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

Set 70 - I’m considering supplementing my income

Jack: I’m struggling to cover college expenses. And I’m considering supplementing my income by getting some kind of part-time work.

Sally: Brilliant idea! It will be great if you can manage to find a job that is relevant to your ongoing studies. Studying and then properly implementing what you’ve learned will aid you a lot in your future career. Plus, you will make smart connections with people working in the same industry as you.

Jack: Of course, I’m trying to work in the same domain as my major. But I’m afraid that my commitment to my job may interfere with my learning performance which is my number one priority. Work can also rob me of my relaxation time. You know we need to recharge our batteries to function properly.

Sally: Undoubtedly! Unless you are able to handle the stress, you’ll end up burned out.

Jack: Well; I’d better get my act together and get into gear. I clearly have to fire on all cylinders to keep moving forward.

Sally: Best of luck!

Vocabulary;

cover expenses: to pay all the costs or expenses of an activity.

supplement: to add an extra element or amount to.

make connections: to get to know the people who can help you.

interfere with: to stop or slow (something).

number one priority: the most important thing to do or think about.

rob someone-something of something: to deprive something from someone or something.

recharge one’s batteries: to regain one's strength and energy by resting for a time.

burned out: (adjective) ill or very tired from working too hard.

get one’s act together: to start to organize yourself so that you do things in an effective way.

get into gear: to start working or doing something in a more energetic and effective way.

fire on all cylinders: to work or function at a peak level of performance.

Exercise;

Fill in the gaps with the appropriate phrases or words;

1. Leaders of the independent republic, therefore, turned to foreign nations for loans to .......... the expenses of government.

2. The automated messaging process is firing on all .......... now that we've solved the bouncing issue.

3. I really need to get in gear and finish writing this paper—it's due tomorrow!

4. Angie could be an excellent photographer, if only she could get her .......... together.

5. By the age of 25 she was completely .......... and retired from the sport.

6. We took a nap after work to recharge our .......... before going out dancing.

7. He really .......... me of my dignity with the way he chastised me in front of everyone.

8. Education is our number one .......... after getting people to safe locations.

9. The drug might .......... with a child's physical development.

10. Buying food from local farmers and producers is a way to socialize and make ..........

11. Soldiers in both countries .......... their incomes with payoffs from drugs exporters.

1. cover 2. cylinders 3. gear 4. act 5. burned out 6. batteries 7. robbed 8. priority 9. interfere 10. connections 11. supplement