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Exercise 1
Useful Expressions
Direction: Read the useful expressions with your tutor.
How’s the new project going?
Are you making good progress on the report?
We’re a bit behind schedule, but catching up.
Let me know if you need a hand with anything.
Exercise 2
Vocabulary
Direction: Listen and repeat after your teacher
Deadline
/ˈded.laɪn/
Meaning:
The latest time to finish something
- We need to submit the report before Friday’s deadline.
On track
/ɒn træk/
Meaning:
Progressing as planned
- We’re on track to finish the project by Thursday.
Behind schedule
/bɪˈhaɪnd ˈʃed.juːl/
Meaning:
Not progressing as planned
- We’re behind schedule because of the client’s late feedback.
Update (n./v.)
/ˈʌp.deɪt/
Meaning:
Information about recent progress
- Can you give me an update on the presentation?
Exercise 3
Practice
Choose the Synonym
Choose the word or phrase that is closest in meaning to Deadline –
Meeting,
Due date,
Appointment,
Final day
Choose the word or phrase that is closest in meaning to On track –
Delayed,
Off course,
Going as planned,
On schedule
Choose the word or phrase that is closest in meaning to On track –
Delayed,
Off course,
Going as planned,
On schedule
Choose the word or phrase that is closest in meaning to Deadline –
Meeting,
Due date,
Appointment,
Final day
Exercise 4
Business Dialogue
Direction: Read the conversation aloud with your teacher and fill in the blanks.
Word Bank:
Update (n./v.)
On track
Behind schedule
Deadline
Situation: Emma and Luis are chatting in the break room about their work.
Emma
Word Bank: behind, report, deadline, hand, progress, going, update, track
Hey Luis, how’s the new project ________?
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Luis
Word Bank: behind, report, deadline, hand, progress, going, update, track
Pretty good. We’re mostly on ________, but a few tasks are delayed.
Emma
Word Bank: behind, report, deadline, hand, progress, going, update, track
Got it. When’s the final ________?
Luis
Word Bank: behind, report, deadline, hand, progress, going, update, track
It’s next Wednesday, so we still have some time.
Emma
Word Bank: behind, report, deadline, hand, progress, going, update, track
Can you give me a quick ________ on your part of the report?
Luis
Word Bank: behind, report, deadline, hand, progress, going, update, track
Sure. I’ve finished the research and I’m writing the ________ now.
Emma
Word Bank: behind, report, deadline, hand, progress, going, update, track
Sounds like good ________.
Luis
Word Bank: behind, report, deadline, hand, progress, going, update, track
Thanks! Let me know if you have time to lend a ________ later.
Exercise 5
Study Guide
Direction: Read the study manual aloud
How to Talk About Current Projects at Work with Confidence
1. Understand Common Workplace Vocabulary
Before speaking, make sure you clearly understand words like deadline, on track, behind schedule, and update. Use online dictionaries with example sentences, or ask your tutor to explain unfamiliar terms.
2. Ask Friendly and Professional Questions
When talking to colleagues, use polite and casual questions like:
“How’s the project going?”
“Are you on track to finish?”
These sound friendly and respectful, which helps build better workplace relationships.
3. Use Positive, Honest Responses
Respond honestly, but in a calm and professional way. For example:
“We’re a little behind schedule, but we’re catching up.”
“Everything’s on track. I should finish by Thursday.”
4. Offer Help and Support When Appropriate
Phrases like “Let me know if you need a hand” or “I can help if you’re busy” show teamwork and good communication skills.
5. Practice Small Talk Aloud
Speaking these expressions aloud helps you sound more natural and confident. Practice with a partner or record yourself to improve fluency and pronunciation.
6. Listen to Real Conversations
Watch workplace dramas, interviews, or podcasts. Listening to real examples helps you hear natural tone, speed, and word choice in office conversations.
Listening Practice
A team leader checks in with a coworker about the project.
1. What is the employee working on?
A. A report
B. The budget
C. The slides for the presentation
D. The project schedule
2. When is the deadline?
A. Monday
B. Thursday
C. Today
D. Next week
3. Does the employee ask for help?
A. No, they don’t mention help
B. Yes, with designing the slides
C. Yes, with printing materials
D. Yes, with proofreading
4. What kind of help does the employee need?
A. Reviewing slides
B. Proofreading the presentation
C. Scheduling a meeting
D. Creating a project outline
Exercise 6
Discussion
Discuss these questions to practice speaking and share experiences.
1. What are you currently working on?
2. How do you stay organized with multiple tasks?
3. Have you ever missed a deadline? What happened?
4. Do you prefer short-term or long-term projects? Why?
5. How do you usually update your manager or team?
