Module: English language and communication

Semester 3

Prof. Karim EL Hiani

k.elhiani@uae.ac.ma
 Introduction
The aim of this booklet is to introduce S3 students, department of Economics and

Management, to a variety of topics and lessons to enhance their English language skills. To

engage students in well-constructed lessons, language skills are presented and facilitated within

business contexts. Furthermore, students are encouraged to work on practical activities and

tasks to develop their autonomous learning experience. Many follow-up activities, therefore,

are suggested at the end of each session.

The major units of the semester are as follows:

 Education & Higher Education vocabulary

 Used to, be used to, get used to

 Phrasal verbs in Business

 First conditional

 Writing an opinion paragraph

 At the Bank

 Modals (must, should, could, might..)

 Technology & IT vocabulary

 Present perfect (simple) vs. Present perfect continuous

 Tourism and economy

 Gerund and infinitive

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Read the email below, check the meaning of the words underlined and complete the

definitions in the first exercise.

Dear friend,

I’m very glad to get back to you after a stressful week to share with you my latest news. I’m

happy to inform you that I got my B.A degree after three wonderful years at university. Finally,

I’m proud to be an economics graduate. You can’t imagine the hard moments I spent during the

three years when I was an undergraduate student. We had two semesters per year, two modules

during each semester and three subjects in each module. At the beginning of each academic

year, I had to pay the registration fees, which cost around 400 dollars. Because the fees were

expensive for me and I had no scholarship, I decided to take out a student loan. At the end of

each semester, I had to submit my progress report to my tutor who was giving us our marks at

the end of each semester. At this moment, I’m thinking about pursuing my studies and getting

a Master’s degree. So, I’ll need two years to get this degree and complete a number of

assignments related to economics. If I succeed, I’ll have a good chance to complete another

three years to get my PhD degree which is a wonderful dream since childhood.

I’m looking forward to seeing you soon,

Mike

1. Complete with the words underlined in the email.

………………………………..is somebody who is studying for their first degree at university.

……………………………is the money that a student borrows from a bank while at university.

…………………………………………….. is a document saying if a student is improving.

…………………………is a teacher who works with one student or a small group of students.

……………………………the amount of money you pay to go to a university or a private

school.

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……………………………….an amount of the money paid by a school, university, ect. to a
student who has a lot of ability but has not much money.

…………………………….are pieces of work given to someone as part of their studies or jobs.

………………………………………is the highest university degree.

………………………………is somebody who has a first degree from a university.

……………………………………….is one of the units which together make a complete

course taught especially at a university.

2. Fill in with the words provided:

progress report, undergraduate, student loan, PhD degree, tutors, continuous

assessment, degree, graduate

If you’re planning to study abroad, you should get…………………………………….as you

may find it hard to manage your financial situation unless you get a scholarship.

The final exam is not very important at this university because the system is based on
a…………………………………………………….throughout the semester.
Our……………………………………. Ask all students to provide
a……………………………………………..to assess them and see how they are doing well.

If you want to become a university professor and get higher positions, you have to finish your
studies until the end and get a…………………………………………

You can’t get promoted if you don’t have a…………………………………because it’s a

requirement. Therefore, it would be a good idea if you go to university and start your
………………………………studies. You’ll have a nice opportunity to become a
Chemistry……………………………………..after three years.

3. Read the following sentences and identify the differences of ‘used to’

a. He used to spend a lot of time at the library when he was an undergraduate student.

b. This is his first month at the university. He’s still getting used to this lifestyle!

c. You will get used to working hard if you make it a habit.

d. I’m used to working with people from different countries. Our company is international.

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  USED TO: indicates something that happened in the past, but doesn’t happen now. And

DIDN’T USE TO: indicates something that didn’t happen in the past

 ‘used to + infinitive’

e.g. He used to spend a lot of time at the library when he was an undergraduate student.

 BE USED TO: it’s used when something is not new, unusual or strange for us. It is used

in all tenses.

e.g. I’m used to working with people from different countries. Our company is international.

