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Conversation Intermediate · Module 23 · Unit 111

Work or Study Challenges

B2 Intermediate Upper

Learning Objectives

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

Discussion

Direction: Answer these questions.
  1. What is the most common challenge you face at work or school?
  2. Do you usually handle stress by yourself or talk about it?
  3. How do you stay organized when you have a lot to do?

New Words & Expressions

Direction: Listen and repeat these words with your teacher.

  • Deadline

    noun

    /ˈdedlaɪn/

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

    I have a tight deadline for this project.

    Real Life Tip:

    A very common source of stress in American professional life.

  • Workload

    noun

    /ˈwɜːrkloʊd/

    Meaning:The amount of work to be done by someone.

    My current workload is very heavy.

    Real Life Tip:

    Often discussed when asking for support from a manager.

  • Fall behind

    phrasal verb

    /fɔːl bɪˈhaɪnd/

    Meaning:To fail to keep up with a schedule.

    If I do not plan well, I fall behind.

    Real Life Tip:

    Used to describe feeling overwhelmed.

  • Crunch time

    idiom

    /krʌntʃ taɪm/

    Meaning:A short period of time when there is a lot of pressure to finish something.

    It is crunch time for my final exams.

    Real Life Tip:

    A standard term for high-pressure situations.

  • Stressed out

    slang

    /strest aʊt/

    Meaning:Extremely worried or tired due to pressure.

    I am so stressed out by this workload.

    Real Life Tip:

    The most common way to express feeling overwhelmed.

Conversation

Direction:

  • Listen carefully as your teacher reads the conversation aloud.
  • Role-play the conversation with your teacher
Kevin and Jennifer are discussing their current work and study pressures.
  • Kevin
    I am really stressed out about my upcoming project.
  • Jennifer
    I understand. Is your workload too heavy right now?
  • Kevin
    Yes, I am starting to fall behind on my deadlines.

Q&A

Direction: Answer the questions based on the conversation.
  1. Why is Kevin stressed out?
  2. What does Jennifer suggest?
  3. What is happening with Kevin s deadlines?

Exercise

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

  1. What is a deadline?

  2. What does workload mean?

  3. I do not want to fall ____.

  4. I am so ____ out today.

  5. is / time / it / crunch

  6. heavy / my / is / workload / very

Ask Your Teacher

Direction: Ask your teacher these questions.
  1. How do you handle a heavy workload?
  2. What do you do when you are stressed out?
  3. Do you often find yourself in crunch time?

Your Time To Speak

Direction: Answer using the language you have learned in this lesson. Talk about yourself!
  1. Is this a deadline?
  2. Is my workload normal?
  3. Did I fall behind?
  4. Is this crunch time?
  5. Am I stressed out?
  6. Can you help me?
  7. Is this too much?
  8. Do you have tips?
  9. Is this urgent?
  10. Can we talk?
Jennifer
It is definitely crunch time for you.
  • Kevin
    I just need to focus and get it done.
  • Jennifer
    Do not forget to take a break, okay?
  • Kevin
    You are right. A short break will help.
  • Jennifer
    Exactly. You can do this!