1

CHAPTER – 2
2.0 Introduction

The skill acquired builds up one’s character and also determines the success

rate of their life. Communication skill is one of the main components which must be

acquired by everyone, mindful of the stream they have chosen to tread on. Acquiring a

skill does not cost much. All that an individual should possess is determination and

dedication towards the goal. The concerned individual should have strong will power to

pursue what they dream of. It might not even be a dream for many, but the worth of

acquiring a skill can never be equalized with anything else. Skills acquired builds up their

career in a great way. There are many graduates hoping to get employed. The problem is

not unemployment. It is that the majority of the graduated lack skills. They are

unemployable. They lack all sorts of skills that are required to be employed in an

organization or a company.

2.1 Research Design

In day one, the researcher observed the students in class. Through this observation

the Researcher could understand the student Psychology. This helped the researcher to

make the session better in that class room. In that observation time, the researcher came

to know how students show their interest in this course. Some of them listen to lectures

carefully and some lose their interest and sometimes they are not ready to listen. This

made the researcher find the difference from good listener and bad listener. Before this

session the attitude of the students was different. They were disinterested in the class and

they even tried to deviate the researcher from the aim of the research. Initially the
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researcher got little bit nervous in the means of handling the session. In the beginning of

the session, the researcher found it difficult to train these students. It was a Himalayan

task to train them, and the researcher took this class as a challenge to achieve the target.

The researcher learned to handle the class of disinterested students.

Teachers are exposed to a constant barrage of methodologies that promise to

improve both instructional strategies and student learning through institute days, team

meetings, seminars and the media. While some of this information is helpful, some of the

suggestions have little or no empirical data to support their effectiveness. Psychology is

introduced in Schools and Education by the coalition of psychologists and psychology

teachers within APA. The Top 20 document was created by psychologists representing a

wide range of divisions, including those focused on education, school, developmental,

social, cognitive, psychometrics, media, counseling and clinical psychology. Each of the

contributors have some expertise in the application of psychological science to early

childhood, elementary, secondary, gifted or special education; social/emotional learning;

or school climate. Research shows that learners who hold the growth mindset that

intelligence is malleable, and success is related to effort level are more likely to remain

focused on goals and persist despite setbacks. A great way to start off the year in a

psychology class is the discussion of growth versus fixed mindsets; because it helps the

students understand how their beliefs about intelligence can influence their own academic

success.

Interviewing the source of livelihood has become an inevitable factor of present

day life. An individual is supposed to do some ground work in order to acquire a job and

come out with flying colors. Preparation is essential, so that the interviewee does not get
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stumbled upon the piles of questions put forward by the interviewers. The researcher

made it very clear that lack of preparation would not just make it difficult to handle the

interview, but might also land them in an embarrassing state. The confidence of the

interviewee should be visible in their body language and their way of receiving the

questions. Initially the interviewee has to do some groundwork about the institution or

the firm of the interviewer. Secondly, they should be clear about the function of the

position they have applied for, and also they should make sure to arrive for the interview

before time in order to avoid chaos and confusion. The interviewee is expected to be

dressed up in formal attire and look presentable. The body language of the interviewee is

expected to be humble and courteous. A self-introduction should be prepared and it must

be above all standards. They should rehearse in case they aren’t confident enough, and

also prepare some interview questions to be put forth to the interviewer. Most

importantly, they should put on a smile while getting in for the interview and be

confident enough to clarify any doubt or questions that are unheard.

These are the few questions that would be often put forward by the interviewer to

test an individual’s loyalty, ability and their approach towards the work. When an

interviewee is asked, “What is important? Salary or Job Satisfaction?” it is to test the

interviewee’s dedication towards work. The satisfying answer would be “Salary is

important, but Job Satisfaction is more important”. This answer might satisfy the

interviewer at greater rate. The other complicating question would be, “why did you

choose this company?” the answer should not be very flattering; at the same time it must

be in favor of the company or the interviewer.

