Teaching English in China: Business English And Tourism Oral English Exams
Article No. 16 in the "How to Improve Oral English" Series.
Individual and Group Discussion Examinations.
By R.P.BenDedek
Whenever I start teaching a new class of students, I always warn them of two things. Firstly that I am a serious teacher, and Secondly, that they will come to hate me very quickly. Generally speaking this holds true for every class during their first semester.
My students (most of whom are Business Majors), often complain that my teaching is too simple; too boring; or has nothing to do with their major. And that is quite obviously true! Until it comes time for the final exams. That's when I tie up the loose ends!. Today, that is what I will do in this article. You will also find these two articles worth reading in relation to this exam. No. 18 Word Association - and - No. 19. Writing Memos, Letters, Speeches, Thesis for Chinese Students
What is the purpose of Oral English Class & It's Exams (The Foreign Teacher is Not Chinese!)
One of the biggest problems I have with Students is their Cultural Mindset in relation to learning, as well as in relation to sitting for exams. The Chinese Educational System inherently leads students to believe that teaching is the process whereby students learn what the teacher says. Learning therefore, is the memorization of what the teacher teaches.
When it comes to holding a conversation however, one cannot memorize it in advance, although from a Chinese perspective, that is what role plays are all about. Conversational English is not about memorizing discussions, but learning the skills of natural conversation. Of course it goes without saying, that if you don't know the right English words to employ, there can be no conversation. Likewise, if one has neither information about nor opinion on a subject, then a conversation also cannot take place.
Students tend to think that individual discussion topics, and group discussions, require memorizing a set of prescribed facts or information. When it comes to exams, they tend to try and get good marks from the teacher by saying whatever it is that they think he/she wants to hear. Nothing could be further from the truth.
The purpose of the examination, is to determine if a student has ability to discuss the various topics studied in class. If a student wants to argue that Taiwan should become independent, then so be it. If they want to argue that Taiwan return, then so be it. If they think men are better, stronger and more intelligent than women, then that is OK. If they want to disagree with that posit, then that is OK too.
The purpose of the test is merely to discover if the student has at least basic conversational ability. Therefore, the first thing that I do with all my classes, is to start them out on a journey of processing information and forming opinions, to see if they can handle a normal conversation relating to daily life in Chinese society.
Once they reach that stage, then they can progress to discussions on topics related to their specific major. These two stages are important, because if one cannot discuss in a general way, then they will not be able to discuss in a specific way, complicated and sometimes technical matters.
In the end however, the purpose in class and in examinations, is not to memorize specific information, topics or conversations, but to learn how to express oneself during conversation.
Tying up the loose ends for the Exam.
When I first introduced the issue of Group Discussions in Article No. 11, I introduced 35 questions on the issue of Abandoned Babies in China, and asked how many topics were included in the total number of Questions Provided. Those questions are provided again, only this time, some keywords are underlined.
26. If everyone in China only has one baby boy, how will this affect China's future?
27. Many traditions and customs in China relate to Family gatherings. How will this change?
28. As China has more men than women, won't many men have to marry foreign wives?
29. Is marrying foreign women acceptable in China?
30. Will the current gender imbalance give women a sense of more power over men?
31. Will Women become prone to divorcing husbands that they are not happy with?
32. Will men in China become slaves to women in order to marry?
33. If millions of men can never marry, will this turn them into homosexuals?
34. What are the benefits of the One Child Policy?
35. How has it affected education, health, wealth, job opportunities and population size of China?
All of the keyword issues listed above, are important social issues that exist in China. Flowing on from those discussions, other social topics were introduced to the class, all of which came from articles found in China Daily Online English Newspaper. Topics included things like:
Suicide (eg 5 Students in Beijing - Lovers in Beijing)
Crime (The Government says that about 80% of Crime is committed by men who have never had a girlfriend or a wife)
Corruption in Government (Constantly in the Press)
Controlling the internet (sex educator says Most male criminals addicted to internet pornography)
Changing attitudes toward sex (Various articles at China Daily on the Topic)
While social issues may not seem to have anything to do with business or politics, the fact is that when it comes to politics and business, one thing that is needed in every country is a stable social environment. Such environments are fostered by the benefits that result from the successful interplay between political decisions and business development. A stable country politically speaking, facilitates a free flow of business; and the benefits of a prosperous business environment brings dividends to the workers who keep those businesses running. In turn, the increased personal disposable income of the workers, generates more sales; and so the cycle continues.
