Part One: Warm Up

With your partner(s), make a list of common ways that people relieve stress. Try to think of at least five different methods.

Part Two: Getting Ready to Speak

Listen to a conversation between two people, Allie and Matteo. Then, discuss the following questions with your partner(s). You do not need to write anything.

Transcript

Person 1: Hey Mateo, how's it going?

Mateo: Not great.

Person 1: Oh, what's wrong?

Mateo: I'm just stressed out this week. I've got a lot going on at work.

Person 1: Oh, that's too bad. What's going on at work?

Mateo: Well, we just signed on with a big corporate client, which is great, but they've got rather demanding and short deadlines that we have to follow.

Person 1: That's unfortunate. What are you working on for that client?

Mateo: We'll have to process customs documents so their products can get into the country and into stores. Doesn't sound like much work, but they've got a lot of products that they ship to Canada. All of it takes a long time to do.

Person 1: How long does it usually take?

Mateo: Between a couple of weeks and a month. If it's a large shipment, it's usually a month, and I have to let the client know the earliest possible dates, considering all the documents that have to be submitted to and processed by customs.

Person 1: Wow, you must really need to manage your time well if you've got lots of shipments.

Mateo: Yeah, I do. And if I don't, then it's thousands of dollars wasted for delays. But that's what I usually deal with, so I'll be fine.

Mateo: How about you? How are things with you?

Person 1: To be honest, I'm not feeling that great either. Work's been hard for me too.

Mateo: Oh, so what's been happening?

Person 1: It's been a hectic few weeks. Because of the holiday season, there's been a lot of people coming into the shop. We're super busy. Lots of customers are in a rush to buy presents for their loved ones before Christmas, so I've been dealing with more than a few stressed people.

Mateo: Really? I guess people do get stressed around this time of year.

Person 1: And frustrated. I've had a lot of frustrated parents looking for the perfect presents for their kids or in-laws.

Mateo: I see. And I'm guessing leaving all their shopping until the last minute.

Person 1: Exactly. And most of them take their frustration and stress out on me.

Mateo: That's terrible. I hope things get better. Christmas is almost here, so at least it'll be over soon.

Person 1: I hope things get better for you too. Let's meet up and hang out after the Christmas rush.

Mateo: Sure. I'd like that.

  1. What is the relationship between Allie and Matteo?
  2. What is their conversation about?
  3. Where do you think Matteo and Allie work?
  4. Does the conversation flow easily and naturally? Why or why not?

Teacher's Note

Answers = 1. friends, 2. stress they’re experiencing at their workplaces, 3. Matteo—shipping department at a manufacturing company, Allie—retail store, 4. Yes, they are able to keep the conversation going by making comments about what each other says and asking follow-up questions.


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