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Exercise 1
Useful Expressions
Direction: Read the useful expressions with your tutor.
This week is jam-packed.
I’m juggling a few things right now.
It’s been non-stop since this morning.
I’m drowning in work.
Exercise 2
Vocabulary
Direction: Listen and repeat after your teacher
Jam-packed
/ˌdʒæmˈpækt/
Meaning:
Very full or busy
- This week is jam-packed with meetings.
Juggling tasks
/ˈdʒʌ.ɡl tɑːsks/
Meaning:
Handling many responsibilities at once
- I'm juggling tasks between work and emails.
Non-stop
/ˌnɒnˈstɒp/
Meaning:
Working without a break
- It’s been non-stop since 8 a.m.
Drowning in work
/ˈdraʊ.nɪŋ ɪn wɜːk/
Meaning:
Overwhelmed by too much work
- I’m drowning in work right now.
Exercise 3
Practice
Choose the Best Synonym
This week is jam-packed with meetings and deadlines.
Quiet,
Very busy,
Free,
Calm
I’m juggling tasks between clients and reports.
Avoiding work,
Handling many things,
Doing nothing,
Relaxing
It’s been non-stop since this morning!
Delayed,
Constant activity,
Peaceful,
Slow
I’m drowning in work this week.
On vacation,
Overwhelmed,
Relaxed,
Free
Exercise 4
Business Dialogue
Direction: Read the conversation aloud with your teacher and fill in the blanks.
Word Bank:
Drowning in work
Juggling tasks
Non-stop
Jam-packed
Word Bank: jam-packed, juggling, non-stop, drowning, overwhlemed
Maria
Word Bank: jam-packed, juggling, non-stop, drowning
Busy day today?
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Jack
Word Bank: jam-packed, juggling, non-stop, drowning
Yes, my week is completely ____. I’m ____ several important projects and deadlines at the same time.
Maria
Word Bank: jam-packed, juggling, non-stop, drowning
That sounds tough. Are you feeling ____ with all that work?
Jack
Word Bank: jam-packed, juggling, non-stop, drowning
A little overwhelmed, but I’m managing it by carefully planning my day and prioritizing tasks.
Maria
Word Bank: jam-packed, juggling, non-stop, drowning
Has your work been ____ since early morning without any breaks?
Jack
Word Bank: jam-packed, juggling, non-stop, drowning
Yes, it’s been ____ nonstop, and honestly, I feel like I’m ____ in work!
Maria
Word Bank: jam-packed, juggling, non-stop, drowning
Don’t hesitate to let me know if you need any help with anything.
Jack
Word Bank: jam-packed, juggling, non-stop, drowning
Thanks so much! I really appreciate your support.
Exercise 5
Study Guide
Direction: Read the study manual aloud
Talking About Workload
1. Use Common Idioms
Idioms make your English sound more fluent and natural. Instead of saying “I’m very busy,” you can say things like:
“It’s been non-stop,” “I’ve got a lot on my plate,” or “I’m racing against the clock.”
These expressions are often used in real conversations at work.
2. Talk About Busyness Naturally
In English, we often use casual and friendly questions to check on someone’s workload. Try saying:
“Busy day today?” or “What’s on your to-do list?”
Also, share how you’re coping with work: “I’m juggling a few tasks” means you’re handling several things at once.
3. Offer or Accept Help Politely
When someone looks stressed or overwhelmed, it’s kind to offer help. Use simple, polite phrases like:
“Let me know if you need a hand.”
If someone offers help, respond warmly with:
“Thanks! I appreciate it.”
This builds good communication and teamwork in the workplace.
Listening Practice
Two coworkers talk about their workload.
1. How does Mike describe his day?
a) Relaxed
b) Busy with several tasks
c) Free
d) Boring
2. How does Mike manage his workload?
a) Ignoring tasks
b) Asking for help
c) Organizing his schedule
d) Delegating everything
3. Does Anna offer help?
a) No
b) Yes
c) Maybe
d) Not interested
4. Does Mike accept help?
a) Yes
b) No
c) Not sure
d) Always
Exercise 6
Discussion
Discuss these questions to practice speaking and share experiences.
1. How often do you have jam-packed days at work?
2. What do you do when you feel drowning in work?
3. How do you juggle your tasks?
4. Have you ever missed a deadline because of too much work?
5. How does your team help you when you’re swamped?
6. What tools or apps do you use to manage your to-do list?
7. How do you balance work and rest during hectic weeks?
8. What advice would you give to someone with a lot on their plate?
