BC : Presenting information formally

• give a presentation on making a workplace more environmentally friendly
• develop vocabulary related to work and the environment
• focus on phrases for developing an argument
• practise word stress in environmental words.

Ben: So, what did you want to see me about Graf? Is everything OK?

Graf: Fine. Fine. I wanted to talk about making the office greener.

Ben: Oh. Well, I’m all ears! (洗耳恭聽)

Graf: Have you read that leaflet yet? – the one from GreenWorld?

Ben: I had a quick glance yes. I thought we were pretty green in this office.

Graf: So did I. But after reading that leaflet I’ve come to the conclusion that there are a lot more things that we could do. I’ve had a look at a couple of web pages and I’ve got a few ideas.

Ben: Ok. Let’s hear them.

Graf: Right, first of all I think we should start buying refillable pens. Disposable ones are cheap but we use hundreds. We should buy a box of pens and a supply of refills.

Ben: Would that work out cheaper?

Graf: Yes. They’d be cheaper and more ecological.

Ben: OK. What else?

Graf: Paper.

Ben: But we already recycle paper. We’ve been doing it for years.

Graf: Yes. But the paper we buy isn’t recycled. We really ought to buy recycled paper, without bleach.

Ben: And the quality?

Graf: There are different grades of paper. The best recycled paper is pretty much the same as the paper we’re using, quality-wise.

Ben: But isn’t it more expensive?

Graf: No, not any more. It used to be but these days the prices are more competitive.

Ben: OK, let me think about the paper. Anything else?

Graf: Well, I think you could consider paying me to be a “green officer”.

Ben: And what would that involve exactly, Graf?

Graf: Well, you wouldn’t have to pay me any extra but a part of my job description would have to include a few hours a month to make the office greener. I’d save the company hundreds of pounds and we’d all have a cleaner conscious.

Ben: Well, you’ve certainly given me something to think about. Tell you what Graf. Why don’t you write up a short proposal of what your job as “green officer” would consist of and we can meet next week to discuss it.

Graf: Great! I’m on it!