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<Upper-Intermediate> Lesson No.4

Emergency Coal Quality Specification Change Request Response / 石炭品質仕様の緊急変更要求対応

0.Greetings & Ice-break (2min.)|挨拶と導入

 

0-1 Greetings

Let’s practice a short small talk that you can use to greet a business partner and start building a good relationship.

講師との挨拶を兼ねて、ビジネスパートナーと信頼関係を築くための短いスモールトークを練習してみましょう。

[Tips / 会話のヒント]

・Can you hear me clearly? 

 私の声はクリアに聞こえますか?
・How's your day going so far?

 今日はどんな一日でしたか?
・Talk about one small topic (Work, Weather, News, Hometown, Sports event, etc.)

 軽い話題について話しましょう(仕事、天気、ニュース、地元、スポーツイベントなど)

0-2 Introduction​

In today’s lesson, we’ll learn about the following situation. Have you ever experienced something similar?

本日のレッスンでは以下のようなシチュエーションについて学びます。同様のシチュエーションを経験したことがありますか?​

​​

- If you have experience, please tell us what it was like, what was difficult, or what you learned.

   経験があれば、どんな内容だったか、難しかったことや学んだことなどを教えて下さい。 

- If you don’t have experience, try to imagine yourself handling that situation in English.

  What do you think would be challenging?

  経験がなければ、英語でその状況に対応しているところを想像してみましょう。どんなことが難しそうですか?

Situation / シチュエーション

Requesting urgent coal quality specification changes including sulfur content and calorific value from overseas coal suppliers due to power plant equipment modifications.
発電所設備変更により、海外石炭サプライヤーに硫黄含有量やカロリー値の仕様変更を緊急要請する場面です。

1. Read (2 min)|型を学ぶ
Let's read the following key sentences aloud!
下記の文章や単語を順番に音読しましょう!

1-1 Basic phrases
1.We need sulfur content below...(...以下の硫黄含有量が必要)
2.We must proceed with...(...で進める必要がある)
3.We appreciate your quick assessment(迅速な評価に感謝する)
4.Let me elaborate on...(...について詳しく説明させてください)
5.We can commit to...(...を約束できる)
6.Let me calculate the total impact(総合的な影響を計算させてください)
7.I will consult with our management and submit...(経営陣と相談し...を提出する)

1-2 Essential words
1.mandatory(必須の)
2.impose(課す)
3.considerable(かなりの)
4.elaborate on(詳しく説明する)
5.constraints(制約)
6.stabilize(安定させる)
7.calculate(計算する)
8.mitigate(軽減する)
9.consult with(相談する)
10.expedite(迅速化する)
2. Try  (3 min)|ロールプレイ練習

Let’s practice the role-play.

ロールプレイの練習をしましょう!

Situation / シチュエーション(Reference again)

Requesting urgent coal quality specification changes including sulfur content and calorific value from overseas coal suppliers due to power plant equipment modifications.
発電所設備変更により、海外石炭サプライヤーに硫黄含有量やカロリー値の仕様変更を緊急要請する場面です。

👨‍💼【Teacher / Coal Supplier】:
Thank you for taking the time to discuss this urgent matter. We received your request to modify the coal specification due to your power plant equipment change. Could you clarify the exact sulfur content and calorific value you require?
(この緊急の件についてお時間をいただきありがとうございます。発電所の設備変更に伴う石炭仕様の変更要求を受け取りました。必要な硫黄含有量とカロリー値を正確に教えていただけますか?)
🧑‍🎓【Student / Resource Trader】:
We need sulfur content below 0.5 percent and calorific value above 6000 kcal per kg. This change is mandatory because our new equipment cannot handle higher sulfur levels. We must proceed with this specification immediately.
(硫黄含有量は0.5パーセント以下、カロリー値は1キログラムあたり6000キロカロリー以上が必要です。新しい設備がより高い硫黄レベルに対応できないため、この変更は必須です。直ちにこの仕様で進める必要があります。)

