Second Edition
Widgets Inc. A task-based course in workplace English
Marcos Benevides • Chris Valvona
Marcos Benevides • Chris Valvona
00_Widgets2_Cover.indd 1
2018/08/12 0:41
FREE & OPEN WIKI AT WIDGEPEDIA.COM INCLUDES: •• •• •• ••
Second Edition
COURSE COURSE VIDEO VIDEO FOR FOR STREAMING STREAMING OR OR DOWNLOAD DOWNLOAD LESSON LESSON IDEAS IDEAS & & TEACHER SUPPORT TEACHER SUPPORT EXTRA EXTRA DOWNLOADABLES DOWNLOADABLES & & MORE! MORE!
Second Edition
Widgets Inc.
Welcome to Widgets Inc., a different kind of English language course! Widgets is a business themed communication course using a task-based approach to language learning. It is designed for classes of 12 to 40 young adult or older students who are placed into teams in order to complete a series of connected projects.
Great for mixed-ability classes from Pre-Intermediate to High-Intermediate!
•
CEFR B1 and above: students are engaged and challenged at their own level of achievement even while working together in mixed-level teams. Task situations provide useful language and excellent incidental practice for TOEIC speaking and writing components.
A task-based course in workplace English
• Integrated skill development: students develop fluency and confidence in speaking,
listening, reading, and writing via discussions, presentations, self and team evaluations, report writing, viewing video instructions, and many more highly-contextualized tasks.
• Meaningful assessment: students are assessed primarily by task outcome in accordance with Communicative Language Teaching and TBLT principles; however, a secondary focus on the use of language forms is still possible.
Widgets is arranged by task complexity, not language complexity! The course starts with fairly easy tasks, and quickly builds to more complex projects. This puts the focus and the challenge of the course on the practical use of English, rather than on passing language tests. It also encourages students to develop fluency and confidence in using English in ‘real world’ situations.
Stage 1 Interns join the company orientation Stage 2 Teams prepare new product proposals Stage 3 Teams discuss and evaluate product proposals Stage 4 Teams perform market research on the product Stage 5 Teams plan a multimedia advertising campaign Stage 6 Interns prepare a resume and interview for a job
Marcos Benevides • Chris Valvona
Widgets Project Sequence
Marcos Benevides • Chris Valvona
00_Widgets2_Cover.indd 1
2018/08/12 0:41
To the student Welcome to Widgets Inc.! Get ready to begin your internship at Widgets Inc., the exciting startup company that creates useful products. To help you prepare, here are some important features of the Widgets Inc. Student Book.
Widgets Inc. executives You will be guided through your training by the Widgets Inc. executives. When you see a green text box, read it carefully. The executives may have an important tip or extra information about your project.
Good luck!
Video calls
Water cooler chat
Sometimes, the Widgets Inc. executives may make a video call to give you instructions, advice, or show your team an example presentation. Review these video calls with your team, and watch again at home if you need to. You can also read the video scripts at the back of this book. The videos can be streamed or downloaded by going to widgepedia.com
Working all the time can be hard. Sometimes you need to take a break. You can go to the water cooler and chat with other interns at anytime before or after class, or during a special water cooler break. Talk about a recent event in your life, or try the water cooler chat cards on pages 84 and 85.
Paperwork!
Project manager From Stage 2 to Stage 5, you will need to pick a project manager for your team. Each team member will be the project manager at least once. The project manager is responsible for making sure that all team members are present, participating in the team project, and using English as much as possible.
vi
At the end of each stage of your training, you will be asked to evaluate your own performance at Widgets Inc. This will help you set your learning goals and measure your progress. Sometimes you may also be asked to evaluate other interns – be fair and try to give helpful advice!
Glossary Look at the Glossary on pages 108 to 113 for definitions of new words. There is a space for you to take notes or write the definition in your own language.
S TA G E
1
Welcome aboard You’re hired!
