🔥 Warm-Up (5 minutes)
- How often does your company conduct performance reviews?
- What do you think makes a performance review useful?
📖 Key Vocabulary
| English | Type | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| performance review | n. | Annual performance reviews take place every December. |
| evaluation | n. | The evaluation covers teamwork, punctuality, and productivity. |
| promotion | n. | She received a promotion after two years with the company. |
| probation | n. | New employees complete a three-month probation period. |
| feedback session | n. | The manager scheduled a feedback session for Friday. |
| goal-setting | n. | Goal-setting is an important part of the review process. |
| strength | n. | The report highlighted her strengths in communication. |
| improvement | n. | There is room for improvement in time management. |
| supervisor | n. | Employees meet with their supervisor twice a year. |
| appraisal | n. | The appraisal process was updated this year. |
🧠 Grammar / Strategy Focus
English articles can be tricky because Vietnamese does not use them the same way. Use a/an for a single, non-specific noun mentioned for the first time (“She scheduled a meeting”). Use the for a specific noun that both speaker and listener know about, or one already mentioned (“The meeting starts at 3 p.m.”). Use no article (zero article) with plural or non-count nouns used in a general sense (“Feedback is important,” not “The feedback is important,” unless referring to specific feedback already discussed) and with most proper nouns.
✏️ Part 5 Practice
Incomplete Sentences
📝 Part 6 Practice
Text Completion (Subject: Annual Performance Review Schedule)
Dear Team,
(1) annual performance review process will begin next week. Each employee will meet with (2) supervisor to discuss goals, strengths, and areas for improvement. Please complete (3) self-evaluation form before your scheduled meeting. If you have questions about (4) process, contact the HR department.
Best regards,
Human Resources
📰 Part 7 Practice
Reading Comprehension
Starting this quarter, the company will use a new digital platform for performance appraisals. The new system allows employees to set goals, track progress, and receive feedback from supervisors throughout the year, rather than only during the annual review. HR believes this change will make the appraisal process more transparent and less stressful for both employees and managers.
Training sessions on the new platform will be held next week, and attendance is mandatory for all supervisors. Employees who have questions about the new system can contact the HR helpdesk or refer to the online user guide.
🎧 Listening Practice
Conversation (Part 3 style)
Teacher: read the script aloud twice (or record it) at natural speed, then ask students the questions below.
Woman: Do you have a few minutes to talk about my performance review?
Man: Sure. I thought the review went well overall — your project management skills really stood out.
Woman: Thank you. I was a little worried about the section on time management.
Man: That's actually an area we'd like you to focus on this year. I can recommend a training course, if you're interested.
Woman: That would be great. When does the course start?
Man: I believe registration opens next Monday, so I'll send you the link.