Conversations
Listen to each conversation, read along, and practise until it feels natural.
Conversation 1 of 6
A Job Interview
Interviewer
Thank you for coming in today. Could you start by telling me a bit about yourself?
Candidate
Of course. I have five years of experience in marketing, specialising in digital campaigns.
Interviewer
What attracted you to this particular role?
Candidate
I've been following your company for some time and I'm impressed by your innovative approach to sustainability.
Interviewer
Can you describe a challenging situation you faced at work and how you handled it?
Candidate
Certainly. Last year, our biggest client threatened to leave due to a campaign that underperformed.
🎧 Listen:
Conversation 2 of 6
A Mentoring Session
Mentor
How are you finding the new role? It's been three months now.
Mentee
Honestly, it's been challenging but incredibly rewarding. I feel like I'm learning something new every day.
Mentor
That's exactly how it should feel at this stage. What's been the biggest challenge?
Mentee
Managing a team for the first time. It's very different from being an individual contributor.
Mentor
In what way?
Mentee
You have to motivate people, resolve conflicts, and deliver results through others rather than doing everything yourself.
🎧 Listen:
Conversation 3 of 6
A Job Relocation
Colleague 1
I've been offered a promotion, but it would mean relocating to the Singapore office. I don't know what to do.
Colleague 2
That's a big decision. What are the main factors you're weighing up?
Colleague 1
Career-wise, it's an incredible opportunity. But my family is here, and my children are settled in school.
Colleague 2
Have you discussed it with your partner?
Colleague 1
We've talked about it. She's supportive but understandably nervous about uprooting everything.
Colleague 2
It might be worth visiting first to get a feel for the place before making a final decision.
🎧 Listen:
Conversation 4 of 6
Asking for Career Development
Employee
I'd like to talk about my career development. I feel like I've been in the same position for too long.
Manager
I appreciate you raising this. Tell me more about what you're looking for.
Employee
I want more responsibility and the opportunity to lead projects. I feel ready for the next step.
Manager
I've noticed your work has been consistently excellent. What kind of projects interest you most?
Employee
I'm particularly interested in the international expansion work. I speak three languages and have relevant experience.
Manager
That's a strong case. I wasn't aware of your language skills. Let's discuss a development plan.
🎧 Listen:
Conversation 5 of 6
Starting a Business
Person 1
I've been thinking seriously about leaving my corporate job and starting my own business.
Person 2
That's a major step. What kind of business are you thinking about?
Person 1
I want to set up a sustainable food company. There's a real gap in the market for affordable organic products.
Person 2
It's a competitive space. Have you done market research?
Person 1
Yes, extensively. I've identified a clear target demographic and tested the concept with focus groups.
Person 2
What about funding? Starting a food business requires significant capital.
🎧 Listen:
Conversation 6 of 6
Returning from Freelancing
Interviewer
You've been working freelance for three years. Why are you looking to return to employment?
Candidate
I've loved the freedom of freelancing, but I miss being part of a team and working on larger, long-term projects.
Interviewer
What skills have you developed through freelancing that you think will benefit this role?
Candidate
Self-discipline, client management, and the ability to work across multiple industries and adapt quickly.
Interviewer
How do you handle tight deadlines and competing priorities?
Candidate
I use project management tools to track everything and I'm very transparent with clients about timelines.
🎧 Listen:
✍ Unit 5 Quiz
Test your understanding of all 6 conversations. Score 70% or above to pass.
1. The candidate has five years of experience in ___, specialising in digital campaigns.
2. The mentee says managing a team is very different from being an individual ___.
3. The employee says they speak three ___ and have relevant experience.
4. What does Colleague 2 suggest about the relocation decision?
5. What kind of business does Person 1 want to start?
6. What does the freelance candidate use to handle tight deadlines?
7. Match the career situation to the key phrase:
Job interview
Mentoring
Career development
Freelancing