Congratulations! You have been selected to work as an intern at Widgets Inc. Widgets is a fast-growing international company. We specialize in exciting new technology. Soon, you will
My Notes: • fast-growing • specialize in• hands-on-
learn what it’s like to work with us. You will join a team of other interns, and together you will experience the hands-on Widgets training program. Teamwork is very important at Widgets. Working together, your team will create, develop, and market new product ideas. You can learn important management and communication skills this way, but only if you are an active participant. At the end of the training program – if your team is successful – you will be invited to interview for a permanent position in the company. We’re always looking for creative and hardworking new employees! I look forward to meeting you at this year’s orientation. Bring us your enthusiasm, your creativity, and an open mind. I’m sure you’ll do really well! All the best,
Jessica Sparks Chief Technology Officer, Widgets Incorporated
Jessica Spark
2
s
d C TO, Co-founder an Widgets Inc.
S TA G E
1
It’s your first day on the job! Hi there! Welcome to the Widgets Internship Program. I’m Jessica, the CTO at Widgets. I’m going to show you around. But first, let’s get ready to meet your fellow interns. We’ll start by making nametags.
A Look at these example nametags.
HELLO My name is
HELLO My name is
An interesting fact about me:
An interesting fact about me:
Michael
I’m a drummer in a band
Rachel
I have a black belt in judo
B Read their “interesting facts”. Can you think of a question you could ask each person? Michael:
?
Rachel:
?
C Now make your own nametag. Use this space to practice.
HELLO My name is An interesting fact about me:
Your ‘interesting fact’ can be anything. Think of something that people will remember about you.
3
Shake on it Knowing how to shake hands is important when you want to make a good impression. Do you know the do’s and don’ts of handshakes?
A Read the advice below. When shaking hands, 1.
Always make eye contact and smile. This shows that you are friendly and honest. Looking away can seem like you have something to hide.
Do
2.
Use a firm grip – not too strong, not too weak. A strong grip can feel aggressive, but a weak grip can signal that you are not confident.
Do
3.
Don't
Don't
Let go at the right time. For most professional situations, pump your hand up and down two or three times, then pull it back.
Do
Don't
Now let’s try it! B Introduce yourself to the other interns. Shake hands, say
your name, and say “Nice to meet you.” Ask a question about their interesting fact. Meet as many people as you can.
4
S TA G E
1
Welcome to Widgets! OK, now that you’ve met each other, let’s learn about the company!
A Watch Video 1. Don’t worry if you don’t catch all of the information at first. If you can, complete the sentences below.
1
2
Widgets was started
Welcome to Widgets. Your
3
,
Widgets has
years ago by three
.
.
4
5
Meet Miki May, the
in New York, Hong Kong, and
of
Titus Pinsch. This superstar
Widgets. A magazine called her CFO a true Widgets' profits year after year. of our time.
6
Jessica Sparks. CTO and , she is the creator of many of Widgets' best-selling products.
B Check your answers with another intern. Don’t look at their answers – ask and listen! C Watch Video 1 again. Take notes below.
D Now discuss Widgets with another intern. You can ask and answer the questions
below, or ask your own questions. Continue until your supervisor asks you to stop. What kind of company is Widgets? Is it big or small? Who started it? What are some Widgets products? Do you want to use them? Why or why not? Does Widgets seem like a good place to work? Why or why not? Does Widgets remind you of any other companies you know?
5
Order now! Now that you know about the company, let’s look at some of the Widgets products in our online catalog.
