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This Doesn't Look Good

Date: Dec 08 2009

Themes: Soap Opera, Work

Grammar: Present Progressive Tense

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Intro

1. Learn Vocabulary - Learn some new vocabulary before you start the lesson.

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2. Read and Prepare - Read the introduction and prepare to hear the audio.

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Sometimes, if a business is about to go under, the boss will keep the employees in the dark until the very end.

Everyone knows that Devan’s company isn’t doing as well as Marni’s company, but there’s no reason to think it’s going out of business. At least, not until the office furniture starts disappearing. See how Dale and Jason react to finding some furniture in the hallway.

3. Watch - Watch the video without reading the dialog.

Dialog

1. Listen and Read - Listen to the audio and read the dialog at the same time.

2. Study - Read the dialog again to see how the vocab words are used.

Dale

Jason

Dale: Hmm. Ah, Jason.

Jason: Yeah.

Dale: The copier is not plugged in.

Jason: Oh yeah. We’re gettin’ rid of it.

Dale: Uh, OK. How are we gonna make invoices? Are we gonna write in triplicate and hand write it?

Jason: We’re going paperless since we’re, like, a tech, green company.

Dale: And I’m kinda confused. Why is Devan’s desk outside?

Jason: She said she’s getting rid of her desk. She’s gonna sit on the yoga ball just to improve her posture…

Dale: Ah.

Jason: ...at work.

Dale: OK. This…Wow. This is really interesting how the changes are. Aren’t you kind of worried about it? Or do you know if there’s any…

Jason: I think it’s cool. I think we’re just, you know, upgrading, you know, getting some new stuff, like, stepping into the twenty-first century a little bit more.

Dale: I guess I’ll have to adjust, but I don’t think this bodes too well.

Jason: What do you mean? What do you think is going on?

Dale: I don’t know. You tell me. I just…I can’t feel it. The desk and the copier…Kinda scary, but I guess it’ll do.

Jason: OK.

Dale: Just a little scary. Don’t know what to do.

Jason: Maybe I should ask Devan if everything is alright with the company.

Grammar Point

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Discussion

Go Super to Listen

Dale notices that much of the office furniture is sitting in the hallway. This worries him. Is the office closing? Is the company going out of business?

Jason says that he thinks the company is just getting some new furniture. They don’t need a copier because they don’t want to use paper anymore to help the environment.

It hadn’t occurred to Jason that anything could be wrong. But Dale’s alarm concerns him. Do you think Dale and Jason’s jobs are going to be OK? Would you worry if your company suddenly started getting rid of its furniture?

Comments

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vicmay_lo-flo@live.com.mx

Mexico

it would be best to ask my superior.

whaT’s happens With tHe cOMpanY??? wOOOOO

nesrineriahiii

Tunisia

heyy

ahmedghieth9

Egypt

the best way to make the business us well is the good managment

alexcai

China

i don't think i'd be worried.because i have confidence in myself that i can land a job anywhere!

ventura

Canada

so, he's really irresponsible guy.

snmudallal

France

i think that where ever jason is present there will be problems because he is really an irresponsible guy

queenlia

China

it is abnormal . the leaders of the company should make everything clear or it wold make the staff of the company worried . so communication is important between leaders and staff. if they are isolated , situation would be worse.

blouz

France

business is the business, when all going evil, so all going evil. the only solution is to going out of business

shanlay

Myanmar

I can't understand instantly… your two speak so fast … May be i need to learn more… Okay, i will try and try to learn it for the best now ….

waittingyou

China

oh~i do not know what to say ~have fun ~

jgarzon

Colombia

I think there are two options. On of them is the company is going out ob bussiness, and the other ones is the company is going to use tech elements.

If my company is getting rid of their furniture, probably I'll be a little worried about my job.

Marcelolic

Brazil

Humm I guess things are not going well to the Devan's company…I think better people put your "beards in sauce" hahaha :P

Besarta

Albania

No I wouldnt be worry if the manager or director will hold an appointment and explain the employs about the situation in company, maybe they are going to bye new furniture and new tech, and sell the get rid the oldest.Also they can change the envarement-painting wall ectra.However its not ok if no-one give the explonation at least employes have right to know.

kainhouse

South Korea

If my company suddenly starts getting rid of furniture, I will definitely be worried about my situations.

I think their company is going under. but if i were their boss I would tell my employees the truth for them to find another jobs.

sveta1209

Taiwan

Hmm… If the company is going to go under, dosen't the boss has to tell the truth of the company to employees?

appletree8

China

Well , if the furniture is still new and be gotten rid of , I will worry whether the business of my company is going down . But I will not to talk about it with my workermate. Though I know sometimes I should be confidence for my company , but I will collect more information about my company business. and I will do my job as good as before.

Cool-danish

South Korea

kk Maybe this situation is caused by a MASK of stepping to 21 century.

Stepping to the 21 century is cool to anybody, but everything has certain degree.

If attepmt of stepping to 21 century is beyond the certain degree, the odd situations like this media are caused~ of course It's just my subjective thinking! hehe :)