R&D: Describing Development Work and Experiments
CEFR: B2
Read/Listen first
In our research and development lab, we design a prototype, test a hypothesis, and iterate until the data meets the target. The team is responsible for experiments that improve performance and reduce cost. Today we are running a controlled experiment to compare two materials; last month we recorded faster results with a lighter sample. To share progress, we write concise briefs so other departments understand what the prototype can and cannot do. When a test fails, we document the cause and propose a safer method in order to avoid the same issue. Our mission is not to sell the product today but to provide reliable evidence that guides production and marketing tomorrow. Colleagues coordinate timelines, share updates, and document tasks clearly to keep work on track.⚡ Learning goals
- Can introduce your department and state its core mission at B2.
- Can explain describing processes, reporting results using clear present simple verbs.
- Can connect actions with reasons using because and to + verb.
✨ Key language
- I work in the ___ department “I work in the finance department.”
- Our department is responsible for ___-ing “Our department is responsible for managing budgets.”
- We handle ___ “We handle client requests.”
⚙️ Rules & Grammar — 4 Structures
1️⃣ present simple vs. present continuous
Rule: Use the structure to describe routine responsibilities and roles in the present simple.Examples: We manage core processes; I work in accounting; The team handles reports.
Common pitfall + fix: Avoid -s errors in third person — add s to he/she/it forms.
Which tense best describes routine responsibilities?
Tip: Responsibilities are habits or routines, so we use the present simple.
Fill with the best answer: Our team ___ improving client support.
Tip: Use the pattern be responsible for + -ing.
2️⃣ purpose with to + verb / in order to
Rule: Use the structure to describe routine responsibilities and roles in the present simple.Examples: We organize core processes; I work in accounting; The team handles reports.
Common pitfall + fix: Avoid -s errors in third person — add s to he/she/it forms.
Which tense best describes routine responsibilities?
Tip: Responsibilities are habits or routines, so we use the present simple.
Fill with the best answer: Our team ___ improving client support.
Tip: Use the pattern be responsible for + -ing.
3️⃣ past simple for completed tests
Rule: Use the structure to describe routine responsibilities and roles in the present simple.Examples: We develop core processes; I work in accounting; The team handles reports.
Common pitfall + fix: Avoid -s errors in third person — add s to he/she/it forms.
Which tense best describes routine responsibilities?
Tip: Responsibilities are habits or routines, so we use the present simple.
Fill with the best answer: Our team ___ improving client support.
Tip: Use the pattern be responsible for + -ing.
4️⃣ comparatives for results
Rule: Use the structure to describe routine responsibilities and roles in the present simple.Examples: We resolve core processes; I work in accounting; The team handles reports.
Common pitfall + fix: Avoid -s errors in third person — add s to he/she/it forms.
Which tense best describes routine responsibilities?
Tip: Responsibilities are habits or routines, so we use the present simple.
Fill with the best answer: Our team ___ improving client support.
Tip: Use the pattern be responsible for + -ing.
✍️ Vocabulary
prototype
Meaning: common workplace term related to this lesson.Synonyms: sample, example.
Chunk/Idiom: prototype + noun.
Example: We use prototype every week for reports.
Morphology: noun / verb / adj.
Self-practice: Write one sentence with prototype.
experiment
Meaning: common workplace term related to this lesson.Synonyms: sample, example.
Chunk/Idiom: experiment + noun.
Example: We use experiment every week for reports.
Morphology: noun / verb / adj.
Self-practice: Write one sentence with experiment.
hypothesis
Meaning: common workplace term related to this lesson.Synonyms: sample, example.
Chunk/Idiom: hypothesis + noun.
Example: We use hypothesis every week for reports.
Morphology: noun / verb / adj.
Self-practice: Write one sentence with hypothesis.
innovation
Meaning: common workplace term related to this lesson.Synonyms: sample, example.
Chunk/Idiom: innovation + noun.
Example: We use innovation every week for reports.
Morphology: noun / verb / adj.
Self-practice: Write one sentence with innovation.
sample
Meaning: common workplace term related to this lesson.Synonyms: sample, example.
Chunk/Idiom: sample + noun.
Example: We use sample every week for reports.
Morphology: noun / verb / adj.
Self-practice: Write one sentence with sample.
iteration
Meaning: common workplace term related to this lesson.Synonyms: sample, example.
Chunk/Idiom: iteration + noun.
Example: We use iteration every week for reports.
Morphology: noun / verb / adj.
Self-practice: Write one sentence with iteration.
☁️ Examples (+ audio)
I work in the department that manages budgets.
Our team is responsible for monthly reports.
We handle client invoices and vendor payments.
The director oversees accounting and compliance tasks.
✏️ Exercises
Grammar
He ___ the logistics department.
Tip: Third person singular takes s.
Our team ___ tracking monthly expenses.
Tip: Use be responsible for + -ing.
Fill with the best answer:
I ___ NovaTech and manage budgets.Tip: Use work for with company names.
Fill with the best answer:
We ___ every Friday before closing.Tip: Collocations: handle + invoices.
Vocabulary & Comprehension
Which word matches: money plan for a period?
Tip: Budgets guide spending decisions.
Which item is a document asking for payment?
Tip: An invoice lists items, prices, and due dates.
Fill with the best answer:
We prepare for the annual ___ next month.Tip: Audits check accuracy and compliance.
Fill with the best answer:
The Q4 marketing ___ was approved.Tip: Combine budget with quarters or projects.
✅ Guided practice
Mini-dialogue:
A: Hi, I’m Peter. I work in the finance department.B: Nice to meet you. What’s your team responsible for?
A: We manage budgets and handle invoices.
Why this matters:
Clear department introductions help colleagues collaborate. Stating responsibilities avoids confusion and saves time.Verb & Adjective Pack:
manage — We manage monthly budgets.handle — They handle supplier invoices.
responsible — Our team is responsible for reporting.
Try & compare:
Fill with the best answer: I ___ the finance department.
Tip: Use work in + department.
Self-correction: Fix the sentence: The team responsible for payroll.
Tip: Add be before adjectives.
Practice aloud: Listen, repeat, then type the sentence.
We handle supplier invoices every Friday.
Tip: Stress the verb handle.