İngilizce Konuşma Teknikleri — English Speaking Techniques: A 14-Week Course & Self-Study Book
How to use this book
This book takes a B1–B2 learner from nervous beginner speaker to confident business communicator in 14 weeks. Each week has the same parts, in this order: Goal → Lesson → Activity 1 (reading + vocabulary) → Activity 2 → two Speaking Topics → Self-Study Path → Sample Answers. Use it in class (about 2 hours per week, timing below) or alone (about 3 hours per week, spread over several days). All reading passages are original.
In class: follow the 120-minute plan below. Studying alone: follow the Self-Study Path at the end of each week, and only open the Sample Answers after you have tried each question yourself.
Part | What happens | Time |
Warm-up | One quick question from the week's topic, pairs, then 3–4 students share | 10 min |
Lesson | Teach the key language and techniques on the board; students repeat and personalise | 20 min |
Activity 1 | Reading passage: pre-teach vocabulary, read, answer questions, discuss | 30 min |
Break | — | 10 min |
Activity 2 | Guided practice: role-play, pair task or mini-performance | 20 min |
Speaking Topic 1 | Pairs or small groups use the probe questions, then report back | 15 min |
Speaking Topic 2 | Change partners, repeat with the second question set | 15 min |
Classroom tips: put students in groups of 3 (speaker, questioner, observer) and rotate every 5 minutes. The observer notes one good phrase and one mistake to share. Groups that finish early pick the two hardest questions and answer them again at greater length.
Self-study tips:
Speak out loud, always. Reading the questions silently does not train speaking. Record every answer on your phone.
Use the 3-step answer method: answer the question yourself (record it) → compare with the sample answer and note 2–3 useful phrases → record your answer again, using those phrases.
Aim for 30–60 seconds per speaking question using Answer + Reason + Example.
Keep a vocabulary notebook and write your own example sentence for each new word.
Find a partner if you can (a classmate, a language-exchange app) for the role-plays; if not, play both roles out loud.
Sample answers are models, not scripts. Change the names, places and details so they are true for you.
Week 1 — Introductions & Needs Analysis
Goal: Students introduce themselves confidently, talk about their goals and record a 1-minute baseline talk.
Lesson: Introducing yourself well
A strong introduction has three parts: who you are, what you do, and something interesting.
Basic: Hi, I'm Elif. I'm a first-year Business Administration student.
Background: I'm originally from Bursa, but I live in Kağıthane now.
Interest: In my free time, I'm really into photography.
Goal: I'd like to improve my English because I want to work for an international company.
Follow-up question: What about you? / How about you?
Teach the difference between I'm interested in and I'm interested to, and I study / I'm studying. Model one introduction yourself, then students write five bullet points (not full sentences) and speak from the notes.
Activity 1 — Reading: "Why Speaking Is the Hardest Skill"
Many Turkish students study English for ten years or more, yet they still feel nervous when they have to speak. This is not because they are lazy or unintelligent. In most schools, English is taught through grammar rules and multiple-choice tests, so students become good at recognising correct answers but get very little practice producing language themselves.
Speaking is different from other skills because it happens in real time. When you write, you can stop, check a dictionary and correct your mistakes. When you speak, you must find words, build sentences and think about pronunciation all at once. This pressure makes many people freeze, even when they know the answer.
The good news is that speaking is a skill, like driving or swimming. Nobody learns to swim by reading a book about it. Experts agree that the fastest way to improve is regular practice in a safe environment where mistakes are accepted. Learners who speak for just fifteen minutes a day often see a big difference within a few months.
Confidence also matters. Successful speakers are not people who never make mistakes; they are people who keep talking when they make them. Employers in Turkey increasingly look for graduates who can communicate in English in meetings, on the phone and with foreign customers. For business students, speaking well is not just an academic goal. It can be the difference between an ordinary job and an international career.
Comprehension questions
Why do many Turkish students feel nervous when speaking?
Why is speaking harder than writing, according to the text?
What comparison does the writer use to describe speaking?
What do successful speakers do differently?
Why is speaking important for business students?
Vocabulary
Word / phrase | Türkçe | Example sentence |
nervous | gergin, heyecanlı | I always feel nervous before a presentation. |
intelligent | zeki | She is intelligent, but she doesn't like speaking in class. |
recognise | tanımak, fark etmek | I can recognise the word, but I can't use it. |
produce | üretmek | Students need to produce sentences, not only read them. |
in real time | anlık olarak, gerçek zamanlı | Interpreters translate in real time. |
freeze | donup kalmak | I froze when the manager asked me a question. |
environment | ortam | Our classroom is a safe environment for mistakes. |
regular | düzenli | Regular practice is more useful than one long session. |
confidence | özgüven | Her confidence grew after a few weeks. |
increasingly | giderek artan şekilde | Companies increasingly hire bilingual staff. |
graduate | mezun | Graduates with good English find jobs faster. |
ordinary | sıradan | He didn't want an ordinary job. |
Activity 2 — Find Someone Who… + Baseline Recording
Give each student a sheet with 10 prompts (Find someone who… has been abroad / can cook a Turkish dish well / works part-time / wants to start a business). Students walk around, ask full questions (Have you ever been abroad?) and ask one follow-up question for every "yes". Then each student records a 1-minute voice note on their phone: Who I am, why I study business, and what I want from this course. Keep the recordings for Week 14.
Speaking Topic 1: You and Your Background
Where are you from, and what is your hometown famous for?
Why did you choose Business Administration?
What do you do on a typical weekday?
Do you work part-time? If not, what job would you like to do?
What are you good at that most people don't know?
Who is the most important person in your life and why?
What is the best thing about living in Istanbul? The worst?
Describe a typical weekend for you.
What was your favourite subject at high school and why?
If you could live in any country for one year, where would you go?
What three words would your friends use to describe you?
What is something you are proud of?
Speaking Topic 2: You and English
How long have you been learning English?
What was your English class like at school?
Which is harder for you: speaking, listening, reading or writing? Why?
How do you feel when you have to speak English in front of people?
Have you ever used English outside the classroom? What happened?
Do you watch films or series in English? With or without subtitles?
Why is English important for a business career?
What is one situation where you wish your English were better?
Is it better to learn English with a teacher or by yourself online? Why?
What is your goal for this course? Be specific.
What do you do when you don't know a word while speaking?
Should English be compulsory at universities in Turkey?
Self-Study Path — Week 1
Lesson (20 min): Write five bullet points about yourself (who, what, background, interest, goal). Say your introduction out loud five times without reading.
Reading (30 min): Learn the 12 vocabulary words, then read the passage twice — once silently, once out loud. Answer the comprehension questions in full sentences, then check below.
