Dealing with a problem

In this video, Vanya goes to Yuna with a problem. Listen to the language they use for dealing with a problem and practise saying the useful phrases.

Do the preparation exercise first. Then watch the video and do the exercises to check your understanding and practise the language.

Transcript

Ana: Hi! I'm Ana. Welcome to What to Say

Do you know what to say when you need to deal with a problem? Listen out for useful language for dealing with a problem. Then, we'll practise saying the new phrases – after this.

 

Vanya: Yuna!

Yuna: Oh, morning!

Vanya: I've got a bit of a problem. 

Yuna: What's wrong?

Vanya: Can we talk in private?

Yuna: Of course.

Yuna: Right, so, what's the matter? 

Vanya: Well, I've made a mistake. A big mistake.

Yuna: OK. I'm sure we can work it out.

Vanya: It was such a silly thing to do! 

Yuna: I'm getting worried now. What's going on here? 

Vanya: OK. It was late last night and I was tired. I wasn't concentrating and I accidentally used my company credit card instead of my own to buy something! 

Yuna: Don't worry, these things happen. There's a procedure to deal with this. How much did you spend? 

Vanya: It was quite expensive.

Yuna: How expensive?

Vanya: It was very expensive.

Yuna: Vanya, how expensive?

Vanya: £3,782 … and 56 pence.

Yuna: What? You spent £3,782?! 

Vanya: … and 56 pence. 

Yuna: What was it? Vanya?

Vanya: Just a weekend break! I just like a really nice hotel!

Yuna: OK, I see. Thanks for letting me know.

Vanya: Ah! I feel so much better now I've told you. Please don't tell Noelia.

Yuna: Oh, I'm definitely going to tell her!

Noelia: Hi!

Vanya: Hi!

 

Ana: Hello again! Wow, that's a lot of money for a weekend break. So, did you notice the useful phrases used for dealing with a problem? Listen to me and then repeat. 

 

What's wrong?

I've got a bit of a problem.

Could we talk in private?

What's the matter?

I've made a mistake.

I'm sure we can work it out.

Don't worry, these things happen.

Thanks for letting me know.

I feel so much better now I've told you.


Ana: Try and use some of these phrases the next time you need to deal with a problem in English. Bye for now!

Discussion

Download
Worksheet103.03 KB

Language level

Average: 4.4 (46 votes)
Do you need to improve your English speaking skills?
Join thousands of learners from around the world who are improving their English speaking skills with our live online classes and personal tutoring courses.

Hello comrade, i would like to tell is that it's a comma not a full stop. I actually thought of that first and got it wrong as well...

hope this helps

Submitted by Yamen.G on Fri, 27/05/2022 - 18:15

Permalink

Thanks for letting us know.

Submitted by Abrarhussain on Wed, 02/03/2022 - 23:25

Permalink

The last time I helped my friend with a problem at work was last Thursday in February 2022.

Submitted by LamVanPhuong on Wed, 27/10/2021 - 13:08

Permalink

it's been a long time.at that time i am employee for a convenient store in campus of my university, on that day when i received goods for the store because i was too tired so i wrote number of items. The next morning i met and discussed that problem with HR i was so happy because the problem wasn't not too serious.

Submitted by M19 on Sun, 29/08/2021 - 12:21

Permalink
Recently, a work colleague became sick and wasn't able to finish a project plan that was due for submission. I had to step in and ensure that it was handed in time. It wasn't much of an issue for me as I had some past experience and skills on project development.

Submitted by MikhailZatopliaev on Sat, 10/04/2021 - 04:19

Permalink
1 hello, Mike 2 Hi Anna 1 Mike, I have a problem, can we talk in private? 2 Of course, what's the matter? 1 I made a mistake. Big mistake. 2 Ok, what's going on here? 1 I lost my key. 2 Oh, don't worry these things happen. I have extra. 1 Really? I am so happy. I feel so much better, that I've got told you. 2 Thank that you let me know.

Submitted by hany947b on Thu, 25/03/2021 - 00:20

Permalink
honestly, 2 days ago i've helped one of my colleagues in her problen, she had a problem with her bank account, and she always do have such these problems ,eventually i did my best ,but eventually, i had to guide her to another colleague who is more perfect than me.

Submitted by Rano on Thu, 11/03/2021 - 12:49

Permalink
Hello lam new here. some problem soluvie myself.

Submitted by Berry Phyu on Thu, 04/03/2021 - 06:54

Permalink
Nice lesson. I've learned new vocabulary.

Submitted by guitardude on Wed, 03/03/2021 - 11:56

Permalink
hello. as I know ''a bit of'' is being used for uncoubtale, but in the sentence ''I've got a bit of a problem'' it is used with ''a problem'' which is countable I think because of ''a'' . Why there is such a difference in usage ? Could you explain the reason ?