Lesson 15: Talking About Projects and Relationships

LET'S CHECK IT OUT! 💬

talking 1.2

1. What can you see in the picture?

2. How do you talk about your work projects with friends?

DIALOGUE PRACTICE! 🎧

Situation:

William and Justin are at a café discussing a new project while waiting for their coffee. William feels unsure about a colleague’s interest and Justin is trying to offer help.

Icon_15

William

Hey William, I heard you were talking about that new project. What do you call the type of work you’re doing?

Icon_man_officer

Justin

Oh, it’s just a marketing campaign. It’s not the most exciting thing. By the way, I have a feeling he likes me, but I’m not sure.

Icon_15

William

Justin

Really? What made you think so?

Icon_man_officer

Justin

He’s been really attentive and always seems to find a reason to chat. But I’m not sure if it’s just friendly or something more.

Icon_15

William

I get it. Sometimes it’s hard to tell. Why don’t I help you figure this out? Maybe we can talk about it over coffee.

Icon_man_officer

Justin

That sounds good. What’s in it for me though?

Icon_15

William

Well, you get to unload some of your worries, and I get to enjoy some coffee with a friend. How would you like your coffee?

Icon_man_officer

Justin

Just a black coffee, please. I’m trying to keep it simple.

Icon_15

William

Sure thing. Let’s get out of here and grab our coffee. I promise, no more than I have to will be discussed about work. We can just relax.

Icon_man_officer

Justin

Thanks, Justin. I appreciate your help. I’m glad we’re doing this.

COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS

1. What type of project is William working on?

2. What is William uncertain about regarding his colleague?

3. What does Justin offer to do to help William?

LET'S LEARN! 📖

Expressions of Inquiry or Curiosity	Expressions of Suggestions or Offers	Expressions of Minimal Effort or Certainty
-What do you call? (What's the name of?) “I forgot the name. What do you call that tool again?” -What made you think so? (Why do you think that?) “You seemed upset about my decision. What made you think so?”	-Why don’t I help you? (Let me help you.) “Looks like you have a lot of work. Why don’t I help you?” -How would you like your coffee? (How do you want your coffee?) How do you prefer your coffee?; What’s your coffee preference? -Let’s get out of here. (Let’s leave.) “This place is getting crowded. Let’s get out of here.”	-No more than I have to. (Just enough.) “Do you engage with your coworkers after hours?” “No more than I have to.” -I have a feeling he likes me. ( (I think he likes me.) “He’s always around and making an effort to talk. I have a feeling he likes me.”

Expressions of Inquiry or Curiosity

Expressions of Suggestions or Offers

Expressions of Minimal Effort or Certainty

-What do you call? (What's the name of?)

“I forgot the name. What do you call that tool again?”

-What made you think so? (Why do you think that?)

“You seemed upset about my decision. What made you think so?”

-Why don’t I help you? (Let me help you.)

“Looks like you have a lot of work. Why don’t I help you?”

-How would you like your coffee? (How do you want your coffee?)

How do you prefer your coffee?; What’s your coffee preference?

-Let’s get out of here. (Let’s leave.)

“This place is getting crowded. Let’s get out of here.”

-No more than I have to. (Just enough.)

“Do you engage with your coworkers after hours?” “No more than I have to.”

-I have a feeling he likes me. ( (I think he likes me.)

“He’s always around and making an effort to talk. I have a feeling he likes me.”

LET'S PARAPHRASE! 📖

Instruction: Replace the phrases in the following sentences with the expressions from the list.

1. Original: “I’m not sure what to call this project.”

Alternative: “I’m not sure this project.”

2. Original: “Why do you think he is being so friendly?”

Alternative: so about his friendliness?”

3. Original: “Let me help you with that issue.”

Alternative: with that issue?”

4. Original: “How do you want your coffee?”

Alternative: ?

5. Original: “Let’s leave this place and go somewhere else.”

Alternative: and go somewhere else.”

ROLE PLAYING! 🎬

MSE_Role Playing

Situation:

You and a friend are discussing a recent social event or issue. Use the provided expressions you learned to guide your conversation.

Instruction:

Pair up with a partner. One person will be Person A, and the other, Person B. Use the provided expressions to guide your conversation.

PERSON A	PERSON B
(Begin the conversation by discussing a recent social event or issue.)	(Respond using the expressions from the lesson.)