Workplace Scams & Red Flags
This C1 business English lesson examines workplace red flags and corporate practices through article analysis and debate. Students learn vocabulary like compensation, ulterior motive, and morale while discussing controversial workplace policies. The lesson combines reading comprehension with critical thinking about modern work culture.
Lesson overview
- Learn business vocabulary related to workplace policies and corporate culture
- Practice reading comprehension with article about six common workplace red flags
- Develop critical thinking skills through debates on controversial workplace practices
- Build confidence discussing work experiences and identifying problematic company behaviors
Student's Version (Light/Dark)
Teacher's Version (Answer Keys)
Printable Classroom Version (A4)
| Level | Vocabulary | Reading Time | Lesson Time |
| C1 / Advanced | 10 words | 500 words / 3 min | 60 min |
Vocabulary
- compensation
- tough luck
- mental health day
- trade
- talent
- office committee
- ulterior motive
- morale
- subjective opinion
- mind game
Contents
- Lead-in
- Corporate cliches
- Vocabulary preview
- Vocabulary
- Article
- Questions
- Vocabulary practice
- Synonyms
- Discussion
- Office scenes
- Optional video (homework)
Start with the lead-in about current workplaces and the corporate clichés activity. The clichés discussion gets students immediately engaged because they’ve all heard these phrases before. Ask them what companies really mean when they say “we’re like family” or “we don’t watch the clock here.” You’ll get cynical responses from students with work experience, which is exactly what you want for this lesson.
Pre-teach the vocabulary before the reading. Words like compensation and morale are fairly common for C1 learners, but ulterior motive and mind game might be new. Don’t rush this section. These terms show up repeatedly in the article and discussions, so students need solid understanding first. The vocabulary practice exercises work well for checking comprehension later.
Do the article reading where students identify titles for each paragraph. This checks both comprehension and their ability to summarize main ideas. The article covers unlimited PTO, limited sick days, degree requirements, unpaid volunteering, return-to-office mandates, and bonus structures. Each section has discussion questions. These questions get heated. Fast. The return-to-office debate especially. C1 students have strong opinions about workplace red flags because most of them have been burned at some point.
Wrap up with the office scenes activity using annoying corporate phrases. This one’s surprisingly fun and helps students recognize how corporate language masks real problems. The optional video extends the topic if students want more. End by having students share one workplace red flag they’ve personally encountered. I always learn new horror stories when I teach this lesson. This final activity personalizes everything and helps students apply the vocabulary naturally.