One of the things which I try to demonstrate to my classes, is that all of the issues listed in the 35 questions and the subsequent topics, relate to the interplay between politics and the economy. (I will come back to this later in the article).
Once students demonstrate an ability to discuss normal topics, I begin to introduce business related matters, by introducing the issue of oil. Derived from the Foreign Trade Assignment discussions in 2006, I provide students with a monologue on oil, for use in comprehension and dictation tests. I do this because not only is much of the Terminology new to students, but because it introduces two important concepts. The first concept is that there is a cyclical effect in business, and the second, is that it shows how so many different issues are related by the use of keywords. It also acts as a caution to the notion that all progress and development is good. Progress and development also bring with them, unintended consequences, so that not only are their many social blessings, but many social curses as well.
Foreign Trade Assignment Monologue.
China today has a rapidly growing economy that is heavily dependent upon imported oil and Petroleum products. Since 2001, the price of crude oil has increased dramatically. Whilst we may be cognizant of the current supply of and demand for oil, future demand and supply can only be predicted by analysing past and current market trends.
While future oil prices can be estimated, many factors can effect both it's supply and it's price. Such factors might include social, economic and Political Turbulence in those countries currently supplying oil to China.
Whilst China's 'One Child Policy' is predicted to significantly reduce the overall population size, there is significant indication that China's Demand for oil derivatives will continue to increase. Several factors may contribute to this situation.
Population redistribution through migration from rural areas to big cities will undoubtedly lead to greater demand for oil dependent services and power supply in Urban areas. Simultaneously, a decrease in the size of the rural labour force, will result in increased mechanization of agricultural industries.
Concomitant with both of these situations, will be the increase in personal disposable income, leading to a greater demand for energy dependent modern appliances, the most expensive of which is likely to be a family vehicle. A fundamental principle of 'Supply and Demand', is that the more something is in demand, the higher will be it's price. Therefore, as the standard of living increases, and the demand for goods and services increases, so too will the cost of those goods and services. Agricultural production, which will become heavily dependent on mechanization, will naturally become more costly, thus adding to the overall cost of living in China.
Given the precarious nature of a situation in which one country is dependent upon another for basic commodities such as oil, the need to develop alternate supplies is a given. It must therefore be seen as a priority, that China not only secure a broad base of supply, but develop alternative energy technologies. Such a need is not just related to issues of foreign dependency, but is also closely connected to issues of pollution, the major cause of which today, comes from products derived from oil.
Pollution of the environment is not only responsible for ill health, but seriously effects agricultural capacity and quality. A shortage of supply or quality, ultimately leads to greater demand for imported products, which not only effects prices, but once again leads to dependency upon foreign countries.
Whilst this monologue is good for teaching new words and expressions, it contains within it several themes.
Rapidly Growing Economy
Dependence upon Petroleum Products (for national energy and transport requirements)
Inflationary costs of Oil (and the flow on effect on the economy)
Analysing Market Trends and Predicting Future Trends and Prices
Turbulence in Foreign Countries disrupts Market Supply (and exports)
One Child Policy leads to lower overall population size
National Energy requirements do not rise or fall based on population size
Wealth generation results in population redistribution - Urban population increases, Rural population decreases
Urban Areas require more services and power generation. Rural Areas require more mechanisation.
Increased personal disposable income results in greater spending and buying energy dependent goods and services.
As demand for energy increases, likely dependence on foreign oil leaves China vulnerable.
China needs to ensure broad bases of oil supply (and import and export markets)
It also needs to develop alternative energy technologies not just to cure dependence on foreign countries, but because oil derivatives ultimately pollute the environment.
Pollution results in ill health which is costly; and it can affect agricultural production, which leads to dependency on foreign imports, which is also costly.
One Child Policy : Putting it all together.
The immediate aim of the one child policy was to reduce the spiraling population growth of China.
The policy effectively provided each family with more money to raise and educate their one child.
The benefit of education of course is that it leads to better jobs and more money.
Theoretically speaking, more money means greater personal disposable income.
The One Child Policy, coupled with Education and Business Development therefore, leads to greater prosperity for all. But prosperity, which in and of itself provides so many blessings, can also trigger a whole host of social problems. If we use the model provided above, and use the 'One Child Policy' as the trigger to prosperity we arrive at the following scenarios.