Activity 2 (15 min): Record your 1-minute baseline voice note: Who I am, why I study business, and what I want from this course. Save it — you will listen to it again in Week 14.
Speaking Topics (60 min): Answer each question out loud for 30–60 seconds and record yourself. Then read the sample answer, steal 2–3 phrases, and record again.
Review (15 min): Write three new sentences about yourself using this week's vocabulary.
Can-do check
I can introduce myself in 30 seconds without notes.
I can ask "What about you?" and keep a conversation going.
I have recorded my Week 1 baseline voice note.
Sample Answers — Week 1
Reading: "Why Speaking Is the Hardest Skill"
Why do many Turkish students feel nervous when speaking? Because schools teach English mainly through grammar rules and multiple-choice tests, so students get very little practice producing language themselves.
Why is speaking harder than writing, according to the text? Speaking happens in real time. You must find words, build sentences and think about pronunciation at the same time, and you can't stop to check a dictionary.
What comparison does the writer use to describe speaking? The writer compares speaking to driving or swimming: you learn it by doing it, not by reading about it.
What do successful speakers do differently? They keep talking when they make mistakes instead of stopping.
Why is speaking important for business students? Employers want graduates who can use English in meetings, on the phone and with foreign customers, so it can lead to an international career.
Speaking Topic 1: You and Your Background
Where are you from, and what is your hometown famous for? I'm from Gaziantep, in the south-east of Turkey. It's famous for its food, especially baklava and kebabs. In fact, UNESCO named it a City of Gastronomy, so if you visit, you should come hungry!
Why did you choose Business Administration? I chose it because I want to open my own business one day. My father runs a small shop, and I've seen how hard it is without good management skills. I think this programme will give me the knowledge he never had.
What do you do on a typical weekday? I usually wake up around seven, take the metro to the university and attend classes until the afternoon. After that, I either work at a café or study at home. In the evening, I relax by watching a series.
Do you work part-time? If not, what job would you like to do? Yes, I work part-time in a clothing store on weekends. It's tiring, but I'm learning a lot about customer service and sales, which is useful for my degree.
What are you good at that most people don't know? Most people don't know that I'm quite good at drawing. I don't show my drawings to many people, but I sometimes design logos for my friends' small businesses.
Who is the most important person in your life and why? My mother is the most important person in my life. She has always supported my education, even when it was difficult for our family. For example, she worked extra hours so I could attend a private course for the university exam.
What is the best thing about living in Istanbul? The worst? The best thing is that there's always something to do — concerts, museums, the Bosphorus. The worst thing is definitely the traffic. Sometimes it takes me two hours to get home.
Describe a typical weekend for you. On Saturday I work until the evening, and then I meet my friends in Kadıköy. On Sunday I sleep late, have a big Turkish breakfast with my family and do my homework in the afternoon.
What was your favourite subject at high school and why? My favourite subject was history, because our teacher told stories instead of just giving dates. I still remember her lessons about the Ottoman Empire.
If you could live in any country for one year, where would you go? I would go to Canada. I've heard that people there are very friendly and multicultural, and it would be a great chance to improve my English and maybe find work experience.
What three words would your friends use to describe you? I think they would say I'm funny, reliable and a bit stubborn. For example, when I decide to do something, it's very hard to change my mind!
What is something you are proud of? I'm proud that I got into university while working part-time. It wasn't easy to study and work at the same time, but I managed it.
Speaking Topic 2: You and English
How long have you been learning English? I've been learning English since primary school, so about twelve years. But honestly, I've only started speaking it seriously this year.
What was your English class like at school? It was mostly grammar and tests. We did a lot of exercises in the book, but we almost never spoke. That's why I can understand a lot but still feel nervous when I speak.
Which is harder for you: speaking, listening, reading or writing? Why? Speaking is the hardest for me, because I have to think quickly. When I write, I have time to check my sentences, but when I speak, my mind sometimes goes blank.
How do you feel when you have to speak English in front of people? I feel nervous and my heart beats fast. I worry that people will laugh at my mistakes. However, I've noticed that it gets easier every time I try.
Have you ever used English outside the classroom? What happened? Yes, last summer I worked in a hotel in Bodrum. A British couple asked me for directions to a restaurant. At first I panicked, but I managed to explain, and they thanked me. I felt really proud.
Do you watch films or series in English? With or without subtitles? Yes, I watch series on Netflix in English. I usually use English subtitles, because they help me understand fast speech and learn new expressions.
Why is English important for a business career? English is the global language of business. If you want to work with foreign customers, read international reports or work for a multinational company, you need it. Without English, many good jobs are closed to you.
What is one situation where you wish your English were better? I wish my English were better in job interviews. I once applied for an internship at an international company, and the interview was in English. I knew the answers, but I couldn't express them well.
Is it better to learn English with a teacher or by yourself online? Why? I think a mix is best. A teacher can correct your mistakes and keep you motivated, but online resources let you practise every day for free. For example, I use apps on the bus and practise speaking in class.
What is your goal for this course? Be specific. My goal is to give a five-minute presentation in English without reading my notes. I also want to feel comfortable asking questions in English.
What do you do when you don't know a word while speaking? I try to explain it with other words. For example, if I forget the word "receipt", I might say, "the paper you get after you pay". It's better than stopping completely.
Should English be compulsory at universities in Turkey? Yes, I think so, because almost every sector needs English today. However, the lessons should focus on speaking and practical skills, not only grammar, otherwise students won't benefit.
Week 2 — Pronunciation & Fluency
Goal: Students understand word stress, sentence stress and linking, and fix the most common Turkish-speaker pronunciation problems.
Lesson: Sounding clear and natural
Word stress: BUSiness, MARketing, ecoNOMic, deVELopment, PHOtograph / phoTOGraphy. Wrong stress causes more misunderstanding than a wrong sound.
Sentence stress: We stress the important words. I NEED the REPORT by FRIDAY. Small words (a, the, to, for) become weak.
Linking: an_apple, turn_it_off, pick_it_up — English speakers join words together.
Common problems for Turkish speakers: /w/ vs /v/ (wine – vine, west – vest), /θ/ and /ð/ (think, this), short vs long vowels (ship – sheep, full – fool), and adding an extra vowel (sıpor → sport, ısmart → smart).
Fluency fillers instead of silence: Well…, Let me think…, The thing is…, You know…, I mean…
Drill each point with choral repetition, then individual repetition. Students mark stress on a list of 15 business words.
Activity 1 — Reading: "Accent Is Not the Problem"
Many learners believe they must sound like an American or a British person to speak English well. They spend hours trying to copy a perfect accent and feel ashamed of their own. However, research on international communication suggests that accent is rarely the real problem. Most listeners can understand a foreign accent quite easily, as long as a few important features are correct.
