Copy - IT LGF - Solving Problems at Work B1 Business English

Solving Problems at Work

Vocabulary and Speaking

B1 Business English

What Will We Cover?

Warm-up

Nouns

Part 1: Describing Problems

Part 2: Solving Problems

Verbs

Adjectives

Warm-up

What problems do these workers face?

Drag the problem to the corresponding profession. Each profession has two problems associated with it.When you have finished, you can click on the job titles to reveal the answers.

Salesperson

Customer Service

Technician

Accountant

A client wants to return an item. They aren't satisfied.

There's an error in a customer's bill.

There's a malfunction with the machinery.

I didn't sell much today. What can I do to improve?

A competitor has a lower price. How do I convince customers?

We have been receiving complaints about a lost item.

We don't have the right tools to repair the equipment.

I lost an important tax document.

Speak Up

What are some common problems that you encounter in your current role? How do you effectively manage these issues to avoid disruptions or delays?

Speak Up

In your experience, what's the most challenging aspect of working in a team?

Speak Up

What's one problem-solving skill you believe is crucial in the business world?

Solving Problems: Nouns

We will start with looking at common nouns we use when speaking about problems and solutions at work.

Part 1: Nouns for Describing Problems Part 2: Nouns for Solving Problems

Part 1: Nouns for Describing Problems

Part 1: Nouns Describing Problems

Click on the words to learn about them.

dilemma drawback hurdle

barrier complication consequence

Nouns Describing Problems

Think of the missing word. Click on them to reveal the answer.

barrier

1. The firm faced a b_____r in entering the new market due to high tariffs and regulations. 2. The company is facing a d_____a: should they expand their product line or focus on improving their existing products? 3. The unexpected financial c__________n of the merger negotiations caused the deal to fall through.

dilemma

complication

Complete the Sentence

Complete the sentences with your own ideas. If you need help, you can click on the text to find examples.

1. I faced a major barrier when... 2. One drawback of moving to a new city is... 3. I faced several hurdles in... 4. I encountered an unexpected complication when...

I entered a new market due to the high tariffs and regulations.

leaving behind all my friends and family.

launching my new product.

we switched to the new software.

Part 2: Nouns for Solving Problems

Part 2: Nouns for Solving Problems

Click on the words to learn about them and practice using them in speech.

plan resource skill

decision goal improvement

Solving Problems: Nouns

Think of the missing word. Click on them to reveal the answer.

goal

1. Our g__l is to finish the project by Friday. 2. Computers are an important re_____e for our work. 3. Learning new sk___s help us at work.

resource

skills

Solving Problems: Nouns

Think of the missing word. Click on them to reveal the answer.

improvements

4. Our team always looks for ways to make im________ts. 5. We are making a p__n for our budget. 6. Our boss makes most of the de_____ns here.

plan

decisions

Complete the Sentence

Complete the sentences with your own ideas. If you need help, you can click on the text to find examples.

1. A goal I have for this year is... 2. An improvement I could make is... 3. I'm currently making plans to... 4. An additional resource my office could use is...

learning a new language.

organizing my tasks better.

attend a conference abroad.

a mentorship program.

Verbs for Solving Problems

Solving Problems: Verbs (Set 1)

Click on the words to learn about them and practice using them in speech.

adjust call ensure

fix improve look into

Solving Problems: Verbs (Set 2)

Click on the words to learn about them and practice using them in speech.

order reduce repair

reset update adapt

Test Your Understanding

The next two exercises will present a series of problems. Connect the correct solution to the problems.

Using the Terms in Context

You will now read a series of texts. Insert the correct word.

Solving Problems: Adjectives

We will now take a look at adjectives we use to describe problems and solving them.

Solving Problems: Adjectives (Set 1)

Click on the words to learn about them and practice using them in speech.

adaptable clear creative

effective efficient flexible

Solving Problems: Adjectives (Set 2)

Click on the words to learn about them and practice using them in speech.

innovative logical practical

quick simple structured

Practicing Adjectives

Identify the missing adjectives.

clear

1. A c___r communication style helps avoid misunderstandings at work. 2. C______e thinking can lead to innovative solutions in the workplace. 3. Time management is crucial for being e_______e at work.

