English vocabulary in context

One way to promote a positive work environment is to delegate tasks to different members to blend their strengths and achieve the best possible outcome. This not only helps alleviate workload but also shows trust and confidence in their abilities.

Communication can also play a significant role in creating a positive work environment. It’s not just about verbal communication, but also non-verbal cues such as body language. It’s important to decipher these cues correctly, as they can often convey more than words themselves. Simple gestures like smiling or nodding can go a long way in making someone feel valued and respected. On the other hand, condescending behaviour can create tension and lead to a hostile work environment.

When working together, it’s important to collate all the information and ideas to determine what will work best. This can be done through brainstorming sessions or team meetings. However, it’s crucial not to fall into cliché methods of teamwork. Blistering pace and excessive pressure can lead to burnout and negatively impact the work environment. Instead, it’s important to find a balance between efficiency and well-being.

2. Match the words with the definitions.

3. Complete the sentences with the words from the previous exercise.

1. He’s trying very hard to _____________________ and develop his critical thinking skills.

2. A _____________________ work environment which allows cooperation is essential in a workplace.

3. Arnold has spent much of his working life _____________________ the data on which his study is based.

4. It’s too early to predict the_____________________ of the election.

5. Italy has _____________________ geographical regions, including mountains and valleys.

6. Janet _____________________ the tasks to Bob as Mr Smith had intended.

7. Julie has lots of career _____________________; she dreams of being a manager one day.

8. Larry’s _____________________ tone was both patronising and annoying.

9. Lewis sometimes finds it difficult to _____________________ the meaning behind Mark’s body language.

10. Mary refused to let her leg injury keep her from _____________________ her goal of taking part in the marathon.

11. Mr Jones _____________________ the task to the rest of the team.

12. Prague offers a subtle _____________________ of traditional and historical choices for tourists to enjoy.

13. Technology is advancing at a _____________________ pace; personal computing is completely different from how it was fifteen years ago.

14. The correct working environment can be _____________________ to employee productivity.

15. Although it’s challenging, I need to _____________________ the five-page article into a concise and informative summary for my presentation.

16. The _____________________ lighting in the office created a feeling of relaxation and calmness.

17. The _____________________ behind the company decision was very well-thought through.

18. There is a wide _____________________ of software available on the office computers, which offers staff a great deal of flexibility.

19. Young children often use gestures and _____________________ cues to express what they want.

20. Young staff expect more from their employers than the tired _____________________ of having sofas or bean bags in the office.

Key

Match the words with the definitions.

Complete the sentences with the words from the previous exercise.

1. He’s trying very hard to cultivate and develop his critical thinking skills.

2. A collaborative work environment which allows cooperation is essential in a workplace.

3. Arnold has spent much of his working life collating the data on which his study is based.

4. It’s too early to predict the outcome of the election.

5. Italy has diverse geographical regions, including mountains and valleys.

6. Janet allocated the tasks to Bob as Mr Smith had intended.

7. Julie has lots of career aspirations; she dreams of being a manager one day.

8. Larry’s condescending tone was both patronising and annoying.

9. Lewis sometimes finds it difficult to decipher the meaning behind Mark’s body language.

10. Mary refused to let her leg injury keep her from attaining her goal of taking part in the marathon.

11. Mr Jones delegated the task to the rest of the team.

12. Prague offers a subtle blend of traditional and historical choices for tourists to enjoy.

13. Technology is advancing at a blistering pace; personal computing is completely different from how it was fifteen years ago.

14. The correct working environment can be conducive to employee productivity.

15. Although it’s challenging, I need to condense the five-page article into a concise and informative summary for my presentation.