The first feature is word stress. If you say "comFORtable" instead of "COMfortable", a native speaker may need a moment to understand you. The second is clear consonants, especially at the end of words. Turkish speakers sometimes drop or soften final sounds, so "worked" can sound like "work". The third is speed. Speaking too fast when you are nervous often makes your English harder to follow than any accent.
Today, most conversations in English happen between non-native speakers: a Turkish supplier and a German buyer, or a Korean engineer and a Brazilian manager. In these situations, the goal is not to sound native. The goal is to be intelligible, which means being easy to understand.
So keep your accent; it is part of your identity. Instead, focus on clear stress, complete words and a calm, steady pace. Record yourself, listen back and choose one small thing to improve each week. Small changes lead to big improvements.
Comprehension questions
What do many learners wrongly believe about accent?
What are the three features the text says are important?
What problem do Turkish speakers sometimes have with final sounds?
Who do most English conversations happen between today?
What does "intelligible" mean, according to the text?
Vocabulary
Word / phrase | Türkçe | Example sentence |
accent | aksan | He has a strong Black Sea accent when he speaks Turkish. |
ashamed | utanmış, mahcup | Don't be ashamed of making mistakes. |
feature | özellik | Clear stress is an important feature of good speaking. |
stress | vurgu | Put the stress on the first syllable. |
consonant | ünsüz harf | Some consonants are difficult for Turkish speakers. |
drop | düşürmek, atlamak | Don't drop the final "s" in "products". |
follow | takip etmek, anlamak | I couldn't follow the presentation; it was too fast. |
supplier | tedarikçi | Our supplier is in Germany. |
intelligible | anlaşılır | Your pronunciation is perfectly intelligible. |
identity | kimlik | Language is part of our identity. |
steady | sabit, istikrarlı | Speak at a steady pace. |
pace | hız, tempo | Slow down your pace when you are nervous. |
Activity 2 — Tongue Twisters & Shadowing
Part A (8 min): Pairs practise tongue twisters for the problem sounds: "Very well, Vicky, we will visit the west village", "Three thin thinkers thought thirty thoughts", "Sheep on a ship". Each pair performs one for the class.
Part B (12 min): Play a short (1–2 min) English video of a business speaker. Pause after each sentence; students repeat with the same stress and rhythm (shadowing). Then students read the second paragraph of the passage aloud in pairs, marking stressed words first.
Speaking Topic 1: Learning to Speak
Which English sounds are the most difficult for you?
Do you think accent matters in business? Why or why not?
Whose English do you admire — a celebrity, a YouTuber, a teacher?
Have you ever been misunderstood because of pronunciation? What happened?
Is it rude to correct someone's pronunciation?
Do you prefer American or British English? Why?
How can technology help you improve your pronunciation?
Do you speak faster in Turkish or in English? Why?
Are some Turkish sounds difficult for foreigners? Give examples.
How do you feel when you hear your own voice in a recording?
Would you pay for a pronunciation course? How much?
What is one small speaking habit you will change this week?
Speaking Topic 2: Languages Around Us
How many languages would you like to speak in ten years?
Which foreign language sounds the most beautiful to you?
Why do you think English became the global language?
Should children start learning English in kindergarten?
Do Turkish people use too many English words today? Give examples.
What is the best way to learn a language: travel, apps or classes?
Have you met a foreigner who speaks Turkish well? How did it feel?
Will translation apps make learning languages unnecessary?
Which jobs in Turkey need English the most?
What advice would you give a foreigner learning Turkish?
Is it easier to learn a language as a child or an adult?
What is your favourite English word and why?
Self-Study Path — Week 2
Lesson (20 min): Mark the stress on 15 business words (use an online dictionary to check and listen). Practise the /w/–/v/, /θ/–/ð/ and short/long vowel pairs out loud.
Reading (30 min): Learn the vocabulary, read the passage out loud, and underline every word you find hard to pronounce. Answer the questions, then check below.
Activity 2 (20 min): Say each tongue twister five times, getting faster. Then find a 1–2 minute business video on YouTube and shadow it sentence by sentence.
Speaking Topics (60 min): Record every answer. Listen back once just for pronunciation: are final sounds clear? Is your pace calm?
Review (10 min): Choose ONE pronunciation habit to fix this week and write it on a sticky note.
Can-do check
I can say "think", "west" and "sport" correctly.
I know where the stress is in business, marketing and development.
I use fillers like "Well…" instead of going silent.
Sample Answers — Week 2
Reading: "Accent Is Not the Problem"
What do many learners wrongly believe about accent? They believe they must sound like an American or British person to speak English well.
What are the three features the text says are important? Correct word stress, clear consonants (especially at the end of words), and a calm speed.
What problem do Turkish speakers sometimes have with final sounds? They sometimes drop or soften final sounds, so "worked" can sound like "work".
Who do most English conversations happen between today? Between non-native speakers, for example a Turkish supplier and a German buyer.
What does "intelligible" mean, according to the text? It means being easy to understand.
Speaking Topic 1: Learning to Speak
Which English sounds are the most difficult for you? The "th" sound is the hardest for me. I often say "tink" instead of "think". I also mix up "w" and "v", so "west" sometimes sounds like "vest".
Do you think accent matters in business? Why or why not? Not really. In business, being clear is more important than sounding native. Many successful international managers have strong accents, but people understand them because they speak slowly and clearly.
Whose English do you admire — a celebrity, a YouTuber, a teacher? I admire the English of a Turkish YouTuber who explains technology. He has a Turkish accent, but he's very fluent and confident. He shows me that you don't need to be perfect to be successful.
Have you ever been misunderstood because of pronunciation? What happened? Yes. In a café abroad, I asked for a "cola", but I pronounced it strangely and the waiter brought me coffee. It was funny, but I learned to speak more slowly.
Is it rude to correct someone's pronunciation? It depends on the situation. In class it's helpful, because we're here to learn. But in a business meeting or in front of other people, it could be embarrassing, so it's better to do it privately.
Do you prefer American or British English? Why? I prefer American English, because I hear it more in films and series, so it's easier for me to understand. But I think British English sounds more elegant.
How can technology help you improve your pronunciation? There are many apps that listen to you and give a score. I also use Google Translate to hear how a word is pronounced. Recording myself on my phone is useful too, because I can hear my mistakes.
Do you speak faster in Turkish or in English? Why? Definitely in Turkish, because it's my native language and I don't need to think. In English, I have to plan my sentences, so I speak more slowly.
Are some Turkish sounds difficult for foreigners? Give examples. Yes. Foreigners often find "ı" difficult, for example in "ılık". The letters "ğ" and "ö" are also hard, so words like "öğretmen" can be a challenge.
