[B+] Nature I

LET'S UNLOCK WORDS AND PHRASES 🔐

forte

[ 'fawr-tey ]

noun

- a strong ability, something that a person can do well

Economics is clearly not his forte.

tension

[ 'ten-shuhn ]

noun

- a feeling of fear or anger between two groups of people who do not trust each other

The tension between the two countries is likely to remain.

reconcile

[ 'rek-uhn-sahyl

verb

- to become friendly again after an argument

All efforts to reconcile her with her husband were in vain.

foster

[ 'faw-ste ]

verb

- to encourage the development or growth of ideas or feelings

The captain did his best to foster a sense of unity among the new recruits.

get one's hopes up

phrase

- to be excited at the prospect of something happening

I don't want to get your hopes up or anything, but there's a chance we might be hiring for a position in your field of expertise.

LET'S UNDERSTAND! 📚

A. in the air

everyone could feel it

VP_L68_LU1

Dialogue

Icon_Anna Happy

Anna

Throughout my entire time here at the company, I've never witnessed Angela getting angry. I had no idea there was a conflict brewing between her and Alison.

Icon_Ken

Ken

Actually, I've been aware of that for quite some time. I've always sensed the tension in the air during our meetings.

Icon_Anna Happy

Anna

I didn't realize you were so perceptive. Well, regardless, I hope they can resolve their dispute and reconcile with each other.

B. up in the air

undecided

VP_L68_LU2

Dialogue

Icon_Alex

Alex

I heard about the company hosting a sports event this year. Any updates on that?

Icon_Ken

Ken

Well, the marketing team has been working on a plan, but everything is still up in the air at the moment. So it's best not to get your hopes up just yet.

Icon_Alex

Alex

That's disappointing. I thought they had already finalized the plan earlier this year.

Icon_Ken

Ken

Yes, they did, but due to unforeseen circumstances, the company had to prioritize other matters recently.

C. clear the air

make bad feelings between people disappear

VP_L68_LU3

Dialogue

Icon_Mike

Mike

I've noticed some tension between you and John. Is there something going on?

Icon_Alexa

Alexa

You're right, things have been strained between us. I've been contemplating having a conversation to address our issues and clear the air. It's important to find a way to resolve the conflict and restore a positive working relations.

Icon_Mike

Mike

I hope the conversation goes well and you both can find a way to move forward.

D. in the dark

not informed about things that might be useful to know

VP_L68_LU4

Dialogue

Icon_Sally

Sally

Have you heard anything about the changes on the project's deadline?

Icon_Mike

Mike

No, I'm completely in the dark about it. I haven't received any updates or information regarding the new timeline.

Icon_Sally

Sally

It's frustrating when we're not kept informed about important work-related changes.

E. in one's element

happy or relaxed in the situation because you are good at the things it involves

SPEECH

Dialogue

Icon_Mike

Mike

Look at Sarah on the stage, delivering her speech with so much confidence!

Icon_Alexa

Alexa

Oh, definitely! She's truly in her element when she's speaking in front of an audience.

Icon_Mike

Mike

It's amazing how she shines and captures everyone's attention. Public speaking is really her forte.

LET'S PRACTICE! 📝

Part I

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

in the air	up in the air
clear the air	in the dark
in one's element

The sudden reorganization took everyone by surprise, leaving most employees about their new roles and responsibilities.
With the sudden change in leadership, there's a sense of uncertainty regarding the company's direction.
It's important to have open and honest conversations to and foster better communication among team members.
John is a great chef, and when he's in the kitchen, he's , creating delicious dishes with ease.
The decision about whether to relocate the office is still , as the management is considering various options.

Part II

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

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Part III

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

It's important to have open and honest conversations to resolve conflicts and clear the air in order to maintain a healthy work environment.
.
The pianist was truly in her element during the performance, captivating the audience with her exceptional skills.
.