Work and study fill most of the week, so they fill most conversations too. Here is enough English to talk about your day and to ask for what you need.
1. Talking About Your Job
Ana: What do you do?
Ravi: I'm a nurse.
Ana: That's hard work.
Ravi: Sometimes, but I like it.
Ana: How long have you done it?
Ravi: About five years.
2. Your First Day
Manager: Welcome. Is this your first day?
Yuki: Yes, it is. I'm a little nervous.
Manager: Don't worry. Everyone is friendly.
Yuki: Where should I sit?
Manager: Over here, next to Tom.
Yuki: Thank you.
3. Meeting a Coworker
Tom: Hi. You're new, right?
Yuki: Yes, I started today.
Tom: I'm Tom. I work in the office next door.
Yuki: Nice to meet you.
Tom: If you need anything, just ask.
Yuki: That's very kind. Thank you.
4. Working Hours
Lin: What time do you start work?
Marc: At nine, and I finish at five.
Lin: Do you have a lunch break?
Marc: Yes, one hour.
Lin: That's not bad.
Marc: No, I can't complain.
5. Asking for a Day Off
Sara: Can I ask you something?
Manager: Of course.
Sara: Could I take Friday off?
Manager: Is everything okay?
Sara: Yes, it's a family thing.
Manager: That's fine. Enjoy your day.
6. Asking a Question in Class
Student: Excuse me. I have a question.
Teacher: Go ahead.
Student: I don't understand this word.
Teacher: Which one?
Student: This one here.
Teacher: It means almost the same as easy.
7. Talking About Studying
Ben: What are you studying?
Mia: Business, at the university.
Ben: Is it difficult?
Mia: The maths is, but I enjoy the rest.
Ben: When do you finish?
Mia: Next year, I hope.
8. Finishing the Day
Marc: That's it. I'm done for today.
Lin: Long day?
Marc: Very. See you tomorrow.
Lin: See you. Get some rest.
Marc: I will. Good night.
Words to know
| nervous | worried about something new I'm a little nervous. |
| coworker | a person you work with Nice to meet you. |
| break | a short rest during work Do you have a lunch break? |
| complain | to say you are not happy I can't complain. |
| day off | a work day when you do not work Could I take Friday off? |
| understand | to know the meaning I don't understand this word. |
| difficult | hard, not easy Is it difficult? |
| done | finished I'm done for today. |
Quick practice
Complete each sentence with an expression from the lessons.
1. A: What do you ________?
B: I'm a nurse.
2. A: Is this your first day?
B: Yes, it is. I'm a little ________.
3. A: What time do you ________ work?
B: At nine, and I finish at five.
4. A: ________ I take Friday off?
B: Is everything okay?
5. A: Excuse me. I have a ________.
B: Go ahead.
6. A: What are you ________?
B: Business, at the university.
Show the answers
1. do 2. nervous 3. start 4. Could 5. question 6. studying
Common mistakes
Not: What is your work?
Say: What do you do?
The normal question about a job is What do you do?
Not: I work like a nurse.
Say: I work as a nurse.
Use as for a job. Like would mean you only resemble one.
Not: I have 25 years old.
Say: I'm 25 years old.
Age always uses be, never have.
Your turn
Talk about your own work or study. Say these five things aloud.
- Say what you do, and how long you have done it.
- Say what time you start and finish.
- Ask a coworker or classmate a polite question.
- Ask your manager or teacher for one day off.
- Say you are finished for today and say goodnight.
Quick review
Answer the question What do you do? out loud in three sentences: your job, how long, and one thing you like about it. This is the single most common question you will be asked, so it is worth having a ready answer.