 ‘be/get used to + noun OR gerund

 GET USED TO: indicates the process of something becoming normal for us. It is used

in all tenses.

e.g. This is his first month at the university. He’s still getting used to this lifestyle!

e.g. You will get used to working hard if you make it a habit.

Complete with a, b or c.

1. I have been working hard for years and now I ___ it.

a) used to b) am used to c) is used to

2. Nora ___ to working long hours because she is writing a monograph.

a) is used b) was used c) uses

3. He ___ to waste his time a lot but now he doesn’t do it.

a) is used b) used c) uses

4. If you move to live in England, you___ to driving on the left.

a) gets used b) will get used c) not get used

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Rewrite the following sentences

1. Julia can speak German quite well.

……………………….

2. When I went to school I wore a uniform.

……………………………

3. It is difficult for me to study alone but I think I will become accustomed to it in a few days.

…………………………….

4. Kim is a commercial agent so she speaks with customers every day.

………………………….

5. I read a lot of podcasts two years ago but I don’t now.

……………………………….

6. I have worn glasses for 10 years so I don’t mind wearing them.

………………………………

7. I just changed my job, I hope to become accustomed to working in this environment.

………………………………….

4. Discussion

Higher education between the past and the present. Use the following points as a

reference:

a. Business and economic development.

b. Digitalization & the virtual world.

c. Distance & blended learning.

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 1. Read the text. What is the general idea?

In today’s dynamic business environment, professionals often need to carry out complex

tasks and deal with various challenges. One common scenario is when a company decides to

roll out a new product. This process typically involves several stages, including planning,

testing, and finally, launching the product into the market. It’s crucial to follow up on any

feedback received during the launch phase to ensure that the product meets customer

expectations.

In meetings, managers often need to bring up issues or new ideas. For example, if a team

member encounters a problem with a project, they might bring it up during a team meeting so

that everyone can discuss potential solutions. Once a decision is made, it's important to put it

into practice efficiently.

Effective communication is key in business. Managers should reach out to their teams

regularly to touch base on project progress and address any concerns. If issues arise, it's

important to work out solutions quickly and collaboratively. For example, if a project is falling

behind schedule, the team might need to step up their efforts to catch up with deadlines.

2. Reread the text and underline all the phrasal verbs.

3. Based on the context of the text, match the phrasal verbs with their meanings.

a. Carry out
1. To start to talk about a subject
b. Deal with 2. To Find a solution
c. Roll out 3. To discover more about sth
d. follow up on 4. to do or complete a task
e. Bring up 5. To make a new product

f. Put sth into practice 6. to address issues/challenges

g. Reach out to 7. To improve/develop sth

8. to meet someone / respect time
h. Touch base
9. To talk to someone for a short time
i. Work out
10. To take action
6 j. Step up
11. Catch up with
k. Catch up with
 4. Fill in the blanks with the correct phrasal verb
carry out - deal with - roll out - follow up on - bring up
put sth into practice - reach out to - touch base - work out
step up - catch up with

• We need to __________ the new marketing strategy by the end of this quarter.
• It’s essential to __________ any customer complaints quickly and efficiently.
• The company plans to __________ a new product line next month.

• After our initial meeting, I will __________ any feedback you have about the project.
• During the discussion, please remember to __________ any concerns about the
timeline.

• We must __________ our ideas from the brainstorming session to ensure they are
effective.
• I will __________ our key clients to ensure they are satisfied with our services.

• Let’s __________ later this week to discuss our progress on the project.
• We need to __________ a solution to this problem before the deadline.

• Everyone on the team needs to __________ and take on more responsibility.

• I need to __________ with you about the updates since our last meeting.

5. match the halves with their halves

1. If we roll out a new product

2. If we implement remote working

3. If we encourage our staff,

4. If we put things into practice,

5. you will be a good problem-solver

a. the charges will reduce a lot.

b. our clients will try it out.
c. they will be more productive.
d. If you deal with problems effectively,
e. we will step up our production.

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 In the 1st conditional, the condition clause (or the if clause) uses simple present tense,
the result clause uses the simple future tense. The 1st conditional is used when we talk
about a probable result in the future.

if + s + simple present S + simple future

 If we encourage our staff, they will be more productive.
the condition clause the result clause

Additionally, the 1st conditional is used to make future promises.

e.g. If you finish your task, I will take you out for dinner.

