Real-Life English Unit 3: Practical English Expressions and Dialogues for the Workplace

Learning English is not just about mastering grammar and vocabulary, but also about using the language naturally in real-life situations. However, sentences in textbooks often sound too formal and differ greatly from actual spoken expressions. To speak fluent, authentic English, it’s important to engage with dialogues from real-life contexts. In this unit, we have selected frequently used expressions in daily life, covering social, work, and travel scenarios, to help you move away from textbook English and learn what native speakers actually use. Below is the content for Unit 3: The Working Environment. Keep practicing, and let your English become closer to real life! Unit 3: The Working Environment Part One: Expressions 1. I’d like to make an appointment to see Mr. Smith, please. 2. Could you tell me where his office is? 3. Ted stopped by to see you. 4. Can I leave this for him? 5. Could you give him this message? 6. Where is the meeting room located? 7. How do I use this copy machine? 8. Just a second. 9. I’ll have it finished by tomorrow morning. 10. Hard work pays off, you know. Part Two: Dialogues 1. On the Job A: Is Betty Sue in her office? B: I’m sorry. She’s in a meeting right now. A: I see. B: Can I give her a message for you? A: Yes, please tell her I stopped by. B: And your name, please? A: Ted. Oh, and could you give her this document for me? B: Certainly. 2. Working Supplies A: Do you have a free moment? B: Sure. What do you need? A: I’m having some trouble. How do you use this printer? B: Well, first you have to turn this switch on. A: Silly me. B: Now press this button. A: Oh, and it’s out of paper. Do you have any more? B: Just a second. I’ll go get some. 3. A Successful Story A: You look tired. B: Yeah, I’ve been working so much overtime lately. A: Really? How come? B: My boss gave me a big project. I had to have it finished by this morning. It was so difficult! A: You shouldn’t work so hard. B: I know. But hard work pays off, you know. A: What do you mean? B: Maybe now I’ll get that promotion I was hoping for. Part Three: Substitution Drills 1. A: Can I help you? B: Yes, is (Mr. Smith/ the director/ the manager) in his office? 2. A: Could you tell me where (his office/ the meeting room/ the copy machine) is, please? B: Sure. It’s just down the hall, on the right. 3. A: Could you give him this (message/ report/ document), please? B: No problem. 4. A: What’s the matter? B: How do I use this (copy machine/ fax machine/ hole-puncher)? 5. A: I’m out of (paper/ staples/ folders). Do you have any more? B: Here you are. 6. A: Can you meet this deadline? B: Yes, I’ll have it finished by (tomorrow morning/ this afternoon/ Friday at 5pm). 7. A: Is Mr. Smith in his office? B: I’m sorry. He’s (in a meeting/ not at his desk right now/ out). 8. A: I’m having some (trouble/ difficulties/ problems). Can you help me? B: What do you need? 9. A: You look (tired/ exhausted/ busy). B: Yeah, I’ve been working so much overtime lately. 10. A: The project was so (difficult/ time-consuming/ tedious). B: You shouldn’t work so hard. Part Four: Monologue “When I first started this job, it took me quite a while to learn the ropes. I guess many new-comers have the same problem and have to ask their co-workers for help. I didn’t know how to use the system or where to find things. On my first day I wandered around for twenty minutes before I could find the copy room. Fortunately, my co-workers were very helpful and supportive, so it didn’t take me long to get the hang of it. I just kept working hard, and in the end all my hard work really paid off. Things are going just great!” —Bob Evian, office worker Part Five: Vocabulary and Expressions -- stop by = drop by -- Could you please…? = 你可以…吗？ -- How do I…? = 我如何…？ -- overtime = 加班 -- Hard work pays off. = 辛苦工作总有回报 -- promotion = 晋升 -- deadline = 截止期限 -- exhausted = 精疲力竭 -- new-comer = 新人 -- co-workers = 同事 -- get the hang of sth. = 掌握窍门 The above is the content of Unit 3: The Working Environment provided by Qicaiwang, which we hope will help you with your English learning!