How do you feel when you hear your own voice in a recording? I hate it at first! My voice sounds strange to me. But listening to recordings helps me notice mistakes I don't hear while speaking.
Would you pay for a pronunciation course? How much? Maybe, if it were online and not too expensive — around 1,000 to 2,000 lira for a month. I think free videos are enough for basics, but a teacher's feedback is valuable.
What is one small speaking habit you will change this week? I'll stop adding an extra vowel before words like "smart" and "school". I'll practise saying them correctly ten times every morning.
Speaking Topic 2: Languages Around Us
How many languages would you like to speak in ten years? I'd like to speak three: Turkish, English and German. Germany is one of Turkey's biggest trading partners, so German would be useful for my career.
Which foreign language sounds the most beautiful to you? Italian sounds the most beautiful to me. It's like music, and people speak with a lot of emotion.
Why do you think English became the global language? Mainly because of history and economics. Britain had a huge empire, and later the USA became the strongest economy. Today, the internet, films and business all use English.
Should children start learning English in kindergarten? Yes, because young children learn languages naturally, especially pronunciation. But it should be fun, through songs and games, not grammar.
Do Turkish people use too many English words today? Give examples. I think so, especially young people and people in business. We say "meeting", "deadline", "feedback" and "cool" instead of Turkish words. Sometimes it's useful, but it can damage our language.
What is the best way to learn a language: travel, apps or classes? Travel is the best, because you have to speak to survive. But it's expensive, so for most students a combination of classes and apps is more realistic.
Have you met a foreigner who speaks Turkish well? How did it feel? Yes, I met a Korean student who spoke excellent Turkish. I was surprised and happy. It made me feel that our language and culture are respected.
Will translation apps make learning languages unnecessary? I don't think so. Apps are useful for simple situations, but they can't build relationships or understand jokes and culture. In business, people trust you more if you speak their language.
Which jobs in Turkey need English the most? Tourism, foreign trade, aviation and IT need English the most. For example, hotel staff in Antalya speak English with guests every day.
What advice would you give a foreigner learning Turkish? I'd tell them not to worry about the grammar too much at first. Turkish people are very happy when foreigners try, so they should just speak and make friends.
Is it easier to learn a language as a child or an adult? It's easier as a child, especially for pronunciation. However, adults have better reasons and discipline, so they can also learn quickly if they're motivated.
What is your favourite English word and why? My favourite word is "opportunity", because it's positive and it reminds me that every problem can also be a chance.
Week 3 — Small Talk & Networking
Goal: Students start, keep going and politely end a casual conversation with someone they don't know well.
Lesson: The small talk cycle
Teach small talk as four steps: Open → Ask → Listen & react → Close.
Open: Is this your first time at this event? / Nice weather today, isn't it? / How do you know the host?
Ask open questions: What brings you here? / What do you do? / How did you get into that?
React: Really? That sounds interesting. / Oh, I see. / No way! / Same here.
Share a little: answer + one extra detail + a question back (the "ping-pong" rule).
Close politely: It was great talking to you. / I'm going to grab a coffee — nice meeting you. / Here's my card; let's keep in touch.
Safe topics: weather, travel, food, the event, work, hobbies. Avoid with strangers: salary, religion, politics, age, weight.
Show the difference between a closed question (Do you like it? → Yes.) and an open one (What do you like about it?).
Activity 1 — Reading: "The Power of Small Talk"
In many cultures, people go straight to business in a meeting. In others, nobody talks about work until they have spent some time chatting about family, food or football. Turks often belong to the second group: we offer tea, ask how the journey was and only later discuss the deal. This short, friendly conversation is called small talk, and in international business it is far more powerful than it looks.
Small talk builds trust. When two people find something in common, such as a favourite city or a shared hobby, they start to see each other as people rather than just business partners. Studies of sales teams have shown that salespeople who spend a few minutes building rapport tend to close more deals than those who start with the product.
Small talk is also the heart of networking. At a conference or a careers fair, you may only have two minutes with an important person. If you can introduce yourself, ask a good question and show real interest, they will remember you. Many people find jobs not through online applications but through someone they met and chatted with.
The secret of good small talk is not being clever or funny. It is being curious. Ask open questions, listen carefully and react to what the other person says. People rarely remember exactly what you said, but they always remember how you made them feel.
Comprehension questions
How is the Turkish style of starting a meeting described?
How does small talk build trust?
What did studies of sales teams show?
Why is small talk important at careers fairs?
What is the secret of good small talk, according to the writer?
Vocabulary
Word / phrase | Türkçe | Example sentence |
go straight to business | doğrudan konuya girmek | Americans often go straight to business. |
chat | sohbet etmek | We chatted about football before the meeting. |
deal | anlaşma | They finally closed the deal last week. |
trust | güven | Trust is important between business partners. |
in common | ortak | We have a lot in common; we both love hiking. |
shared | ortak, paylaşılan | Our shared interest in music helped us connect. |
build rapport | yakınlık/samimiyet kurmak | Good salespeople build rapport with customers. |
close a deal | anlaşmayı bağlamak | She closed three deals this month. |
networking | bağlantı kurma, ağ oluşturma | Networking events are great for finding jobs. |
careers fair | kariyer fuarı | I met my future manager at a careers fair. |
curious | meraklı | Be curious about other people's lives. |
rarely | nadiren | He rarely talks about his private life. |
Activity 2 — Networking Mingle
Give each student a role card with a fake identity (name, company, job, city, one hobby, one goal for the event — e.g. "Marketing assistant at a coffee chain, loves cycling, looking for a new supplier"). The classroom becomes a business networking event. Students must:
Talk to at least four people for 3 minutes each.
Use one opening, three open questions, two reactions and one closing phrase every time.
Collect "business cards" (names written on paper).
After the mingle, ask: Who did you meet? What do you have in common with them? Who would you like to do business with and why?
Speaking Topic 1: Making Connections
Do you find it easy or difficult to talk to strangers? Why?
What is a good way to start a conversation at a party?
Which topics should you avoid with someone you just met?
Have you ever made a good friend by chance? How?
Is small talk a waste of time or an important skill?
How is small talk in Turkey different from other countries?
What do you do when a conversation becomes silent and awkward?
How do you politely leave a conversation that you want to end?
Do you prefer meeting people online or face to face?
How can LinkedIn help a business student?
Who is the best "talker" you know? What makes them good?
What question do you like people to ask you?
Speaking Topic 2: Hospitality and Culture
What do Turkish people usually offer guests? Why?
Describe a time you were a guest in someone's home.
Is Turkish hospitality an advantage in business? Explain.
