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Exercise 1
Useful Expressions
Direction: Read the useful expressions with your tutor.
Did you catch wind of the new layout in the break room?
The office has been shaken up recently.
I really like the new coffee machine — it’s a nice touch.
What do you think about the changes? Are they here to stay?
Exercise 2
Vocabulary
Direction: Listen and repeat after your teacher
Layout
/ˈleɪ.aʊt/
Meaning:
The way furniture or equipment is arranged
- The new layout makes the break room more spacious.
Shaken up
/ˈʃeɪ.kən ʌp/
Meaning:
Rearranged or changed
- The office was shaken up last month to encourage teamwork.
Nice touch
/naɪs tʌtʃ/
Meaning:
A small but pleasant addition
- The new coffee machine is a nice touch in the office kitchen.
Here to stay
/hɪər tu steɪ/
Meaning:
Likely to remain permanent
- Everyone hopes the flexible work hours are here to stay.
Exercise 3
Practice
Choose the Correct Synonym
What is the closest synonym of "Layout"?
Rule,
Routine,
Design,
Surface
What is the closest synonym of "Shaken up"?
Decorated,
Adjusted,
Created,
Painted
What is the closest synonym of "Nice touch"?
Surprise,
Decoration,
Bonus,
Greeting
What is the closest synonym of "Here to stay"?
Long-term,
Temporary,
Unusual,
Unwanted
Exercise 4
Business Dialogue
Direction: Read the conversation aloud with your teacher and fill in the blanks.
Word Bank:
Here to stay
Shaken up
Nice touch
Layout
Situation: Mike and Lisa discuss recent changes at work.
Mike
Word Bank: layout, rearranged, feature, policy, break room, think, updated, comfortable.
Hey Lisa, did you notice the new ________ they set up in the break room recently?
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Lisa
Word Bank: layout, rearranged, feature, policy, break room, think, updated, comfortable.
Yes, I saw that the furniture was completely ________ just last week to make the space more comfortable.
Mike
Word Bank: layout, rearranged, feature, policy, break room, think, updated, comfortable.
What do you personally ________ about all these changes they’ve made around the office?
Lisa
Word Bank: layout, rearranged, feature, policy, break room, think, updated, comfortable.
Honestly, I think it’s much more ________ and inviting now—it feels better to take breaks there.
Mike
Word Bank: layout, rearranged, feature, policy, break room, think, updated, comfortable.
Have they also added any new ________ or equipment to improve the workspace?
Lisa
Word Bank: layout, rearranged, feature, policy, break room, think, updated, comfortable.
Yes, actually, there’s a brand-new coffee machine that everyone seems to love.
Mike
Word Bank: layout, rearranged, feature, policy, break room, think, updated, comfortable.
I also heard that the company has ________ the work-from-home policy recently to offer more flexibility.
Lisa
Word Bank: layout, rearranged, feature, policy, break room, think, updated, comfortable.
That’s right, and it’s great because it really helps employees balance work and personal life better.
Exercise 5
Study Guide
Direction: Read the study manual aloud
How to Talk About Office Changes Clearly
1. Learn Key Vocabulary
Knowing the right words like layout (how things are arranged), rearranged (moved or changed places), feature (a special part), and policy (rules or guidelines) helps you describe office changes clearly and accurately. This makes your message easy to understand.
2. Ask About Changes Politely
Starting a conversation with polite questions like “Did you see the new layout?” invites others to share their thoughts without sounding pushy. It shows respect and helps build a friendly atmosphere for discussion.
3. Express Your Opinion Clearly
When you share your opinion, use simple, direct phrases like “I think the new layout is great.” This helps others know exactly how you feel and makes your communication effective and honest.
4. Discuss Benefits or Concerns
Talking about the positive or negative effects of changes lets you explain why you like or dislike them. For example, saying “It makes the office more comfortable” highlights a benefit, while “I’m not sure how I feel about the new rules” shares a concern respectfully.
Listening Practice
Two colleagues chat about recent office changes.
1. What changed in the break room?
A. The layout was rearranged
B. The coffee was removed
C. The room was closed
2. How does Ben feel about the coffee machine?
A. He likes it
B. He dislikes it
C. He hasn’t tried it
3. What policy was updated?
A. Remote work policy
B. Dress code policy
C. Vacation policy
4. Why is the policy update good news?
A. It gives more flexibility
B. It increases working hours
C. It reduces breaks
Exercise 6
Discussion
Discuss these questions to practice speaking and share experiences.
1. Have you noticed any recent changes in your office?
2. How do you usually react to office updates?
3. What changes would you like to see at work?
4. How do changes affect your productivity?
5. Have you ever had trouble adjusting to new policies?
6. What new office features do you appreciate?
7. How do you share your opinions about changes with coworkers?
8. How can management make changes easier for employees?
