Pre-listening activity
Work with partners and discuss the following questions:
What is the best way to prepare for your very first day in a new job?
What can you do if you don't get along with your boss or someone you work with?
Main task
Listen to the following talk about being new to a job and having to deal with a conflict at work. You can choose between listening to it with or without the transcript.
Two different approaches:
- Check your understanding: Listen to the dialogue and answer the questions provided.
- Practice for the first part of the oral exam: Listen to the dialogue several times and take notes in order to be able to give a detailed summary of what the text is about.
Conflict at Work
Check your understanding:
- How does Julian have to feel about his situation at work, in order to be able to focus and do a good job?
- Give a summary of the “sticky situation” that Maya experienced at work?
- If there is a conflict at work, why is it important for a company to have a set of routines in place?
What does Maya mean by the saying “Experience can be the best teacher of new things”?
Make a dialogue:
Work in pairs or small groups.
A friend of yours has just got their dream job. However, they have a strong feeling that their new boss just doesn't like them. What should they do to overcome their employer's hostility? Make a dialogue where you give your friend advice.
By following the link below, you will find suggestions for phrases you can use when giving advice:
Link to englishclub.com, entry about giving advice