Workplace communication: using inclusive language

Summary

This 90-minute ESL lesson for B1 learners explores Workplace communication: using inclusive language through a real article. Across 10 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: Modal verbs for advice and obligation with examples and practice
• Real-world phrases for making sure everyone is heard in a 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

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. 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 Modal verbs for advice and obligation — 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 making sure everyone is heard in a meeting — ready to use in real conversations.
8. Cloze passage — Fill in blanks within a connected text to practise vocabulary in context.
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:

• To speak up — to say what you think about something, especially when it is difficult or you disagree with others.
• To put yourself in someone else's shoes — to imagine what it is like to be in another person's situation.
• To take something into account — to consider or think about something when you are making a decision or judgment.
• To raise awareness (of/about something) — to help people know that something exists and is important.
• To feel left out — to feel sad and excluded because you are not part of a group or activity.

Grammar

This lesson focuses on Modal verbs for advice and obligation.

We use modal verbs like 'should', 'must', and 'have to' to talk about rules, obligations, and good ideas. In discussions about diversity and inclusion, they are useful for giving advice or explaining company policies.

Examples from the lesson:

• Everyone should try to use gender-neutral job titles like 'firefighter' instead of 'fireman'. — We use 'should' to give advice or say what we think is the right thing to do.
• According to the new policy, managers must ensure all team members feel included. — 'Must' expresses a strong obligation or a formal rule, often from the speaker's perspective.
• We have to update our hiring practices to avoid bias; it's required by law. — 'Have to' also expresses a strong obligation, but often because of an external rule or law.

Key rules:

• Use 'should' for advice and recommendations.
• Use 'must' and 'have to' for strong obligations and rules.
• For something that is not necessary, use 'don't have to'. (e.g., 'You don't have to share your pronouns, but it can be helpful.')

Practical English

making sure everyone is heard in a meeting

In meetings, it's important to create a space where everyone feels comfortable sharing their ideas. These phrases can help you include quieter colleagues, support others, and encourage different points of view.

Phrases you'll learn:

• "[Name], we haven't heard from you yet. What are your thoughts?" — use this to politely invite a quiet person to speak.
• "Sorry to interrupt, but I think [Name] wasn't finished with their point." — use this to bring the conversation back to someone who was cut off.
• "That's a great point. To build on that..." — use this to show you agree with and want to add to someone's idea.
• "Does anyone have a different perspective on this?" — use this to encourage diverse opinions without asking for direct disagreement.
• "Thanks for sharing that, [Name]. It gives us something to think about." — use this to acknowledge someone's contribution, especially if you don't agree or need more time to consider it.