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Learning Objectives
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
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Identify the main point in a message.
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Organize ideas in a logical order (main idea → supporting points → example).
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Communicate clearly using structured examples.
Exercise 1
Useful Expressions
Direction: Read the useful expressions with your tutor.
Exercise 2
Vocabulary
Direction: Listen and repeat after your teacher
On the ball
/ɒn ðə bɔːl/
Meaning:
Alert and efficient
- She’s really on the ball with managing deadlines.
In the home stretch
/ɪn ðə hoʊm strɛʧ/
Meaning:
Near the end of a project or task
- We’re in the home stretch of the project now.
Burning the midnight oil
/ˈbɜrnɪŋ ðə ˈmɪdnaɪt ɔɪl/
Meaning:
Working late into the night
- He’s been burning the midnight oil to finish the report.
Drop the ball
/drɒp ðə bɔːl/
Meaning:
Make a mistake or fail to complete something
- We can’t afford to drop the ball on this important project.
Exercise 3
Practice
Exercise 4
Business Dialogue
Direction: Read the conversation aloud with your teacher and fill in the blanks.
Word Bank:
Drop the ball
In the home stretch
Burning the midnight oil
On the ball
Situation: Two coworkers talk about a project’s progress.
Kiyo
How’s your ________ coming along?
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Manela
We’re in the home ________ now, almost finished.
Kiyo
That’s great! Are you on the ________ with the deadline?
Manela
Yes, but I’ve been burning the midnight ________ to get things done.
Kiyo
Don’t forget not to ________ the ball on the final steps.
Manela
Absolutely, we’re double-checking everything.
Kiyo
Keep up the good work!
Manela
Thanks, I’ll make sure we finish on time.
Exercise 5
Study Guide
Direction: Read the study manual aloud
How to Talk About Work Projects and Deadlines Using Idioms
1. Learn the Idioms
Familiarize yourself with work-related idioms like “on the ball” and “in the home stretch” to sound professional and natural.
2. Ask Progress Questions
Start conversations by asking questions such as “How’s your project coming along?” or “Are you close to finishing the deadline?” to show interest.
3. Describe Your Efforts
Use idioms to explain your work progress or effort, for example, “I’ve been on the ball managing deadlines” or “We’re in the home stretch of the project now.”
Listening Practice
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Exercise 6
Discussion
Discuss these questions to practice speaking and share experiences.
- <p class="font_8"><br></p>
<p class="font_8">1. How’s your current project coming along?</p>
<p class="font_8"><br></p>
<p class="font_8">2. Do you feel you’re on the ball with your deadlines?</p>
<p class="font_8"><br></p>
<p class="font_8">3. Have you ever had to burn the midnight oil to finish work?</p>
<p class="font_8"><br></p>
<p class="font_8">4. What do you do to avoid dropping the ball at work?</p>
<p class="font_8"><br></p>
<p class="font_8">5. How do you stay organized when managing projects?</p>
<p class="font_8"><br></p>
<p class="font_8">6. What was the most challenging project you worked on?</p>
<p class="font_8"><br></p>
<p class="font_8">7. How do you celebrate when finishing a big project?</p>
<p class="font_8"><br></p>
<p class="font_8">8. Can you share a story about a time you almost dropped the ball?</p>
<p class="font_8"><br></p>
