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Learning Objectives
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
- Discuss recent news and company trends with colleagues confidently and naturally.
Exercise 1
Situation
Direction: Read the situation for today's lesson
Alex notices that some colleagues are chatting about a recent business news article while taking a coffee break. He wants to join the conversation without sounding uninformed or interrupting. He needs to learn how to comment politely, ask questions, and share opinions about current events or industry trends in a professional yet casual way. Alex also wants to encourage Sarah and Omar to join in and create a friendly discussion that strengthens team connections.
Exercise 2
Vocabulary
Direction: Listen and repeat after your tutor
Industry buzz
noun
/ˈɪndəstri bʌz/
Meaning:
The latest news or talk about trends in a business sector.
- Alex asked Sarah if she had heard the industry buzz about the new software launch.
Keep someone in the loop
idiom
/kiːp ˈsʌmwʌn ɪn ðə luːp/
Meaning:
To make sure someone is informed about important updates.
- Alex keeps Omar in the loop about company news so he can learn quickly.
Catch up on
phrasal verb
/kætʃ ʌp ɑn/
Meaning:
To get updated on recent events or information.
- Alex wants to catch up on the latest market trends before the meeting.
On the radar
phrase
/ɑn ðə ˈreɪdɑr/
Meaning:
Something is noticed or being watched.
- The new competitor is now on Alex’s radar for potential business opportunities.
Exercise 3
Office Conversation
Direction: Read the conversation aloud with your teacher.
Situation:
Anna introduces herself to a new colleague at work.
Hey Alex, have you caught up on the latest industry buzz?
Sarah
Not yet. What’s on the radar this week?
Alex
There’s a new competitor entering the market.
Omar
Thanks for keeping me in the loop.
Alex
No problem! Did you catch the recent report on customer trends?
Sarah
I did a quick read this morning, trying to catch up on the details.
Alex
It seems like we’ll need to adjust some strategies soon.
Omar
Agreed. It’s good we’re talking about it before the next meeting.
Alex
Check Understanding
Direction: Answer the questions about the conversation.
1. What does 'keep me in the loop' mean?
2. What is Alex trying to do by 'catching up on the details'?
3. Why is the new competitor 'on the radar'?
Exercise 4
Study Guide
Direction: Read the study manual aloud.
Discussing current events, especially industry news, helps you connect with colleagues, stay informed, and appear engaged. Start by listening to what others are saying and identify topics that are safe and relevant. Use phrases like “catch up on” to describe your effort to learn new information or “keep someone in the loop” to show you value sharing updates. Comment briefly on news items or trends that are “on your radar,” meaning you’ve noticed them and are monitoring the situation.
Avoid controversial or highly personal news unless you know your colleagues well. Casual discussions about company news, competitors, or market trends can make you more approachable and show professional awareness. Practicing these conversations helps you contribute naturally to office dialogue and keeps you informed, improving both your relationships and professional image.
Exercise 5
Choose the Correct Answer
Direction: Direction: Select the correct answer from the options A, B, or C.
- 1. Alex wants to catch up ___ the latest news.
A. on
B. in
C. at
2. We must keep Omar ___ the loop.
A. in
B. on
C. at
3. Industry buzz ___ important for team awareness.
A. is
B. are
C. were
4. Alex ___ a quick read this morning.
A. did
B. do
C. does
5. Something on the radar means ___
A. being noticed
B. ignored
C. completed
6. Sarah spoke ___ quickly during the discussion.
A. clearly
B. clear
C. cleared
7. Catching up on news is ___
A. useful
B. use
C. uses
8. Alex wants to talk about trends with ___ colleagues.
A. his
B. he
C. him
Exercise 6
Discussion
Direction: Discuss these questions to practice speaking and share experiences.
1. How do you usually stay updated on company news?
2. When is it appropriate to talk about current events at work?
3. What topics are safe to discuss with colleagues?
4. How do you catch up on trends you missed?
5. Where do you usually get your industry updates?
6. How do you keep new employees in the loop?
7. What benefits come from talking about news with peers?
8. How can discussing current events improve teamwork?
