May, 28

You are Fired (72)

Key vocabulary

1)      Preoccupied=worried, thinking about something else

2)      Direct=connected to, related to

3)      Impact=strong influence or effect

4)      beat around the bush=avoid saying something by talking about other things

5)      come out with it=say something directly

6)      let(someone) go=have someone fired or dismissed

7)      to be honest=used to say something directly

8)      resent=find something very insulting

9)      call in sick=call the office to say you can’t come to work because you are sick

A：Hi Isabel! You wanted to see me?

B: Yes Anthony, come on in. Have a seat.

A: Is everything okay? You seem a bit preoccupied.

B: Well, Anthony, this is not going to be an easy conversation. The company has made some decisions which will have a direct impact on your employment.

A: Okay…

B: I don’t want to beat around the bush so I’m just gonna come out with it. We are going to have to let you go.

A: What? Why? I mean…just like that? I am fired?

B: I am sorry but, to be honest, you are a terrible employee!

A: What! I resent that!

B: Anthony, you were caught making international calls from the office phone, you called in sick in eight times this month and you smell like alcohol!