Company rules: describing policies and procedures

Summary

This 90-minute ESL lesson for B1 learners explores Company rules: describing policies and procedures through a real article. Across 10 interactive exercises, you'll develop 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: modal verbs for rules and obligations with examples and practice
• Real-world phrases for asking about company rules
• 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 (10 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. Vocabulary — Learn key words and expressions from the article, with definitions and usage notes.
3. Matching — Connect words, phrases, or concepts to their correct counterparts.
4. Grammar — Study modal verbs for rules and obligations — explanation, examples, and key rules.
5. Error correction — Find and fix the mistake in each sentence — a great grammar workout.
6. Practical English — Learn phrases for asking about company rules — ready to use in real conversations.
7. Fill the gaps — Complete sentences with the correct vocabulary. Drag and drop or type your answers.
8. Reading — Read a short passage on the topic and answer comprehension questions.
9. 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:

• Standard procedure — the official or normal way of doing something in a company.
• Take time off — to get permission to not go to work for a period of time, for example for a holiday or because you are sick.
• Health and safety — the set of rules and actions that a company takes to protect its employees from getting hurt or sick at work.
• Get approval for (something) — to receive official permission from a manager or company to do something.
• Stick to the rules — to follow the rules exactly and not change them.

Grammar

This lesson focuses on modal verbs for rules and obligations.

We use modal verbs like 'must', 'have to', 'should', and 'can' to talk about rules, obligations, and permission. In a business context, they are essential for understanding and explaining company policies.

Examples from the lesson:

• You must wear your ID badge at all times in the office. — Use 'must' for strong obligations, often for official, written rules.
• You don't have to wear a suit, but you should dress professionally. — 'Don't have to' means there is no obligation. 'Should' is used for strong advice or recommendations.
• Employees can't use the company printer for personal documents. — Use 'can't' or 'must not' (more formal) to talk about things that are prohibited or not allowed.

Key rules:

• Use 'must' and 'have to' for strong obligations.
• Use 'should' for advice and recommendations.
• Common mistake: 'You must not' (prohibition) is very different from 'You don't have to' (no obligation).

Practical English

asking about company rules

As a new employee, you'll need to ask about company policies. Here are some natural phrases to help you get the information you need from your manager or a colleague.

Phrases you'll learn:

• "''Do you have a moment? I have a couple of questions about how things work here.''" — To politely start a conversation and state your purpose.
• "''I was wondering about the policy on...''" — To ask about a specific rule, for example, '...working from home' or '...the dress code'.
• "''Could you point me in the right direction for the employee handbook?''" — To ask where to find official written information.
• "''So, just to be clear, I should...?''" — To confirm you understand a rule or procedure correctly.
• "''What's the usual way to...?''" — To ask about the correct process for doing something.