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Self-introduction is a very important factor of all times. It is a method of

impressing the interview panel and it can also be called as the key to success. The

interview panel would obviously post the question of explaining one’s self in spite of

going through the resume provided to them. This is a tricky state which is supposed to be

handled carefully and wisely. Times have changed with the transformation of “Survival

of the Wisest” to “Survival of the Fittest”. The interview panel expects their employees to

be smart and wise. It would not just lessen the job of the firm, but would also become the

key factor for the success of the firm topping the list. Self-introduction gives out who you

are. It is the crux of one’s character, ability and talent that lies within them. Self-

introduction need not necessarily include all the information that is already stated in the

resume. It can rather be used as a tool to exhibit the ideas and the talents or information

about you that was not mentioned in the resume. It is all about giving out new and valid

information about one’s self to the interviewer. It should in fact be the stepping stone into

the hearts of the interview panel. Self-introduction can start with a Hi or Hello and can be

continued with their name. The language can be quite formal and presentable. The reason

for self-introduction is to calculate and analyze one’s ability and communication. They

should speak confidently and the body language should be humble and voice modulation

should be according to the state of the situation or the matter that is said.

Setting up agenda is important as it helps in the smooth run of the meeting.

Agenda setting would include logistics, objective, housekeeping, items and any other

business and a close. It is all about the order of events and making sure there is no clash

between events. Agenda setting should include the date, time and place of the meeting,

list of invited members and the background of the meeting. These are the basic
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information that is required for agenda setting. It also includes introduction, core subject

of the meeting and conclusions too. Arrangements should also be listed in the agenda.

Agenda setting is like the outline for the whole meeting and it is also like the frame in

which the portrait is expected to fit in, to make it the perfect picture. Agenda setting helps

in having a clear cut profile of the upcoming events. It is the call to order. It is a step

towards perfection and a curtain to cover the mistakes. It is one of the effective tool

management, a step towards time management and an effective outcome. In short, it is an

organizational tool.

Minutes are also very important as it gives the crux of the whole event. In other

words, minutes are short notes taken to provide a record of a meeting or conference. It is

the summary of the discussion and the actions of a meeting. Preparation of minutes

would include active listening, critical thinking and accurate and clear writing. It would

enhance listening and writing skills, focus on the key points and comprehension skills.

Preparation of minutes should include name of the group, time, date, location, name of

the chairperson, chief guest, objective and time of adjournment. Minutes should have

professionalism, objectivity, consistency and logical flow.

Conducting a meeting involves the role of the chairperson, the secretary, along

with the members of the firm. Conducting a meeting is not children’s play and especially

when it comes to a professional level, it requires preparation beforehand and perfection as

far as possible. The role of the chairperson is to give out the objective and to chair the

session and decide everything beforehand. The role of a secretary is to order the

programs (agenda setting). The secretary should prepare a checklist before the arrival of
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the chief guest and ensure all the events. The secretary is also expected to guide the

members of the firm and lend a helping hand at times of need. Everything, including hall

arrangement should be taken care by the secretary. It is the role of the heads of various

departments to prepare the minutes of the previous meetings to ensure quick and

intermittent happenings without pause arising due to chaos and confusion. Progress of the

meeting should be checked every now and then and all the members of the meeting are

expected to stay alert during the meeting. Audio and video settings should also be

checked to maintain zero technical error. Nothing in the meeting should be given least

importance, for everything plays equal role in the meeting.

Self-motivation is another important factor of all time. It does not just help in a

meeting, but throughout one’s life time. Self-motivation has become a necessity rather

than necessary as we cannot really trust people to motivate us and stand with us in this

jealousy filled world. Self-help is the best help and so is self-motivation. Self-motivation

can be widely categorized into two types: intrinsic and extrinsic. Intrinsic motivation is

something that happens when the factor is something that we love. It happens without

any external compulsion or effort. While extrinsic motivation differs as it happens only

when the work assigned is out of the area of interest and there comes the need for

external motivation as it given for existence’s sake. Self-motivation is the factor that

helps at all times unmindful of time, place and number of attempts. Self-motivation is

priceless and hence it is really a necessity.