What would you show a foreign business partner in Istanbul?
Which Turkish food would you recommend to a foreign visitor?
Have you ever had a cultural misunderstanding? What happened?
Should foreigners learn about Turkish culture before doing business here?
Is it OK to be late to a business meeting in Turkey? Abroad?
What gift would you give a foreign client?
Which foreign culture would you like to learn more about?
How do greetings differ between cultures (hugs, kisses, handshakes)?
What is one thing foreigners often misunderstand about Turkey?
Self-Study Path — Week 3
Lesson (20 min): Copy the small talk cycle (Open → Ask → React → Close) into your notebook with two phrases for each step. Turn five closed questions into open ones.
Reading (30 min): Learn the vocabulary, read the passage and answer the questions. Check below.
Activity 2 (20 min): Write three role cards for yourself (different jobs and hobbies). For each, record a 2-minute imaginary networking conversation, playing both people. Use one opening, three open questions, two reactions and one closing phrase.
Speaking Topics (60 min): Record each answer, compare with the sample, record again.
Real-world task: This week, start one short conversation in English — with a tourist, an international student, or on a language-exchange app.
Can-do check
I can open a conversation with a stranger in three different ways.
I can react naturally ("Really? That sounds interesting.").
I can end a conversation politely.
Sample Answers — Week 3
Reading: "The Power of Small Talk"
How is the Turkish style of starting a meeting described? Turks offer tea, ask about the journey and chat first; they discuss the deal only later.
How does small talk build trust? When people find something in common, they see each other as people, not just business partners.
What did studies of sales teams show? Salespeople who spend a few minutes building rapport tend to close more deals than those who start with the product.
Why is small talk important at careers fairs? You may only have two minutes with an important person; good small talk helps them remember you, and many people find jobs this way.
What is the secret of good small talk, according to the writer? Being curious: asking open questions, listening and reacting to what the other person says.
Speaking Topic 1: Making Connections
Do you find it easy or difficult to talk to strangers? Why? It's a bit difficult for me, because I'm quite shy at first. But once someone asks me a question, I relax quickly. Working in a shop has helped me a lot.
What is a good way to start a conversation at a party? I think the easiest way is to ask how they know the host. It's a natural question, and it usually leads to a story you can ask more about.
Which topics should you avoid with someone you just met? You should avoid politics, religion, money and personal questions about weight or age. These topics can make people uncomfortable or start an argument.
Have you ever made a good friend by chance? How? Yes. I met my best friend on a delayed flight to Izmir. We started complaining about the delay together, and we've been friends for five years now.
Is small talk a waste of time or an important skill? It's an important skill. It may look like empty conversation, but it builds trust. For example, my manager always chats with customers before selling, and he sells more than anyone.
How is small talk in Turkey different from other countries? In Turkey, small talk is often more personal. People ask about your family, where you're from or even whether you're married. In countries like the UK, people usually talk about the weather.
What do you do when a conversation becomes silent and awkward? I ask an open question about something around us, like the food or the event. If that doesn't work, I politely say I need to get a drink.
How do you politely leave a conversation that you want to end? I say something like, "It was really nice talking to you. I'm going to say hello to a few more people." It's polite and honest.
Do you prefer meeting people online or face to face? Face to face, because you can see body language and feel the person's energy. Online is convenient, but it's harder to build a real connection.
How can LinkedIn help a business student? LinkedIn helps you connect with professionals, find internships and follow companies. For example, my friend found her internship after messaging a manager she met at a careers fair.
Who is the best "talker" you know? What makes them good? My uncle is the best talker I know. He remembers everyone's name and asks about their lives, so people feel important when they talk to him.
What question do you like people to ask you? I like it when people ask, "What are you passionate about?" It gives me a chance to talk about my plans and dreams, not just my job.
Speaking Topic 2: Hospitality and Culture
What do Turkish people usually offer guests? Why? We usually offer tea or Turkish coffee, and often some food too. In our culture, guests are very important, and it's a way to show respect and warmth.
Describe a time you were a guest in someone's home. Last Bayram, I visited my friend's family in Trabzon. They gave me so much food that I couldn't move! His mother even packed food for my trip home.
Is Turkish hospitality an advantage in business? Explain. Yes, definitely. Foreign partners feel welcome, and this builds trust quickly. Many foreign business people say they remember the tea and meals more than the meeting itself.
What would you show a foreign business partner in Istanbul? I'd take them on a Bosphorus boat tour, then to Sultanahmet to see the Hagia Sophia. In the evening, we'd have dinner at a fish restaurant with a view.
Which Turkish food would you recommend to a foreign visitor? I'd recommend İskender kebab, because it's delicious and very Turkish. For dessert, they must try künefe.
Have you ever had a cultural misunderstanding? What happened? Yes. I once said "no" to a German friend by moving my head up and saying "tsk". He didn't understand at all and thought I was annoyed!
Should foreigners learn about Turkish culture before doing business here? Yes, it shows respect. For example, if they know that relationships come before business here, they won't feel impatient during long meals and conversations.
Is it OK to be late to a business meeting in Turkey? Abroad? In Turkey, being 10 minutes late is often accepted, especially because of traffic. But in countries like Germany or Japan, it's very unprofessional. I think it's always better to be on time.
What gift would you give a foreign client? I'd give Turkish delight or a small handmade ceramic. They're typical, easy to carry and not too expensive.
Which foreign culture would you like to learn more about? I'd like to learn more about Japanese culture, because Japanese companies are famous for discipline and quality, and I want to understand how they work.
How do greetings differ between cultures (hugs, kisses, handshakes)? In Turkey we often kiss on both cheeks with friends. In the UK, a handshake is more common, and in Japan people bow. It's important to watch what the other person does first.
What is one thing foreigners often misunderstand about Turkey? Many foreigners think Turkey is like a desert country. They're surprised to see snow in Istanbul and green forests on the Black Sea coast.
Week 4 — Asking & Answering Questions
Goal: Students form correct questions, ask for clarification, and give full answers instead of one-word replies.
Lesson: Good questions, good answers
Question forms: Do/Does/Did + subject + verb (Did you finish the report?); Wh- + auxiliary + subject (Where do you work? Why did she leave?); subject questions with no auxiliary (Who called you?).
Indirect (polite) questions: Could you tell me where the meeting room is? (not where is) / Do you know what time it starts? / I was wondering if you could help me.
Clarification: Sorry, could you repeat that? / What do you mean by…? / Could you say that more slowly? / So, you mean…?
Buying time: That's a good question. / Let me think about that for a second.
The A+ answer formula: Answer + Reason + Example (ARE). Q: Do you like working in teams? A: Yes, I do (A), because I learn a lot from other people (R). For example, in my marketing project, a teammate taught me Canva (E).