Abandoned Babies
The one child policy + tradition leads to discarding female babies
This is a gender issue (to be raised later)
It is an issue relating to Culture and Tradition
It is an issue relating to Education of the population (You can't have a population just of Boys)
Leads to a disposable lifestyle (throw away containers)
Leads to greater consumption of energy dependent goods and services
It can lead to investment in alternative energy technologies (more employment)
Currently it leads to more Environmental Pollution (oil derivatives and rubbish)
Higher Energy demand leads to Dependency upon foreign countries
Should China be dependent upon foreign countries?
Are Wealthy Educated Chinese losing Tradition and Cultural Values?
Pollution
Leads to ill health
Decline in Agricultural production and quality
An Accumulation of Rubbish (unsightly environment)
A detrimental effect on tourism
A detrimental effect on business in general
Whatever the topic
all benefits and problems can be traced back to:
Political Decisions
One Child Policy
Education
Economic Development
Personal Disposable Income
Topics are always connected by Keywords
I commenced this series listing a series of Technical Terms which I want to bring to your attention again. The three most important of which for the exam, are underlined.
Complete Sentences: Speaking whole sentences not just phrases. [Subject ?Verb ?Object]
Reflection: Replying with some of the same words that were spoken to you. Keywords! [My NAME is .......]
Statements: Are ordinary sentences containing information.
Conversation: Is the sharing of Information, thoughts, ideas, opinions etc
Effective Communication: is making sure that both speakers understand the meaning of the other, and requires speaking in whole sentences and reflecting back some of the words spoken to you. It may also require asking 'clarifying questions'.
Questions:
Are not always replied to with Direct Answers
They may be replied to with Questions or Statements.
They should be answered with complete sentences, and with extra information, even if that information is not absolutely necessary and even if the question was a 'Closed Question'.
Closed Questions: Usually can be answered with 'Yes ?No ?Maybe ?Sometimes ?I don't know'.
Open Questions: Usually require the other person to give some information that forces them to 'talk'
Multiple Questions: Asking more than one question in the same sentence.
Informative Questions: Are questions that EXPLAIN 'why' you are asking the Question. If you wonder why a person is asking a certain question, then they have failed to make their question informative.
Informative Answers: Are answers that give people more information than they specifically asked for. It is ADDITIONAL information which you can guess that they might ask for.
Key Words are Vital!
Used in Open Questions and Informative Answers, key words can completely Change the Topic. Additionally Keywords link many seemingly different topics so that the topic can be broadened to include other facts not originally obvious in the topic.
Having now looked at all the issues discussed in class and having seen how they are all interconnected; important; and related to business, let's now look at the exam that I prepared for my Students.
Please Note and be aware of the fact that Chinese Teachers may have a different ways of viewing and marking Individual Topical Discussions.
Individual and Group Exams
NOTE: Both individual topic tests and group discussion tests COMMENCE with a topic, but BenDedek's students are permitted to use the 3 primary skills (Open Questions/informative answers/keywords) to follow a natural progression in the directional change of a conversation.
While students might memorized their topic test in advance, they cannot memorise a Group discussion. They must have in their heads, the information from which they will derive their opinions, plus have an ability to talk about the topic and follow conversational changes.
Individual topic Discussion receives no score for the presentation given. The score results from a discussion with the teacher about what the student said in their presentation.
Every topic in the lists has some connection to the other. Students merely have to see the connection and use keywords to change topics.
Please be aware that Chinese Teachers may have a different way of viewing and marking Individual Topical Discussions.
'B'......... GROUP DISCUSSIONS 4 PEOPLE / 10 MINUTES
Exam Questions:
1. Does China have a developing economy?
2. How has the One Child Policy effected the economy of China?
3. Are Business women and business men really equal in China?
4. How will the return of Taiwan effect China's economy?
5. What impact do Chinese culture and traditions have on international business relationships.
6. Is it difficult for students to get good jobs when they leave school?
7. Do you think Personable Disposable Income is rising in China?
8. How is the abandonment of Babies in China related to the Chinese economy?
9. In what way does China ensure that it has a broad base of supply in relation to both Imports and exports.
10. How dependent is China's economy on foreign countries.
11. Why is it necessary to develop Alternative Energy Technologies in China?
12. Why is 'A Broad Base of Supply' an important concept?
13. Is capital punishment appropriate for people who commit crimes in China?
14. Why do Men more than women commit Crime?
15. Have Chinese traditions changed because of Economic Development?
16. How does the problem of Corruption in China affect China's economy?
17. Why is the energy need of China going up if the population size is coming down?
18. Discuss the issue of Internet control by the Government?
19. China does not have developed social welfare agencies - what can be done for the homeless, the alcoholic, the deserted wife, abused children? Do you care?