Problems keep arising and act as hurdles to our success. They are supposed to

overcome it and move ahead towards the goal. Problem solving skills is a cognitive skill
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and hence is very vital. The first and the foremost thing are to identify the problem and

categorizing it according to the level of seriousness, and then find various options of

solving the problem. Structuring the problem is the next important step and the next

would be searching all possible ways to solve the problems and to implement the best

way. Reviewing the problem that is solved is as important as finding ways to solve the

problem.

There would be so many instances where every individual will be left in a state of

making decisions that can change things for a life time. Decision making skill is very

important and it comes in hand. One must know to identify the listed factors as per the

importance and decide to implement it accordingly. Factors of least importance should

also be taken into consideration for better results. Reasoning is important with the

adequate and inadequate information presented. It is also about the emotional attachment

and invested interests.

S. Date Day Time Session topic

No

1 5.3.2019 Tuesday 4:30–5:15PM Observation of student mentality

2 7.3.2019 Thursday 4:30–5:15PM Interview skills and sample questions.

3 13.3.2019 Wednesday 4:30–5:15PM Difference between Resume and CV

4 14.3.2019 Thursday 4:30–5:15PM How to introduce yourself, self-

motivation and how to present in a

meeting.

5 15.3.2019 Friday 4:30–5:15PM Negotiation in Group discussion and

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solving the problems and how to make

decisions according to the problems.

6 20.3.2019 Wednesday 4:30–5:15PM How to write a agenda and how to

recording the minutes.

2.2 Observation

After observing the attitude of the students, the researcher has identified the

different ways of helping the students to learn English in a way they understand it better

as it was evident that the students were amateur users of English.

Some of the observations noted amongst the students during the class proceedings

are stated here. The students were unaware of the importance of the language. The

students are completely subject oriented and believe that marks are the only factors in

deciding their future, and there are a handful of students who are lethargic and lack

motivation in pursuing a career and in learning the language. The students are positioned

in a situation where they are completely blind about the importance of LSRW skills.

Even when questioned in English, due to the lack of exposure they answer only in the

native language. While, a few students try to converse in English, they are unable to do it

because of the peer pressure. The students find it very hard to concentrate and lack

critical thinking. They go on to replicate whatever the neighboring student has written.

When they were asked to talk in English, they felt shy as well as they lack their personal

traits.

2.3 Presentation and Analysis

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The study was an inductive one; therefore a questionnaire was prepared to find

out whether the learners are aware of the sub skills of business English and thereby

improve their

language skills.

The subjects are the

undergraduate

students of business

administration of

The American

College, Madurai

district. The total

number of samples

taken for the study is forty. The answers of the study were analyzed which lead to the

following interference. There were total of 20 questions divided in to two sections. The

first section was a set of questions named as session questionnaire and the second set of

questions were named as feedback questionnaire. The response of the session

questionnaire is analyzed and its interference is given in the following passages.

2.3.1 Conversation in English

Q. No. (1) I often used to converse in English with my friends.

Agree: 35 Disagree: 4 No idea: 1

First question deals with the frequency of their conversations in English with their

friends. Among forty samples, there were only five students whose opinion was to

disagree and the reason was that they were not interested. And the remaining 35 student

who gave a positive response, disclosed that they use English only for academic purpose.
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2.3.2 Appear for competitive exams

Q. No. (2) I have appeared competitive exams apart from my academic studies.

Agree: 30 Disagree: 5 No idea: 5

In any competitive exams English is very useful for the learners to pass the exam

and communicative skills are very useful in working place. The second question

describes about the

students participation in

competitive exams and

their utilization of second

language skills in it. The

responses show that only

thirty students have

appeared for competitive

exams and the rest of the

students were ignorant about it. The students who were unaware, completely lack ideas

about their future and have taken no necessary step towards it. They are not ready to take

any steps to compete in the forthcoming competitive exams related to business.

2.3.3 Plans regarding career

Q. No. (3) I have further plans regarding my future career.

Agree: 30 Disagree: 6 No idea: 4

Third question of the questionnaire enquires about the samples’ future career. The

students who have agreed are on the process of deciding what to opt next in order to have

a career of their choice were 30. The disagreement comes from the remaining set of
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students who have no idea

regarding their career.