16. The ambient lighting in the office created a feeling of relaxation and calmness.

17. The reasoning behind the company decision was very well-thought through.

18. There is a wide array of software available on the office computers, which offers staff a great deal of flexibility.

19. Young children often use gestures and non-verbal cues to express what they want.

20. Young staff expect more from their employers than the tired cliché of having sofas or bean bags in the office.

Unit 9

1. Read the text and try to figure out the meaning of the highlighted words.

In today’s contemporary world, people often strive for contentment in their lives. However, many find themselves stuck in a cubicle job that they detest, which can be detrimental to their mental health. This is where empowerment and entitlement come into play. Employers should liaise with their employees and listen to their needs and concerns. This can lead to a sense of frontier being broken down between management and staff. This notion of interconnectedness between employer and employee can lead to a myriad of benefits for both parties. Employees who feel valued and respected are more likely to have a positive perception of their workplace.

The millennial generation is particularly interested in feeling empowered and having a say in their work environment. They value exquisite experiences and want to feel like they are making a difference. By providing opportunities for them to take on newchallenges and responsibilities, employers can create a sense of fulfillment and contentment among their younger workforce.

One gimmick that some companies have implemented to improve the work environment is the use of infrared lighting in the office. This type of lighting has been found to improve mood and productivity among workers. However, it’s not just about the physical environment. Employers should facilitate flexitime for their employees, which would allow them to work during the hours that suit them best.

By creating a positive work environment, employers can foster a sense of contentment and satisfaction among their staff, leading to increased productivity and success for the company.

2. Match the words with the definitions.

3. Complete the sentences with the words from the previous exercise.

1. The film examines _____________________ issues in the modern world.

2. Air pollution from factories is _____________________ to the environment and harmful to people and animals.

3. By providing _____________________ facilities in the workplace, organisations encourage loyalty and pride in their workforce.

4. Each colleague has his own small _____________________ in the office from where he can work.

5. Exploring the unknown _____________________ of contemporary science is both exciting and challenging.

6. Fortunately, most diseases can be cured, as long as they are _____________________ early.

7. _____________________ therapy is believed to help alleviate chronic pain in the body by penetrating deep into the skin and tissues, delivering heat and stimulating blood flow to affected areas.

8. Jennifer felt so much _____________________ for the waiter that she looked at him in disdain.

9. Mark works _____________________ so he can adjust his hours to what suits him best.

10. _____________________, who reached adulthood around 2000, are familiar with _____________________ such as ’working from home’ or ’flexitime’.

11. Nowadays, students have an unlimited _____________________ of online resources to choose from; there are so many!

12. Scott often _____________________ with clients to discuss their needs on a project.

13. Ted has an unjustified sense of _____________________; if he wants something, he’ll have to work for it!

14. The corporation strongly believes in the _____________________ of employees, and often allows them to work on their own initiative.

15. The documentary hopes to change both people’s _____________________ and understanding of modern music.

16. The free gift in the newspaper was a great sales _____________________, which encouraged people to buy a copy.

17. The meeting room layout _____________________ interactive exchange, making communication easier among staff.

18. The system is _____________________ with an app that sends progress reports to mobile devices.

19. The _____________________ that working from home is less demanding is completely wrong.

20. Worker _____________________ and satisfaction are essential for staff productivity.

Key

Match the words with the definitions.

Complete the sentences with the words from the previous exercise.

1. The film examines contemporary issues in the modern world.

2. Air pollution from factories is detrimental to the environment and harmful to people and animals.

3. By providing exquisite facilities in the workplace, organisations encourage loyalty and pride in their workforce.

4. Each colleague has his own small cubicle in the office from where he can work.

5. Exploring the unknown frontiers of contemporary science is both exciting and challenging.

6. Fortunately, most diseases can be cured, as long as they are detected early.

7. Infrared therapy is believed to help alleviate chronic pain in the body by penetrating deep into the skin and tissues, delivering heat and stimulating blood flow to affected areas.

8. Jennifer felt so much contempt for the waiter that she looked at him in disdain.

9. Mark works flexitime so he can adjust his hours to what suits him best.

10. Millennials, who reached adulthood around 2000, are familiar with notions such as «working from home» or «flexitime».

