Welcome aboard! In this lesson, students will learn common questions to ask when starting a new job. The lesson includes audio of two people communicating in an office, along with plenty of engaging discussion activities and worksheets. Students will learn and practice question words and vocabulary related to this topic. Additionally, students will discuss common idioms used in the workplace. The lesson activities have been carefully developed for both adult and teenage learners, ensuring a practical and interactive learning experience.

Lesson Objectives

Listening: By listening to the audio of a conversation between a new employee and her boss, learners will identify workplace vocabulary and idioms, such as "bang-up job" and "work your fingers to the bone." They will answer comprehension questions to confirm their understanding.

Speaking: Learners will participate in discussions about suitable questions to ask when starting a new job and will share their opinions in response to questions like "What are some important things to know before starting a new role?" They will role-play scenarios to practice their conversation skills.

Vocabulary: The lesson introduces workplace vocabulary such as "cubicle," "superior," "orientation paperwork," and "break room." Idioms like "go the extra mile" and "dead-end job" will also be discussed, helping students understand common workplace expressions.

Homework: Students will practice using question words in different contexts by matching them to appropriate scenarios and filling in blanks in sentences. They will reflect on why some questions are considered inappropriate to ask in the workplace.

Audio

                                                Listen to the audio of a new employee on her first day of work. Will she like her new boss, coworkers, and office? Maybe she will do a bang-up job, or maybe she will have to work her fingers to the bone. 
												
                                            

Audio Transcript

Vocabulary and Pronunciation

welcome aboard [idiom]: used to welcome someone who has just joined a company

go the extra mile [idiom]: to do more than one is required to do

expectations [noun]: the act or the state of expecting; the act or state of looking forward or anticipating

orientation [noun]: training or preparation for a new job or activity

objectives [noun]: something that you plan to do or achieve

evaluations [noun]: the process of evaluating or judging someone or something

on the job [idiom]: working at one’s job in an official capacity; working on a particular task

report to [phrasal verb]: to be in a position directly below someone who is in charge of reviewing one’s work

won’t bite [idiom]: used to indicate that something or someone is safe or accommodating

cubicle [noun]: a small sectioned off space especially one with a desk used for work in a business office

dream team [noun]: a team of people perceived as the perfect combination for a particular purpose

bang-up [adjective]: very good or excellent

work your fingers to the bone [idiom]: means to work very hard

dead-end job [noun]: used to describe a job that doesn’t offer any chance of promotion or advancement

don’t quit your day job [idiom]: used as a humorous way of recommending someone to not pursue something at which they are unlikely to be successful

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