International Negotiations

9 

 2.40 

Trainees work alone to transform the sentences and then compare their answers in 

pairs. Play the recording and then go through the answers with the class. Elicit from the class 

why the passive is useful for this function (because it can be considered aggressive to mention 

who is responsible for causing a problem). Of course, if the problem continues, it may 

become necessary to revert to the active voice in order to identify exactly who said what.

 

10 

 2.41 

Trainees work alone to transform the sentences and then compare their answers in 

pairs. Play the recording and then go through the answers with the class.

Extension activity

Trainees work in pairs or groups of three to test each other on the techniques from 

exercises 4 to 10. One trainee reads ten ‘direct’ statements from the exercises. His/Her 

partner, whose book is closed, has to use the techniques from the module to make each 

statement more delicate. They do not need to use exactly the same techniques as in the 

exercises, but encourage them to use as many as possible. They then swap roles.

You could also repeat the activity with the whole class in teams. Read a direct statement 

aloud to the class. Volunteers from each team try to make the statement more diplomatic. 

Award points for the best answers.