A Read the product descriptions on pages 6 and 7. When you finish, write a comment
about each one. Your comment can be positive or negative. Give each product a score from 1 - 5 stars.
iShave Phone Case Shaver Call your friends! Check your messages! Shave your face! Now you can do it all with the Widgets iShave phone case!* The iShave is completely waterproof and can be washed clean in seconds. It also includes an extra battery, so your phone will last longer than ever. iShave colors include blue, pink, gold, and black. *Warning: Texting while shaving can be dangerous. Comment:
X-Ray Fridge We know you care about saving money, and so do we. That’s why we’ve created the amazing X-Ray Fridge, which can save up to 20% on your electric bill! Now there’s no more need to stand in front of your open fridge while you decide what looks good to eat. Instead, cameras on the inside send an image to the giant touch-screen on the door. Even better, download the app and keep an eye on that chocolate cake from anywhere! Comment:
Scale Shoes Do you often forget to weigh yourself? Sure, who doesn’t? Well, with the Widgets Scale Shoes, now you can check how much you weigh at any time of the day or night. Just stand up straight, tap your shoes together, and your weight displays across the toes. Easy! Have you ever wondered whether you’re a bit heavier on Mondays than on Fridays? No? Well now you won’t be able to stop wondering – so just go on and get Scale Shoes to find out! Comment:
6
S TA G E
Soy Sticks
1
Do you love sushi, but hate opening those messy little soy sauce packs? Well now you can get Widgets Soy Sticks! These high quality chopsticks hold the perfect amount of soy sauce for one meal. Just press a small button at the top, and squirt the right amount of soy sauce from the tip. Soy sauce right where you want it, every time, with no mess. Sushi just got even better! Comment:
Doggy BFF We’re animal lovers here at Widgets. But sometimes we’re too busy inventing cool new products to give our best friend the walk he needs. So we did the next best thing: We created a best friend for our best friend! Set the Doggy BFF to follow an online map or use the Random Walk feature. And don’t worry: the Doggy BFF avoids roads and always returns home within one hour. Best of all, the extendable poop-scoop hand will clean up any mess that Rex tries to leave behind! Bow-wow! Comment:
Kitty Floats Everyone knows that cats don’t like water, but until recently, no one knew why. Now, our researchers have discovered the reason: they don’t want to drown! With the new Kitty Floats from Widgets, your cat will have nothing to be afraid of. Based on the same technology as ‘water wings’ for children, Kitty Floats keeps your pet safely on the surface of the water for hours!* Kitty Floats is also 100% bite-proof and scratch-proof. Mee-wow! *Results may vary Comment:
B Now work with another intern and discuss your comments and scores. Do you
agree about which products are the best and which are the worst? Can you think of any way to make these products better?
7
Water cooler chat It’s important to take a break. In most workplaces, there is a water cooler, a coffee maker, or a vending machine where co-workers often run into each other and chat. It’s a great way to be friendly and get to know your co-workers!
A Read these tips about how to have a short casual conversation. 1. Ask follow-up questions
Let’s see... On Saturday morning, I went jogging.
What did you do last weekend?
Answer, then ask another follow-up question:
Really? How far did you run?
. ?
2.
Don’t just say “yes” or “no”. Give details.
Did you watch the big game last night?
No.
Give a possible answer:
Oh. Did you do something else instead?
3.
Avoid long pauses. If the conversation stops, ask a new question to change the topic.
Yes,
... and that's how you make glue!
...
... You don't want to talk about movies. Politely change the topic:
Oh, hey, did you hear about the new Marvel movie?
B Watch Video 2. Can you find examples of 1-3 above? 1.
A follow-up question: “
?”
2.
A detailed answer: “
?”
3.
A change of topic: “
?”
C Now it’s your turn. Look at the “Water cooler chat” cards on pages 84 and 85 for ideas. Continue the conversation until your supervisor asks you to stop.
8
S TA G E
1
The dream team It was nice chatting with you. Now let’s get back to work. Soon your supervisor will put you into teams. But before that happens, watch this video about the very first Widgets team.
A Watch Video 3. How did the first Widgets team get started?
B Think about the three Widgets co-founders. Who best matches each personal quality? Add two other qualities.
caring confident creative decisive energetic focused friendly
�
good with people good at business good with numbers hard-working a leader organized outgoing
a perfectionist productive sensible a team player trustworthy
C Discuss your answers with another intern. Do you agree about Miki, Jessica, and Titus? Do you think they are well balanced as a team? Why or why not?