11. Nowadays, students have an unlimited myriad of online resources to choose from; there are so many!

12. Scott often liaises with clients to discuss their needs on a project.

13. Ted has an unjustified sense of entitlement; if he wants something, he’ll have to work for it!

14. The corporation strongly believes in the empowerment of employees, and often allows them to work on their own initiative.

15. The documentary hopes to change both people’s perception and understanding of modern music.

16. The free gift in the newspaper was a great sales gimmick, which encouraged people to buy a copy.

17. The meeting room layout facilitates interactive exchange, making communication easier among staff.

18. The system is interconnected with an app that sends progress reports to mobile devices.

19. The notion that working from home is less demanding is completely wrong.

20. Worker contentment and satisfaction are essential for staff productivity.

Unit 10

1. Read the text and try to figure out the meaning of the highlighted words.

In today’s world, career prospects are a pertinent concern for many people. While some individuals are adept at finding the right job, others may be clueless about where to start. It’s not uncommon to be of two minds about what kind of work you want to pursue. Sometimes it can be useful to step out of your comfort zone and explore different options. Some people may scoff at blue-collar jobs, but they constitute an essential part of our economy. These jobs require physical labour and often involve working with your hands. They may not command the same respect as white-collar jobs, but they offer unfettered scope for those who enjoy working with their hands.

On the other hand, white-collar jobs such as those in creative arts require a different set of skills. These jobs demand creativity, conscientiousness, and the ability to compose unique ideas. People who are adept at these skills have the potential to excel in this field.

Regardless of the type of job you choose, retention is key. You must be willing to learn and adapt to new challenges. It’s also important to bring to mind that success in any job requires synergy between your abilities and the company’s goals.

Sometimes, we may find ourselves in situations where we feel unjustly treated or undervalued. In such cases, it’s important to speak up and express your concerns in a blunt yet respectful manner. Thinly veiled complaints or passive-aggressive behaviour will only make matters worse.

Whether you choose a blue-collar or white-collar job, it’s important to stay focused and committed. With hard work and dedication, anyone can achieve their career goals.

2. Match the words with the definitions.

3. Complete the sentences with the words from the previous exercise.

1. During the meeting, Mike presented information _____________________ to his project; he made sure he didn’t bring up any irrelevant points.

2. Tom felt that Ian had been _____________________ critical of his work; his comments were totally unfair.

3. The effective _____________________ between physical and digital elements often ensures an efficient working environment.

4. The design team have _____________________ to alter the new product in any way they like.

5. The committee was _____________________ of the chairman and two executive officers.

6. The committee can’t easily decide and is still _____________________ about going ahead with the merger.

7. Students are advised to take _____________________ into consideration when choosing a university course.

8. Staff _____________________, and holding onto your best employees, is crucial for a successful business.

9. Some members of staff discreetly laugh at the new company branding with _____________________ contempt.

10. Sadly, many _____________________ jobs are now done by machines in most factories.

11. Our boss is not only admired by all his employees but also _____________________ in the wider business community.

12. Most employees learn when they are pushed out of their _____________________ and required to work on something challenging.

13. Miss Mary is both a hard-working and a _____________________ teacher.

14. Mandy was good at typing up reports and also became _____________________ at other secretarial tasks.

15. The aroma of freshly baked bread _____________________ happy childhood memories spent baking with my grandmother.

16. At first, John _____________________ at Mike’s idea of travelling by train in a dismissive way, but eventually agreed.

17. Anna is _____________________ when it comes to computers; she doesn’t know anything about them.

18. Although Janice is good at interacting with other workers, she can be shockingly straightforward and _____________________ at times.

19. Adding _____________________, such as literature, music, and painting to the school curriculum, would definitely increase students’ interest.

20. A strong work ethic is important but what does that _____________________ exactly?

Key

Match the words with the definitions.

Complete the sentences with the words from the previous exercise.