Creative

effective

Practicing Adjectives

Identify the missing adjectives.

flexible

4. The team needs to be fl_____e to accommodate changes in project timelines. 5. Maria is very a______le; she can easily switch between different tasks. 6. Having a st_______d agenda for meetings improves efficiency.

adaptable

structured

Practicing Adjectives

Identify the missing adjectives.

innovative

7. The company encourages i___v____e thinking to improve products and services. 8. Solving problems in a l__g__l way helps avoid unnecessary complications. 9. S___le instructions help employees understand their tasks better.

logical

Simple

clear effective efficient flexible logical practical structured

un

in

Antonyms

in

These adjectives can have the opposite meaning by adding a prefix. These words use one of the prefixes below. Click on the words to discover the prefix associated with them.

in

il

im

il- im- in- un-

un

Practicing Adjectives

IRead the short text and insert the missing word. Click on the space to see the answer.

unclear

At work, we had problems because the instructions were _______ (not clear), making it difficult to understand what to do. Our work was ___________ (not efficient) and ___________ (not effective). The decisions we made didn't make sense and the solutions we tried were ___________ (not practical). The entire project was ____________ (not structured).

inefficient

ineffective

impractical

unstructured

Other Antonyms

Can you think of opposite words for these adjectives? Each has a few possibilities, and you can click on the word to see a popular antonym.

adaptable creative quick simple

rigid

conventional

slow

complicated

Speak Up

Answer these questions about your own work.

What systems in your workplace do you consider rigid? Is there a reason it can't become more adaptable or flexible?

Speak Up

Answer these questions about your own work.

Which types of companies do you think of when you hear 'creative'? Which types of companies take a more conventional approach?

Speak Up

Answer these questions about your own work.

Is it always better for companies to respond quickly to problems?

Speak Up

Answer these questions about your own work.

Can you think of a task you have that may seem simple, but is actually more complicated than it looks?

That's all!

Improvement

Definition: Getting better at something. Sample Sentence: Practice leads to improvement in drawing. Discussion Question: What improvements have you seen in your place of work?

Goal

Definition: Something you want to do or achieve. Sample Sentence: Finishing a puzzle is a goal. Discussion Question: What goals do you have for this year?

Update

Definition: to bring up to date or make current Sample Sentence: "I'll update the computer software to fix the crashes." Discussion Question: What is a piece of software or app that requires many updates? How often does it update?

Barrier

Definition: Something that blocks or prevents progress. Sample Sentence: Language can be a barrier when working with international clients. Discussion Question: How can you overcome language barriers in a multicultural team?

Adjust

Definition: to change or alter to achieve a desired result Sample Sentence: "I'll adjust the air conditioning temperature." Discussion Question: How do you adjust to changes in your work environment?

Clear

Definition: Easy to understand or see. Sample Sentence: The instructions were clear, and everyone knew what to do. Discussion Question: Why is it important to be clear when giving directions?

Call

Definition: to communicate with someone by phone Sample Sentence: "I'll call for maintenance to repair the coffee machine." Discussion Question: How often do you need to call for assistance at work?

Adaptable

Definition: Able to adjust or change easily to fit different situations. Sample Sentence: The chameleon is adaptable, changing colors to match its surroundings. Discussion Question: Would you consider yourself adaptable to change?

hurdle

Definition: A problem or difficulty that must be overcome. Sample Sentence: Lack of funding was a significant hurdle in launching the new product. Discussion Question: What are some common hurdles you might face when working on a group project?

Ensure

Definition: to make sure or guarantee Sample Sentence: "I'll ensure paychecks are issued on time." Discussion Question: What steps can you take to ensure the quality of your work?

Efficient

Definition: Achieving maximum productivity with minimum wasted effort or expense. Sample Sentence: The efficient worker completed the task in record time. Discussion Question: What do you do to be efficient at work?

Innovative

Definition: Introducing new ideas or methods; being creative and original. Sample Sentence: The company is known for its innovative approach to technology. Discussion Question: In your opinion, what characteristics does an innovative person have in the workplace?

Adapt

Definition: to adjust or change to suit new conditions Sample Sentence: "We need to adapt to the new software for improved efficiency." Discussion Question: Do you have difficulty adapting to things? What sorts of things are they?

Dilemma

Definition: A situation in which a difficult choice must be made between two equally undesirable options. Sample Sentence: Facing a dilemma, she had to choose between attending a crucial meeting or completing a deadline. Discussion Question: How do you approach dilemmas in your professional life?

Decision

Definition: A choice you make after thinking about what to do. Sample Sentence: Choosing a favorite toy is a decision. Discussion Question: What decisions do you make every day?

