EnglishPod 4 - Elementary - I need an assistant
EnglishPod 4 - Elementary - I need an assistant
Conversation
A: ...like I told you before, we just don't have the resources to hire you an assistant.
B: I understand that, but the fact is we're understaffed.
A: The timing is just not right. The economy is bad, and it's too risky to take on new staff.
B: Yeah, I guess you're right.... here's an idea, what if we hire an intern? She would take some of the weight off my shoulders.
A: She?
B: Yeah, you know, a recent graduate. She could give me a hand with some of these projects and we could keep our costs down.
A: That sounds reasonable... let me see what I can do.
A: Tony, I'd like to introduce you to your new assistant.
B: OK, great! Let's meet her!
C: Hi, I'm Adam.
B: Oh... hi... I'm Tony...
Key Vocabulary
Resources (common noun, plural): Money
Understaffed (Adjective): Not enough people to do the job
The timing is just not right (phrase): It is not a good time now
Weight off my shoulders (phrase): Remove pressure or stress
Give me a hand (phrase): Help
That sounds reasonable (phrase): Is OK
Supplementary Vocabulary
Recruit (principle verb, infinitive): Hire
Overworked (Adjective): Working too much
Short staffed (Adjective): Not enough people to do the job
Cut costs (phrase): Reduce spending
Overstaffed (Adjective): Having too many employees