1. Reading comprehension
Lee:
Hello.
Chris:
Hello Lee. It’s Chris here. I thought I’d give you a buzz and see how you’re
going in your new job.
Lee:
Oh hi Chris. It’s good to hear from you. I’m getting into the swing of things
now thanks. I had a few hassles at first- you know everything was different. In
the first week I thought the job was beyond me. I couldn’t make head nor tail
of the accountants system but I stuck at it and I’m going well now.
Chris:
Good for you!
Lee:
Thanks. What’ve you been up to anyway?
Chris:
Not much. I’m in a rut in my job really. But I’ve been thinking about getting
some training and going for a better job too.
Lee:
Yes, you should. Why don’t you do a computer course?
Chris:
I don’t really like the idea of studying again – it’s so long since I left
school. I don’t really know the first thing about computer technology. I mean,
what if everyone else in the class catches on quicker than me. I’m getting a
bit old to learn new things.
Lee:
Oh, come off it! Tons of people study as adults these days. Everyone in the
class will be in the same boat. Go on Chris! Once you start, I’m sure you’ll
soon get the hang of it.
Chris:
Ok. You’ve talked me into it. I’ll enquire about courses this week.
Lee:
Good on you! Look, I’d better get back to work now-we’re pretty busy today but
I’ll call you next week to see how you’re getting along.
Chris:
Ok. I’ll talk to you then. Thanks for the encouragement!
Lee:
See you…and good luck.
VOCABULARY
1. Give someone a buzz = call someone on the telephone
2. Get into the swing of things = become familiar with the usual way to do things.
3. Hassles = problems/ difficulties
4. be beyond (someone) = be to difficult for someone
5. Not make head and tail of something = Not understand anything about
6. Stuck at it = kept trying
7. Good for you = Congratulations
8. What have you been up to? = What have you been doing?
9. In a rut = in a boring pattern of doing things
10. Catch on = learns/ understand
11.Come off it! = Oh, I don't agree with you!
12. Tons = A lot of
13. In the same boat = in the same situation
14. Go on! = You should do it!
15. Get the hang of it = Understand what to do
16. Talked me into it = convinced me to do something
17. Getting along = progressing / managing
PRACTICE
PART A: Circle the best answer.
1.
If someone says they “don’t really know the first thing”, it means they :
a.
don’t know where to find something
b.
don’t know anything about it
c. have
forgotten about something they learnt before.
2.
If someone “catches on: to something quickly, it means:
a.
they play sport well.
b.
they can read quickly.
c.
They learn how to do something quickly.
3.
If you “get into the swing of things”, it means:
a.
You move quickly.
b.
You become familiar with the usual way of doing something.
c.
you start playing golf.
4.If
a group of people are “ in the same boat”, it means:
a.
they are in a similar situation.
b.
they are travelling in the same direction.
c.
they all live in the same area.
5.If
you “ get the hang of something”, it means:
a.
You start something but don’t like it.
b.
You are in a difficult situation.
c.
You learn and understand how to do well.
6.
If someone is “ in a rut”, it means:
a.
they are happy.
b.
they are slow to learn new things.
c.
they are in a boring pattern of doing things.
7.
If someone says something is “beyond” them, it means:
a.
it is too difficult for them to understand.
b.
they think it is wonderful.
c.
they want to try it.
8.If
someone is having hassles, this means:
a.
they are doing something wrong.
b.
they are having problems or difficulty.
c.
They are starting something new.
9.
If you tell someone to “stick at it”, you mean:
a.
stop doing something
b.
keep trying, continue with something
c.
to stay in the same place.
PART B: Complete the sentences, choosing
the phrases/ words that are listed below.
|
1.
You will soon__________________________this game.
2.
It’s easier to________________________to new things if you relax and enjoy
learning.
3.I
will give you a___________________-tonight and we can make arrangements for
tomorrow.
4.
I can’t make___________-of this grammar book.
5.
There’re always___________-of people at the beach in Summer.
6.I
don’t think he’ll get a driving license. He doesn’t seem to
know_______________-about driving.
7.
I’m____--. I need to change my life and do something more interesting.
8.
This course is difficult but I’m going to_____________________. I’m sure it
will get easier.
9.
I practice English everysay and now I’m getting into the________________of
things. 10. How are
you_______________in your new job?
11.
This textbook is______________. 12.Everyone
who has started their life again in a new country is in
the_____________________.
