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Small talk about work

About this lesson

Finding a job that suits your lifestyle is essential for happiness and productivity. In today's lesson, we will explore a conversation about a new job experience. The topic is particularly relevant for learners at the B1 level, as it involves everyday vocabulary related to work and social interactions. You will practice listening for details, understanding different preferences about work hours, and discussing personal routines. By the end of this lesson, you will feel more confident talking about your own work experiences and preferences.

What you will learn

  • Identify key vocabulary related to workplace culture.
  • Comprehend the main ideas within a workplace conversation.
  • Express personal preferences about work hours and routines.
  • Engage in discussions about work-life balance.
Instructions

1. Vocabulary

Read the vocabulary list to familiarize yourself with key terms.

2. Watch

Watch the video once without worrying about filling in the gaps.

3. Fill in

Fill in the gaps while watching the video again.

4. Review

Read the full text and watch again to consolidate.

Gap Fill Exercise (Script)
So, what's new, Mark? How is your new job going? To be honest, I can't complain. I really love the company that I am working for. My co-workers are all really and helpful. They really help me feel . It's a really energetic and fun atmosphere. My boss is and he's really flexible. Really? How so? He allows me to come in when I want and make my own . I can also leave early if I start early. There is no real dress code either. I can wear and a t-shirt if I want. I can even wear shorts in the summer. Wow, it sounds really cool! I can't stand wearing a every day. Which do you prefer, working late or finishing early? I prefer finishing early. I really enjoy the morning. I love getting up early and going for a . There's nothing like watching the sunrise while drinking my morning . Really? I am the opposite. I love sleeping in. I am most alert in the evenings. I'm a real night . Well, you know what they say, the early bird catches the . You know, you could be right. Maybe I will try to go to bed a little earlier tonight.
Vocabulary

friendly

Kind and pleasant to others.

My new co-workers are very friendly.

welcome

Feeling accepted and appreciated.

I feel welcome at my new job.

hilarious

Extremely funny.

My boss tells hilarious jokes.

hours

The time during which one works.

I can choose my own hours at work.

jeans

Casual pants made of denim.

I like to wear jeans to the office.

suit

A formal outfit made of matching jacket and trousers.

I dislike wearing a suit every day.

run

To move quickly on foot.

I go for a run every morning.

coffee

A popular drink made from roasted coffee beans.

I drink coffee every morning.

owl

A bird that is active at night.

I am a night owl.

worm

A small, soft-bodied animal that lives in soil.

The early bird catches the worm.

Cultural notes

Work-Life Balance

In many cultures, work-life balance is highly valued. Flexible working hours and casual dress codes can contribute to a more comfortable and productive work environment.

Pronunciation focus

In this dialogue, pay attention to the pronunciation of certain words. For instance, the word 'hilarious' has a stress on the second syllable: hi-‘lar-i-ous. Similarly, 'coffee' can be pronounced quickly, often sounding like 'coff-ee' in casual speech. Linking occurs frequently; for example, ‘going for a run’ can sound like 'goin' for a run' in connected speech. Practicing these sounds will help you sound more natural when speaking.

True / False Questions

1. Mark loves his new job.

Show explanation
Explanation:He expresses that he really loves the company he is working for.

2. Mark's boss is strict about working hours.

Show explanation
Explanation:Mark mentions that his boss is flexible with working hours.

3. Mark prefers to wake up early.

Show explanation
Explanation:He states he enjoys getting up early and going for a run.

4. Mark can wear formal attire to work.

Show explanation
Explanation:He mentions there is no real dress code and he can wear casual clothes.

5. Mark is a morning person.

Show explanation
Explanation:He indicates he loves the morning and enjoys watching the sunrise.
Open Questions

1. What are the benefits of having a flexible work schedule?

Show sample answer
Sample Answer:A flexible work schedule allows employees to manage their time better and improves work-life balance.

2. How does your ideal work environment look like?

Show sample answer
Sample Answer:My ideal work environment is friendly, supportive, and encourages creativity.

3. What do you enjoy doing in the mornings?

Show sample answer
Sample Answer:I enjoy reading a book and having breakfast while listening to music.

Key takeaways

  • Flexible work schedules can enhance job satisfaction.
  • Casual dress codes may create a more relaxed work atmosphere.
  • Understanding personal preferences can improve work-life balance.
  • Morning routines can significantly impact daily productivity.

How to study this lesson

To make the most of this lesson, listen to the audio once without any interruptions to get the general idea. On your second listen, focus on the gaps and try to fill in the missing words based on context. After completing the exercise, review the vocabulary list and create your own sentences using those words. Finally, practice shadowing the audio to improve your pronunciation and fluency.

Full Transcript

Transcript adapted by ListenLoop for language learners. Read alongside the video to consolidate comprehension.

So, what's new, Mark? How is your new job going? To be honest, I can't complain. I really love the company that I am working for. My co-workers are all really friendly and helpful. They really help me feel welcome. It's a really energetic and fun atmosphere. My boss is hilarious and he's really flexible.

Really? How so? He allows me to come in when I want and make my own hours. I can also leave early if I start early. There is no real dress code either. I can wear jeans and a t-shirt if I want. I can even wear shorts in the summer.

Wow, it sounds really cool! I can't stand wearing a suit every day. Which do you prefer, working late or finishing early? I prefer finishing early. I really enjoy the morning. I love getting up early and going for a run. There's nothing like watching the sunrise while drinking my morning coffee.

Really? I am the opposite. I love sleeping in. I am most alert in the evenings. I'm a real night owl. Well, you know what they say, the early bird catches the worm. You know, you could be right. Maybe I will try to go to bed a little earlier tonight.

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Small talk about work

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