Set 56 - He’s doing a job swap with his opposite number

Advanced English Conversations (2) - Robert Allans, Matt Edie, A. Mustafaoglu 2020

Set 56 - He’s doing a job swap with his opposite number

Megan: Did you know Jason in Germany at the moment? He’s doing a job swap with his opposite number over there.

Frank: Wow, that’s good! So, have you met the exchange person from Germany?

Megan: Yes, he’s been to dinner a couple of times. He’s so nice! Jason has informed me that after he gets back, he’s open to offers in the States. Just so you know if you’re interested.

Frank: Of course! I’d be so glad to take him in. We could do with someone with good German contacts. But we could really do with someone who could take a post before the end of the year.

Megan: That could work out perhaps. And he’d certainly be motivated to do well for you because he’s so keen to stay here.

Frank: And do you think Jason can handle the heavy workload and the changing work environment?

Megan: Absolutely! It’d be easy for him to stay the course! I bet this position is a perfect chance for him to realize his potential.

Vocabulary;

job swap: when two employees in different departments "swap" or exchange jobs for a defined period of time.

opposite number: a person who has a very similar job or rank to you in a different organization.

Just so you know: a phrase we use when we are giving a piece of information that we are not obligated to give.

could do with: to benefit from; to want or need someone or something.

take a/the post: to get the job; to take the position; to take the job.

work out: to have a good or specified result.

keen to: (adjective) very interested, eager, or wanting (to do) something very much.

heavy workload: lots of tasks need to be done.

stay the course: to pursue a difficult task to the end.

realize one’s potential: to perform to the utmost of one's abilities; to find as much success as is possible for one.

Exercise;

Fill in the gaps with the appropriate phrases or words;

1. I wish you would .......... your true .......... instead of wasting your talents in this dead-end job.

2. If arranged wisely and cautiously, ..........programs can save money, time and effort.

3. The CEO is meeting her .......... at Fukuda Electronics to discuss a possible joint venture.

4. The teachers in our school are always complaining about their .......... although they have three days off a week.

5. Things don't always .......... that way. We have to figure out some other method.

6. We’ve got a vacancy in our department. If someone must .........., why can’t it be you?

7. The paint on the walls is peeling. This flat .......... a coat of paint.

8. She interviewed dieters who had failed to .......... to find out why they had given up.

9. Nobody is joining the party! .......... - You’ve never been kind to any of us.

10. They were very .......... start work as soon as possible.

1. realize/potential 2. job swapping 3. opposite number 4. heavy workloads 5. work out 6. take the post 7. could do with 8. stay the course 9. Just so you know 10. keen to