Dexway English Magazine: B2 – Edition 2
Authenticity
HOW DO WE KNOW WHAT TO SAY IN A CERTAIN SITUATION?
If you are learning a language then you hope to learn when it is best to say something in a certain style. For example, it is useful to know when to use formal language and when to use informal language.
Reading is very important when you are learning a language, but the language that is used in novels is not the same as the language that is used in the workplace.
Likewise, the language used to write a newspaper article is not the same as the language you would use to have a conversation with your friends.
It is not just a question of formal and informal situations. What is most important is to hear or read the language in a typical situation. So make the most of the dexway Typical Situation classes because they teach you exactly how to use certain language authentically in a certain context.
You might have to write a response to a letter of complaint at work and you need to know the best phrases to use; you don’t want to make the person that complained angrier. So learn which phrases and styles to use in different contexts and you will be well on your way to becoming a master of English.
Eye Contact
JUST AS IMPORTANT AS A FIRM HANDSHAKE!
Making eye contact is a very important part of making a good impression when you are meeting new people.
This is probably most important when you are in a job interview situation or if you have an important sale or idea to pitch.
Apparently most people tend to make eye contact with people for an average of four seconds at a time, any longer than that and the feeling goes a little bit weird, unless you’re looking into the eyes of a loved one, or you’re a professional boxer trying to stare down your opponent before a big fight!
There are places where you can practice getting our eye contact just right.
In shops, restaurants and bars try maintaining eye contact with the bartenders, waiters and other staff. It is hard to find the ideal eye contact, and you don’t want to look like you are trying too hard in a job interview so it is good to practice.
Europe
DYSFUNCTIONAL FAMILY OR SECURITY IN NUMBERS
The European Union was originally formed by the inner six countries after signing the treaty of Rome in 1985. This gave the inner six a closer working relationship in relation to trade.
Over the years more countries have joined the European Union and in 1993 the idea of a European citizen was introduced, Europe now contains 7.3% of the world’s population and is considered a super power. European countries work to bring security to world and work closely with both NATO and the United Nations.
The aims of the Union were to enact free movement within Europe’s boarder and to make goods, services and capital flow more easily. The European council also oversees legislation on justice and home affairs as well as assisting in the creation of common policies on agriculture and fisheries. The monetary union controls the euro which is the European currency used by 19 member states.
The European Union has brought peace and unity to the European continent and some may argue is a requirement to face future challenges.
Small Businesses
MARKETING
There are many different varieties of small businesses around the world. What constitutes a small business depends on the country that the business is in. A small business can contain anywhere from 15 employees to 500 employees. A small business has many advantages over a big business. However, small businesses also have several disadvantages to larger businesses. A small business is a lot easier to get started. It usually costs a lot less to start and can run on a part time basis. Marketing can also be easier for small businesses, especially due to the internet, because they can easily adapt to specific groups and needs.
Small businesses are not bound by any type of bureaucratic or government forces that tell them what to do. This allows them to respond to the marketplace much easier. There is also a lot more independence within a small business as small businesses can choose a much larger variety of options. Small businesses also are generally better able to deal with customers and clients at a closer level. There are however, several disadvantages of a small business as well. A major problem can be a limited amount of funds and capital. If one was to start a small business, a lot of money would be needed in order to get the business started. Even once the business is started, it is very difficult to earn a lot of funds in the beginning of the business. Many small businesses fail from the start due to lack of funds. Small businesses can also have problems with larger businesses who will sell similar products at lower prices, causing less people to buy from the smaller businesses.
There can be many difficulties in starting and keeping a small business. However, small businesses are still very important and can bring about a lot of benefits to people. Deciding to open your own small Business might mean you have decided to go self-employed. If this is the case you would be joining a 4.1 million strong workforce in the UK alone. But you have some important decision to make before you even begin to market your product or service.
- Types of business:
Limited company If you form a limited company you take home the majority of the profit, the risk is placed on the company and you can all your business anyway, within reason. Sole trader: As a sole trader you are responsible for recording all money going to and out of the business and most complete a tax return every year. You are responsible for paying this tax. Anyway company risk including debts, comes to you as the sole trader. Umbrella organisation In an Umbrella organisation you contract out your products and services as part of an organisation of many different companies. The benefits are that your organisation is stronger as it belongs to a co-operative.
Is there life on Mars?
SPACEMAN
Astronaut Chris Hadfield who was the first Canadian to walk in space and to take charge of the International Space Station has just returned to earth after a 5 month expedition.
Hadfield was described as “perhaps the most social media savvy astronaut ever to leave Earth” by Forbes Magazine by having a large following on Youtube and Twitter with more than 930,000 people. He kept them entertained with pictures and videos. Youtube followers asked him questions about space and he would post a video clip of the answer while he was in space. People asked him how astronauts cry, how they cook, brush their teeth, even how they can throw up in space. One very popular clip was a music video of the astronaut singing David Bowie´s famous song “Space Oddity”. It is the first music video ever to be shot in Space!
After 5 months in space, he is readjusting to gravity. He is not used to supporting his own head so his neck and back are very sore. He lost 1% of his bone density for every month in orbit. At the start of the mission, Mr. Hadfield said his aim was not only to achieve the technical and scientific objectives of his journey, but also to share his experiences, inspire young people and make Canadian aware of their own space program. He has said he has been an astronaut for more than 20 years and was quoted saying “Yes, I am famous. It wasn’t the aim… I hope I can have a regular life.” He said he wants to share his experience, knowledge and photos “for the rest of my life”.
Going viral
VIRAL MARKETING
Here is another marketing buzzword, we might know it better as word of mouth advertising. This is one very simple idea, I try your product, I like your product, I tell my friend about your product, he tries your product and the circle begins again. When I worked in the tourist industry they used to tell us. If one person has a bad time he will go and tell ten people those ten people might tell ten more, if one person has a good time he will tell ten people, those ten people might tell ten more and they are more likely to come back. Word of mouth both positive and negative is a very powerful marketing tool.
But viral marketing takes this a stage further by using a social hub, a place where there are literally thousands of people, for example a social networking web site, and allowing the message to spread by word of mouth or click of mouse.
The idea for viral marketing is based on a virus, because the news of the product spreads very quickly when introduced to a social networking site. Of course “going viral” can also be bad for a company, if for example the product is bad.
Stopping the message once it has gone viral can be very hard as it disappears under ground.
Marketing personnel need to be very sure about the message they want their viral advert to carry before releasing it onto the general public.