Complication

Definition: A factor that makes a situation more difficult or complex. Sample Sentence: The unexpected change in the project deadline created a complication. Discussion Question: How do you handle complications in your daily work?

Resource

Definition: Something you use to help you do something. Sample Sentence: Books are resources for learning. Discussion Question: What are some resources that you use to help complete tasks at work?

Quick

Definition: Moving or happening with great speed; done in a short amount of time. Sample Sentence: She gave a quick response to the question. Discussion Question: Is it always a good idea to be quick when trying to resolve a problem?

Repair

Definition: to fix or mend something that is broken or damaged Sample Sentence: "I'll call for maintenance to repair the coffee machine." Discussion Question: What are some things that you own that frequently need to be repaired?

Reset

Definition: to fix or mend something that is broken or damaged Sample Sentence: "I'll call for maintenance to repair the coffee machine." Discussion Question: How do you prioritize repairs in a busy work environment?

Look into

Definition: to investigate or examine Sample Sentence: "I'll look into adding more available meeting spaces." Discussion Question: How often do you need to look into new solutions at work?

Flexible

Definition: Able to bend easily without breaking or able to adapt to changing circumstances. Sample Sentence: The gymnast is flexible, performing incredible routines. Discussion Question: In what situations is it beneficial to be flexible?

Effective

Definition: Producing the intended result or having a strong impact. Sample Sentence: The new method proved to be effective in solving the problem. Discussion Question: What is an example of an effective government policy in your country? Why is it effective?

Technician:Inadequate Tools: "We don't have the right tools to repair the equipment." Machinery Malfunction: "There's a malfunction with the machinery."

Drawback

Definition: A disadvantage or negative aspect of a situation. Sample Sentence: The drawback of the small office is that it can get crowded easily.. Discussion Question: Can you think of any drawbacks of using technology in the workplace?

Consequence

Definition: The result or effect of an action or situation. Sample Sentence: Not meeting the deadline had serious consequences for the project. Discussion Question: What are some potential consequences of poor time management?

Logical

Definition: Showing clear, sound reasoning; based on facts or sensible thinking. Sample Sentence: His logical explanation helped everyone understand the problem. Discussion Question: Can you give an example of a logical solution to a common workplace problem?

Fix

Definition: to repair or make something functional Sample Sentence: "I'll fix the printer jam issue right away." Discussion Question: How do you approach fixing problems in your workplace?

Improve

Definition: to make or become better in quality or condition Sample Sentence: "I'll improve communication channels with regular updates." Discussion Question: In what ways can you continuously improve at work?

Customer Service: Handling Rude Customers: "A customer was rude on the phone. How do I remain professional?" Product Quality Complaint: "A customer is not satisfied with the quality of a product. What should I do?"

skill

Definition: Something you are good at because you practice. Sample Sentence: Drawing is a skill that gets better with practice. Discussion Question: What skills do you want to learn?

Creative

Definition: Having the ability to think imaginatively and come up with new ideas. Sample Sentence: The artist is very creative, turning ordinary objects into beautiful art. Discussion Question: What activities can we do to improve our creativity?

Structured

Definition: Organized and arranged in a systematic way. Sample Sentence: The project plan was well-structured, with clear steps to follow. Discussion Question: Is your work routine structured? What parts of your routine are unstructured?

Order

Definition: to request or arrange the delivery of something Sample Sentence: "I'll order more pens and paper for the office." Discussion Question: Why do people prefer to order products and services online instead of in person?

Plan

Definition: A set of actions to reach a goal. Sample Sentence: Making a list helps plan the day. Discussion Question: What is a plan that you are making for the future?

Reduce

Definition: to make or become smaller or less in amount or size Sample Sentence: "I'll check if we can reduce the noise or relocate desks." Discussion Question: What are some things that you do or services that you use that reduce the amount of time required to complete projects?

Salesperson:Low Sales: "I didn't sell much today. What can I do to improve?" Competitor's Price: "A competitor has a lower price. How do I convince customers?"

Accountant: Lost Tax Document: "I lost an important tax document." Billing Error: "There's an error in a customer's bill. How to correct it?"

Practical

Definition: Concerned with what is actually relevant and useful rather than theoretical. Sample Sentence: The team found a practical solution to the problem. Discussion Question: Why is it important for solutions to be practical?

Simple

Definition: Easy to understand or do; not complicated. Sample Sentence: The instructions were simple, and everyone followed them easily. Discussion Question: Why is simplicity important in communication and tasks?