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Conversation Intermediate · Module 14 · Unit 66

Academic and Work Pressure

Pre B2 Intermediate

Learning Objectives

In today s lesson, you will talk about academic and work pressure and learn useful vocabulary that you can use in everyday life.

Discussion

Direction: Answer these questions.
  1. Do you often feel overwhelmed by your daily tasks?
  2. How do you usually handle a heavy workload?
  3. What is one thing that helps you stay focused when you are busy?

New Words & Expressions

Direction: Listen and repeat these words with your teacher.

  • Burnout

    noun

    /ˈbɜːrnaʊt/

    Meaning:Physical or mental collapse caused by overwork or stress.

    I am so tired; I think I am hitting burnout.

    Real Life Tip:

    A very common term in modern workplace culture.

  • Deadline

    noun

    /ˈdedlaɪn/

    Meaning:The latest time or date by which something should be completed.

    I have a tough deadline coming up on Friday.

    Real Life Tip:

    Crucial concept in both school and career settings.

  • Stay on top of

    phrasal verb

    /steɪ ɒn tɒp əv/

    Meaning:To manage tasks and keep them under control.

    I need to stay on top of my projects this week.

    Real Life Tip:

    Used to describe effective time management.

  • Buried in work

    idiom

    /ˈberid ɪn wɜːrk/

    Meaning:To have an excessive amount of work to do.

    Sorry, I cannot go out tonight; I am buried in work.

    Real Life Tip:

    Commonly used when someone is feeling stressed.

  • Crunch time

    slang

    /krʌntʃ taɪm/

    Meaning:A period of high pressure near a deadline.

    It is crunch time for my final paper.

    Real Life Tip:

    Used to describe the final push before finishing.

Conversation

Direction:

  • Listen carefully as your teacher reads the conversation aloud.
  • Role-play the conversation with your teacher
James and Sarah are at a coffee shop where Sarah is struggling with her university workload.
  • Sarah
    I think I am close to total burnout with all these classes.
  • James
    I know the feeling. You are always buried in work lately.
  • Sarah
    I have a massive deadline tomorrow, and I am panicking.

Q&A

Direction: Answer the questions based on the conversation.
  1. Why is Sarah feeling close to burnout?
  2. What does James think about how Sarah usually works?
  3. What is the main challenge Sarah is facing tomorrow?

Exercise

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

  1. If you are buried in work, you have ____.

  2. Crunch time is usually ____.

  3. I missed my ____ by ten minutes.

  4. She manages to ____ on top of her studies.

  5. is / work / in / buried / she

  6. time / it / crunch / is

Ask Your Teacher

Direction: Ask your teacher these questions.
  1. How do you deal with a major deadline?
  2. Have you ever experienced burnout?
  3. What keeps you motivated when you are buried in work?

Your Time To Speak

Direction: Answer using the language you have learned in this lesson. Talk about yourself!
  1. What is your biggest source of pressure?
  2. Do you find it hard to stay on top of tasks?
  3. Have you ever pulled an all-nighter for a deadline?
  4. What do you do to avoid burnout?
  5. Is crunch time effective for you?
  6. How do you balance work and rest?
  7. Do you work better under pressure?
  8. What advice do you have for students?
  9. Are you currently buried in work?
  10. Do you like your work environment?
James
It is definitely crunch time, but you usually stay on top of things.
  • Sarah
    I am trying, but there is just so much pressure right now.
  • James
    Just take it one step at a time, Sarah.
  • Sarah
    Thanks for the advice, I really appreciate it.
  • James
    Anytime! Now, let us get back to it.