👨‍💼【Teacher / Coal Supplier】:
I understand the urgency. However, sourcing coal with such low sulfur content will impose additional costs on our operation. We estimate an increase of 15 USD per ton. Can you accommodate this price adjustment?
(緊急性は理解しています。しかし、そのような低硫黄含有量の石炭を調達すると、当社の業務に追加コストが課されます。1トンあたり15米ドルの値上げを見込んでいます。この価格調整に対応できますか?)
🧑‍🎓【Student / Resource Trader】:
We appreciate your quick assessment. However, 15 USD per ton is considerable for our annual volume of 200000 tons. Let me elaborate on our constraints. First, our budget allows only 8 USD per ton increase. Second, we can commit to a long-term contract to reduce your procurement risk.
(迅速な評価に感謝します。しかし、年間20万トンの当社の量に対して1トンあたり15米ドルはかなりの額です。当社の制約について詳しく説明させてください。第一に、当社の予算では1トンあたり8米ドルの値上げしか許容できません。第二に、貴社の調達リスクを軽減するため長期契約を約束できます。)

👨‍💼【Teacher / Coal Supplier】:
I see your position. A long-term contract would help us stabilize our supply chain. If you can extend the contract to 3 years, we can reduce the additional cost to 10 USD per ton. Would that be acceptable?
(お立場は分かりました。長期契約は当社のサプライチェーンを安定させるのに役立ちます。契約を3年間に延長していただければ、追加コストを1トンあたり10米ドルに削減できます。それは受け入れ可能でしょうか?)
🧑‍🎓【Student / Resource Trader】:
Thank you for the flexibility. Let me calculate the total impact. A 3-year contract with 10 USD per ton increase means 6 million USD in total additional cost. We can proceed if you guarantee consistent quality and on-site inspection rights. This ensures we mitigate any quality risk.
(柔軟な対応に感謝します。総合的な影響を計算させてください。1トンあたり10米ドルの値上げで3年契約ということは、合計600万米ドルの追加コストになります。一貫した品質と現地検査の権利を保証していただければ進められます。これにより品質リスクを軽減できます。)

👨‍💼【Teacher / Coal Supplier】:
We can guarantee the specification and allow quarterly on-site inspections. However, we need your commitment in writing within 5 business days to secure the supply source. Can you confirm this timeline?
(仕様を保証し、四半期ごとの現地検査を認めます。ただし、供給源を確保するため5営業日以内に書面での約束が必要です。この期限を確認できますか?)
🧑‍🎓【Student / Resource Trader】:
Understood. I will consult with our management and submit the written commitment within 3 business days. We will also prepare the contract draft to expedite the process. I appreciate your cooperation on this critical matter.
(承知しました。経営陣と相談し、3営業日以内に書面での約束を提出します。プロセスを迅速化するため契約書の草案も準備します。この重要な件についてのご協力に感謝します。)

👨‍💼【Teacher / Coal Supplier】:
Excellent. I look forward to receiving your commitment. Once we have it, we will immediately coordinate with our mining partners to ensure timely delivery. Thank you for your understanding and flexibility.
(素晴らしい。お約束をお待ちしています。受け取り次第、タイムリーな納品を確保するため直ちに採掘パートナーと調整します。ご理解と柔軟性に感謝します。)
3. Use  (4 min)|ロールプレイ & 実践(空欄補完)

Let's perform the role-play and fill in the blanks by translating the Japanese into English!
空欄の日本語を英語に訳しながら、ロールプレイを実践してみましょう!

Situation / シチュエーション(Reference again)

Requesting urgent coal quality specification changes including sulfur content and calorific value from overseas coal suppliers due to power plant equipment modifications.
発電所設備変更により、海外石炭サプライヤーに硫黄含有量やカロリー値の仕様変更を緊急要請する場面です。

👨‍💼【Teacher / Coal Supplier】:
Thank you for taking the time to discuss this urgent matter. We received your request to modify the coal specification due to your power plant equipment change. Could you clarify the exact sulfur content and calorific value you require?
🧑‍🎓【Student / Resource Trader】:
We need sulfur content below 0.5 percent and calorific value above 6000 kcal per kg. This change is [必須の] because our new equipment cannot handle higher sulfur levels. We must proceed with this specification immediately.

