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Global Collaboration

Read the ground rules for an international project team and practise polite, indirect questions.

B1–B2 · IT English
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Ex A – Project Kick-off EmailReading comprehension
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Ex B – Collaboration VocabularyGap-fill with word bank
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Ex C – Polite QuestionsGrammar: indirect question forms
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AReading: Working Across Three Time Zones
Read the kick-off email, then choose the correct answer for each question.

Hi team, welcome to Project Atlas! From next week we will be working with colleagues in Bangalore, Dublin and São Paulo, so I would like to share a few ground rules.

First, time zones. Our daily stand-up moves to 13:00 CET — early enough for Brazil and late enough for India. Please keep your calendar up to date so colleagues can see when you are available. Second, video calls. Cameras on for the weekly review, please; it helps to see who is speaking. If your connection is weak, turn the camera off and say your name before you speak.

Third, cultural sensitivity. Direct feedback is normal in Germany, but it can sound harsh to colleagues from other cultures. Ask questions instead of making statements — 'Could you tell me why you chose this approach?' works better than 'This is wrong.' Looking forward to the kick-off on Monday! — Priya

1. The stand-up moves to 13:00 CET because .
2. Team members should keep their calendars updated so that .
3. If your internet connection is weak, you should .
4. According to Priya, direct feedback .
5. Priya recommends .
6. The project kick-off takes place .
BVocabulary: International Teamwork Terms
Complete each sentence with the correct term. Two words in the bank are not needed.
Word Bank time zone stakeholder deadline remote team cultural sensitivity video call professional network colleague firewall probation
1. India and Germany are in different , so we schedule meetings carefully.
2. Anyone with an interest in the project's success is a .
3. We must deliver the module by Friday — that is a hard .
4. A works together without sharing a physical office.
5. Understanding how other cultures communicate is called .
6. We discussed the design in a one-hour with the Dublin office.
7. Conferences are a good place to build your .
CGrammar: Indirect and Polite Questions
Choose the option that completes each polite or indirect question correctly. Watch the word order!
1. Could you tell me when the meeting ?
2. I was wondering if you the report yet.
3. Do you know the server is located?
4. Could you explain how ?
5. Would you mind the document again?
6. May I ask why delayed?
7. I'd like to know whether the update tested.
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