Car Won’t Start

Listen to the following audio

katie CHALLENGES - Car Won’t Start.m4a

Answer the following questions

  • What problem caused the speaker to be late for work?

  • What steps did the speaker take to handle the problem?

  • Which phrase shows the speaker’s change in attitude toward the situation?

  • How did the speaker stay productive while waiting for help?

  • What lesson can be learned from the way the speaker handled this situation?


Read the transcript if needed

“This morning, I rushed outside, already late for work, and turned the key in my car. Nothing happened. I tried again, but the engine refused to start. I realized I was in a jam, stuck without transportation and running out of time. After taking a deep breath, I decided I had to deal with the situation calmly. I called my boss to explain, then phoned a mechanic who could come check the battery. While waiting, I arranged a ride from a neighbor. It wasn’t the smooth morning I wanted, but handling each step carefully helped me stay composed and find solutions.”


How would you use the follow expressions?

Idiom: In a jam – We use this idiom when someone is in a difficult or troublesome situation.

Examples to use:

  • “I was really in a jam when my car broke down.”

  • “She’s in a jam because she forgot her homework.”

  • “We were in a jam until help arrived.”


Phrasal Verb: Deal with – We use this phrasal verb when handling or managing a situation.

Examples to use:

  • Present: “I always deal with problems quickly.”

  • Past: “She dealt with the complaint yesterday.”

  • Continuous: “They are dealing with the repairs now.”

  • Future: “We will deal with the paperwork tomorrow.”

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