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Lesson 14: Handling Workload and Socializing

LET'S CHECK IT OUT! 💬

handling 1.2

1. What can you see in the picture?

2. Have you ever felt overwhelmed with your workload? How did you manage it? What do you do to unwind and socialize with colleagues?

DIALOGUE PRACTICE! 🎧

Situation:

Clark and Miho are wrapping up their workday at the office. Jamie has been struggling with a project, and Alex is trying to cheer them up while suggesting a plan to unwind.

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Justin

Hey Clark, I’m really feeling overwhelmed with this project. It’s been such a long day.

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Miho

I hear you. The thing is, I’m busy right now with another task, but I don’t want you to stress too much about it. Don’t let it get you down.

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Justin

Thanks. It’s just been a bit tough. I can’t say that I do enjoy this kind of work.

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Miho

I totally get that. You know what? Is she cute or what? I just met the new office dog, and she’s adorable.

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Justin

Really? That sounds like a nice distraction. I could use a coffee to help me get through this last bit.

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Miho

Well, have I got something for you! I found a great little café nearby that just opened. How about we grab a coffee together after work?

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Justin

That sounds perfect. It won’t bother me any to take a short break. Thanks for suggesting it!

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Miho

No problem at all! And by the way, I just finished a report. It was a piece of cake compared to what you’re dealing with!

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Justin

Lucky you. I’ll look forward to that coffee. It’ll definitely help.

COMPREHENSION QUESTIONS

1. What is Miho feeling overwhelmed about?

2. What did Clark find that they think Jamie would like?

3. What does Miho say they could use to help get through the last bit of work?

LET'S LEARN! 📖

Indifference or DisinterestEnthusiasm or InterestEase or Encouragement

-I can't say that I do. (Not really)

“Do you enjoy spicy food?” “I can’t say that I do.”


-It won't bother me any. ( It’s fine)

“Are you okay if we change the meeting time?” “It won’t bother me any.”.


-Is she cute or what? (She’s really cute. Isn't she?)

“Did you see the new puppy?” “Is she cute or what?”


-Have I got something for you! (I have a surprise for you)

“I just found something amazing. Have I got something for you!”


-I could use a coffee. (A coffee would be great)

“I’ve been working all morning. I could use a coffee.”


-It was a piece of cake. (It was easy.)

“How did you find the exam?” “It was a piece of cake.”


-Don't let it get you down. (Stay positive)

“I didn’t get the promotion.” “Don’t let it get you down.

You’ll get the next one.”


-The thing is, I'm busy right now. (The issue is, I'm busy right now)

“Can you help me with this task?” “The thing is, I’m busy right now.”

LET'S PARAPHRASE! 📖

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

    1. Original: “I’m not really interested in that movie.”

    Alternative: enjoy that movie.”


    2. Original: “I don’t mind if we reschedule our meeting to next week.”

    Alternative: if we reschedule our meeting to next week.”


    3. Original: “A cup of tea would be really nice after this long day.”

    Alternative: after this long day.”


    4. Original: “Do you think the new puppy is cute?”

    Alternative:


    5. Original: I’ve got a surprise for you—I located that book you wanted.

    Alternative: —I located that book you wanted.

ROLE PLAYING! 🎬

MSE_Role Playing

Situation:

You and a colleague are discussing a busy workday and deciding whether to take a break or socialize after work. You will practice expressing your feelings about your workload and whether you are enthusiastic about socializing.

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 APERSON B

(Begin the conversation by iscussing a busy workday )

(Respond using the expressions from the lesson.)