D Now think about your own skills and qualities. What kind of a person are you? Write down some of the words from the list above which best describe you.
E Based on your answers,
which Widgets co-founder are you most like? Tell your partner.
I think I’m like Miki, because I’m decisive.
I’m not like Titus, because I’m not good with numbers
9
Meet your team OK, here we go! Now your supervisor will put you into a team. You will work together with this team for most of your time at Widgets, so get to know each other.
A Meet your team members. Shake hands and introduce yourself. You can talk about your personal qualities on page 9.
B Share your contact information with your team members. Important: only share what you want to share, and always respect your co-workers’ privacy!
Name:
Name:
Contact:
Contact:
Notes:
Notes:
Name:
Name:
Contact:
Contact:
Notes:
Notes:
Excellent. Now here is a team-building activity to get your team going!
C Think of a team name, a motto, and draw a logo for your team. You can make notes below.
Team Name:
Motto:
10
Logo:
S TA G E
1
Paperwork! Complete the Intern Evaluation Form. When you finish, make a copy and give it to your supervisor.
Date:
Intern name:
Attendance and participation 1. 2. 3.
I am present and on time every day. I participate with a positive attitude. I speak only in English.
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4
Performance 4. I can meet people and shake hands. 5. I can ask and answer questions in a conversation. 6. I can take useful notes from video information. 7. I can discuss and explain my likes and dislikes. 8. I can answer questions with enough information. 9. I can describe a person’s character and personality. 10. I can cooperate as part of a team using only English.
1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4
What have I learned so far?
What can I do to improve?
Grading I would like to receive a final grade of: So far, I think that I deserve a grade of:
F D C B A F D C B A
Comments:
Good wo rk. Now your rea l tra ining begins! -Jess ica
11
S TA G E
2
Think Outside the Box Today we’re going to start your training in the R&D department. R&D is short for “Research and Development”. It’s where all of the great Widgets products come from.
Before we get started, there’s one more thing we need to do. Your team needs to choose a project manager.
Take charge! The project manager’s responsibilities are: • to make sure all members are participating • to make sure the team is speaking in English • to lead discussions and to ask for opinions • to be a spokesperson for the team If your team does well, the project manager will receive much of the praise. If the team doesn’t do well, the project manager may receive the blame! Everyone will be project manager at least once.
A What are some qualities of a good leader? Discuss with your team. B Now discuss who should be the first project manager. You should be project manager because you’re outgoing.
12
She should be project manager because she’s creative.
C Now vote. The Stage 2 project manager is:
I shouldn’t be project manager because I’m not decisive.
S TA G E
2
Creative inventions Good, now let’s get your team and your new project manager warmed up! Take a look at some of my favorite creative ideas in history.
Business Innovations world
featured
business
tech
life
culture
REGISTER LOGIN sport
art
comment
Business
Simple ideas that changed the world! Sometimes, the smallest idea can make a huge difference in our lives. You already know these ideas, but do you know what they are called? Or where they come from? Read on! 1
2
CLICK TO CLOSE AD
3
A Talk to a partner. What is the correct name for each product or idea? 1. a) road reflector b) paint line marker c) night lights
2. a) zipper b) hook-and-loop fastener c) double-sided sticker
3. a) duct tape b) memo paper c) sticky notes
B Do you know the brand name for the original version of these products? 1.
2.
3.
Turn the page to learn how these products were first created.
13
C Read the description of how each product was created, and match the number from above.
In the 1940s, a Swiss scientist was walking his dog. He saw that burrs (small hooked seeds) stuck to his pants and to his dog’s fur. This gave him an idea: maybe he could create something like the burrs to hold things together. Today, this product is used on all kinds of items that need to hold together strongly, but also need to be easy to open and close. For example, jackets and children’s shoes.