Disagreed one’s fails to

take steps to develop their

skills for the purpose of

their career. This makes

them have lack of understanding on how to act according to the situations and how to

prepare for an interview

2.3.4 Measures to develop English skills

Q. No. (4) I take some extra measures in order to develop my English skills.

Agree: 26 Disagree: 7 No idea: 7

Among the samples who have already planned about their career and higher

education were 26. Only these samples showed a positive response of taking necessary

steps to improve their English skills. The remaining samples of this study neither showed
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interest nor taken

steps to develop

their second

language. This

shows that the

disagreement of the

remaining samples

is due to their lack

of knowledge about the necessity of English language in this era.

2.3.5 Taking extra courses

Q. No. (5) I am taking extra courses for my future career to survive in this

competitive world.

Agree: 32 Disagree: 6 No idea: 2

Question number 5 investigates the extra efforts taken by the students to develop

their career. The students who were career oriented are the ones who make sure that they

attend some extra courses in the college to add as an extra qualification in their

curriculum vitae. The others lack interest in even getting to know about the courses

available in their college. The responses show that majority of the students were career

oriented and a very few have no idea about it.

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2.3.6 Develop

business language

through English

Q. No. (6) I have

taken some steps to
develop my
Business language
through English.

Agree: 20 Disagree: 10 No idea: 10

The sixth question enquires about the students’ interest in developing their

English language which in turn develops their business language. Only half the students

realize that their knowledge of English language ought to be improved to communicate in

the proper business language, and they put effort to improve their business language. The

number of samples who showed positive response is 20. This shows that there are an

equal number of negative responses from the samples.

2.3.7 Concentration on lectures for more than 20 minutes

Q. No. (7) I can focus on a lecture or speech for more than 20 minutes.

Agree: 30 Disagree: 5 No idea: 5

This question deals about the listening skills of the learners in the second

language classes. The samples were asked about their interest in listening to the English
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lectures given by

their lecturers in

their everyday class.

The responses show

that almost 75

percent of the

students find it

easier to focus the 20 minutes lecture in their class whereas, 25 percent of students find it

very hard to focus. This situation is due to various factors such as learners’ lack of

interest, attitude, and psychological condition, demotivation from the peers and the

environment of the class room. In spite of the above mentioned factors the samples

showed a positive sign of getting in to track in their future classes while they interacted

with the researcher about this question.

2.3.8 Refer mobile to complete assignments

Q. No. (8) I prefer mobile phones to complete my assignments.

Agree: 40 Disagree: 0 No idea: 0

All 40 students agree that they depend on online resourses and their mobile

phones to complete their assignments. Many responses show a positive approach of using

smart phone technology for their learning purpose. Maximum subject of this research

were already using their mobile phones for learning the second language.

The researcher feels that the lecturers can utilize the latest mobile technologies

such as Mobile Assisted Language Learning (MALL), Computer Assisted Language

Learning, personal digital assistant (PDA), Mp3, Mp4 and other social media like face
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book, watsapp in

their classes to

motivate, encourage

and enhance the

learning process.

Exploitation

of technology in the

language learning

may help the

learners to

understand the outside world which in turn helps them to understand the business

language.

2.3.9 Business vocabulary

Q. No. (9) My knowledge in Business vocabulary is high.

Agree: 10 Disagree: 15 No idea: 15

Only about 10 students confirm that they have some knowledge when it comes to

business vocabulary. The students who disagree fail to use such vocabularies even when

they are introduced to them.

2.3.10 Personal traits

Q. No. (10) I believe that I have good personal traits.

Agree: 25 Disagree: 5 No idea: 10

The students who agree happen to know how to present themselves in front of a

panel during an interview. This was evident when the researcher conducted tasks related
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to interviews. The students who disagree say that they lack in self-confidence and body

language, the essential traits of an interview. The students who said that they did not have

an idea say that they feel that language is most important.

2.4 Feedback Questions

This feedback helped the researcher to know that the language development

approach and the task based methods are effective. This feedback gives the original

outcome of the students and their interest in the second language. The following passages
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explain in detail

about each question

in the feedback

questionnaire.

