COURSE

SYLLABUS
Group 1:
1. Nguyen Kim Minh Quan
2. Tran Duc Phat
3. Mai Thi Tham
4. Nguyen Tuan Duy
5. Luong Thi Nhu Thuy
6. Bui Hoai Minh Thu
 General
01 information
1. Course title: Professional English for Secretaries - B1
2. Knowledge / Skills: 
3. Credits

Total  Theory  Practice  Self – study 

3 1 3  6

4. Mode of delivery: Face-to-face

5. Language of instruction: English
Teacher: 
Name: Group One Smiths
Office: Room 102, Tran Nao Street, District 2, Ho Chi Minh City
Email: groupone_abclanguagecenter@ gmail.com
Telephone: +84-777999978
 02
Course
specifications
1. Course
overview 
The course targets secretaries working in business offices. This course
covers 6 topics which suit learners' occupation. The materials
provide learners with a range of vocabulary and language skills
about related topics. This course aims to develop English capability
for secretaries. This course is able to take advantage of the benefits
of task-based and communicative language learning due to the need
of enhancing skills related to secretary work. Moreover, in order to
create more opportunities for learners to practise their English
skills, group work, student-centred will be applied in this course.
 2. Requirement course
⁕ Before class:
 Individual preparation: general knowledge, vocabulary,
grammar.
⁕ In class:
 Punctuality
 Doing individual/pair/group work
⁕ After class:
 Doing individual homework, group assignments
(presentations, projects, reports, etc.)
 Submit assignments on time.
 3.
Course
objective
s
 This course aims to give the learners opportunities
Course to:
Description 
objectives
Knowledge

CO1 Widen students’ vocabulary range to enhance their secretarial works.

CO2 Foster proficiency in workplace grammar.

Skills
CO3 Develop communication skills in secretarial contexts
Strengthen listening skills in conversational interactions in different
CO4
situations.
CO5 Write emails and forms professionally.
 Course learning outcomes
Course
(Course learning outcomes)
objectives

Recognize and use a wider range of business English vocabulary and

CLO1 expressions, including industry-specific terminology and phrasal verbs, to
communicate more effectively with clients and colleagues.

CO1 Develop strategies for expanding vocabulary, including using context clues,
CLO2 word roots and affixes, and online resources, to support professional reading
and writing tasks.

Incorporate newly learned vocabulary into written and spoken communication

CLO3 in a variety of professional settings, including emails, reports, and
presentations.
 Course learning outcomes
Course
(Course learning outcomes)
objectives

Demonstrate proficiency in grammar commonly used in

CLO4 workplace settings, including email etiquette, phone
communication, and business writing.
CO2
Develop strategies for continued improvement of grammar
CLO5 skills, including self-assessment, seeking feedback, and
practising grammar in context.
 Course learning outcomes
Course
(Course learning outcomes)
objectives
Develop skills in conveying complex information in a clear and
CLO6 concise manner to improve comprehension and facilitate decision-
making.
Foster ability in adapting communication style and tone to different
audiences and situations, such as formal vs. informal
CLO7
CO3 communication, or communicating with individuals from different
cultures or backgrounds.
Develop skills in preparing and delivering effective presentations,
including developing clear objectives, organising content
CLO8
effectively, and delivering presentations with confidence and
professionalism.
 Course learning outcomes
Course
(Course learning outcomes)
objectives
Demonstrate active listening skills in different conversational
CLO9 contexts, such as one-on-one interactions, meetings, and phone
calls.
CO4 Develop capacity in identifying and summarising key points and
CLO10
important details in spoken communication.
Develop skills in providing and receiving feedback to improve
CLO11
listening skills and communication effectiveness.
 Course learning outcomes
Course
(Course learning outcomes)
objectives
Enhance skills in understanding the purpose and context of
different types of emails and forms commonly used in the
CLO12
workplace, such as emails to clients, emails to colleagues, and
various types of forms.
Develop skills in writing clear and concise emails and forms,
CO5
CLO13 including using short sentences, avoiding repetition, and getting to
the point quickly.
Enhance knowledge in structuring emails and forms effectively,
CLO14 including organising content, using appropriate headings, and
highlighting key information.
 5. Materials and textbooks
Online resources
5.1. Materials/Required textbooks  5.2. Websites/ Softwares 
5.1.1. English: for Secretaries and 5.2.1. Cambridge English (free for Android/iOS)
Administrative Personnel - Teachers’ 5.2.2. Duolingo (free for Android/iOS)
Book by Marisela Toselli & Ana María 5.2.3. British Council (free for Android/iOS)
Millán 5.2.4. Collins Dictionary (free for Android/iOS)
5.1.2. English: for Secretaries and 5.2.5. https://forum.wordreference.com/ (free
Administrative Personnel - Students’ website)
Book by Marisela Toselli & Ana María 5.2.6. http://www.dailygrammar.com/ (free website)
Millán 5.2.7. https://www.usingenglish.com/ (free website)
5.1.3. English: for Secretaries and 5.2.8. https://lingua.com/ (free website with
Administrative Personnel - Workbook by premium options)
Marisela Toselli & Ana María Millán
5.1.4.  Handouts for each respective lesson.
 6. Assessment  
Components Schedule Learning
Assessment forms Percentage %
outcomes
Progress test Classroom During class N/A 10%
participation
Mini-test 1 Week 5  CLO1, 3, 4, 5 5%
Mini-test 2     Week 12 CLO1, 3, 4, 5 5%
Mid-term tests Week 7 CLO1, 2, 3, 4,
Summative test 30%
5, 9, 10, 13, 14
Final tests Week 14 CLO1, 3, 4, 5,
Summative test 30%
9, 10, 12, 13, 14
Week 15 CLO1, 3, 6, 7,
Oral test 20%
8, 9 , 11
7. Course
contents 
 Course Materials and
Teaching and learning references
Session Contents learning     outcomes Note
modes/activities

