Business arguments: structuring your points logically

Summary

This 90-minute ESL lesson for B2 learners explores Business arguments: structuring your points logically through a real article. Across 11 interactive exercises, you'll develop reading 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: Punctuating discourse markers with examples and practice
• Real-world phrases for contributing effectively in a team 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

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 article, with definitions and usage notes.
4. Matching — Connect words, phrases, or concepts to their correct counterparts.
5. Grammar — Study Punctuating discourse markers — 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 contributing effectively in a team 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 article:

• To play devil's advocate — to present a counter-argument, not because you necessarily believe it, but to test the strength of the main idea.
• To piggyback on (an idea) — to use someone else's point as a basis for adding your own related thought.
• On that note — a discourse marker used to transition to a new topic that is logically connected to the one just discussed.
• To get sidetracked — to lose focus on the main topic of a discussion by talking about something irrelevant.
• To build a case for (something) — to present a series of logical arguments and evidence to persuade others to support your proposal.

Grammar

This lesson focuses on Punctuating discourse markers.

Discourse markers (like 'however', 'furthermore', 'consequently') are essential for structuring logical arguments. The punctuation you use depends on whether you are connecting two complete sentences (independent clauses) or simply introducing a new one.

Examples from the lesson:

• Our Q1 profits were excellent; however, we need to invest more in R&D. — Use a semicolon before and a comma after the marker when connecting two full, related sentences.
• Our Q1 profits were excellent. However, we need to invest more in R&D. — You can also start a new sentence with the discourse marker. This is a common and clear way to show contrast or addition.
• The project timeline is very tight. Consequently, we cannot accept any further delays. — Markers that show a result or consequence, like 'consequently' or 'therefore', follow the same punctuation rules.

Key rules:

• To connect two independent clauses, use a semicolon before the marker and a comma after it (e.g., ...; therefore, ...).
• To start a new sentence, capitalize the marker and follow it with a comma (e.g., Therefore, ...).
• Common mistake to avoid: Do not use only a comma to join two full sentences. This is called a 'comma splice' (e.g., 'The idea is good, however, it is too expensive.').

Practical English

contributing effectively in a team meeting

In any team meeting, it's important not just to have good ideas, but to share them clearly and professionally. These phrases will help you interrupt politely, add your thoughts, disagree constructively, and keep the discussion on track.

Phrases you'll learn:

• "'Could I just jump in here for a second?'" — use this to politely interrupt when you have a relevant and urgent point to make.
• "'I see where you're coming from, but have we considered...?'" — a soft way to introduce a different perspective or potential problem.
• "'Just to build on what [Name] was saying...'" — use this to add a supporting idea or a related point to what a colleague has just said.
• "'So, to make sure we're all on the same page, the next step is...'" — a way to summarise the discussion and confirm the agreed-upon actions.
• "'I'm not entirely convinced that's the best approach because...'" — express gentle disagreement or doubt, followed by a clear reason.