2.4.1 Opportunity

to speak in group discussion

Q. No. (1) I got an opportunity to speak in group discussion conducted

Agree: 34 Disagree: 3 No idea: 3

The first question of this questionnaire asked about their experience about their

participation in group discussion. When given an opportunity handful of students made

sure they used it to the best. But the others, even when they tried, they could not cope

with the students who knew how to use the language better.

Even the students who spoke with confidence spoke in broken English. The

students, who disagreed and opted for no idea, lacked the basic knowledge of

understanding the topic given for the group discussion.

2.4.2 Grasp clear cut ideas about interviews

Q. No. (2) I could grasp the clear cut idea about the interview

Agree: 35 Disagree: 4 No idea: 1

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The second question reflects the students’ idea about interview. The students

who agreed have a

theoretical

knowledge but lack

practical

knowledge about

interviews. They

understood how

interviews happen

after the

introductory

session and they

promised that they

will inculcate the techniques taught in the session. The students who disagreed and opted

for ‘no idea’ did not make use of the task provided in the session.

2.4.3 Writing a correct resume

Q. No. (3) I have tried writing a correct Resume

Agree: 30 Disagree: 7 No idea: 3

This question focuses the writing skills of the learners. The students who agreed

knew very well how to write resumes and were theoretically strong and they had written

a proper resume. The students who disagreed tried writing theirs but had a lot of

corrections. And the students who opted for ‘no idea’ copied resumes from the other

students.
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2.4.4 Developed

professional traits

for business

developments

Q. No. (4)
Through the
sessions conducted
I have learned many professional traits regarding business developments

Agree: 26 Disagree: 4 No idea: 10

The fourth question examines the personal traits required for the business

development of an individual. The samples reflections were based on the classes on

business development taken by the researcher. The students who agreed were sure that

professionalism is the most important technique when it comes to business development.

The students who disagreed found it hard to differentiate between personal and

professional traits. The students who opted for ‘no idea’ did not have any clue about both

personal and professional traits.

2.4.5 Conveying of goals during self-introduction

Q. No. (5) I have conveyed my goals in self-introduction during interview

Agree: 30 Disagree: 6 No idea: 4

The fifth question is related the level of communication of the learners. It is said

that the first impression is the best impression. The students who agreed with this saying

are the ones who came forward to introduce themselves and convey their goals. The

students spoke at least five sentences with their broken English. The others did not even
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come up to the front

to convey about

their goals and

aims.

2.4.6 Presenting a

topic

Q. No. (6) I have learned how to present a topic

Agree: 35 Disagree: 4 No idea: 1

The samples were given a topic by the researcher to check their level of

competence and confidence. The topic was related to business administration, where the

samples use their knowledge of second language to market a product. The researcher

presented with a topic product and asked the students to market it; the students who

agreed presented it with wide product knowledge and language skills to convince the

customers.

The students who disagreed, lack their language competence in spite of their product

knowledge. This session helped the learners to measure their level of competence in the

second language in relation with various personal and psychological factors such as fear,

anxiety and stress.

2.4.7 Negotiating a win-win situation

Q. No. (7) After the course I have learned a win-win situation in negotiation

Agree: 27 Disagree: 8 No idea: 5

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This question

deals with the

negotiations skills

of the samples.

There students who

agreed that they

have learnt the skill

were 27 and 13 students disagreed saying that they could not understand the concept

behind this skill.

The students who agreed were able to negotiate and bring a customer into the

win-win situation with the tasks given. The other students who disagreed and opted for

‘no idea’ said that they need more time to understand the art of negotiation completely.

This session also helps the learners to identify their negotiation skills and its importance

in the field of marketing. The following pie chart gives the diagrammatic representation

of the samples response.

2.4.8 Agenda helps in maintaining time

Q. No. (8) Helps me in maintaining time in agenda

Agree: 30 Disagree: 6 No idea: 4

Question number 8 explains the importance of time management. The students

who felt that an agenda is necessary to maintain the time slots in a meeting are the

students who agreed. They also felt that this helps them in developing their punctuality

and helps them in prioritizing their study time.

