Chapters
Not too long ago, students of Business English, indeed of ESL (English as a Second Language), did not have much choice when it came to learning resources. Nowadays, however, those students can afford to be a little more selective.
People who needed to take lessons for improving their English language skills had to take rigorous grammar exercises and do general role-plays, mostly centered on social situations.
With the availability of many textbook options, both online and offline, the goal-oriented Business English learner of today can level up on their English language skills in a matter of months, and even weeks. No matter where you are on the planet, the Internet will throw up hundreds of results when you search for Business English classes near me!
How to Choose the Best Business English Books
Business English textbooks are usually loaded with techniques and structures for specific situations. At the same time, they also provide learners a solid foundation to build Business English vocabulary and grammar. However, as students are spoiled for choice in this regard, how do they decide which ones are good? Here are some tips on how to choose the best textbook for your Business English class.
Keep it Relevant
The business world is ever-changing and, so, the best Business English textbooks are revised frequently to stay current enough so that they don’t fall behind the times.
Focus on the 4 Skills
Any good textbook on Business English must contain activities to support speaking, writing, reading, and listening. There are many Business English textbooks that emphasize too much on the latter two. Although learners can get a lot of theoretical knowledge by developing these skills, they don’t get a whole lot of output practice. Application of skills is critical to succeeding in business. The best Business English textbooks will use reading and listening activities to facilitate such application, especially with regards to speaking and writing.
Functionality is Key
Keep in mind that the Business English textbook of your choice has the right phrases, tone, and logical order. The best Business English textbooks will provide this support and also the cultural insight to help students accomplish tasks properly.
Finding the Right Textbook for Your Learning Needs
Following the 3 Ls, that is Level, Learner, and Length is the ultimate mantra to unlocking the ideal books and resources for learning Business English.
Level
Assess which level of learning you are at. Do you use English for business on a regular basis? In what capacity do you use it? For how long do you use Business English? These are some questions, the answers to which can help you decide the level of difficulty of your chosen textbook and how deeply it needs to delve into business topics.
Learner
Ask yourself: what kind of learner am I? What am I looking for in a Business English course? Perhaps, you want to build your business vocabulary while also reinforcing your grammar. Or, you might be more interested in functional practice using discussions, role-plays, and case studies. Again, you might want a bit of both. Look at how the textbook is structured, the activities it emphasizes, and check if they match your learning needs.
Length
Finally, the length of the Business English course you have opted for matters. How many lessons is the course divided into? Is it a short-term course or a long, intensive course? Some Business English textbooks are better suited for long-term courses, while others are more flexible and could easily be customized for a shorter program.
Best Books to Master Business English
General Business English Books
- English for Everyone: Business English Coursebook
- A complete self-study guide for learning business English
- Commonly-used words and phrases as well as relevant grammar
- Listening, writing, and reading exercises
- Emails, negotiations, and job applications
- Grammar for Business
- Learn proper business English grammar
- Practice what you learn
- Examples and practice sections
- Advice and tips on topics such as giving presentations and stating opinions
- Business English ESL
- Specifically designed for ESL students
- Gain confidence and improve your business English speaking abilities
- Advanced grammar, idiomatic expressions
- Business etiquette and cultural differences
- CD with dialogues
Business English Vocabulary Books
- Oxford Business English Dictionary
- Specifically designed for English language learners
- Find a term’s definition quickly
- CD version
- Study pages to help you use business English vocabulary in real-world contexts
- Business Words You Should Know
- Ideal for ESL speakers who already have a solid grasp of the English language
- Set up like a dictionary
- Provides over 1,000 of the most common and useful business English words and phrases
- The words relate to all areas of business, including relevant acronyms
- 'Business Vocabulary in Use' Series
- Business Vocabulary in Use: Elementary and Business Vocabulary in Use: Intermediate
- Great resources for early English learners
- Practice using the vocabulary
- Exercises and practice sections
- Business Vocabulary in Use: Advanced
- Words for specific industries (logistics, marketing, etc.), technology, and global economics
- Professional English in Use: Management
- Management and leadership vocabulary
- Real business case studies
- Business Vocabulary in Use: Elementary and Business Vocabulary in Use: Intermediate
Business English Phrase Books
- Business Idioms International
- Great resource for business English idioms
- Includes 200 idioms
- The idioms are present within sample texts, as used in natural conversation
- Exercises to practice using the idioms
- Speak Business English Like an American
- Idioms and common business expressions in American English
- Comes with a CD
- Practice clear pronunciation
- Perfect Phrases Series
- Offers books on a range of business English topics
- Perfect Phrases for ESL: Advancing Your Career
- For general improvement
- Covers everything from meetings to memos
- Perfect Phrases ESL: Everyday Business Life
- Strategies for small talk
- Useful phrases for everyday business encounters
- Perfect Phrases for Office Professionals
- Hundreds of phrases designed to help you establish your authority and accomplish your goals
- Perfect Phrases for Managers and Supervisors
- Learn more about the English phrases and words managers and supervisors use
- Perfect Phrases for Meetings
- Impress your boss at the next meeting
- Perfect Phrases for ESL: Advancing Your Career
- Offers books on a range of business English topics
Business English Writing Books
- Business Writing: What Works, What Won't
- Improve your writing skills
- Learn to write reports, letters, memos, and emails
- Examples and exercises on grammar
- Barron's ESL Guide to American Business English
- Learn business English writing for the U.S
- Samples and examples of reports, proposals, resumes
- Exercises on sentence structure and different verb forms
- Business English: Develop Effective Business Writing Skills
- Samples of different types and styles of business writing
- Write memos, reports, and letters
- Includes some exercises
Top Websites to Learn Business English for Free
Are you looking for online lessons in Business English? Do you need a Business English certification for your resume? You have come to the right place. While there are several websites to learn Business English, there are those few gems that offer the service for free. Check them out in this list and sign up today!
Business English Pod
This is a podcast that offers students a short write-up about different business situations and an accompanying podcast that discusses each situation. Students can also use the links to videos that teach you more Business English with visuals.
The podcast uses incredibly specific situations, such as how to properly argue in a meeting or take control in times of crisis. This way, students won’t just improve their English, they will improve their overall business skills!
The podcast episodes discuss other situations such as meetings, presentations, job interviews, socializing, and travel, citing example dialogue within each situation. Each video prompts you to think about certain questions and listen for specific information.
BBC Learning English
This is probably the best online resource that students of Business English will find today. Learn how to handle yourself (by using your English properly) in a wide variety of possible business scenarios.
In the English at work section, learners can follow fictional workers, Anna and Tom, through all sorts of common issues that might arise in the office. Listen to Anna’s interview at the company or learn how to make polite requests.
Students even get to hear how Anna and Tom deal with their colleagues at their own wedding. These scenarios are helpful outside of work as they make you understand the culture of English-speaking countries.
In the Talking Business section, more general business scenarios are covered such as setting agendas, giving presentations, or answering the phone. BBC Learning English introduces the basics of Business English, including some funny and uncomfortable situations you might encounter at work.
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