ESL WORKSHEET - Problems and solutions

LESSON PLAN FOR ENGLISH TEACHERS

PROBLEMS AT WORK

Updated Lesson

LinguaHouse

May 5, 2025

Level: Elementary (A1-A2)
Type of language: Business English
Tags: Problems and Solutions; Problems at Work; Business Ethics; Business People; Business Skills; People and Places; Work; Companies and Jobs; Desk Work; Jobs; Workplace and Equipment; Vocabulary Lesson; 16-18 Years Old; 18+ Years Old
Publication date: 05/05/2025

In this updated lesson, students develop their vocabulary and skills in the context of work problems. They engage with the topic by discussing some general questions. They then identify and discuss a range of problems before developing their listening skills with three short conversations about work-related issues. They complete tasks to understand key information in the dialogues before noticing functional language. They then discover and practice vocabulary while matching problems and solutions. (by V. Aitken)

• CLICK HERE to download the student’s worksheet in American English.
• CLICK HERE to download the teacher’s lesson plan in American English.
• CLICK HERE to download/listen to the audio in American English.
• CLICK HERE to download the student’s worksheet in British English.
• CLICK HERE to download the teacher’s lesson plan in British English.
• CLICK HERE to download/listen to the audio in British English.

AUDIO TRANSCRIPT

ONE
Jake: How is the new job going? Are you enjoying it?
Pippa: Not really. It’s very stressful. I have to work six days a week and am in the office for about ten hours most days.
Jake: Oh no! Do you think it is because you are a new employee?
Pippa: No, I don’t think so. Everyone stays late.
Jake: Well, are you getting a good salary?
Pippa: No! After I have paid my taxes, rent, and bills, there isn’t much left.
Jake: Oh! Why don’t you look for a new job?
Pippa: I have tried, but many companies are not hiring at the moment.

TWO
Mrs. Giles: Good morning, Leo. Please come in and take a seat.
Leo: Good morning.
Mrs. Giles: How can I help you?
Leo: I would like to talk about my job role. I have been here for almost six months now, and I feel like I am not progressing. I have been doing the same tasks over and over again and it is not very motivating. I haven’t received any new training. My job description said there would be opportunities to develop my skills.
Mrs. Giles: You are right! I apologize for that; we have been so busy. There is a business administration course starting next month. Would you like to sign up for that?
Leo: Yes, please.

THREE
Nicola: Hello Jeff, I’m Nicola from the accounting department. My printer has stopped printing, and I have something I need to print urgently. Can you help me?
Jeff: Sure. Have you tried turning it off and on again?
Nicola: No, let me try… nothing is happening.
Jeff: Maybe your printer is not set as the default printer. Go to Windows, select Settings, select Bluetooth and Devices, and then select Printers and Scanners. Select your printer.
Nicola: OK… let’s see… My printer is already set as the default printer.
Jeff: Oh, OK. Have you tried clearing your print queue?
Nicola: No, let me try that… Ok, done.
Jeff: Now, try printing your document again.
Nicola: It worked, fantastic! It was such a simple solution. Thank you, Jeff.
Jeff: You are welcome.

Adapted from: https://www.linguahouse.com/esl-lesson-plans/business-english/problems-at-work. Accessed on May 22, 2025. LinguaHouse.com © 2008–2025. All rights reserved.