20. Discuss the issue of Oil (economy/importing/pollution/)
China and the United States were the main engines driving Fossil Fuel markets in 2004, accounting between them for nearly half the increase in world oil demand. China’s consumption soared by 11 percent in 2004, cementing its position as the world’s number two user at 6.6 million barrels per day. Daily demand in the United States rose to 20.5 million barrels a day—nearly 25 percent of the world total.
Ten countries are responsible for about two thirds of global carbon emissions from fuel use. The United States, with 5 percent of the world’s population, accounts for nearly a quarter of the total. Between 1990 and 2003, U.S. energy-related emissions rose 16 percent. China ranks second, with a 14-percent share. Emissions there are up more than 47 percent since 1990, and China accounted for half of the global increase in 2003, although it still ranks far behind the industrial world in emissions per person.
Crude oil is mostly a mixture of many chemical compounds of carbon and hydrogen (hydrocarbons). The different hydrocarbons are separated in an oil refinery. Hydrocarbons are a major source of energy. They are burned for domestic and industrial heating. They fuel most land vehicles, ship and airplanes. Hydrocarbons have many other uses, and are a raw material for many products including:
Rubber
Plastic
Paint
Synthetic cloth, such as nylon
Bitumen (asphalt or tar) for road surfaces and building
The global oil market environment of very strong demand and very little spare capacity offers a huge opportunity to the radical jihadists. The terrorists believe that the best way to hurt the global Western economy is to go after oil.
Since the end of the major hostilities in Iraq, there have been close to 300 attacks on pipelines, refineries, and other facilities, and there have been attacks on oil installations in many other parts of the world, including Chechnya, Pakistan, India, Russia, Azerbaijan, and Nigeria.
The cumulative impact of those attacks amounts to about 1 million barrels a day that has been taken off the market as a result of sabotage. If this million barrels a day had reached the market, oil prices would have been at least $20 a barrel lower.
The oil in your oatmeal A lot of fossil fuel goes into producing, packaging and shipping our breakfast by Chad Heeter, March 26, 2006
McCann's Web site illustrates each step of cleaning, steaming, hulling, cutting and rolling that turns the raw oats into edible flakes. Those five essential steps require significant energy. A lot of fossil-fuel energy goes into the production of food:
-- Bowl of oatmeal porridge: 4 ounces of crude oil.
-- Serving of red raspberries: 1 ounce of crude oil.
-- Butter, milk and salt: 1 ounce of crude oil.
-- That cup of java: 2 ounces of crude oil.
-- Energy required to produce 1 pound of coffee: a quart of crude oil, 30 cubic feet of natural gas, or about 2 1/2 pounds of coal.
-- Energy required to produce one week's worth of breakfast for one person: More than 2 quarts of crude oil.
What happens when middle-class families in India or China decide they want their Irish oats for breakfast and topped by organic raspberries from Chile? They'll dip more and more into the planet's communal oil well. And someday soon, we'll all suck it dry.
Participants at the meeting held that the economic and social situation in China is generally good and the economy is moving in the direction envisaged by the central government in regulating the economy.
148 million elementary and primary students in rural areas will be exempted from tuition fees starting from 2007 and a new compulsory educational financing system will be established. In 2006, 50 million elementary and primary students in western China's rural areas were exempted from all educational charges except textbook fees. The government will also press ahead with a national social security system in both urban and rural areas.
My Friend insisted on taking this Photo so that I would remember!
I hope that this file has been of assistance to you the Students of China.
Please be aware that Chinese Teachers may have a different way of viewing and Marking Individual Topical Discussions.
================================================================ This article and/or photographs may be freely reprinted providing this box is included and all links within the article body are made/remain active. ?2003-2010 R.P.BenDedek.
About the publisher:
R.P.BenDedek is from Brisbane Australia and is the author of 'The King's Calendar: The Secret of Qumran' at http://www.kingscalendar.com His academic articles set forth Apologetics for and results of his discovery of an "artificial chronological scheme" running through the Bible, Josephus, the Damascus Documents of the Dead Sea Scrolls, and Seder Olam Rabbah.
He writes photographic 'Stories from China' and social editorial commentaries, both at KingsCalendar, and as a contributing newspaper columnist. He currently teaches Conversational English in China and in addition to his English Lessons at KingsCalendar, he has created specific sites for Students of English.
