> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.lessonpills.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Making a business case: Using modals for persuasion - URL: https://www.lessonpills.com/business-case-arguing-resources-budget/ - Published: 2026-06-30T04:39:51.000Z - Updated: 2026-07-13T05:45:33.000Z - Description: Making a business case — a C1 English lesson. Practise using modal verbs for persuasion and expand vocabulary around securing project funding. - Author: Lessonpills - Tags: B2, Business, Grammar, Practical English, Audio, Premium, Modal perfects and regrets ## Summary This 90-minute ESL lesson for **C1** learners explores **Making a business case: Using modals for persuasion** through a real audio recording. Across 11 interactive exercises, you'll develop listening comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, practical communication, speaking skills — all built around authentic English content. **What you'll practise:** - **5 key vocabulary items** with definitions and usage notes - Grammar focus: **Perfect modals for speculation and critique** with examples and practice - Real-world phrases for **handling questions and pushback during a proposal meeting** - Gap-fill and cloze exercises to test vocabulary in context - Matching exercise to connect terms with their meanings - Error correction to sharpen grammar awareness - A reading passage to practise newly learned language [![CTA Image](https://www.lessonpills.com/content/images/2026/07/icon128-2.png)](https://learn.lessonpills.com/business-case-arguing-resources-budget?ref=lessonpills.com) Ready to practise? This interactive lesson includes vocabulary, grammar, and comprehension exercises — all based on real English content. [Start the lesson ](https://learn.lessonpills.com/business-case-arguing-resources-budget?ref=lessonpills.com) Your browser does not support the audio element. ## Lesson activities (11 exercises) Each exercise builds on the previous one. Work through them in order for the best learning experience. 1. **Warm-up** — Discussion questions to activate what you already know about the topic. 2. **Comprehension** — Answer questions to check your understanding of the main ideas and supporting details. 3. **Vocabulary** — Learn key words and expressions from the audio recording, with definitions and usage notes. 4. **Matching** — Connect words, phrases, or concepts to their correct counterparts. 5. **Grammar** — Study **Perfect modals for speculation and critique** — explanation, examples, and key rules. 6. **Error correction** — Find and fix the mistake in each sentence — a great grammar workout. 7. **Practical English** — Learn phrases for **handling questions and pushback during a proposal meeting** — ready to use in real conversations. 8. **Cloze passage** — Fill in blanks within a connected text to practise vocabulary in context. 9. **Reading** — Read a short passage on the topic and answer comprehension questions. 10. **Discussion** — Reflect on the topic and share your opinions using the language you've learned. ## Vocabulary This lesson introduces **5 key terms** drawn directly from the audio recording: - **To get buy-in** — to gain agreement, support, or commitment from others for a plan or project. - **To run the numbers** — to perform calculations to determine the financial implications or feasibility of something. - **A ballpark figure** — a rough, approximate number or estimate, not a precise one. - **To flesh something out** — to add more detail, substance, or specific information to a plan, idea, or argument. - **To be contingent on** — to depend on something else in order to happen or be true. ## Grammar This lesson focuses on **Perfect modals for speculation and critique**. Perfect modals (modal verb + have + past participle) are used to speculate about or comment on past events. In a business context, they are essential for analyzing past performance, critiquing previous strategies, and justifying new proposals by reflecting on what happened before. **Examples from the lesson:** - *Given the poor sales figures, they must have overestimated the market size.* — Use 'must have' for a logical deduction or a conclusion you are almost certain about. - *We could have secured the contract if we had presented a more robust business case.* — Use 'could have' to talk about a past possibility that did not happen, often implying a missed opportunity. - *The project went over budget. We shouldn't have ignored the initial risk assessment.* — Use 'should have / shouldn't have' to criticize a past action or express regret. **Key rules:** - Structure: modal verb + have + past participle (e.g., might have been, could have done). - Use these forms to connect past outcomes with present arguments. - Common mistake: Do not use 'should of' or 'could of'; always use 'should have' or 'could have'. ## Practical English **Handling questions and pushback during a proposal meeting** When you present a business case, you'll inevitably face questions and potential objections from stakeholders. These phrases will help you respond confidently and persuasively, keeping the conversation constructive and focused on your goal. **Phrases you'll learn:** - **"That's a fair point, and it's something we've given a lot of thought to."** — used to validate someone's concern while showing you are prepared. - **"I see where you're coming from, but perhaps we could look at it from another angle."** — a polite way to redirect the conversation or reframe an issue. - **"At the end of the day, what this really boils down to is..."** — used to refocus the discussion on the most critical point or benefit. - **"That's an excellent question. I don't have the exact figures to hand, but I can circle back with you on that by EOD."** — a professional way to buy time when you don't know the answer immediately. - **"One potential concern you might have is \[the timeline\], and here's how we plan to mitigate that."** — used to proactively address a likely objection before it's even raised. 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