In this lesson, you will:
• Learn how to talk about wants, needs, and obligations
• Practice giving and receiving advice at work
• Understand and describe problems and solutions in the workplace
• Use phrases to express feelings and make decisions
Listen to the audio and answer the questions in the quiz below.
Should I Change My Job?
Adam: I want to quit my job.
Lina: Why do you want to quit your job?
Adam: I have some problems at work. I do not feel comfortable anymore.
Lina: What kind of problems?
Adam: Mostly with my manager. I really cannot stand the way he treats me sometimes.
Lina: What exactly is the problem with him?
Adam: I do not know. I feel he does not understand me.
Lina: Did you talk to him about your feelings?
Adam: No, never. I keep it to myself.
Lina: That could be part of the problem. Sometimes managers do not know there is an issue.
Adam: Maybe, but I really want to leave and find another job.
Lina: I understand, but before you change your job, you need to try to solve the problem first.
Adam: Do you think talking to him will help?
Lina: Maybe. You do not always have to leave a job just because it is difficult.
Adam: And what if talking does not change anything?
Lina: Then at least you know you tried. You have to give communication a chance.
Adam: That makes sense. I want a better work environment, but I guess I need to speak up first.
Lina: Exactly. Sometimes solving the problem is better than running away from it.
Adam: You are right. I will talk to him before I make a final decision.
Vocabulary (from the text)
• Issue – a problem or difficulty at work
. Quit: leave, stop, resign (more formal for jobs)
• Supervisor – another word for manager
• Appreciate – to recognize the value of someone’s work or effort
• Comfortable – feeling relaxed and at ease
• Communicate – to express your thoughts or feelings clearly
• Situation – the set of circumstances or problems someone faces
• Environment – the conditions or atmosphere at work
• Responsibility – something that you have to do or take care of
• Solution – a way to fix a problem
• Final decision – the last choice after thinking carefully
• Escape / run away – to leave a difficult situation without solving it
• Reflect – to think carefully about something before acting
Useful Sentences / Takeaways (from the text)
1- Talking About Wants
- I want to change my job.
- I want a better work environment.
- I want a job I enjoy.
2- Talking About Needs
- I need to try to solve the problem first.
- I need to speak up about my feelings.
- I need a stable income.
3- Talking About Obligations / Must / Have To
- You have to give communication a chance.
- You don’t always have to leave a job just because it is difficult.
- I have to make a final decision.
4- Giving Advice / Suggestions
- Maybe you should talk to him first.
- You should try to solve the problem before quitting.
- Sometimes solving the problem is better than running away.
5- Asking for Opinion / Clarification
- Do you think talking to him will help?
- Do you really think so?
- And what if talking does not change anything?