English-speakers may occur. We wish you great success as you progress in this course.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good

what should give you pause

and possible dealbreakers

Focuses on strategies for effective English interactions in the workplace

Audience includes administrators and staff of various industries

Taught by English teachers with experience in the English UC Language Center

Covers grammar and vocabulary essential for workplace communication

Includes activities for developing reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills

May require learners to have some prior knowledge of English grammar and vocabulary

Reviews summary

Foundational english for workplace interactions

According to students, this course is a highly practical and well-structured introduction to basic English for workplace interactions. Learners consistently praise its focus on everyday professional scenarios, such as making phone calls, preparing for meetings, and general office communication. The self-guided format is frequently highlighted as a significant positive, offering flexibility for busy professionals. While many found the content clear and confidence-building for A2-level speakers, a few learners noted it could be too basic for those already proficient or seeking advanced business English. Some also expressed a desire for more interactive activities, particularly for speaking practice.

Ideal for basic learners, but potentially too simple for advanced.

"It's okay for absolute beginners, but if I already know some English, it might be too basic. I was hoping for more advanced workplace scenarios."

"I found this course too basic for my needs; I already have a B1 level and was looking for something to enhance my professional English."

"This is truly for 'basic level' as stated; I should not expect advanced business English from it."

The content is easy to understand and well-organized.

"The content is very clear and easy to understand for beginners."

"The instructor's explanations are clear, and I feel much more comfortable communicating at work now."

"It is very clear, concise, and applicable; the lessons on grammar and vocabulary for workplace situations are excellent."

Offers great flexibility for managing study time.

"I loved the practical examples and the self-paced format."

"The self-instructional methodology is perfect for my schedule."

"The self-paced nature was a significant plus for me as a busy professional."

Directly applicable to everyday communication in the workplace.

"This course was exactly what I needed to brush up on my basic English for work. The modules on phone calls and meetings were particularly helpful."

"Very practical and well-structured. The focus on everyday workplace interactions is brilliant. I appreciated how it directly applies to my job."

"I found the vocabulary for workplace interactions useful, and it helped me feel more confident in emails and simple conversations."

Some wished for more interactive exercises or speaking practice.

"The course content is alright, but I wished there were more interactive elements or opportunities to practice speaking."

"It's mostly reading and listening; for a language course, I would prefer more practical application."

"I felt the course could benefit from more interactive exercises beyond passive consumption."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in English for Common Interactions in the Workplace: Basic Level with these activities:

Practice basic English grammar and vocabulary

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Review the fundamentals of English grammar and vocabulary to strengthen your foundation in the language.

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Review basic grammar concepts such as tenses, subject-verb agreement, and sentence structure.
Expand your vocabulary by learning new words and phrases related to the workplace.
Practice using these concepts and vocabulary in written and spoken exercises.

Watch videos on English pronunciation and intonation

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Improve your pronunciation and intonation by watching videos that demonstrate correct pronunciation and intonation patterns.

Browse courses on English Pronunciation

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Watch videos that focus on specific sounds and intonation patterns.
Practice imitating the pronunciations and intonation patterns demonstrated in the videos.
Record yourself speaking and compare your pronunciation to the videos.

Read ahead on English grammar

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Review the basics of English grammar before starting the course to ensure a solid foundation.

View Basic Grammar in Use Book with Answers and... on Amazon

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Purchase or borrow the book
Read the first three chapters

Eight other activities

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Show all 11 activities

Do English grammar exercises

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Practice English grammar exercises to improve your accuracy and fluency.

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Find a grammar exercise website or book
Complete 10 exercises

Watch English pronunciation videos

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Watch English pronunciation videos to improve your pronunciation and listening skills.

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Find a pronunciation video on YouTube
Watch the video and practice the pronunciation

Record yourself speaking English

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Record yourself speaking English to practice your pronunciation and fluency.

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Choose a topic to talk about
Record yourself speaking for 2 minutes

Attend an English conversation group

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Attend an English conversation group to practice speaking and listening to English with others.