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The students

who disagreed

accept that in spite

of an agenda; they

are unable to keep

up the time. The

students who opted

for ‘no idea’ did not know how to manage time. The following diagrams give the

pictorial representation of the samples’ response for the eight question in the feedback

questionnaire.

2.4.9 Minutes help in sorting down the main ideas

Q. No. (9)Minutes helps in sorting down the main ideas in the meeting

Agree: 33 Disagree: 4 No idea: 3

The Ninth question of the feedback questionnaire helps the samples in identifying

the usage of minutes to sort down the main points. Among the forty samples 33 agreed, 4

disagreed and 3 samples have no idea about the minutes of the meeting. The students who

agreed were able to think about their previous meets and put together a minute. These

minutes was not refined but had all the proper guidelines.

They felt that it also helped with their academics. The students who disagreed and

opted for ‘no idea’ accepted that they should improve their listening skills. This task
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involved three

major language

skills such as

reading, speaking

and writing skills

of the samples. The

following diagram

explains the percentage of various responses given by the samples for this question.

2.4.10. Decision making overcomes the hurdles

Q. No. (10) Decision making overcomes the hurdles in problems

Agree: 32 Disagree: 4 No idea: 4

This question deals about the problems that the samples have to overcome

through decision making skills. Decision making is an important life skill that is useful

for personal, social, and professional life. Being students of a business administration

department, it is very important for them to understand things related business. The

students who agreed had a great deal of knowledge about the profit and loss deals. The

students who disagreed failed to understand about these deals hence failing to make

decisions during the hard times. The following diagram explains the percentage of

various responses given by the samples for this question.

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2.4 Conclusion

In this chapter, the researcher conveyed the observation of the session, the

problems faced by the students and the skills taught through the English language.

Getting a job is the most difficult thing in this competitive world. Only skilled persons

are retained in the business sector, such skills are trained more effectively through

English language. Therefore, English language is essential for all kinds of business job.

Self-confidence and self-motivation are the two main things which go hand in hand for

the betterment of career. The researcher analyzed the students’ through the task based

approach. This helps the students in finding how far business skills are important in their

future. It also helps the researcher to identify the lack of language skills among the

learners which may affect their career. The researcher also presented a few interference

of the study in this chapter.

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Feedback questions:

S. Statement Agree Disagree No

No Idea

1. I got an opportunity to speak in group discussion 85% 7.5% 7.5%

conducted.

2 I could grasp the clear cut idea about the interview 87.5% 10% 2.5%

3 I have tried writing a correct Resume 75% 17.5% 7.5%

4 Through the sessions conducted I have learned 65% 25% 10%

many professional traits regarding business
developments

5 I have conveyed my goals in self-introduction 75% 15% 10%

during interview

6 I have learned how to present a topic 87.5% 10% 2.5%

7 After the course I have learned a win-win situation 67.5% 20% 12.5%
in negotiation

8 Helps me in maintaining time in agenda 75% 15% 10%

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9 Minutes helps in sorting down the main ideas in the 82.5% 7.5% 10%
meeting

10 Decision making overcomes the hurdles in 80% 10% 10%

problems

Session Questionnaire:

No Statement Agree Disagree No

Idea

1. I often used to converse in English with my friends. 87.5% 10% 2.5%

2. I have appeared for competitive exams apart from 75% 12.5% 12.5%
my academic studies.

3. I have further plans regarding my future career. 75% 15% 10%

4. I take some extra measures in order to develop my 65% 17.5% 17.5%

English skills.

5. I am taking extra courses for my future career to 80% 15% 5%

survive in this competitive world.

6. I have taken some steps to develop my Business 50% 25% 25%

language through English.

7. I can focus on a lecture or speech for more than 20 75% 12.5% 12.5%
minutes.

8. I prefer mobile phones to complete my assignments. 100% - -

9. My knowledge in Business vocabulary is high. 25% 37.5% 37.5%

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10. I believe I have good personal traits. 62.5% 12.5% 25%