🔥 Warm-Up (5 minutes)
- Have you ever signed a contract in English (a lease, a job offer, a service agreement)? What was confusing about it?
- Why do you think companies use very formal, careful language in contracts?
📖 Key Vocabulary
| English | Type | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| contract | n. | Both parties signed the contract yesterday. |
| clause | n. | Section 4 contains the termination clause. |
| terminate | v. | Either party may terminate the agreement with 30 days' notice. |
| breach | v./n. | Late delivery is considered a breach of contract. |
| obligation | n. | The supplier has an obligation to deliver on time. |
| execute / sign | v. | The agreement was executed by both directors. |
| amendment | n. | Any amendment must be made in writing. |
| party | n. (legal) | Both parties agreed to the new terms. |
| binding | adj. | This is a legally binding agreement. |
| liability | n. | The company's liability is limited to $10,000. |
🧠 Grammar / Strategy Focus
Passive voice (be + past participle) is used when the action or the receiver is more important than who does it — common in contracts, legal, and business texts: "The contract was signed by both parties." "All amendments must be approved in writing."
✏️ Part 5 Practice
Incomplete Sentences
📝 Part 6 Practice
Text Completion (Subject: Contract Renewal Notice)
This is to inform you that your service contract with us (1) on August 31. If you wish to renew, the renewal form (2) by August 15. Please note that all terms (3) carefully before signing, as several clauses (4) since last year.
📰 Part 7 Practice
Reading Comprehension
Before signing any business contract, it is important to review every clause carefully, especially those related to payment terms, delivery deadlines, and termination conditions. A well-written contract clearly states the obligations of each party and what happens if one party breaches the agreement. At Minh Chau Trading, all contracts over $10,000 must be reviewed by the legal department before they are signed by a company director. This policy was introduced two years ago after a supplier dispute cost the company nearly $50,000 due to an unclear delivery clause. Since then, no similar disputes have occurred, and contract-related delays have been reduced by half.
🎧 Listening Practice
Conversation (Part 3 style)
Teacher: read the script aloud twice (or record it) at natural speed, then ask students the questions below.
Man: Have you had a chance to look over the new supplier contract?
Woman: Yes, I reviewed it this morning. There's one clause about delivery deadlines that isn't very clear.
Man: Really? Which part exactly?
Woman: Section 4 — it doesn't say what happens if the supplier is late. We should ask legal to add a penalty clause before we sign.
Man: Good catch. I'll send it to legal today and ask them to get back to us by Thursday.