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Find an English conversation group in your area
Attend a meeting

Take an English language class

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Take an English language class to learn the basics of English grammar and vocabulary.

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Attend the class regularly
Find an English language class in your area

Practice writing emails in English

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Start writing emails in English to practice the language and improve your communication skills.

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Create a list of email scenarios
Write an email for each scenario

Volunteer at an English language school

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Volunteer at an English language school to help students with their English skills.

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Find an English language school that accepts volunteers
Apply for a volunteer position

Write a blog post about your progress

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Write a blog post about your progress in learning English to reflect on your journey and share your experiences.

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Choose a topic to write about
Write a blog post of at least 500 words

Career center

Learners who complete English for Common Interactions in the Workplace: Basic Level will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Customer Service Representative

The course will increase English proficiency as a Customer Service Representative when interacting with limited English-speaking clients or stakeholders over the phone, email, or online. English for Common Interactions in the Workplace is suited for receptionists, administrative assistants, office clerks, sales associates, retail workers, and other public-facing roles where employees often communicate with clients verbally or through electronic media.

See salaries and explore the career path for Customer Service Representative

Teaching Assistant

English for Common Interactions in the Workplace will augment English proficiency when working as a Teaching Assistant. You will learn how to introduce yourself and interact appropriately with students, colleagues, faculty, and parents. Additionally, the course has an entire module dedicated to planning and holding professional meetings, a common requirement for TAs.

See salaries and explore the career path for Teaching Assistant

Executive Assistant

English for Common Interactions in the Workplace may be helpful for Executive Assistants. You will develop English language skills commonly used in the workplace, particularly when holding meetings and making phone calls. In addition to improving your written and verbal communication skills, you will broaden your English vocabulary and increase fluency.

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Interpreter

English for Common Interactions in the Workplace may be helpful for Interpreters. As an Interpreter, you often have a variety of duties, including translating spoken language. This course will enable you to enhance your working English, especially as it pertains to phone calls, meetings, and general workplace interactions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Interpreter

Sales Representative

English for Common Interactions in the Workplace is useful to Sales Representatives, especially when working with international clients and partners. As a Sales Representative, you must be able to understand and clearly communicate product or service offerings, answer questions, and negotiate deals. This course provides necessary English language skills to work in a globalized market.

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Office Manager

English for Common Interactions in the Workplace may be beneficial for Office Managers when working with individuals from diverse backgrounds. This course covers the basics of English in order to have easy and effective everyday workplace interactions.

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Accountant

English for Common Interactions in the Workplace may be useful for Accountants working with international clients or colleagues. The course provides basic English language skills commonly used in professional settings, including making phone calls, scheduling meetings, and introducing yourself and others.

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Marketing Manager

English for Common Interactions in the Workplace may be useful for Marketing Managers working with international clients or partners, improving their ability to communicate in English with stakeholders worldwide.

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Human Resources Manager

English for Common Interactions in the Workplace is relevant to Human Resources Managers, particularly when interacting with international employees. The course offers the opportunity to learn basic English for everyday workplace communication.

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Project Manager

English for Common Interactions in the Workplace may be beneficial for Project Managers when working with international teams or clients. This course covers the basics of English communication in professional settings, including scheduling meetings, making phone calls, and presenting information.

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Software Engineer

English for Common Interactions in the Workplace may be useful for Software Engineers working with international teams or clients, increasing their confidence when communicating in English in professional settings.

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Data Analyst

English for Common Interactions in the Workplace may be helpful for Data Analysts collaborating with international teams or clients, allowing them to communicate effectively in English in a professional environment.

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Financial Analyst

English for Common Interactions in the Workplace may be beneficial for Financial Analysts working with international clients or colleagues, as it provides basic English language skills for workplace communication.

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Product Manager

English for Common Interactions in the Workplace is relevant to Product Managers, especially when working with international teams or clients, as it offers basic English language skills for effective workplace communication.

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Engineer

English for Common Interactions in the Workplace may be helpful for Engineers working with international teams or clients. It provides basic English language skills for workplace communication, including making phone calls, scheduling meetings, and presenting information.

See salaries and explore the career path for Engineer