Exercise 1: Match a word
Instruction: Match each word with its definition.
Exercise 2: Listening
Instruction: Listen to the audio fragment and indicate whether the following statements are true or false.
| True | False | |
|---|---|---|
|
(The main problem was only that someone arrived late to the meeting.) |
||
|
(The narrator tried to maintain a professional and respectful tone during the conflict.) |
||
|
(Luis explained that sometimes he stays silent out of fear of not seeming competent.) |
Exercise 3: Writing correspondence
Instruction: Write a reply to the following message appropriate to the situation
Asunto: Reunión de ayer y próximos pasos
Hola,
Te escribo porque la reunión de ayer terminó bastante tensa. Me preocupa que estemos perdiendo tiempo por malentendidos: a Carlos le pedí que llegara puntual y que preparara el resumen, pero volvió a llegar tarde y se puso a la defensiva. Marta, en cambio, está callada y luego me dice por privado que se siente infravalorada.
¿Puedes ayudarme a reconducir esto? El viernes tenemos la presentación y necesitamos repartir tareas hoy.
Gracias,
Laura
Subject: Yesterday's meeting and next steps
Hi,
I'm writing because yesterday's meeting ended on a rather tense note. I'm worried we're losing time due to misunderstandings: I asked Carlos to arrive on time and prepare the summary, but he was late again and became defensive. Marta, meanwhile, stayed quiet and later told me in private that she feels undervalued.
Can you help me get this back on track? We have the presentation on Friday and we need to divide tasks today.
Thanks,
Laura
Useful phrases:
-
Me preocupa que estemos..., así que te propongo que...
(I'm worried that we are..., so I suggest that we...)
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Si te parece, podríamos repartir las tareas así:...
(If that sounds good, we could divide the tasks like this:...)
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Laura me dijo que + subjuntivo (p. ej., que llegara puntual / que preparara el resumen).
(Laura told me that + subjunctive (e.g., that he arrive on time / that he prepare the summary).)
Gracias por avisar. A mí también me preocupó el tono de la reunión. Entiendo que la impuntualidad de Carlos es frustrante; si se pone a la defensiva, creo que es mejor hablar con él a solas y con calma. Si quieres, yo puedo llamarlo esta tarde y pedirle que llegue puntual el viernes y que entregue el resumen antes de mañana.
Con respecto a Marta, me da la impresión de que es más bien tímida en público y que necesita reconocimiento. Propongo darle un turno claro en la presentación para que exponga su parte y pedirle feedback al final para que se sienta valorada.
Para asegurar que todo esté listo, sugiero repartir hoy las tareas así:
- Carlos: resumen ejecutivo (1 página) y dos diapositivas clave.
- Marta: análisis de riesgos y recomendaciones.
- Yo: estructura final y ensayo (30 min) el jueves por la tarde.
¿Te viene bien una reunión corta hoy a las 17:00 para confirmar y asignar entregables? Si prefieres otra hora, dímelo.
Un saludo,
[Tu nombre]
Hi Laura,
Thanks for letting me know. I was also concerned about the tone of the meeting. I understand that Carlos's lateness is frustrating; if he becomes defensive, I think it's better to speak with him one-on-one and calmly. If you'd like, I can call him this afternoon to ask him to arrive on time on Friday and to submit the summary before tomorrow.
Regarding Marta, I get the impression she is rather shy in public and needs recognition. I suggest giving her a clear slot in the presentation to present her part and asking for feedback at the end so she feels appreciated.
To make sure everything is ready, I propose we divide tasks today as follows:
- Carlos: executive summary (1 page) and two key slides.
- Marta: risk analysis and recommendations.
- Me: final structure and rehearsal (30 min) on Thursday afternoon.
Does a short meeting today at 5:00 PM work for you to confirm and assign deliverables? If you prefer a different time, let me know.
Best regards,
[Your name]