SECTION 3.1
Activity 4

You are going to hear a conversation.
Before you listen, study the following:

 

A
Put these words into the correct order to make a correct and meaningful sentence.

                           have / I / supervisor / easy-going / definitely / an

 

B
Put these words into the correct spaces.

          person   cares       smile      turnover         supervisor                                            

1. We all need an understanding _______________.
2. So, the _______________ rate is high in her department.
3. My former supervisor wasn't that type of _______________.
4. He always had a _______________ on his face.
5. He is the best boss because he actually _______________ about us and talks to us.

Here are some key words to help you with your comprehension:

Idioms: walk all over someone = treat in an inconsiderate or exploitative manner one of the gang = a regular friend or part of the team Vocabulary: leniency n. = not punishing hard, using tolerance absenteeism n. = regularly staying away from work without good reason tardiness n. = tendency for lateness, slow in action deteriorate v. = become progressively worse bolster v. = support or strengthen engender v. = lead or give rise to hold accountable v. = require someone to justify their actions or decisions

 
C
Now listen to the dialog and then answer the questions according to what is said.

1. What happens when a supervisor does not control a department?

a. Production schedules will not be set.
b. Production schedules will not be met.
c. Production schedules will not be given.

2. How has the easy-going attitude of the supervisor affected the employees?

a. Absenteeism and tardiness has increased, and attitudes have deteriorated.
b. Attitudes and tardiness have increased and absenteeism has deteriorated.
c. Attitudes and absenteeism have increased and tardiness has deteriorated.

 

3. The reason for the supervisor letting things get worse is _________________.

a. tardiness has increased
b. the boss has found out
c. insecurity in his own ability

4. Why does an insecure person demand approval?

a. To please the boss
b. To bolster their ego
c. To be one of the gang

5. What will happen when the boss finds that the department is falling behind?

a. The supervisor will be held accountable.
b. The employees will be held accountable.
c. The boss will be held accountable.

 

Click Answer Key
A
I definitely have an easy-going supervisor.
B
1. We all need an understanding supervisor.
2. So, the turnover rate is high in her department.
3. My former supervisor wasn't that type of person.
4. He always had a smile on his face.
5. He is the best boss because he actually cares about us and talks to us
C
1. b, 2. a, 3. c, 4. b, 5. a