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Conversation Beginner · Module 2 · Unit 7

What Do You Do?

Pre A1 Beginner

Learning Objectives

Throughout this lesson, you will explore reporting minor problems at work and learn words and phrases you can use in real-life situations.

Situation

Alex notices the office printer is making strange noises and stops working just before an important meeting. He needs to report the problem to the IT department clearly and professionally. Mr. Miller wants the issue resolved as soon as possible. Sarah suggests logging the problem in the support system. Omar is listening to learn how to report technical issues without panicking.

Discussion

Direction: Answer these questions.
  1. Have you ever experienced a malfunction with a piece of equipment at work or home? How did you handle it?
  2. Can you think of a time when someone raised a red flag about a problem before it got worse? What happened?
  3. If something at work stopped working and it was needed as soon as possible, what would you do first?

New Words & Expressions

Direction: Listen and repeat these words with your teacher.

  • Malfunction

    Vocabulary Word

    /mælˈfʌŋkʃən/

    Meaning:When a machine or system fails to operate correctly.

    The printer is malfunctioning again — it keeps jamming every few pages.

    Real Life Tip:

    Common in both technical and everyday American English. You'll hear it in IT reports, product complaints, and news reports about equipment failures.

  • Raise a red flag

    Idiom

    /reɪz ə rɛd flæɡ/

    Meaning:To signal or warn that there is a potential problem that needs attention.

    I want to raise a red flag about the server — it's been running slowly all morning.

    Real Life Tip:

    This idiom comes from sports and military signals, where a red flag literally means danger. In American workplaces, 'raising a red flag' means warning others about a concern — it's responsible and professional.

  • Log in

    Phrasal Verb

    /lɒɡ ɪn/

    Meaning:To enter your username and password to access a system or computer.

    You'll need to log in to the support portal to submit your ticket.

Conversation

Direction:

  • Listen carefully as your teacher reads the conversation aloud.
  • Role-play the conversation with your teacher
  • Alex
    Hi, this is Alex from the third floor. I need to report a malfunction with the main office printer.
  • Sarah
    What exactly is happening with it? Is it just making noises or is it completely down?
  • Alex
    It started making clicking sounds this morning and now it won't print at all. I wanted to raise a red flag early before it affects the whole team.

Q&A

Direction: Answer the questions based on the conversation.
  1. What problem does Alex report?
  2. What does Sarah tell Alex to do to report the issue?
  3. Why is Alex in a hurry to get the printer fixed?

How to Report Workplace Problems Professionally

Reporting a problem at work might seem like a small task, but doing it well is an important professional skill. Whether it's a malfunctioning printer, a software glitch, or a safety concern, knowing how to communicate issues clearly and calmly makes a big difference.

First, report the problem as soon as you notice it. Waiting too long can turn a minor issue into a major disruption. If you see something that could become a problem, raise a red flag early — your team will appreciate the heads-up.

When reporting a technical issue, be specific. Describe what the malfunction is, when it started, and how it is affecting your work. Vague descriptions like 'the printer is broken' are less helpful than 'the printer stopped responding after making clicking sounds this morning.'

Most modern offices use digital systems for tracking issues. Log in to the support portal, submit a detailed ticket, and mark it as urgent if the situation requires a fast response.

Finally, always let your manager know if the issue could impact an upcoming meeting or deadline. Proactive communication prevents surprises and shows that you are responsible and aware of team priorities.

Exercise

Direction: Choose the correct answer to complete each sentence, then read it aloud. Each question gives you 5 Points.

  1. The coffee machine is _______ again — it keeps shutting off mid-brew.

  2. I want to _______ _______ _______ _______ about the budget issue before it gets worse.

  3. Please _______ _______ to the system to check if your request was received.

  4. Alex says the printer needs to be fixed 'as soon as possible.' What does ASAP mean in this context?

  5. Rearrange: [the / a / I / want / about / raise / server / to / flag / red]

Ask Your Teacher

Direction: Ask your teacher these questions.
  1. Why is it better to raise a red flag about a problem early rather than waiting? Can you give a real-world example from work or school?
  2. Role-play: Imagine a work computer is malfunctioning before an important meeting. Report the problem to me (the IT manager) using 'malfunction,' 'ASAP,' and 'raise a red flag.'
  3. How does reporting problems professionally — using the right language and tone — reflect on your credibility in the workplace?

Your Time To Speak

Direction: Answer using the language you have learned in this lesson. Talk about yourself!
  1. Are you a student?
  2. Do you work?
  3. What do you do?
  4. What do you study?
  5. Where do you work?
  6. Do you enjoy your work or studies?
  7. What do you want to do in the future?
  8. Are you busy every day?

Real Life Tip:

Standard phrase in technology and office environments. Also used as a noun: 'your login credentials.' Every American professional uses this phrase daily.

  • As soon as possible

    Set Phrase / Slang

    /æz suːn æz ˈpɒsɪbəl/

    Meaning:With urgency; in the fastest time that is reasonably achievable. Often abbreviated as ASAP.

    Could you please send the IT team to look at the printer ASAP? We have a meeting in 20 minutes.

    Real Life Tip:

    ASAP is one of the most common abbreviations in American business emails and texts. Using it signals urgency without being rude — it's professional shorthand for 'this is time-sensitive.'

    • Sarah
    Good thinking. You'll need to log in to the IT support portal and submit a ticket. Make sure to describe the malfunction in detail.
  • Alex
    Done. I've submitted the ticket. Do you think they can fix it as soon as possible? Mr. Miller needs documents printed for this afternoon's meeting.
  • Sarah
    Mark it as urgent. IT usually responds to ASAP requests within the hour if you flag it correctly.
  • Alex
    Got it. I'll also let Mr. Miller know about the situation so he's not caught off guard.
  • Sarah
    Good call. Always better to communicate early than to scramble at the last minute.