Drill: give a direct question; students change it into an indirect one.
Activity 1 — Reading: "The Art of Asking Questions"
We usually think that good communicators are people who talk well. In fact, many of the best communicators in business are people who ask well. A manager who asks the right questions can discover a problem before it becomes a crisis, and a salesperson who asks about a customer's needs can offer exactly the right product.
There are two main types of question. Closed questions, such as "Did you like the product?", can be answered with yes or no. They are useful for checking facts quickly. Open questions, such as "What did you like about the product?", invite longer answers and give you much more information. Skilled interviewers and consultants use mostly open questions, especially at the beginning of a conversation.
Another powerful technique is the follow-up question. When someone answers you, instead of moving to a new topic, you ask about their answer: "Why was that?" or "Can you give me an example?" This shows that you are really listening, and it often leads to the most valuable information.
Finally, good communicators are not afraid to ask for clarification. Many students stay silent when they don't understand because they are worried about looking foolish. However, in the workplace, guessing can be expensive. A simple "Sorry, could you explain that again?" can prevent a costly mistake. Asking is not a sign of weakness; it is a sign of professionalism.
Comprehension questions
Why can asking questions be as important as talking well?
What is the difference between closed and open questions?
What is a follow-up question? Give an example from the text.
Why do many students stay silent when they don't understand?
Why can guessing be "expensive" in the workplace?
Vocabulary
Word / phrase | Türkçe | Example sentence |
communicator | iletişimci, iyi iletişim kuran kişi | She is a natural communicator. |
discover | keşfetmek, fark etmek | We discovered the error during the meeting. |
crisis | kriz | The company handled the crisis very well. |
needs | ihtiyaçlar | First, understand the customer's needs. |
invite (an answer) | davet etmek, teşvik etmek | Open questions invite longer answers. |
consultant | danışman | The consultant asked us many questions. |
follow-up | takip, devam (sorusu) | Ask a follow-up question to learn more. |
valuable | değerli | Customer feedback is very valuable. |
clarification | açıklama, netleştirme | Can I ask for some clarification? |
foolish | aptal, saçma | I felt foolish when I asked the wrong question. |
prevent | önlemek | Good planning prevents problems. |
costly | pahalı, maliyetli | That mistake was very costly for the company. |
Activity 2 — Interview a Business Owner
Pairs. Student A is a reporter for the university magazine; Student B is the owner of a small business (café, online clothes shop, phone repair shop — they choose). The reporter prepares 8 questions in 5 minutes: at least 5 open questions, 2 indirect questions and must add 3 follow-up questions during the interview. The owner must answer using the ARE formula. 6 minutes per interview, then switch roles. Two pairs perform for the class; the class counts the open and follow-up questions.
Speaking Topic 1: Curiosity and Learning
Were you a child who asked a lot of questions?
Do you ask questions in class? Why or why not?
What question do you hate being asked?
What is the most interesting question someone has ever asked you?
If you could ask a famous person one question, who and what would it be?
Is it rude to ask someone their age or salary in Turkey?
How do you feel when you don't understand something in a meeting or class?
Do you Google things or ask people when you need information?
What questions should you ask before buying a second-hand car?
What questions would you ask before accepting a job offer?
Do teachers in Turkey encourage students to ask questions?
What is a question you still don't know the answer to?
Speaking Topic 2: Customers and Their Needs
What questions should a shop assistant ask a customer?
Describe a time a salesperson helped you very well.
Describe a time a salesperson was too pushy.
Do you prefer to shop online or in a store? Why?
What makes a customer loyal to a brand?
What would you ask customers if you opened a café near the university?
Do you fill in customer surveys? Why or why not?
How can a company find out what customers really want?
Which brand do you think understands its customers best?
Is the customer always right?
What question would you ask before opening an online shop?
What do you need most as a customer: low price, quality or good service?
Self-Study Path — Week 4
Lesson (20 min): Write 10 direct questions about your daily life, then change each into an indirect (polite) question. Learn the clarification phrases by heart.
Reading (30 min): Learn the vocabulary, read the passage and answer the questions. Check below.
Activity 2 (20 min): Write 8 interview questions for a small business owner (5 open, 2 indirect). Record yourself asking them, then record the owner's answers using Answer + Reason + Example. If possible, interview a real shop owner or family member in English or Turkish and note their answers.
Speaking Topics (60 min): For every question, check your answer has three parts: A + R + E. Compare with the sample, then improve.
Review (10 min): Write 5 follow-up questions you could ask after someone says "I work in marketing."
Can-do check
I can make indirect questions ("Could you tell me where…?").
I can ask for clarification without feeling embarrassed.
My answers have an answer, a reason and an example.
Sample Answers — Week 4
Reading: "The Art of Asking Questions"
Why can asking questions be as important as talking well? The right questions help a manager find problems early and help a salesperson understand customers' needs and offer the right product.
What is the difference between closed and open questions? Closed questions get a yes/no answer and check facts quickly; open questions invite longer answers and give more information.
What is a follow-up question? Give an example from the text. It's a question about the other person's answer, such as "Why was that?" or "Can you give me an example?"
Why do many students stay silent when they don't understand? They are worried about looking foolish.
Why can guessing be "expensive" in the workplace? Because a wrong guess can lead to a costly mistake, while a simple clarification question prevents it.
Speaking Topic 1: Curiosity and Learning
Were you a child who asked a lot of questions? Yes, I asked so many questions that my parents got tired! I always wanted to know why the sky is blue or how the TV works.
Do you ask questions in class? Why or why not? Not very often, to be honest. I'm afraid other students will think my question is stupid. But I'm trying to change this, because usually other people have the same question.
What question do you hate being asked? I hate being asked, "What will you do after graduation?" because I'm still not sure, and people expect a clear answer.
What is the most interesting question someone has ever asked you? A teacher once asked me, "If you couldn't fail, what would you try?" It made me realise I really want to start my own business.
If you could ask a famous person one question, who and what would it be? I'd ask Elon Musk, "How do you decide which ideas are worth risking everything for?" I'm interested in how successful entrepreneurs make big decisions.
Is it rude to ask someone their age or salary in Turkey? Asking about age is usually OK in Turkey, especially between people of similar ages. But asking about salary is still quite rude, unless you're very close friends.
How do you feel when you don't understand something in a meeting or class? I feel stressed and a bit embarrassed. But I've learned that asking "Could you explain that again?" is much better than pretending I understand.
Do you Google things or ask people when you need information? I usually Google first, because it's quick. But for things like choosing a course or a job, I prefer asking people with experience, because they give real advice.