1. During the meeting, Mike presented information pertinent to his project; he made sure he didn’t bring up any irrelevant points.

2. Tom felt that Ian had been unjustly critical of his work; his comments were totally unfair.

3. The effective synergy between physical and digital elements often ensures an efficient working environment.

4. The design team have unfettered scope to alter the new product in any way they like.

5. The committee was composed of the chairman and two executive officers.

6. The committee can’t easily decide and is still in two minds about going ahead with the merger.

7. Students are advised to take career prospects into consideration when choosing a university course.

8. Staff retention, and holding onto your best employees, is crucial for a successful business.

9. Some members of staff discreetly laugh at the new company branding with thinly veiled contempt.

10. Sadly, many blue-collar jobs are now done by machines in most factories.

11. Our boss is not only admired by all his employees but also commands respect in the wider business community.

12. Most employees learn when they are pushed out of their comfort zones and required to work on something challenging.

13. Miss Mary is both a hard-working and a conscientious teacher.

14. Mandy was good at typing up reports and also became adept at other secretarial tasks.

15. The aroma of freshly baked bread brings to mind happy childhood memories spent baking with my grandmother.

16. At first, John scoffed at Mike’s idea of travelling by train in a dismissive way, but eventually agreed.

17. Anna is clueless when it comes to computers; she doesn’t know anything about them.

18. Although Janice is good at interacting with other workers, she can be shockingly straightforward and blunt at times.

19. Adding creative arts, such as literature, music and painting to the school curriculum, would definitely increase students’ interest.

20. A strong work ethic is important but what does that constitute exactly?

Unit 11

1. Read the text and try to figure out the meaning of the highlighted words.

When it comes to work, some people prefer a cushy job that requires little effort and offers a comfortable salary. Others are willing to embrace a task that challenges them and demands dedication and discipline. The latter may lead to enhanced skills and opportunities for growth, while the former might result in a dead-end career and humdrum routine.

Building a solid foundation for your career starts with laying the groundwork early on. This means acquiring the necessary education, skills, and experience, as well as networking and seeking mentorship. Writing a dissertation or conducting research in a field of interest can also give credit to your expertise and enfold you in a community of scholars.

However, not all careers require formal education. Some people find joy and meaning in jobs that involve helping others, such as teaching, nursing, or social work. These professions may not offer high salaries, but they provide a sense of fulfillment and purpose that money cannot buy.

Having a high-powered job is not necessarily a guarantee of success or happiness. It takes more than just a prestigious title or a big paycheck to feel fulfilled and honoured in your profession. One must have a sense of purpose and devotion to what they do, as well as a frank understanding of their strengths and weaknesses.

Whatever career path you choose, make sure it aligns with your values and goals. If you have something on your mind, pursue it with passion and commitment. And if you feel underappreciated in your job, don’t be afraid to ask for a pay rise or seek other opportunities that better suit your needs.

2. Match the words with the definitions.

3. Complete the sentences with the words from the previous exercise.

1. Tom often wishes he had a _____________________ well-paying job like Mandy’s.

2. Working long hours not only _____________________ the employees’ abilities to work efficiently but also reduced their performance.

3. What sets Alison apart is the complete _____________________ she shows to her work.

4. The _____________________ of the company’s success is its employees; they’re the basis of everything.

5. The office was _____________________ in thick fog during the afternoon; you couldn’t see anything outside the windows.

6. The new _____________________ learning software has an improved user interface.

7. The manager praised and _____________________ the whole sales team for their exceptional work.

8. The director constantly has the spiralling costs _____________________; he’s very worried.

9. Many believe that teachers are _____________________ for their hard work and dedication to their students.

10. Rob moved to another firm because he realized his position was a _____________________ job with no prospects for promotion.

11. Richard moved to London and took a _____________________ successful job as a senior executive.

12. Professor Stevenson is a highly _____________________ academic who is respected across the world.