Before you listen
Talk about it first.
- How do you feel when your work schedule changes at the last minute?
- What would you ask for in return for working an extra shift?
Listen for these words
You will hear
- day off
- A day when you don’t have to work.
- You’re down for
- You are on the schedule for.
- shift
- A set period of work, like a morning or evening shift.
- let me know
- Tell me your answer or decision.
- someone else
- A different person.
B1 Intermediate · Voicemail · About 55 seconds
Listen
Listen once for the main idea. Then answer, and listen again for the details. Don’t read the transcript yet.
Step 1 · Main idea
What is it about?
Listen once, all the way through. Then choose the best answer.
01Why does Jennifer call Marcus?
Step 2 · Details
Listen again for the details
Read the questions first, then play the recording again. Pause when you need to.
01Why does the schedule need to change?
02Which shift does Jennifer want Marcus to work?
03What will Marcus get if he agrees?
04When does Marcus need to answer?
Show the transcript
Hi, Marcus, it’s Jennifer from the bakery. Sorry to call on your day off. I’ve just looked at next week’s schedule, and we need to make a change. Tasha has hurt her wrist, so she can’t work for a few days. You’re down for the Tuesday evening shift, but could you work Wednesday morning instead? It starts at six thirty, and you’d finish at two thirty.
I know early mornings aren’t your favorite, so if you take it, I’ll give you Saturday off. I think you asked for that a while ago, right? If Wednesday doesn’t work for you, that’s okay. Just let me know by Friday at noon, so I have time to find someone else. You can text me or call the bakery. Thanks so much, Marcus. Talk soon.
Now play the recording and read along. Then try saying it with the speaker, at the same speed.
Speak
Your turn
Call your manager back. Say yes or no to the new shift, and give one reason.