In the 1970s, a scientist in the USA was trying to invent a new, extra strong type of glue. However, he accidentally created a very weak type of glue instead. At first, the glue seemed useless – but then he got the idea to put it on the back of small pieces of paper. He used them to mark pages in books or stick on things as notes. Today, more than 50 billion of these colored pieces of paper are sold each year!
In the 1930s, a UK driver noticed how animal eyes often reflect a car’s headlights along a road. This gave him the idea to make reflectors that could be put all along the road for safety. What’s more, by driving over these bumps on the road, a driver can feel that they are going off the road. Also, when a car drives over them, the reflectors sink against a small wiper, which keeps them clean and shiny. Genius!
D Work with your team. Can you think of some other simple ideas that have changed the world? Here are some popular categories and examples:
Kitchen items
14
Medical equipment
Car accessories
Other
The project brief
S TA G E
2
Those were some great ideas, and that’s the kind of thinking we want here at Widgets. So let me get you started on your team project. There are four important steps.
STAGE 2 PROJECT: Step 1: Think of some problems you have in your life. Step 2: Imagine new ways to solve those problems. Step 3: Write one product proposal per team member Step 4: Give a short ‘pitch’ for each product idea
Your team will show that you are creative and can explain your ideas to other people. It’s easier than you think! Let’s have a quick video chat and I’ll explain.
A Watch Video 4 and take notes.
B Discuss with your teammates: What is Jessica’s message? What advice does she give?
C Watch Video 4 again. Do you still have any questions? Discuss with your team.
15
Brainstorm! The key to being creative is to start by identifying a problem that needs to be solved. Watch me coming up with a new idea.
A Read the story.
Oh where is it ?
1
2
Start by thinking of a problem you have in your everyday life.
For example, I’m always losing my phone.
I know!
3
4
A phone that sticks to the wall! Why didn’t I think of that before? Hmm… How can I solve this problem?
Hm, a sticky phone. It's interesting, but is it a good product idea? Good products should be:
useful,
safe,
original, and
possible to make.
B Discuss the Sticky Phone. Is this idea useful, safe, original, and possible? Why or why not?
( ) useful? ( ) safe? ( ) original? ( ) possible?
C Would you think about buying this product? Why or why not? 16
Problems and solutions
S TA G E
2
OK, now it’s your turn. Remember, start by thinking of some problems you have in your everyday life. You don’t need to think of a solution yet, just the problem.
A Write down some problems you have in your life. Think about home, school, work, etc. PROBLEMS IN YOUR LIFE 1.
I always wake up late because there is no sunlight in my room.
2. 3. 4. 5.
B Work with your team. Brainstorm some solutions to each other’s problems. I always wake up late because there’s no sunlight in my room.
Hmm… I know! How about a sunlight alarm clock? It shines a light on your face to wake you up!
Hey, that’s not a bad idea, thanks!
C Write down your best solutions below. SOLUTIONS 1.
A sunlight alarm clock that shines a light on your face in the morning.
2. 3. 4. 5. See? I told you it was easy! Now that you have a few good ideas, let’s think of which ones are good enough to become Widgets products.
17
The good and the bad Not all ideas are equally good. Let’s think about your ideas a bit more, and see which ones are better than the others.
A Choose your two best ideas from page 16 and fill out the information below. Example product idea
Description
Sunlight Alarm Clock
This is for people who need
sunlight to wake up. It’s a clock that shines a light on your face in the morning. √ useful
√ safe
Your product idea
?
original
√ possible
original
possible
original
possible
1.
Description
useful
safe
Your product idea
2.
Description
useful
safe
B Now get ready to explain your ideas to your team members. Here are some key phrases that may help. It’s a kind of ~ It’s made of ~ It looks like ~ It’s used for ~ 18
Example: “It’s a kind of alarm clock” Example: “It’s made of plastic and glass” Example: “It looks like a lamp with a clock under it” Example: “It’s used for waking up in the morning”