Listening Practice
Listen to the audio and answer the questions below.
From Meetings to Milestones
From Meetings to Milestones
Every successful project begins with a conversation. A good manager knows how to set priorities before the work even starts. Without clear goals, a team can waste weeks on tasks that don't really matter. The first step is to bring everyone together and get the ball rolling.
In our last team meeting, we needed to address an issue that had been causing delays for over a month. Nobody wanted to talk about it at first. Honestly, we were all ignoring the elephant in the room. But one colleague decided to voice his opinion, and that changed everything. He was tactful and articulate. He expressed his thoughts so clearly that everyone understood the problem immediately.
He also raised concerns about how we allocate resources. He argued that we needed to assume control over the budget and distribute funds more wisely. His tone conveyed urgency, but he didn't panic. He suggested we collaborate with the finance team to draw a conclusion based on real numbers, not guesses.
Once we agreed on a plan, we had to implement a strategy quickly. The deadline was tight, and we knew we needed to move mountains to meet a deadline. Our manager made a commitment to the client, and we had to follow through. It wasn't easy, but when we finally reached a consensus, the entire team felt a sense of relief.
Looking back, that meeting was a turning point. We didn't just solve a problem. We learned how to work together more effectively. Every project has its challenges, but if you take responsibility, address issues openly, and support each other, you can achieve more than you ever expected.
Comprehension Questions
1. What is the first step in a project, according to the text?
2. What were the team members doing before someone spoke up?
3. What did the colleague decide to do at the meeting?
4. What concerns did he raise?
5. What did they need to do after agreeing on a plan?
6. What idiom describes the effort needed to meet the deadline?
7. What did the team finally achieve after discussion?
8. What is the main lesson from the text?
Vocabulary
Learn advanced collocations, powerful C1 verbs and real-world business idioms.
Match the business collocations with the pictures and listen to the pronunciation
Match the C1 verbs with their definitions
Match the business idioms with the pictures and listen to the pronunciation
Practice
Complete the exercises to practise the new vocabulary.
Complete the sentences with the correct business collocation
1. We have five urgent tasks and only two people available. We need to and focus on what matters most.
2. The sales dropped by 40% in March and customer complaints doubled. After reviewing the reports, we had to that the new pricing strategy had failed.
3. When the HR department announced the new overtime policy, several employees about burnout and work-life balance.
4. The shipment was delayed because nobody checked the order. As the project lead, I had to and apologise to the client.
5. When the CEO stepped down unexpectedly, the CFO had to and lead the company through the transition.
6. Two team members haven't spoken to each other for a week. We need to before it affects the whole team's morale.
7. The meeting was dominated by managers, so the chairperson asked everyone to on the new proposal.
8. The marketing team wanted a bigger budget, but finance said no. After three rounds of talks, they finally on a compromise figure.
9. We're launching two products at once, but we only have one design team. We must carefully or both projects will suffer.
10. We've spent months planning. The board has signed off. Now it's time to and get things moving.
11. The architects presented plans for the new office wing. The board voted unanimously to and construction begins next month.
12. The client wanted the report by 5 p.m. on Friday. The whole team stayed late to and submit the final version on time.
Complete the sentences with the correct C1 verb
1. The government took immediate action to the effects of the economic crisis.
2. Many environmentalists strongly for renewable energy sources.
3. She struggled to her feelings after the shocking news.
4. His tone of voice a sense of urgency and concern.
5. We need to more funds to education and healthcare.
6. Analysts that sales will double by the end of the year.
7. The two research teams agreed to on the new project.
8. He took a moment to his future before making a decision.
9. The new software will significantly the risk of data loss.
10. The government launched a campaign to poverty in rural areas.
11. The company decided to a full investigation into the matter.
12. The board voted to his contract due to poor performance.
Complete the sentences with the correct business idiom
1. Everyone knew the company was going bankrupt, but nobody wanted to talk about it. They kept .
2. After years of hard work, she finally got the promotion. She was ready to and celebrate her success.
3. He didn't hear a word the teacher said — his during the entire lecture.
4. In his small hometown, he was , but nobody knew him in the big city.
5. She always thinks that other people have better jobs. She believes .
6. We need to on this project if we want to finish by Friday.
7. To start his own business, he had to and overcome many obstacles.
8. When the old CEO retired, his successor had because he was so successful.
9. She worked day and night to of her profession.
10. When the business was failing, the bank loan was that kept them afloat.
11. He spends his days at networking events and conferences.
12. The manager decided to before making a decision.
Final Test
Check your knowledge of business collocations, C1 verbs and idioms.