At work, Elena and Mark were reviewing a project that was behind schedule. Mark talked for ten minutes about the weather, the new printer, and how busy everyone had been. Elena looked at the clock and said, “Mark, I don’t want to beat around the bush. The report is not ready, and the client is asking for it tomorrow.” Mark stopped smiling and said, “I know. I was trying to ease into it.”

Elena opened the project folder and said, “We need to clear the air before we decide what to do.” Mark nodded and said, “I should have told you yesterday that my section was not finished.” Elena said, “Thank you for saying that. Now we can make a plan.” Mark looked at the folder because he understood the message behind her words.

SPEAK

Think about the phrases. Answer in complete sentences.

1. Elena said, “I don’t want to beat around the bush.” What did she want to talk about directly?

2. Mark said, “I was trying to ease into it.” What was he trying to avoid saying too quickly?

3. Elena said, “We need to clear the air.” What problem needed to be talked about openly?

4. Mark said, “I should have told you yesterday.” What did he fail to communicate earlier?

5. Elena said, “Now we can make a plan.” What changed after Mark spoke honestly?

6. Which phrase shows avoiding the main point?

7. Which phrase shows talking honestly about a problem?

8. Did Elena sound harsh, direct, or careless? Use the reading to support your answer.

LISTEN

Listen to your teacher’s statement and question. Then answer in complete sentences.

Teacher recording:

“I think Elena was direct because the project had a real deadline. Mark was trying to avoid the uncomfortable part, but Elena wanted the truth so they could fix the problem.”

1. What did the speaker say?

2. How do you respond to the speaker’s opinion?

3. Use the reading to support your response.

WRITE

Write 5–7 sentences.

Choose two phrases from the reading. Explain what each phrase means and what message the speaker was sending.

NOTES

beat around the bush

• What it means:
  To avoid saying the main point directly.

• How we use it:
  We use this phrase when someone talks around a topic instead of saying the important thing.

• Why we use it:
  It shows that someone may be uncomfortable or avoiding the truth.

• Example:
  Elena did not want to beat around the bush about the late report.

ease into it

• What it means:
  To approach something slowly or gently.

• How we use it:
  We use this phrase when someone does not want to say or do something suddenly.

• Why we use it:
  It can sound careful, but it can also sound like avoidance.

• Example:
  Mark tried to ease into the bad news.

clear the air

• What it means:
  To talk honestly about a problem so people can move forward.

• How we use it:
  We use this phrase when there is tension, confusion, or something unsaid.

• Why we use it:
  It helps people deal with uncomfortable issues.

• Example:
  They needed to clear the air about the unfinished report.

make a plan

• What it means:
  To decide what steps to take.

• How we use it:
  We use this phrase when people need action after discussing a problem.

• Why we use it:
  It moves the conversation from problem to solution.

• Example:
  After Mark was honest, they could make a plan.