👨‍💼【Teacher / Coal Supplier】:
I understand the urgency. However, sourcing coal with such low sulfur content will impose additional costs on our operation. We estimate an increase of 15 USD per ton. Can you accommodate this price adjustment?
🧑‍🎓【Student / Resource Trader】:
We appreciate your quick assessment. However, 15 USD per ton is [かなりの] for our annual volume of 200000 tons. Let me [詳しく説明する] our [制約]. First, our budget allows only 8 USD per ton increase. Second, we can commit to a long-term contract to reduce your procurement risk.

👨‍💼【Teacher / Coal Supplier】:
I see your position. A long-term contract would help us stabilize our supply chain. If you can extend the contract to 3 years, we can reduce the additional cost to 10 USD per ton. Would that be acceptable?
🧑‍🎓【Student / Resource Trader】:
Thank you for the flexibility. Let me [計算する] the total impact. A 3-year contract with 10 USD per ton increase means 6 million USD in total additional cost. We can proceed if you guarantee consistent quality and on-site inspection rights. This ensures we [軽減する] any quality risk.

👨‍💼【Teacher / Coal Supplier】:
We can guarantee the specification and allow quarterly on-site inspections. However, we need your commitment in writing within 5 business days to secure the supply source. Can you confirm this timeline?
🧑‍🎓【Student / Resource Trader】:
Understood. I will [相談する] our management and submit the written commitment within 3 business days. We will also prepare the contract draft to [迅速化する] the process. I appreciate your cooperation on this critical matter.

👨‍💼【Teacher / Coal Supplier】:
Excellent. I look forward to receiving your commitment. Once we have it, we will immediately coordinate with our mining partners to ensure timely delivery. Thank you for your understanding and flexibility.
4. Challenge (7 min)|応用実践

Let's perform the role-play and fill in the blanks by translating the Japanese into English!
空欄の日本語を英語に訳しながら、ロールプレイを実践してみましょう!

*Let's practice this part repeatedly until we can speak it smoothly.

  このパートはスムーズにスピーキングできるようになるまで繰り返し練習しましょう。

Situation / シチュエーション(Reference again)

Requesting urgent coal quality specification changes including sulfur content and calorific value from overseas coal suppliers due to power plant equipment modifications.
発電所設備変更により、海外石炭サプライヤーに硫黄含有量やカロリー値の仕様変更を緊急要請する場面です。

👨‍💼【Teacher / Coal Supplier】:
Thank you for taking the time to discuss this urgent matter. We received your request to modify the coal specification due to your power plant equipment change. Could you clarify the exact sulfur content and calorific value you require?
🧑‍🎓【Student / Resource Trader】:
[硫黄含有量は0.5パーセント以下、カロリー値は1キログラムあたり6000キロカロリー以上が必要です。] This change is mandatory because our new equipment cannot handle higher sulfur levels. [直ちにこの仕様で進める必要があります。]

👨‍💼【Teacher / Coal Supplier】:
I understand the urgency. However, sourcing coal with such low sulfur content will impose additional costs on our operation. We estimate an increase of 15 USD per ton. Can you accommodate this price adjustment?
🧑‍🎓【Student / Resource Trader】:
[迅速な評価に感謝します。] However, 15 USD per ton is considerable for our annual volume of 200000 tons. [当社の制約について詳しく説明させてください。] First, our budget allows only 8 USD per ton increase. Second, we can commit to a long-term contract to reduce your procurement risk.

