Unit 5 — At Work: Colleagues and Routines

1– opposite number (noun) – has the same position/does the same job as me
Example: My opposite number in London handles the same clients as I do.

2– working relationship (noun) – way of communicating and working together
Example: We have a positive working relationship with our manager.

3– collaboration (noun) – working together to achieve shared goals
Example: There is close collaboration between the two departments.

4– counterpart (noun) – more formal equivalent of opposite number
Example: I regularly speak to my counterpart in the Paris office.

5– rapport (noun) – good communication/relationship
Example: She quickly built a good rapport with her team.

6– take the initiative (verb phrase) – make decisions without being told what to do
Example: Our boss encourages us to take the initiative.

7– hierarchical (adjective) – has a structure with important and less important people
Example: The company has a very hierarchical structure.

8– pecking order (noun) – a system where some people get benefits/promotions before others
Example: There is a clear pecking order in the organisation.

9– job-share (noun) – an agreement where two people share the same job
Example: She works part-time in a job-share arrangement.

10– hot-desking (noun) – a policy of sharing desks, sitting wherever is free
Example: Hot-desking means I sit in a different place every day.

11– workmates (noun, informal) – colleagues you are friendly with
Example: I often go out for dinner with my workmates.

12– talk shop (phrase, informal) – talk about work
Example: We try not to talk shop at social events.

13– mundane tasks (noun phrase) – ordinary, not interesting tasks
Example: Most of my job involves mundane tasks.

14– meet a deadline (verb phrase) – have something finished by a fixed day or time
Example: I stayed late to meet a deadline.

15– volunteer (verb) – offer to do something without being asked
Example: She volunteered to organise the meeting.

16– rewarding (adjective) – making you feel satisfied you have done something useful
Example: Teaching can be very rewarding.

17– stimulating (adjective) – encouraging new ideas or new thinking
Example: It’s a stimulating working environment.

18– workload (noun) – amount of work I have to do
Example: My workload is very heavy this month.

19– day shift (noun) – working during the day
Example: I’m on the day shift this week.

20– mechanical (adjective) – you don’t have to think about what you are doing
Example: The job is repetitive and mechanical.

Future Progressive Tense (Future Continuous)

1. What is Future Progressive?

The future progressive tense is used to describe an action that will be happening (in progress) at a specific time in the future.
It emphasizes duration / ongoing action in the future.

2. Structure / Form

Affirmative (Positive):
Subject + will be + verb-ing

Examples:
I will be studying at 8 p.m.
She will be working tomorrow morning.
They will be traveling next week.

Negative:
Subject + will not (won’t) be + verb-ing

Examples:
I won’t be sleeping at that time.
He won’t be coming to the party.

Interrogative (Questions):
Will + subject + be + verb-ing?

Examples:
Will you be studying tonight?
Will she be working tomorrow?

3. Main Uses

a) Action in progress at a specific time in the future

This time tomorrow, I will be flying to Dubai.

b) Planned or expected future action
(we focus on the activity, not the decision)

She will be attending the meeting.

c) Polite questions about future plans

Will you be using the car tonight?

d) Background action in the future

I’ll be studying when you arrive.

4. Time Expressions

this time tomorrow
at 8 p.m.
next week
later
soon

Examples:
At 10 o’clock, I will be studying.
This time next week, we will be traveling.

5. Future Simple vs Future Progressive

Future Simple → decision / result

Future Progressive → action in progress

Examples:
I will study tonight. (decision)

I will be studying at 8 p.m. (in progress)

6. Important Note (State Verbs)
State verbs are usually NOT used in continuous:

Examples:
❌ I will be knowing the answer
✅ I will know the answer

Reading Passage

The Importance of Time Management

Time management is an important skill in modern life. People who manage their time well can complete tasks more efficiently and reduce stress. On the other hand, poor time management often leads to missed deadlines and unnecessary pressure.

One effective way to manage time is by making a daily plan. Writing a list of tasks helps people organize their work and focus on what is most important. In addition, setting clear goals can make it easier to stay motivated and avoid wasting time.

However, many people find time management difficult. Distractions such as social media, television, and mobile phones can take up a lot of time. Without control, these distractions can prevent people from finishing their work.

In conclusion, time management is a valuable skill that helps people succeed in both their personal and professional lives. By planning carefully and avoiding distractions, individuals can use their time more effectively.

Health & Body Idioms

1- Under the weather – feeling ill
Example: I’m feeling under the weather today.

2- Fit as a fiddle – very healthy
Example: My grandfather is still fit as a fiddle.

3- In good shape – physically healthy
Example: She exercises every day to stay in good shape.

4- Out of shape – not physically fit
Example: After the holidays, I feel out of shape.

5- On the mend – recovering from illness
Example: He is on the mend after the surgery.

6- Break out in a cold sweat – suddenly feel anxious or afraid
Example: I broke out in a cold sweat before the interview.

7- A bitter pill to swallow – something unpleasant to accept
Example: Failing the test was a bitter pill to swallow.

8- Cost an arm and a leg – very expensive
Example: That treatment cost an arm and a leg.

9- Alive and kicking – still active and healthy
Example: My grandfather is 90 but still alive and kicking.

10- Black out – lose consciousness
Example: He blacked out from the heat.