What questions should you ask before buying a second-hand car? You should ask how many kilometres it has done, whether it has had any accidents, and why the owner is selling it. It's also good to ask for the service history.
What questions would you ask before accepting a job offer? I'd ask about working hours, opportunities for training and promotion, and what a typical day looks like. I'd also ask about the team I'll work with.
Do teachers in Turkey encourage students to ask questions? Some do, but many still teach in a traditional way where the teacher talks and students listen. At university it's getting better, but at school it was rare.
What is a question you still don't know the answer to? I still don't know whether I want to work for a big company or for myself. I'm hoping to find the answer during my internship.
Speaking Topic 2: Customers and Their Needs
What questions should a shop assistant ask a customer? They should ask open questions like "What are you looking for today?" or "What will you use it for?" This helps them recommend the right product.
Describe a time a salesperson helped you very well. When I bought my laptop, the salesperson asked what I study and how I use my computer. Instead of selling me the most expensive one, he recommended a cheaper model that was perfect for me. I trusted that shop after that.
Describe a time a salesperson was too pushy. At a mobile phone shop, a salesman kept trying to sell me an expensive phone case and insurance. I said no three times, and in the end I left without buying anything.
Do you prefer to shop online or in a store? Why? I prefer online shopping for electronics and books, because it's cheaper and faster. But for clothes, I prefer stores, because I want to try them on.
What makes a customer loyal to a brand? Good quality and good service. For example, I always buy coffee from the same café because the staff remember my order and they're always friendly.
What would you ask customers if you opened a café near the university? I'd ask what time they usually need coffee, how much they want to spend, and whether they need a place to study with Wi-Fi and sockets.
Do you fill in customer surveys? Why or why not? Usually not, because they're too long. But if a survey is short and offers a discount, I fill it in.
How can a company find out what customers really want? They can do surveys, read online reviews and watch how customers use their products. Talking directly to customers is also very effective.
Which brand do you think understands its customers best? I think Getir understood its customers very well, because people in Istanbul are busy and want things delivered quickly. They solved a real need.
Is the customer always right? Not always. Some customers are rude or ask for impossible things. But companies should always listen and treat them with respect, because even an unfair complaint can contain useful information.
What question would you ask before opening an online shop? I'd ask, "Who exactly is my customer and what problem am I solving for them?" If I can't answer that, the shop probably won't succeed.
What do you need most as a customer: low price, quality or good service? For me, quality is the most important. I'd rather pay a little more for something that lasts than buy something cheap twice.
Week 5 — Describing & Explaining Processes
Goal: Students describe products, places and people clearly and explain a process step by step.
Lesson: Describing and sequencing
Describing objects/products: It's made of… / It's used for… / It looks like… / It weighs about… / The main feature is…
Adjective order: opinion → size → age → shape → colour → origin → material (a lovely small old round red Turkish ceramic bowl). Teach just opinion – size – colour – material for practice.
Sequencing words: First of all, Then, After that, Next, Once that's done, Meanwhile, Finally.
Passive for processes: The beans are roasted, then they are ground and packed. (Used when the action matters more than the person.)
Checking understanding: Are you with me so far? / Does that make sense? / Any questions before I move on?
Model: explain how to make Turkish tea in 6 steps using sequencing words; students repeat with how to make menemen or how to use İstanbulkart.
Activity 1 — Reading: "From Farm to Cup: The Journey of Turkish Hazelnuts"
Turkey produces around two-thirds of the world's hazelnuts, and most of them grow on the green hills of the Black Sea coast, in cities such as Ordu and Giresun. The journey from the tree to your chocolate bar is longer than most people imagine.
The harvest usually takes place in August. First, the hazelnuts are picked by hand, often by seasonal workers who travel from other regions. Then they are spread out in the sun to dry for several days. During this time, they must be turned regularly so that they dry evenly and do not become mouldy.
After drying, the outer shells are removed by machines. The nuts are then sorted by size and quality. Damaged nuts are taken out, and the best ones are sent to factories. Many are sold to large international food companies, which roast them and use them in chocolate, spreads and biscuits. Others are packed and exported directly to Europe and Asia.
Although Turkey dominates the market, the industry faces challenges. Prices change from year to year depending on the weather and demand. Farmers often complain that they earn too little while big companies make large profits. Some young entrepreneurs are now trying to add value by creating their own branded products, such as hazelnut butter and organic snacks, instead of simply selling raw nuts.
Comprehension questions
Where are most Turkish hazelnuts grown?
What happens immediately after the hazelnuts are picked?
Why must the nuts be turned while drying?
What problems does the hazelnut industry face?
How are young entrepreneurs trying to "add value"?
Vocabulary
Word / phrase | Türkçe | Example sentence |
harvest | hasat | The tea harvest begins in May. |
seasonal worker | mevsimlik işçi | Seasonal workers come to the Black Sea every summer. |
spread out | yaymak, sermek | They spread the nuts out on the ground. |
evenly | eşit şekilde | Cut the cake evenly. |
mouldy | küflü | Don't eat that bread; it's mouldy. |
shell | kabuk | Remove the shell before you eat the nut. |
sort | ayırmak, tasnif etmek | The products are sorted by size. |
damaged | hasarlı | We sent back the damaged boxes. |
roast | kavurmak | Coffee beans are roasted before grinding. |
export | ihraç etmek | Turkey exports cars to Europe. |
dominate | hakim olmak | A few companies dominate the market. |
add value | değer katmak | Packaging can add value to a simple product. |
Activity 2 — "How It's Made" Mini Talks
Groups of 3 choose one product or process: simit, a Turkish carpet, an online order from Trendyol, a mobile phone repair, a university registration. In 8 minutes, they draw a simple flowchart with 5–7 steps on paper. Each group then explains the process to the class in 2 minutes, using at least 5 sequencing words and 2 passive sentences. Listeners must ask one clarification question per group.
Speaking Topic 1: Products and Places
Describe a product you use every day. Why do you like it?
Describe the best gift you have ever received.
Describe your dream house in detail.
Describe a place in Istanbul to someone who has never been there.
Which Turkish product should be more famous abroad? Why?
Describe your phone without saying its brand. Can your partner guess?
What is the most useful invention of the last 20 years?
Describe a famous Turkish food to a foreigner.
What makes a product "high quality"?
Describe the perfect workplace.
Describe a person you admire — appearance and personality.
Which product would you never buy second-hand? Why?
Speaking Topic 2: Processes in Everyday Life
Explain how to get from your home to the university.
Explain how to cook your favourite dish.
How do you prepare for an exam? Describe your process.
Explain how to open a bank account in Turkey.
Explain how to sell something on a second-hand website.
What is the process for applying for a job?