1 Unit 1: Greetings - Warmer CLO1, 2, 3, 5.1.1

+Goal: Develop conversational skills and build - Role-play 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 5.1.2
relationships with others. - Guided writing 9, 10, 11. 5.1.3
+Grammar: Word order in questions. 5.1.4
+Vocabulary: Question words and phrases. 5.2.1
- Lesson 2: How to be successful? 5.2.2
+Goal: Describe effective habits and routines for 5.2.6
success.
+ Grammar: Adverbs of frequency.
+ Vocabulary: Success-related words and phrases..
- Lesson 3: A change in lifestyle
+Goal: Describe everyday activities and routines.
+ Grammar: Present simple tense.
+ Vocabulary: Everyday activities and routines.
- Lesson 4: English in action
+ Goal: Exchange personal information.
+ Grammar: Present simple.
 Teaching and Course Materials and
Session Contents learning     learning references Note
modes/activities outcomes

2 Unit 2: Working environment - Warmer CLO1, 2, 3, 5.1.1

- Lesson 1: Asking questions at work - Survey 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 5.1.2
+ Goal: Practise asking questions to colleagues and - Brainstorming 9, 10, 11. 5.1.3
discussing office equipment. - Role-play 5.1.4
+ Vocabulary: Office equipment and supplies. - Jigsaw listening/ 5.2.1
+ Grammar: Forming questions reading 5.2.2
- Lesson 2: Exchanging details - Review 5.2.3
+Goal: exchanging contact information and practice using previous lesson 5.2.4
short answers. 5.2.6
+ Vocabulary: contact information and phrases. 5.2.7
+ Grammar: short answers
- Lesson 3: Choosing a job
+Goal: Describe the job and career paths.
+ Vocabulary: job-related words and phrases.
+ Grammar: The use of verbs of preference (like, hate,
enjoy, etc.)
- Lesson 4: Personal qualities
+Goal: Describe personality traits of  your co-workers and
pratice using possessive adjectives.
+ Vocabulary: Personality traits
+ Grammar: Possessive adjectives
 Teaching and Course Materials
Session Contents learning     learning and Note
modes/activities outcomes references

3 Unit 3: Times and Events - Warmer CLO1, 2, 3, 5.1.1

- Lesson 1: Career history - Guided writing 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 5.1.2
+ Goal: Talking about previous jobs - Chant 9, 10, 11. 5.1.3
+ Vocabulary: Jobs and workplaces - Visualisation 5.1.4
+ Grammar: Past simple irregular verbs - Review previous 5.2.5
- Lesson 2: Company history lesson 5.2.6
+ Goal: Describing a company’s history. 5.2.7
+ Vocabulary: Describing trends (growth, expansion,
decline, and bankruptcy)
+ Grammar: Past simple with time markers
- Lesson 3: Anniversaries and celebrations
+ Goal: Talking about plans to celebrate occasions such as
birthdays of colleagues or company anniversaries.
+ Vocabulary: gifts, congratulations, time and dates
+ Grammar:‘’be going to’’, present continuous with future
meaning to talk about plans.
- Lesson 4: Company events
+ Goal: Describe and talk about how to plan events and
make simple event scripts
+ Vocabulary: places, times, timeline of events
+ Grammar: practice ‘’be going to’’, present continuous
with future meaning
 Course Materials and
Teaching and learning references
Session Contents learning     outcomes Note
modes/activities