👨‍💼【Teacher / Coal Supplier】:
I see your position. A long-term contract would help us stabilize our supply chain. If you can extend the contract to 3 years, we can reduce the additional cost to 10 USD per ton. Would that be acceptable?
🧑‍🎓【Student / Resource Trader】:
Thank you for the flexibility. Let me calculate the total impact. A 3-year contract with 10 USD per ton increase means 6 million USD in total additional cost. We can proceed if you guarantee consistent quality and on-site inspection rights. This ensures we mitigate any quality risk.

👨‍💼【Teacher / Coal Supplier】:
We can guarantee the specification and allow quarterly on-site inspections. However, we need your commitment in writing within 5 business days to secure the supply source. Can you confirm this timeline?
🧑‍🎓【Student / Resource Trader】:
Understood. [経営陣と相談し、3営業日以内に書面での約束を提出します。] We will also prepare the contract draft to expedite the process. I appreciate your cooperation on this critical matter.

👨‍💼【Teacher / Coal Supplier】:
Excellent. I look forward to receiving your commitment. Once we have it, we will immediately coordinate with our mining partners to ensure timely delivery. Thank you for your understanding and flexibility.
\ If you have some extra capacity, give it a try(余力があればやってみましょう)/
5. Real-world application (5 min)|実務応用

Let's speak freely with the phrases and flow we learned today. If you can, imagine your real job—it makes practice more effective.
本日学習した単語やフレーズ、会話の流れを思い出しながら、自由に話してみましょう。可能であれば、自身の実務を想像しながら話すと効果的です。​

Situation / シチュエーション
Your power plant equipment has changed and you need to modify the coal specification urgently.
You must negotiate with your overseas coal supplier to achieve the new sulfur and calorific requirements.
発電所の設備が変更され、石炭仕様を緊急に変更する必要があります。
新しい硫黄含有量とカロリー値の要件を達成するため、海外の石炭サプライヤーと交渉しなければなりません。

👨‍💼【Teacher / Coal Supplier】:
I understand you need to change the coal specification due to your equipment upgrade. Could you explain your requirements and how we can work together on this?
(設備改良により石炭仕様を変更する必要があることは理解しています。要件と、どのように協力できるかを説明していただけますか?)

🧑‍🎓【Student / Your Role】:
(Free Speaking based on today's lesson)

Hints / ヒント
1. Clarify the mandatory specification changes
2. Acknowledge the supplier's cost concerns
3. Propose a long
4. Calculate the total financial impact
​※This is not a role-play. Please speak until you finish your thoughts.
 このパートはロールプレイ形式ではありません。最後まで通して話してみましょう。
6.  Wrap-up (2 min) |レッスンの振り返り

Let's review today's lesson with your teacher!
今日のレッスンについて講師と振り返ってみましょう!

 

6-1 Comments from student

・Good points / 良かったところ・上手くできたところ
・Things to work on / 今後強化したいところ

 

6-2 Feedback from teacher

・Good points / 良かった点
・Things to work on / 今後の強化ポイント
・What to review / 復習ポイント

 

*6-3 Questions from student (if any)

Japanese translation(日本語訳)

1. Read (2min)(型を学ぶ)|基本フレーズ

2. Try  (4min)(ロールプレイ練習)|型を使った練習
Let’s practice the role-play.
ロールプレイの練習をしましょう!

3. Use  (7min)|応用
Let’s perform the role-play and filling in the missing English!
英語を補完しながら、ロールプレイを実践してみましょう!

4. Challenge (7min)|実践
Let’s perform the role-play and filling in the missing English!
英語を補完しながら、ロールプレイを実践してみましょう!

5. Wrap-up (3min) – レッスンの振り返り

"Let’s review today’s lesson with your teacher!”

「今日のレッスンについて講師と振り返ってみましょう!」

5-1.  Comments from Student

  - Good points / 良かったところ・上手くできたところ

  - Things to work on / 今後強化したいところ

5-2.  Feedback from Teacher

  - Good points / 良かった点

  - Things to work on / 今後の強化ポイント

  - What to review / 復習ポイント

5-3. Question from Students (If any)

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