In the first lesson of this series, students work with the email correspondences between Lee and a job prospect.


Applying for a Job

In this lesson, Lee has a job interview. Students put the conversation in order and practice new vocabulary.



Job Interview

Lee receives a job offer by email and must phone his new employer to negotiate the terms. Students review vocabulary and phrases and piece a conversation together.


Getting Hired

Lee gets a tour of his new workplace. Students put the conversation in order and review new words and phrases.

First Day of Work

Lee takes preliminary steps to make a purchase order for office supplies. Important office vocabulary is introduced and reviewed.


Placing an Order

Lee receives a voicemail message from a sales representative. 

Leaving a Voicemail

Lee negotiates the price of the office supply purchase over the phone. Students practice the conversation. Includes a sample invoice for reference.

Making a Phone Call

This assessment can be assigned after students complete lessons 1–7 of the English at Work course. Assessment includes a vocabulary check as well as comprehension related to the series so far. Encourage your students to reread the dialogues and main readings and review the vocabulary that they have learned so far before doing the assessment. Tell your students to familiarize themselves with the names and roles of the characters (Lee, Mr. Michaels, Jim Benson, and Mandy).

Mid-Course Assessment

Lee takes part in a marketing meeting with two other business professionals. 

Marketing Meeting

Lee receives an email question about one of his company's products. He responds by email with the necessary information.


Customer Service

A customer places an order to Lee over the telephone. Students practice filling out an order form.

Placing an Order by Phone

Customer service helps out a client via instant messaging service. Students practice using English suitable for IM.

Instant Messaging

Lee responds to an email complaint from an unsatisfied customer. 



Email Complaint

Lee meets with his boss to discuss his performance review. 

Job Performance

In this final lesson of the series, Lee writes a resignation letter. He has been offered a new position. 

Resignation Letter

This final assessment can be assigned after students complete lessons 8–14 of the English at Work course. The assessment includes a vocabulary check as well as comprehension of the second half of the series. 

Final Assessment

This 14-part Business English series follows Lee Timson, a sales representative, from the beginning of his job search until the day he signs his resignation letter.

This 14-part course introduces students to essential Business English expressions and phrases while practicing real-world tasks such as negotiation.