4 Unit 4: Meetings - Warmer  CLO1, 2, 3, 5.1.1

- Lesson 1: Preparing for a meeting - Role-play 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 5.1.2
+ Goal: Develop an agenda and enhance comprehension about the - Guided writing 9, 10, 11, 5.1.3
purpose of a meeting. - Brainstorming 12, 13, 14. 5.1.4
+ Vocabulary: agenda, minutes, attendees - Problem solving 5.1.5
+ Grammar: Modal verbs for making suggestions and expressing - Review previous 5.2.7
opinions. lesson 5.2.8
- Lesson 2: Participating in a meeting
+ Goal: Grasp how to effectively contribute to a meeting.
+ Vocabulary: Phrases for making contributions, such as "I'd like to
suggest" or "In my opinion"
+ Grammar: questions to clarify inform
- Lesson 3: Chairing a meeting
+ Goal: Grasp the skills of chairing and leading a meeting.
+ Vocabulary: Meeting procedures, such as introducing items on the
agenda and managing time.
+ Grammar: Giving instructions and directions
- Lesson 4: Following up after a meeting
+ Goal: Comprehend how to follow up on action points and decisions
made in a meeting.
+ Vocabulary: Action points, deadlines, responsibilities
+ Grammar: practise present perfect, past simple and present continuous
with future meaning
 Course Materials and
learning references
Teaching and learning     outcomes
Session Contents Note
modes/activities

5 Unit 5: Telephoning - Warmer CLO1, 2, 3, 4, 5.1.1

- Lesson 1: Taking a call - Jigsaw listening/ 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 5.1.2
+ Goal: Answer a telephone call and take notes reading 10, 11, 12, 13, 5.1.3
+ Vocabulary: information and complex data during phone calls. - Brainstorming 14. 5.1.4
+ Grammar: phrases, sentences and questions when taking a phone call, such as polite - Problem solving 5.2.5
questions with ‘may’ and ‘could’; “Please hold… Ok, I’ll put you through to…”, etc. - Role-play 5.2.6
- Lesson 2: Making arrangements - Review previous lesson 5.2.7
+ Goal: Confirm or rearrange appointments 5.2.8
+ Vocabulary: time, dates and places
+ Grammar: practise present simple to make timetables; present continuous to make
future arrangements; ‘be going to’ to make plans
- Lesson 3: Making complaints
+ Goal: Express displeasure or annoyance
+ Vocabulary: polite/impolite complaints
+ Grammar: phrases and questions to explain problems, state feelings and ask for
actions, e.g,  “I think you may have…”
“I just noticed…” 
“I’m sorry to have to say this…” 
“It is unacceptable…” 
‘Would it be possible…?” 
“Is there any chance…?”
- Lesson 4: Dealing with complaints
+ Goal: knowing how to respond to complaints and make apologies (if necessary)
+ Vocabulary: positive and negative responses to complaints
+ Grammar: phrases and expressions to emphasise positive relationships, e.g, “We value
your feedback…”
“In appreciation of the many years you have been a customer…”
“We are happy to…”
“We trust that you will…”
 Course Materials and
Teaching and learning references
Session Contents learning     outcomes Note
modes/activities

6 Unit 6: Skills and Experience - Warmer  5.1.1

- Lesson 1: Talking about skills and experience - Guided writing 5.1.2
+ Goal: Discussing personal skills and experience - Role-play 5.1.3
+ Vocabulary: Describing skills and experience. - Brainstorming 5.1.4
+ Grammar: Using appropriate verb forms to talk about past and present - Problem solving 5.2.1
experiences. - Review previous 5.2.2
- Lesson 2: Writing a CV and cover letter lesson 5.2.3
+ Goal: Write a CV and cover letter for a job application 5.2.4
+ Vocabulary: CV and cover letter language/terms (such as “achievements" and 5.2.6
"references")
+ Grammar: Using appropriate verb forms and tenses to present skills and
experiences and answer interview questions.
- Lesson 3: Interview skills
+ Goal: Improve interviewing skills and grasp how to be well-prepared for a job
interview 
+ Vocabulary: Interview vocabulary, such as "strengths" and "weaknesses"
+ Grammar: Using appropriate language to present skills and experience and
answer interview questions (active verbs such as manage, implement, analyse,
etc, and some industry-specific terms.)
- Lesson 4: Negotiating salary and benefits
+ Goal: Learn how to negotiate salary and benefits
+ Vocabulary: Salary and benefit negotiation language, such as "compensation"
and "package"
+ Grammar: Using appropriate language to make and respond to offers and
negotiate terms. (That sounds like a good deal, I agree, I appreciate your offer,
How about…., I’d like to offer you…., etc.)
 03
Course regulations
 — Attendance and
participation 
It is advised the students be present at every session
throughout the course. Prolonged absences from class
may result in reduced learning experience and
performance.
Students are advised to notify our centre at least one day in
advance should they be not able to attend any session so
we can arrange makeup classes. We offer up to three free
of charge makeup sessions each course and students will
be charged a fee for every makeup session from the fourth
onwards. 
Should students not meet
their learning expectations
after each respective course
or voluntarily wish to retake
said course, we offer the
same course free of charge.
However, fees for each
subsequent repeat shall be
charged.  
Students are advised to actively participate in
class activities so as to maximise learning
and practice efficiency. Questions about
lesson contents are welcomed during and
after class, although we ask students to
refrain from making inquiries during rest and
rush hours.
Active participation in class shall be duly
noted and will be accounted for during
class performance evaluations. We want
to ensure our students are motivated so as
to maximise their learning efficiency and
potential. 
This is the end of our presentation !
Thank you !