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Exercise 1
Useful Expressions
Direction: Read the useful expressions with your tutor.
What do you think about the new policy update? Is it the way forward?
I heard management decided to shake things up a bit.
The new rules seem like a fair shake for everyone.
I’m still getting my head around the update.
Exercise 2
Vocabulary
Direction: Listen and repeat after your teacher
Policy
/ˈpɒl.ə.si/
Meaning:
A set of rules or guidelines
- The company updated its remote work policy.
Shake things up
/ʃeɪk θɪŋz ʌp/
Meaning:
Make changes to improve or reorganize
- Management decided to shake things up in the office.
Fair shake
/feər ʃeɪk/
Meaning:
Fair chance or treatment
- The new rules offer a fair shake to all employees.
Get my head around
/ɡɛt maɪ hɛd əˈraʊnd/
Meaning:
Understand something new or complicated
- I’m still getting my head around the updated guidelines.
Exercise 3
Practice
Fill in the Blank with the Right Idiom
I think the new policy is ______________ for improving how we work.
shake things up,
get my head around,
the way forward,
fair shake
Management decided to ______________ the office schedule to boost productivity.
the way forward,
shake things up,
fair shake,
get my head around
The new rules give everyone a ______________ and equal chance to succeed.
fair shake,
get my head around,
shake things up,
the way forward
I’m still trying to ______________ all the details of the updated guidelines.
get my head around,
the way forward,
shake things up,
fair shake
Exercise 4
Business Dialogue
Direction: Read the conversation aloud with your teacher and fill in the blanks.
Word Bank:
Get my head around
Shake things up
Fair shake
Policy
Situation: Tom and Sarah discuss a recent policy change.
Tom
Word Bank: policy, update, management, decision, agree, rules, think, announcement
What do you ________ about the new ________ update?
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Sarah
Word Bank: policy, update, management, decision, agree, rules, think, announcement
I think it’s the way forward, but some ________ are strict.
Tom
Word Bank: policy, update, management, decision, agree, rules, think, announcement
Yes, management decided to shake things up to improve workflow.
Sarah
Word Bank: policy, update, management, decision, agree, rules, think, announcement
Have you seen the official ________?
Tom
Word Bank: policy, update, management, decision, agree, rules, think, announcement
Yes, I’m still getting my head around it.
Sarah
Word Bank: policy, update, management, decision, agree, rules, think, announcement
Do you ________ with the new rules?
Tom
Word Bank: policy, update, management, decision, agree, rules, think, announcement
Mostly yes, but some parts are difficult to follow.
Sarah
Word Bank: policy, update, management, decision, agree, rules, think, announcement
I hope everyone gets a fair shake with these changes.
Exercise 5
Study Guide
Direction: Read the study manual aloud
How to talk about management decisions
1. Learn Key Vocabulary and Idioms
Know important words like policy, management, and idioms such as shake things up, fair shake, and the way forward to talk confidently about changes.
2. Ask for Opinions Politely
Use idiomatic questions like “What do you think about the new policy?” or “Have you heard about management’s decision to shake things up?” to start respectful discussions.
3. Express Agreement or Concerns Clearly
Share your thoughts with idioms: “It seems like the way forward” or “I’m still getting my head around it” to communicate support or challenges.
4. Discuss Impact and Polite Disagreement
Talk about fairness and effects on work, using phrases like “Hopefully, everyone gets a fair shake” or polite disagreements such as “I see your point, but shaking things up can be disruptive.”
Listening Practice
1. What is the main topic of the conversation?
A. New policy update
B. A team project
C. Vacation plans
D. Office layout
2. How does Ben feel about the update?
A. Positive but cautious
B. Completely negative
C. Indifferent
D. Excited
3. Has Anna read the announcement?
A. Yes
B. No
C. Not mentioned
D. She doesn’t care
4. What do they hope will happen?
A. The team will work better
B. The office will close
C. They will have more breaks
D. Nothing will change
Exercise 6
Discussion
Discuss these questions to practice speaking and share experiences.
1. Have you experienced any recent policy changes at work?
2. How do you feel about management’s decision to shake things up?
3. How do you share your opinion about policy updates politely?
4. Have you ever had trouble getting your head around a new rule? How did you handle it?
5. How important is it that everyone gets a fair shake at work?
6. What do you think is the way forward for improving your workplace?
7. How can employees give feedback to management effectively?
8. How do policy changes affect your daily work and team dynamics?
