2.3.2 DESCRIBING PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

DESCRIBING PRODUCTS AND SERVICES

1.Warm up

  • What are the key products or services your company offers?
  • What makes your company stand out from competitors?
  • Which product or service is your company most proud of? Why?
  • How does your company promote its products or services?

2A. Vocabulary

Look at the following sentences and see if you can guess the meaning of the words in bold.

  1. Their customer service is top-notch. They respond to inquiries within hours and always resolve problems efficiently.
  2. This brand makes reliable laptops that rarely break down.
  3. These shoes are durable enough for daily use, as they are made from strong materials that can withstand regular wear and tear.
  4. The company specializes in cutting-edge medical equipment.
  5. The new facility is state-of-the-art and highly efficient.
  6. They offer a hassle-free installation service, handling everything from setup to final testing so customers don’t have to worry about technical details or complicated procedures.
  7. The app provides a seamless user experience, allowing users to navigate features easily without confusion, delays, or interruptions.
  8. Solar panels are a cost-effective way to reduce energy bills because they convert sunlight into electricity, lowering monthly utility costs and providing long-term savings.

2B. Vocabulary and Speaking

3A. Reading

Read the following text and discuss the questions following it. (To read the text and the discussion questions, click on the ‘+’ signs.)

Technology in the Modern Age: Innovation and Efficiency

In today’s fast-paced world, businesses and individuals alike rely on cutting-edge technology to stay competitive. From state-of-the-art software platforms to seamless communication tools, modern IT solutions are designed to make operations more efficient and hassle-free.

A key feature of successful technology is that it is both reliable and durable. Companies investing in dependable systems can avoid costly downtime and maintain productivity across teams. Meanwhile, the rise of cost-effective cloud solutions allows even small enterprises to access resources that were once reserved for large corporations, levelling the playing field in the digital economy.

Consumers increasingly expect top-notch digital experiences, whether they are interacting with a smart home device, using an e-commerce platform, or relying on mobile applications for daily tasks. Meeting these expectations requires constant innovation, rigorous testing, and intuitive design, ensuring that technology not only performs well but also integrates smoothly into everyday life.

Ultimately, the modern age demands IT solutions that combine sophistication with practicality. From improving business efficiency to enhancing personal convenience, today’s technology exemplifies the balance between advanced functionality and user-friendly experiences.

  1. How has the rise of cloud solutions changed the way small businesses access technology compared to large corporations?
  2. What are some challenges companies face when trying to integrate new IT systems into daily operations?
  3. In your opinion, what makes a digital experience “user-friendly” and why is it important for consumers?
  4. How do modern IT solutions balance innovation with practicality, and can you give an example?
  5. Do you think reliance on technology improves productivity or creates new problems? Why?

3B. Critical thinking

Compare modern technology solutions with older ones.

Communication

Zoom/Teams/Meet

vs   

In-person meetings only

Data storage & management

Cloud storage (Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox)

vs   

physical files, floppy disks, local hard drives

Productivity and collaboration

Google Workspace, Microsoft 365   

vs    

Desktop-only office software

Customer interaction

Chatbots, AI customer support    

vs    

Telephone helplines

3C. Pros & Cons

3D. Prediction / Speculation

What kind of IT solutions do you think will become essential in the next 10 years?

4A. Pre-Listening

When you enter your place of work, what different types of security are used (e.g. CCTV, access cards, employee ID badges)? Do you think there is enough or not enough security at your company?

4B. Read the context of the listening:

PharmaLab is a medical research company seeking to increase security in its research centre. Securikey develop and supply hi-tech security systems. Shireen Casey from Securikey has been invited to present her company’s solution to PharmaLab’s management team.

 

4C. Listening: Presenting an idea, product, or service

Now listen to Part 1 of Shireen’s presentation to PharmaLab.

Designed by Freepik (click on the image)

4D. Listen again

Use although, however, in comparison to and whereas to link contrasting ideas or facts.

    • Although it may sound radical, it’s up to you how far-reaching you want it to be.
    • It’s a very sophisticated system. However, it’s really easy to use.
    • This means that DiScan2 is extremely secure in comparison to systems where a code is needed.
    • You can find out someone else’s code, whereas you can’t copy their iris.

5A. Listening Part 2

Listen to Part 2. What are the main advantages of DiScan2?

5B. Listen again.

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5D. Practice

5E. Practice 2

6. Presentation

Prepare a short presentation about a new idea, a product, a system or a service that you know about or are interested in. It doesn’t have to be connected with work, but it can be. Make sure you:

  • Introduce your talk and the idea / product / service
  • Talk about the benefits
  • Compare the current situation with the new idea / product / service

To download the pdf for this topic, click on the link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ndHqNeomvIiryguBTLYbxOFv5HQ-wzg4/view?usp=sharing

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