This e-Learning material, which focuses on the most important and most widely used areas of written communication in English, is complementary to the Business English syllabus earlier developed by Corvinus University and Eduweb Multimedia Co. and the vocabulary and grammar tackled in it are based on that syllabus, too. The syllabus consists of 4 modules presents the English language specificities, the format and stylistic requirements of written documents used in business, as well as several idiomatic expressions and technical terms that are characteristic of business communication in writing.

The target group

Employees of companies who have to communicate in English in writing on a daily basis and who must therefore be able to correspond in English and to prepare memos, agendas, minutes and reports.

The content of the syllabus can be mastered even by those who are only at a pre-intermediate level of English, considering the fact that the most important words and expression can be viewed in Hungarian, too, and the language level of the sample documents is never above intermediate.

The content

The syllabus consists of 4 modules:

Each module is made up of 8-10 creative tasks, which develop reading comprehension, and help memorize words and expressions. All tasks are complemented by listening comprehension materials.

1. Business correspondence - The module presents the English vocabulary, stylistic peculiarities and format of the various types of business letters and provides plenty of practice with the help of sample letters. These can be used for everyday communication, as, besides the linguistic tools of formal and semi-formal letters they also include the expressions and phrases that are typical of informal letters. Besides matching expressions and words in Hungarian to their equivalents in English and matching definitions in English to English words and phrases, as well as putting letter elements into the appropriate order, the participants can also exchange letters thanks to the opportunities offered by the learning management system (LMS) used.

2. Writing memos, agendas and minutes - The module introduces learners to the most commonly used forms, language and stylistic tools of memos, minutes and agendas, along with the linguistic specificities of these genres, e.g. the use of Reported Speech. Learners may practise by simulating real life-like situation, e.g. writing a memo on the basis of an oral message or the preparation of minutes after listening to an excerpt from a meeting.

3. Preparing a report - The module introduces learners to the structure of reports, its content elements and allows learners to practice the analysis and description of figures and trends, draw conclusions in English and draft recommendations. By doing a number of creative and varied exercises learners have a chance to recognise the various types of reports, write parts of reports, as well as complement reports on the basis of a listening task. Learners not only practice the usage of words and expressions common in business reports, but may also learn the most important terms of the formal business style, as well as the linkers and other conjunctional devices that are indispensable when formulating longer texts in English.

4. E-mailing - This module introduces learners to those up-to-date and specific expressions and linguistic tools that are characteristic of electronic correspondence. The module points out the main differences between traditional correspondence and e-mailing, as well as the specific features of electronic letters, e.g. a less formal style, frequently used abbreviations, etc. The module also highlights the techniques necessary for effective e-mailing and encourages their use, e.g. error correction exercise.

The user/learner-friendliness of the syllabus is guaranteed by detailed explanations within the individual modules, varied, occasionally playful, drill-like exercises (matching, gap-fill, multiple choice etc.), as well as authentic listening materials. Making use of the special opportunities offered by e-learning, the Hungarian equivalent of the key words and technical terms used in the various texts and exercises can be viewed instantly by simply positioning the mouse above them. An assessment test at the end of each module allows students to measure the extent to which the new knowledge has been acquired.

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