How is your favourite drink (tea, coffee, ayran) made?
Describe your morning routine, step by step.
Which official process in Turkey is the most frustrating? Why?
How would you explain using a ticket machine to a tourist?
Do you prefer written instructions or videos? Why?
How would you improve one slow process at the university?
Self-Study Path — Week 5
Lesson (20 min): Describe three objects on your desk using "It's made of… / It's used for… / It looks like…". Explain how to make Turkish tea out loud with sequencing words.
Reading (30 min): Learn the vocabulary and read the passage. Draw the hazelnut journey as a simple flowchart, then answer the questions. Check below.
Activity 2 (20 min): Choose one process (simit, an online order, university registration). Draw a 5–7 step flowchart and record a 2-minute explanation using five sequencing words and two passive sentences.
Speaking Topics (60 min): Record your answers. For process questions, check you used First → Then → After that → Finally.
Review (10 min): Write 5 passive sentences about a product made in Turkey.
Can-do check
I can describe a product clearly (material, use, appearance).
I can explain a process in order using sequencing words.
I can use simple passive forms ("is made", "are sent").
Sample Answers — Week 5
Reading: "From Farm to Cup: The Journey of Turkish Hazelnuts"
Where are most Turkish hazelnuts grown? On the hills of the Black Sea coast, in cities such as Ordu and Giresun.
What happens immediately after the hazelnuts are picked? They are spread out in the sun to dry for several days.
Why must the nuts be turned while drying? So that they dry evenly and don't become mouldy.
What problems does the hazelnut industry face? Prices change every year depending on weather and demand, and farmers feel they earn too little while big companies make large profits.
How are young entrepreneurs trying to "add value"? By creating their own branded products, such as hazelnut butter and organic snacks, instead of selling raw nuts.
Speaking Topic 1: Products and Places
Describe a product you use every day. Why do you like it? I use my wireless headphones every day. They're small, black and very light, and the battery lasts about eight hours. I like them because I can listen to podcasts on the metro without any cables.
Describe the best gift you have ever received. The best gift was a leather notebook from my grandfather. It's brown, quite old, and has my initials on the cover. It's special because he used the same kind of notebook in his shop for 40 years.
Describe your dream house in detail. My dream house is a modern two-storey villa near the sea in Bodrum. It has big windows, a white kitchen, a garden with olive trees and a small swimming pool. Most importantly, it has a quiet office where I can work online.
Describe a place in Istanbul to someone who has never been there. Kadıköy is a lively neighbourhood on the Asian side. It's full of small cafés, bookshops and street food. In the evening, young people sit by the sea at Moda and watch the sunset over the European side.
Which Turkish product should be more famous abroad? Why? Turkish olive oil should be more famous. It's as good as Italian or Spanish olive oil, but most people don't know it, because we sell a lot of it without our own brands.
Describe your phone without saying its brand. Can your partner guess? It's a smartphone with a large screen and three cameras on the back. It's silver, quite expensive, and the company is famous for a fruit logo. (Answer: it's an iPhone.)
What is the most useful invention of the last 20 years? I think it's the smartphone. It's a phone, camera, map, bank and office in one small device. For example, I can pay bills and do homework on the bus.
Describe a famous Turkish food to a foreigner. Mantı is like small dumplings filled with minced meat. They're boiled and served with garlic yoghurt and hot melted butter with red pepper on top. It's creamy, a little spicy and absolutely delicious.
What makes a product "high quality"? A high-quality product is made of good materials, lasts a long time and works exactly as promised. Good customer service and a guarantee are also part of quality.
Describe the perfect workplace. The perfect workplace is bright and quiet, with comfortable chairs and plenty of natural light. The team is friendly, the manager is supportive, and there's flexibility to work from home some days.
Describe a person you admire — appearance and personality. I admire my aunt. She's tall, with short grey hair and kind eyes. She's very hard-working and generous; she started a small bakery alone and now employs ten people.
Which product would you never buy second-hand? Why? I'd never buy a second-hand mattress, because it isn't hygienic. I'd also be careful with second-hand phones, because the battery might be damaged.
Speaking Topic 2: Processes in Everyday Life
Explain how to get from your home to the university. First, I walk five minutes to the bus stop. Then I take the bus to Mecidiyeköy. After that, I change to the metro and get off at the university station. The whole journey takes about 45 minutes.
Explain how to cook your favourite dish. To make menemen, first chop some onions, peppers and tomatoes. Then fry the onions and peppers in olive oil. Next, add the tomatoes and cook them for a few minutes. Finally, break two eggs into the pan, stir gently and add salt. Serve it with fresh bread.
How do you prepare for an exam? Describe your process. First, I collect all my notes and the lecture slides. Then I make a short summary of each topic. A few days before the exam, I solve past questions. Finally, the night before, I just review my summaries and sleep early.
Explain how to open a bank account in Turkey. First, you choose a bank and go to a branch with your ID card. Then you fill in some forms and give your phone number and address. After that, the bank checks your information, and finally you get a card. Today, many banks also let you do it online with a video call.
Explain how to sell something on a second-hand website. First, take clear photos of the item in good light. Then write an honest description and choose a fair price by checking similar items. After that, publish the advert and answer messages quickly. Finally, meet the buyer in a safe public place or send the item by cargo.
What is the process for applying for a job? First, you prepare your CV and a cover letter. Then you search for jobs on websites like LinkedIn or Kariyer.net and apply. If the company likes your CV, they invite you to an interview, sometimes two or three. Finally, they make you an offer.
How is your favourite drink (tea, coffee, ayran) made? Turkish tea is made with a double teapot. First, water is boiled in the bottom pot. Then the tea leaves are put in the top pot with a little hot water and left to brew for about 15 minutes. Finally, the tea is poured into a glass and mixed with hot water to get the right colour.
Describe your morning routine, step by step. I wake up at 7:00 and check my phone, which is a bad habit. Then I take a quick shower and get dressed. After that, I have breakfast — usually cheese, olives and tea. Finally, I leave home at 7:45.
Which official process in Turkey is the most frustrating? Why? I think getting some official documents can be frustrating, because you sometimes have to visit several offices and wait in long queues. However, e-Devlet has made many processes much faster.
How would you explain using a ticket machine to a tourist? First, choose English on the screen. Then select "buy a card" or "top up". Next, insert your money — cash or a bank card. Finally, take your card and receipt, and touch the card on the reader at the gate.
Do you prefer written instructions or videos? Why? I prefer videos, because I can see exactly what to do. Written instructions are useful when I need to check one step quickly, though.
How would you improve one slow process at the university? I'd improve course registration. It's often slow because the system crashes. I'd suggest giving students different time slots so not everyone logs in at the same moment.
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