Section 1: Dialogue
Sophia and Jake are discussing a tough decision Jake has to make about changing jobs.
Sophia: So, have you decided whether you’re taking the new job?
Jake: Not yet. I’m really weighing up the pros and cons before I make a move.
Sophia: I get it. It’s a big decision, and you don’t want to rush into something you might regret.
Jake: Exactly. The new job offers better pay, but I don’t want to give up the flexibility I have now.
Sophia: Maybe you should sound out some of your colleagues who know the company.
Jake: Good idea. I also need to think through how this will affect my work-life balance.
Sophia: And if you’re still unsure, you can always sleep on it before making the final call.
Jake: Yeah, that’s probably the best approach. I don’t want to burn bridges with my current employer either.
Section 2: Vocabulary List
Phrasal Verbs:
- Weigh up → Consider the advantages and disadvantages of something.
- Rush into → Make a decision quickly without thinking it through.
- Give up → Sacrifice or lose something.
- Sound out → Ask for opinions or advice.
- Think through → Carefully consider all aspects of a decision.
- Sleep on it → Delay making a decision until you have had more time to think.
- Burn bridges → Damage relationships permanently.
Idioms:
- Be on the fence → Unable to decide between two options.
- A tough call → A difficult decision to make.
Section 3: Conversation Questions Using the Expressions
- How do you usually weigh up your options before making an important decision?
- Have you ever rushed into something and later regretted it?
- What’s something you wouldn’t be willing to give up for a job?
- Do you like to sound out other people’s opinions before making a decision? Why or why not?
- Why is it important to think through all the consequences of a decision?
- Do you often sleep on it before making big decisions, or do you prefer to decide quickly?
- Have you ever accidentally burned bridges with someone? What happened?
- Have you ever been on the fence about something? How did you finally decide?
- Can you think of a time when you had to make a tough call? What was it?
- Do you believe there’s a right way to make decisions, or does it depend on the situation?
Section 4: Comprehension and Creative Writing Questions
- What decision is Jake struggling with?
- Why is Sophia worried that he might rush into the new job?
- What does Jake mean when he says he doesn’t want to burn bridges?
- What advice does Sophia give him to help make the decision?
- Write about a time when you had to weigh up two important choices.
- Describe a situation where you needed to sound out someone’s advice before deciding.
- Imagine you’re on the fence about moving to another country. How would you decide?
- Think of a decision where you had to give up something valuable. Was it worth it?
- What’s an example of a tough call you made that changed your life?
- What strategies do you use to think through difficult decisions?
