1.
You’re at a brainstorming meeting where everyone is speaking English. The other participants seem to speak much better English than you. You have lots of ideas and opinions about their ideas. What do you usually do?
A
I interrupt others frequently in order to express my opinions.
B
I wait for my turn to present my opinions, and then try to express myself as clearly as I can.
C
I only speak if someone asks me for my opinion, and keep my answers short to avoid mistakes.
2.
You’re at a meeting in English where several participants are sitting silently and just listening. What do you do?
A
I ignore them – if they have nothing to say, they shouldn’t be there.
B
I feel sorry for them – perhaps they are having problems with the
language.
C
I do everything to involve them, by inviting them to speak.
3.
You’re at a meeting where a junior colleague clearly can’t speak English properly, and they keep making really basic mistakes like “it don’t work”. How do you feel?
A
Superior. My English is much better, and I’m glad I don’t sound so stupid when I speak.
B
Irritated. If they can’t speak English, they shouldn’t be at this meeting.
C
Impressed. My colleague shows self-confidence and determination to overcome a language barrier.
4.
At your meeting, everyone is talking at the same time in English. You can understand, but you’re a few seconds behind. By the time you’ve thought of something to say, the conversation has moved on. How often do you experience this feeling?
A
All the time.
B
Quite often.
C
Rarely.
5.
You are at a meeting in English where you understand about 60–80% of
what you hear. What do you do?
A
Keep interrupting to check what’s going on.
B
Participate actively in the meeting.
C
Sit quietly and listen so as to avoid sounding stupid by talking about the wrong topic.
6.
Who is responsible for overcoming your problems with English?
A
Nobody. I make mistakes but it’s not a problem.
B
My employer. They should provide more English lessons and give me time to study.
