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Conversational / EVERYDAY ENGLISH
Lesson 48
Work-Life Balance
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
1. Talk about work-life balance using everyday vocabulary.
2. Use phrasal verbs and simple sentences to discuss managing work and personal life.
3. Ask and answer questions about routines, priorities, and stress management.
Exercise 1
Vocabulary
Direction: Listen and repeat after your teacher
verb
Overwork
Similar:
similarvocab1.1
similarvocab1.2
similarvocab1.3
similarvocab1.4
/ˌoʊ.vɚˈwɝːk/
Meaning:
To work too much or for too long
- He often overworks and feels very tired by Friday.
Real Life Tip:
Americans often discuss overwork when talking about productivity and stress in office culture.
noun
Flexibility
Similar:
similarvocab2.1
similarvocab2.2
similarvocab2.3
similarvocab2.4
/ˌflek.səˈbɪl.ə.ti/
Meaning:
The ability to adjust your work hours or schedule
- Many companies offer flexibility to help employees manage family time.
Real Life Tip:
Flexible work schedules are increasingly popular in U.S. workplaces.
Clock in / Clock out
phrasal verb
Similar:
similarvocab3.1
similarvocab3.2
similarvocab3.3
similarvocab3.4
/klɑk ɪn/ / /klɑk aʊt/
Meaning:
To start or finish work
- I clock in at 9 a.m. and clock out at 5 p.m.
Real Life Tip:
Used in workplaces with time tracking to record work hours.
Wind down
phrasal verb
Similar:
similarvocab4.1
similarvocab4.2
similarvocab4.3
similarvocab4.4
/waɪnd daʊn/
Meaning:
To relax after work or stressful activities
- I like to wind down with music in the evening.
Real Life Tip:
Commonly used in American English to describe evening routines or post-work relaxation.
Exercise 2
Conversation
Direction: First, read the conversation aloud. Then, practice by role-playing it with your tutor.
Situation: Two friends talk about balancing their jobs and personal life after work in an American city.
Hey, do you have time to hang out after work?
Mia
I think so. I usually clock out at 5, so I can wind down a bit.
Liam
That’s good! I feel overworked lately.
Mia
Maybe you need more flexibility in your schedule.
Liam
Yeah, I’m trying to manage stress better. Yoga helps a lot.
Mia
Me too. I also take short breaks during the day.
Liam
That sounds smart. I want a better work-life balance.
Mia
Let’s go for a walk and relax after work!
Liam
Exercise 2.1
Questions.
1. What does Liam do after work to relax?
2. How does Mia feel about her work recently?
3. What activity helps Mia manage stress?
Exercise 3
Practice Time
Direction: Complete the exercise by choosing the correct answer.
1. I _____ (clock / clocks / clock) in at 9 a.m. every day.
2. She _____ (wind / winds / winded) down after work with a walk.
3. They _____ (offer / offers / offering) flexibility to employees.
4. He sometimes _____ (feel / feels / feeling) overworked.
5. Yoga _____ (help / helps / helping) with stress management.
Exercise 4
Ask Your Tutor
Direction: Ask your tutor these questions. Listen carefully and learn
1. How do you maintain work-life balance in your daily routine?
2. What strategies do you use to manage stress at work?
3. How important is flexibility in your job schedule?
Exercise 5
Discussion
Direction: Use the new words and expression you learnt in this lesson to have a conversation with your tutor.
1. Do you feel overworked at your current job?
2. How many hours do you usually work per day?
3. Do you prefer a flexible or fixed work schedule?
4. How do you relax after work?
5. Which activities help you manage stress?
6. Do you think taking breaks improves productivity?
7. How often do you clock in and clock out at work?
8. Do you feel your work-life balance is healthy?
9. Would you change your routine to improve balance?
10. How can hobbies support a better work-life balance?
