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[A] Making Things Easier

LET'S UNLOCK WORDS AND PHRASES 🔐

intuitive

[ in-'too-i-tiv ]

adjective

- easy to use or learn without any special knowledge

Great novelists have an intuitive understanding of the workings of human emotions.

data-driven

[ 'dey-tuh 'driv-uhn ]

adjective

- happening or done according to information that has been collected

He is known for his data-driven research into inequality.

diplomacy

[ dih-'ploh-muh-see ]

noun

- skill in dealing with people without offending or upsetting them

I thought you showed great diplomacy in dealing with him.

to be swamped with

phrase

- to be overwhelmed with work, studies, or obligations

The department was swamped with job applications.

get the hang of something

phrase

- if you get the hang of something such as a skill or activity, you begin to understand or realize how to do it

It is difficult for a foreigner to get the hang of English idioms.

LET'S UNDERSTAND! 📚

Direction: Read and understand the different idiomatic expressions below.

A. the easy way out

  • the easiest but not the best way of doing something, esp. a way that does not involve much effort

A TALL ORDER

Dialogue

Icon_Cindy

Cindy

Hey, I noticed you’ve been struggling with the project. Have you considered asking the professor for an extension?

Icon_Sally

Sally

I have, but that just feels like taking the easy way out. I really want to push myself to complete it on time.

Icon_Cindy

Cindy

That's a great mindset! But remember, it's okay to seek help when you truly need it. It doesn't always mean you're taking the easy way out.

B. steep learning curve

  • a situation where a person is expected to learn a new skill or knowledge rapidly, often in a short period

23-VP-Making Things Easier

Dialogue

Icon_Ken

Ken

I’ve just started learning to code, and it feels like a steep learning curve.

Icon_Mike

Mike

I understand that. Coding can be quite challenging in the beginning, but it will get easier over time.

Icon_Ken

Ken

Thanks, I’ll keep pushing through. I know mastering this skill will be rewarding in the end.

C. viable options

  • able to work as intended

MEETING

Dialogue

Icon_Sally

Sally

We're running out of time to choose a location for the conference.

Icon_Cindy

Cindy

I've narrowed it down to three viable options: the downtown convention center, the beachfront resort, and the university campus.

Icon_Sally

Sally

Let's discuss the pros and cons of each to make the best choice.

D. immense asset

  • to something that is extremely valuable or beneficial

business partners

Dialogue

Icon_Mike

Mike

I heard that John's knowledge of data analysis is considered an immense asset in the company.

John_Happy Icon

John

Absolutely, his skills have helped us make data-driven decisions and improve our strategies.

Icon_Mike

Mike

It's clear that having him on the team is a game-changer.

E. enlist the help of someone

  • if you enlist the help of someone, you persuade them to help or support you in doing something

TALKING IN THE OFFICE

Dialogue

Icon_Sally

Sally

I'm swamped with work and don't know how to finish this project on time

John_Happy Icon

John

Why don't you enlist the help of someone from another department who has experience in this area?

Icon_Sally

Sally

That's a great idea! I'll reach out to them and see if they can lend a hand

LET'S PRACTICE! 📝

Part I

Direction: Choose the appropriate expressions to complete each of the sentences.

the easy way out steep learning curve
viable options immense asset
enlist the help of someone

  1. To organize the charity event effectively, we decided to experienced in event planning.

  2. We need to consider all before making a decision about the company's expansion.

  3. Learning to play a musical instrument can have a , but it's incredibly rewarding once you get the hang of it.

  4. Instead of choosing , I decided to confront my fears and pursue my dream.

  5. Her ability to speak multiple languages fluently is an in the field of international diplomacy.

Part II

Direction: Listen as your mentor reads the statements twice. Then, repeat after your mentor.

  1. 🔊

  2. 🔊

  3. 🔊

Part III

Direction: Paraphrase the following sentences. Make sure to paraphrase the underlined idiomatic expressions.

  1. When faced with a challenging problem, don't hesitate to enlist the help of someone with relevant expertise.

  2. Choosing the easy way out might provide temporary relief, but it rarely leads to long-term success.