During this lesson, you will learn how to identify appropriate and inappropriate topics in the Workplace:
Let’s start with a list of words that will be covered throughout this lesson:
Table of Contents
Reading, Writing and Speaking Tasks
Task#1.1
Read the options and rank the items from the most controversial to the least controversial.
Just go to menti.com and enter the code provided by the teacher.
Task#1.2
Read the categories of inappropriate topics and make sure you understand what they mean
This is a list of inappropriate topics that shouldn’t be discussed at work
| #1 | Politics |
| #2 | Religion |
| #3 | Personal Financial Issues /Money |
| #4 | Sex |
| #5 | Illegal Drug Use or Possession |
| #6 | Gossip or Rumors about Coworkers |
| #7 | Medical Conditions or Disabilities |
| #8 | Sexual Orientation or Gender identity |
| #9 | Controversial Topics |
| #10 | People’s Personal Matters |
Task#1.3
Read these inappropriate questions and identify the category these belong to:
- Do you support Donald Trump?
- Do you believe in God?
- Are you an atheist?
- Do you watch porn?
- Do you smoke Marijuana?
- How much does your computer cost?
- Are you gay?
- What do you think about abortion?
- Are you lesbian?
- Is Sasha Broke?
- Do you smoke pot?
- How much does your car cost?
- What do you think about Gun control?
- Did you spend the night with John?
- Is Sasha visiting a Psychiatrist?
- Did Sasha’s daughter fail most of her classes?
- Do you identify yourself as a woman?
- Do you use Tinder?
- Have you ever had an STD?
- Do you support Ukraine or Russia?
- Is Peter taking weight-loss pills?
- Is Marcos getting bald?
- Did Francis have a hair transplant?
- Is your sister in Prison?
- Do you owe money to the bank?
- Do you go to nightclubs?
- Are you a republican or a democrat?
- Do you owe money to the bank?
- Do you have diabetes?
- Is your brother a drug dealer?
Task#1.4
Now, stand up and read some of the questions to your classmates and let them figure out to the category these belong
Task#1.5
Read the categories of appropriate topics and make sure you understand what they mean
| #1 | Popular Culture |
| #2 | Current Events |
| #3 | The Surroundings |
| #4 | Family |
| #5 | Weather |
| #6 | Art |
| #7 | Sports |
| #8 | News |
| #9 | Travel |
| #10 | Hobbies |
| #11 | Work |
Task#1.6
Create a list of appropriate questions for some of the topics above
When you have your question ready, submit it via this Padlet
Task#1.7
Read the words and unscramble them to create sentences to dodge innapropiate questions
Task#1.8
Take some time to answer these 7 questions in a way that’s easy for you to remember
Keep these in mind:
- Appropriate questions must be answered as you see fit.
- Inappropriate questions should be dodged
Compare your responses with your partner
Task#1.9
Read the sentences or questions and find the mistakes/ errors in them.
Keep this in Mind
It is important to refrain from discussing controversial and inappropriate topics at work as it can create a hostile or uncomfortable environment for colleagues. This can lead to decreased productivity, increased tension, and even legal repercussions.
It’s important to be aware of company policies and guidelines regarding appropriate workplace behavior and to always treat colleagues with dignity and respect. If a situation arises where a controversial or inappropriate topic is brought up, it’s best to steer the conversation away from the topic and back to work-related matters.
