There are many different types of meetings. Some common meetings are:

• Routine work meetings – usually with people who work closely together. These meetings are held to discuss work-related issues, provide updates on the status of a project, or plan work

• Ad-hoc meetings – called for a specific, usually urgent, purpose

• Staff meetings – where all staff and a manager/superior are present

• Board meetings – gatherings of an organization’s board of directors

• Meetings in the community – usually to inform or discuss community issues (e.g., school council meetings, public meetings to discuss urgent issues)

·  One-on-one meeting – example for that is parent-teacher interview

Preparing an Agenda

An agenda is an important element of a productive meeting. It is a written outline of the planned meeting proceedings and it communicates the topics for discussion. It can also list the people who will lead the discussion or present topics, and the time allotted for each topic. An agenda is usually sent to meeting participants in advance so they can confirm participation or send regrets (apologies for not participating) and prepare for the meeting. The agenda is usually written in point form. All items on the agenda are listed chronologically and relate to the objective of the meeting.

Read the sample agenda below and answer the questions.

MEETING AGENDA

Sunny Grove Elementary School Parent Association

When: Monday, June 15, 7:00 p.m.

Where: Library

Objective: To plan fundraising activities for spring term

1. Presentation about school activities in need of funding

2. Brainstorming: fundraising activities

3. Select most effective fundraising activities: discussion and vote

4. Set up committees and assign responsibilities

Task 1:

 Now answer the following questions:

1. What type of meeting is the agenda for?

 It is meeting in Community.

2. Who are the participants?

Members of parent Association are the participants.

3. What is the purpose of the meeting?

The purpose of the meeting  is for planning some school activities in need of funding.

4. How long do you think it is going to be?

I think it will going to be at least 2 hours 7:00-9:00 pm.

5. How can the participants prepare for the meeting?

I recommend you should prepare some innovative ideas for founding activities

 You will be able to assume responsibilities in Communities.

Grammar in Context: Prepositional Collocations

Grammar in Context: Prepositional Collocations

Task 1:

Complete the sentences below with the correct verb or adjective followed by an appropriate preposition (e.g., for, to, with, about).

thank	apply	inform	respond
inquire	upset	interested	complain
invite	sorry	concerned	apologize

1. I would like to apologize for my absence at the meeting.

2. I am concerned about the lack of supervision in the playground.

3. I am writing to complain about the poor service I received at your store.

4. I am very sorry about not being able to meet the deadline.

5. We would like to invite you to the ABC Company’s open house on Saturday, June 16 at 1:00 p.m.

6. I am writing to inform about you the new budget proposal.

7. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for being a loyal customer over the years.

8. I am interested in finding out about the training programs that you offer.

9. I am very upset about the way I was treated by one of your admin staff.

10. I am writing to inquire about the position you have available.

11. I am responding to your advertisement in the Globe and Mail on June 3, 2009.

12. I would like to apply for the position of Sales Manager that was advertised in the Kingston Whig Standard on September 31, 2010.

Task 1:

Listen to this link  and then fill in the blanks with the missing words as you listen to the audio.

Lon: What’s this? 

Abigail: It’s a memo about a safety inspection scheduled for next week. 

Lon: A safety inspection? How are we ever going to pass a safety inspection? 

Abigail: What do you mean? This isn’t an unsafe workplace. We’ve had a good record. None of our employees have had on the job injuries this year and we’ve never had a fatality. I don’t understand why you’re so worried. 

Lon: From what I’ve heard, the inspectors don’t just look at injury rates. They look for the smallest hazard that may be remotely dangerous.  If we get cited, we may be shut down. 

Abigail: With all due respect.  I don’t think that’s how it works. Yes, the inspector will look at our work environment and our gear and machinery to make sure there are no hazards or toxic substances. 

Lon: That’s what I’m worried about. 

Abigail: But, if they find a violation, we’ll get a chance to fix the problem. They won’t shut us down without giving us a chance to comply with their safety standards.

Lon: I sure hope you’re right. 

Degrees of Formality

review	concerned	angry	ensure	receive
purchase	complete	assure	request	would like

1. I can promise (can assure) you this will never happen again. 

2. We will make sure  (ensure) the computer is repaired by one of our technicians.

3. The book I bought (purchased) online was damaged. 

4. I want  (would like) you to give me my money back.

5. I hope you got (received) the package I sent last week. 

6. He’s really mad (angry)about the service he received at our store. 

7. The work will be finished (completed) by the end of the month. 

8. The manager is worried (concerned) that they won’t meet their deadline. 

9. Please go over (review)  the proposal and make any necessary changes. 

10. She asked (requested) for the information a long time ago. 

1   1.     a note to a co-worker: The meeting is at 10 sharp. Don’t be late.

     The meeting is at 10 o'clock, please be on time.

2  2.     a letter to a Member of Parliament: Thank you for your help in this matter.

Thank you for replying to my e-mail and for your help in this matter.

3  3.     an email message to a friend: I am looking forward to seeing you there. 

         I seek your expertise in directing my talents most wisely.

4  4.     a note to a child’s teacher: I would greatly appreciate it if you could inform me when I could meet with you.

            I would greatly appreciate it if you could inform me when you could meet me.

5  5.     an email message to a superior: I’ll let you know about the time of the meeting ASAP. I’ll like to tell you about the time of the meeting ASAP.

6  6.     a manager to her subordinates: Thanks for your hard work, guys. 

       Thanks for your hard work, everyone.

7  7.     a letter accompanying your résumé: Here is my résumé. I am writing to introduce myself as a potential candidate for you clients in the medical industry

Now I am looking forward for my Canadian career start.

8. a note to the office cleaner: I would appreciate it if you could kindly clean          under my desk in a timely fashion.

         Please help me to clean under my desk in a timely fashion.