💬 Conversations

1
Starting a New Job
Starting a New Job
Sarah Good morning! You must be the new employee. I'm Sarah, the office manager.
Tom Good morning, Sarah. Yes, I'm Tom. It's great to meet you. I'm a little nervous today.
Sarah Don't worry, Tom. Everyone feels that way on their first day. Let me show you around the office.
Tom Thank you so much. Could you also tell me about my daily tasks?
Sarah Of course. You'll be working with the sales team. Your desk is over there, next to the window.
Tom Perfect. And what time does the workday start and finish?
Sarah We start at nine in the morning and finish at five in the afternoon. Lunch is from one to two.
Tom That sounds great. I'm really looking forward to working here.
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2
Asking for Help at Work
Asking for Help at Work
Tom Excuse me, Maria. I'm sorry to bother you, but could you help me with the printer?
Maria Sure, Tom. What's the problem?
Tom I can't figure out how to scan a document. Can you show me how to do it?
Maria No problem. First, place your document face down on the glass. Then press the green button.
Tom Like this? And then what do I do?
Maria Then select your computer from the list and click send. It's quite simple once you know how.
Tom Oh, I see. That's much easier than I thought. Thank you, Maria.
Maria You're welcome. Don't hesitate to ask if you need anything else.
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3
Making a Phone Call
Making a Phone Call
Tom Good afternoon. This is Tom calling from ABC Company. Could I speak to Mr. Johnson, please?
Receptionist Good afternoon. I'm afraid Mr. Johnson is in a meeting at the moment. Can I take a message?
Tom Yes, please. Could you tell him that I called about the order from last week?
Receptionist Of course. Could you give me your phone number so he can call you back?
Tom Yes, it's zero seven seven one, two three four, five six seven.
Receptionist Let me read that back to you. Zero seven seven one, two three four, five six seven. Is that correct?
Tom Yes, that's right. Thank you very much.
Receptionist You're welcome. I'll make sure he gets your message. Goodbye.
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4
Taking a Message
Taking a Message
Maria Good morning, ABC Company. Maria speaking. How can I help you?
Caller Good morning. This is David from City Bank. I'd like to speak to Ms. Chen, please.
Maria I'm sorry, Ms. Chen is not available right now. She's out of the office until three o'clock.
Caller Oh, I see. Could I leave a message for her?
Maria Certainly. Go ahead, please.
Caller Please tell her that the meeting tomorrow has been moved to two o'clock instead of ten.
Maria I'll pass on your message. Could I have your name and number in case she needs to call you back?
Caller Yes, it's David Brown from City Bank. My number is zero two zero, five five five, one two three four.
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5
Work Schedule
Work Schedule
Manager Tom, can we talk about your schedule for next week?
Tom Of course. What would you like me to do?
Manager We have a big project deadline on Friday. I need you to work late on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Tom How late do you need me to stay? I usually finish at five.
Manager I'd like you to stay until seven on those days. Is that possible?
Tom Yes, that's fine. Will I get overtime pay for those extra hours?
Manager Yes, absolutely. You'll get time and a half for any hours over your normal schedule.
Tom Great. I'll make sure to finish the reports by Friday then.
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6
Talking to Your Boss
Talking to Your Boss
Tom Excuse me, could I have a word with you when you have a moment?
Boss Sure, Tom. Come in and sit down. What's on your mind?
Tom I wanted to ask about taking some time off. My sister is getting married next month.
Boss Congratulations to your sister! When exactly is the wedding?
Tom It's on the fifteenth and sixteenth of next month. I'd like to take those two days off.
Boss Let me check the calendar. Those are a Thursday and Friday. Yes, that should be fine.
Tom Thank you so much. I'll make sure all my work is finished before I leave.
Boss That would be great. Please fill in the leave request form and send it to HR.
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📝 Unit Quiz

Test your understanding of the conversations in this unit. Answer all 12 questions, then click Check Answers.

Part A: Fill in the Blank (4 questions)

Q1. Tom says he is a little _______ on his first day at work.

Q2. Maria tells Tom to place the document face _______ on the glass to scan it.

Q3. Tom calls ABC Company and asks to speak to Mr. _______.

Q4. Tom asks his boss for time off because his _______ is getting married.

Part B: Multiple Choice (4 questions)

Q1. What time does the workday finish at Tom's company?

At four o'clock
At five o'clock
At six o'clock
At seven o'clock

Q2. Why can't Tom speak to Mr. Johnson when he calls?

Mr. Johnson is on holiday
Mr. Johnson is in a meeting
Mr. Johnson has left the office
Mr. Johnson is on another call

Q3. What has changed about the meeting, according to the caller David?

The meeting has been cancelled
The meeting has been moved to a different day
The meeting time has changed to two o'clock
The meeting location has changed

Q4. What does Tom's manager offer for the extra hours worked?

A day off in return
A bonus payment
Time and a half pay
A promotion
Part C: Match the Response (4 questions)
Q1. Could I have a word with you?
Q2. Can I take a message?
Q3. Don't hesitate to ask if you need anything.
Q4. Will I get overtime pay?