6. complete with the correct verb form

• If we ______ (increase) our online presence, we ______ (reach) more customers.

• If the team ______ (meet) the deadline, we ______ (launch) the product on time.

• If we ______ (invest) in training, our employees ______ (perform) better.

• If the market ______ (grow), our sales ______ (improve).

• If the company ______ (expand), it ______ (create) new job opportunities.

7. Based on the following business scenarios, create your own first conditional
sentences.
a. Scenario 1: The company is considering a new marketing strategy.
If we adopt this strategy, __________.
b. Scenario 2: A new competitor enters the market.
If the new competitor offers lower prices, __________.
c. Scenario 3: There is a potential partnership with another company.
If we partner with them, __________.
d. Scenario 4: A recent customer survey shows mixed reviews.
If we address the concerns, __________.
e. Scenario 5: The economy is expected to grow.
If the economy improves, __________.

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 8. Problem-solving is a very important skill for business management. Write a
paragraph highlighting the most salient techniques of problem-solving.

Understanding your banking options

When managing your finances, it's essential to understand the various banking services
available. One common service is automatic deposit, where your salary is directly transferred
into your checking account or savings account. This convenient option ensures your money
is available immediately without needing to visit the bank.

If you're looking to save for the future, a savings account typically offers interest on your
balance, allowing your money to grow over time. In contrast, a checking account is ideal for
everyday transactions, such as making purchases or paying bills.

Sometimes, you might need extra funds for a significant purchase, like a home. In this case,
you can apply for a loan. Loans often have an interest rate, which is the cost of borrowing
money. A mortgage is a specific type of loan used to buy real estate, secured by the property
itself.

When you manage your money, you can make deposits or withdrawals at the bank. To
deposit cash or checks, you can visit a teller or use a deposit machine. For these transactions,
you might need to fill out deposit/withdrawal slips to ensure everything is recorded correctly.

In addition to cash transactions, many people use a bank guarantee card for purchases,
which provides an added layer of security for your transactions. At the end of each month, your

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bank will send you a monthly statement detailing all your deposits, withdrawals, and any
interest earned.

If you're looking to start managing your finances with a bank, you can open an account
either online or in person. Conversely, if your financial needs change, you might decide to close
an account.

1. Write words from the text (in bold) next to the following statements:

a. Taking money out of an account.

b. Forms used to record deposits or withdrawals.
c. a loan specifically for purchasing property.
d. A summary of account activity for a month.
e. Adding money to an account.
f. A bank employee who handles customer transactions.

2. Complete with words from the previous activity.

a. I went to the bank to make a ____________ of $500.

b. My _____________ shows that I spent $200 last month.
c. To buy a flat, I took out a _____________.
d. I need a _____________ slip to take out some cash.
e. The bank ________________ helped me with my transactions.

3. Underline the modal verbs in the following statements

 We can improve our customer service by implementing a new training program.

 Could you send me the sales report by Friday?

 You may proceed with the marketing campaign once you receive approval.

 We might consider expanding into international markets next year.

 You must submit your expense report by the end of the month.

 You should attend the networking event to meet potential clients.

 Shall we discuss our strategy for next quarter?

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 Can: Ability or possibility

Could: Polite requests or past ability

May: Permission or possibility

Might: Slight possibility

Must: Necessity or obligation

Should: Recommendation or advice

Shall: Formal suggestion or offer (more common in British English)

4. Complete with appropriate modal verbs

a. You _____ submit the project by Friday if you want to meet the deadline. (necessity)

b. We _____ explore new markets to increase our revenue. (possibility)

c. _____ you help me with the presentation? (polite request)

d. Employees _____ follow the safety guidelines at all times. (obligation)

e. You _____ consider joining the leadership training program. (advice)

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 Is Technology making people smarter or dumber?

1. Complete the text with the following words: browsing, hardware, speakers,
printer, icons, database, software, pop-up, surfing, sensors

In our increasingly digital world, grasping basic technology concepts is essential.

