Alina sat at her kitchen table with her phone in front of her. She needed to call the internet company because her bill was higher than usual. She took a breath and said to herself, “Don’t get worked up before you even talk to someone.” She opened the bill and circled the extra charge. Then she said, “I just need to walk through the numbers and ask what changed.”

The call took longer than she expected. Alina waited on hold, looked at the bill again, and whispered, “Hang in there. You’re almost done.” When the worker finally answered, Alina said, “I’m calling because I need help understanding this charge.” She listened, asked two questions, and wrote down the answer. When the call ended, she leaned back because she understood the message behind her own words.

SPEAK

Think about the phrases. Answer in complete sentences.

1. Alina said, “Don’t get worked up.” What was she trying not to do?

2. Alina said she needed to “walk through the numbers.” What did she want to review?

3. Alina whispered, “Hang in there.” What was happening during the call?

4. Alina said, “I need help understanding this charge.” What did she ask about?

5. What part of the story shows that Alina stayed calm?

6. Which phrase shows becoming upset?

7. Which phrase shows reviewing something step by step?

8. Did Alina talk to herself in a helpful or negative way? 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 Alina used self-talk to stay calm. She reminded herself not to get upset before the call and then asked clear questions about the bill.”

1. What did the speaker say?

2. Do you agree or disagree with the speaker? Why?

WRITE

Write 5–7 sentences.

Choose two phrases from the reading. Explain what each phrase means and how Alina used it during the phone call.

NOTES

get worked up

• What it means:
  To become upset, stressed, or emotional.

• How we use it:
  We use this phrase when someone’s feelings become stronger before or during a situation.

• Why we use it:
  It helps describe emotional reaction.

• Example:
  Alina told herself not to get worked up before the call.

walk through

• What it means:
  To review or explain something step by step.

• How we use it:
  We use this phrase with instructions, bills, plans, problems, and processes.

• Why we use it:
  It shows careful explanation.

• Example:
  Alina wanted to walk through the numbers on her bill.

hang in there

• What it means:
  To keep going during something difficult or frustrating.

• How we use it:
  We use this phrase to encourage someone not to give up.

• Why we use it:
  It gives support during a hard moment.

• Example:
  Alina told herself to hang in there while she waited.

almost done

• What it means:
  Nearly finished.

• How we use it:
  We use this phrase when a task or process is close to ending.

• Why we use it:
  It can encourage someone to continue.

• Example:
  Alina reminded herself that she was almost done.