……………… refers to the physical components of a computer system, such as the ………….
and ……………... These devices allow us to produce physical documents and enjoy audio
output. On the other hand, ………….. consists of the programs that run on this hardware,
enabling users to perform various tasks, from word processing to gaming.

When we talk about data, a ………………. plays a crucial role. It is a structured collection of
information that allows for efficient storage and retrieval. Many businesses use databases to
manage customer information or inventory.
As you navigate the internet, you may encounter a ………………, which is an unexpected
window that can appear while browsing. These can contain ads or notifications, and often
require action from the user.
……………. the internet typically involves looking for specific information, while ………….
refers to a more casual exploration of various websites. Both activities often involve clicking
on ………., small images representing applications or files on your device.

Modern devices often come equipped with ………….., which detect various environmental
inputs, enhancing user experience by adjusting settings automatically, like screen brightness or
orientation.

2. Complete the sentences using the words provided: software, hardware, database,
pop-up, icon, surfing, browsing, sensors, speakers, printer.

a. The __________ helps you print documents from your computer.

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 b. A __________ is often used to store large sets of information.
c. While __________ the internet, I enjoy exploring different articles and videos.
d. Clicking on an __________ opens the corresponding program on your computer.
e. Sometimes, a __________ appears on my screen, distracting me while I’m reading.
f. The physical parts of my computer, like the mouse and keyboard, are referred to as
__________.
g. Many smartphones have __________ that detect motion or light changes.
h. My computer's __________ allow me to listen to music and videos.
i. __________ is great for finding specific information quickly.
f. The __________ on my desktop helps me access my favorite applications.

3. Read the following text and identify the present perfect simple and present
perfect continuous sentences:

Technology has transformed how we live and work in numerous ways. In the past few
years, many people have become increasingly reliant on smart devices. Families have been
using home automation systems to control lighting and security, making their lives more
convenient.

In the workplace, companies have adopted collaboration tools that allow remote teams
to work seamlessly. Employees have been communicating through platforms like Zoom and
Slack, which has improved productivity and engagement. Additionally, organizations have
invested in cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive information as digital threats have
evolved.

Overall, technology has significantly enhanced our daily experiences, and as innovations
continue, we have been witnessing even more changes in how we connect and interact.

The examples below highlight differences between present perfect (simpl) and present perfect
continuous:

 Technology has transformed how we live and work in numerous ways.

 Companies have adopted collaboration tools.

 Families have been using home automation systems.

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  Employees have been communicating through platforms like Zoom and Slack.

The first two examples shed light on results of the action, as shown in the first example, and
achievements completed in the second. However, the third and fourth examples emphasize
ongoing actions and duration. As a result, the major differences can be summarized as
follows:

Present Perfect
Aspect Present Perfect Continuous
Simple

Subject + have/has + Subject + have/has been + present participle

Structure
past participle (verb + -ing)

Completion of actions
Focus Ongoing actions and duration
and results

To highlight
Usage achievements or To emphasize ongoing efforts and processes
completed actions

"The team has

Example "We have been working on the new product
launched a new
(Achievements) for six months."
product."

"Sales have increased "We have been analyzing customer

Example (Results)
by 20%." feedback."

Focus on the present

Focus on the duration and continuity of
Time Frame relevance of past
actions
actions

4. Complete with present perfect simple or present perfect continuous

a. Our marketing team __________ (develop) a new strategy to improve customer

engagement.

b. We __________ (increase) our social media followers significantly this year.

c. The finance department __________ (analyze) the budget reports all week.

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 d. Our sales figures __________ (rise) steadily since the beginning of the year.

e. They __________ (implement) several changes to the project based on client

feedback.

f. The HR team __________ (conduct) interviews for the past month to find new
talent.

g. We __________ (expand) our product line to meet customer demands.

5. Discussion

Digitalization has immensely changed the economic sector. Use the following
prompts to develop your ideas:
 E-commerce
 The internet of things (IoT)
 Digital currencies

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 Tourism: What Impacts on Environment, Society and Economy?
Over the years, tourism has impacted the world’s dynamism in many ways. It is a great source
of money, cultural exchange, and job opportunities around the world. However, tourism remains
double-edged given that it has numerous negative effects on the environment, public interest,
and more dangerously people’s health.

Tourism can help the national economy grow immensely. For instance, the total number of
travelers in 2014 was more than 1.4 billion, spending about $1.45 trillion. This spending
contributes to sectors such as amusement parks, hotels, and transportation.

Despite its benefits, tourism also has significant drawbacks. As people travel to many different
places, they have a lot of needs and daily demands, which affect some vital resources such as
energy. When people visit a country for touristic reasons, water and electricity may double and
go beyond the possible capacity. Furthermore, when pollution and imbalanced distribution of
energy emerge, issues of climate change are on the line.

Tourism can also have social and cultural impacts. Although intercultural communication is
important in today’s digitalized world, conflicts and misunderstandings are serious challenges.
People’s differences in food preferences, religious practices, and celebrations can be interpreted
by many as a threat to local cultures.

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Additionally, health issues are really serious especially in crowded places. Some viruses and
diseases might be contagious, and stress goes high in dangerous areas and neighborhoods. Car
accidents bring a lot of challenges because of the huge traffic during high season.

To overcome all the negative effects of tourism, sustainable tourism is indispensable. It

primarily aims at minimizing the negative effects and maximizing the positive ones. Sustainable
tourism is of paramount importance because it focuses on keeping a good balance between
economic growth and environmental protection. As a result, it requires careful planning to make
tourism beneficial for people, communities, economy, and the planet.

1. Reading comprehension

a. What makes tourism important to the job market?

b. How can tourism be negative to people’s life?

c. Why is climate change at risk?

d. Can human contact/interaction have only negative consequences? How?

e. What solutions are there to make tourism more beneficial?

2. Vocabulary

a. Match the words with their definitions

a. Dynamism 1. Area of economic activity

b. Double-edged 2. Capable of being transmitted by contact

c. Amusement parks 3. Characterized by constant change and activity

d. Sectors 4. Having both positive and negative effects

e. Sustainable 5. Designed for entertainment and fun

f. Contagious 6. Able to be maintained over the long term

b. create sentence using the following words related to tourism:

1. Cultural exchange …

2. Environmental protection …

3. Job opportunities …
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 3. Grammar

a. Read the following sentences and underline gerunds and infinitives

Many travelers enjoy exploring new cultures.

Visiting historical sites can enhance your understanding of local history.
Traveling abroad exposes you to different lifestyles.
When you go to other countries, avoid talking about their bad habits.
Travelers focus on visiting the most popular places.

I want to explore the ancient ruins during my vacation.

Travelers often seek to experience authentic local cuisine.
Tourism can help to boost the local economy.
Many people travel to enjoy a break from their routine.
I plan to learn about the customs of the places I visit.

b. Form and meaning

In general, gerunds end with ‘ing’ and aim at expressing activities and experiences. The first
five sentences express experiences of visitors and travelers (e.g. exploring new cultures,
traveling abroad..). There are certain verbs that come before gerunds.
e.g. enjoy, feel like, finish, hate, keep, admit, avoid…
Also, Gerunds are used after prepositions like in, on, at., by…
e.g. Travelers focus on visiting the most popular places.

Infinitives are often used to express intentions, desires and purposes.

e.g. I plan to learn about the customs of the places I visit.
There are many verbs that are followed by the infinitives
e.g. plan, want, decide, choose, expect…

c. Complete with gerund or infinitive.

Tourists are interested in ________ (learn) about different cultures.
It's important ________ (pack) wisely for a long trip.
He avoided ________ (take) the bus due to traffic.
We plan ________ (visit) several countries this year.
She suggested ________ (join) a guided tour to better understand the city.

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I look forward to ________ (travel) to Europe next summer.
They offered ________ (help) us find accommodation.
She enjoys ________ (photograph) beautiful landscapes.
4. Writing

a. In a well-structured paragraph, write about how to develop tourism locally.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

…………………………………………………………………………………………………

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