At a medical office, three workers were trying to handle phone calls, check-ins, and forms at the same time. Nina had been answering calls all morning. When Tom walked in from the back office, she said, “I’m starting to fall behind.” Tom looked at the waiting room and said, “I can pick up the slack for a while.” Grace, the office manager, handed Tom a stack of forms and said, “Start with these, then help at the desk.”

Nina took a slow breath and said, “Thank you. I was trying to keep up, but the calls kept coming.” Grace looked at the schedule and said, “No one should have to carry the whole load alone.” Tom sat down at the front desk and answered the next call. Nina looked at Grace because she understood the message behind her words.

SPEAK

Think about the phrases. Answer in complete sentences.

1. Nina said, “I’m starting to fall behind.” What was becoming difficult for her?

2. Tom said, “I can pick up the slack.” What did he offer to do?

3. Nina said she was trying to “keep up.” What was she trying to manage?

4. Grace said, “No one should have to carry the whole load alone.” What was she saying about the work?

5. What part of the story shows that the front desk was busy?

6. Which phrase shows getting behind on work?

7. Which phrase shows helping when someone else cannot do everything?

8. Did Grace sound supportive or critical? 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 Grace noticed that Nina was overwhelmed before the problem got worse. Tom helped by taking part of the work instead of letting Nina handle everything alone.”

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 how each phrase shows the pressure at the front desk.

NOTES

fall behind

• What it means:
  To not keep up with work, time, or progress.

• How we use it:
  We use this phrase for school, work, bills, schedules, chores, and tasks.

• Why we use it:
  It shows that someone is getting delayed or overwhelmed.

• Example:
  Nina started to fall behind at the front desk.

pick up the slack

• What it means:
  To help by doing work that needs to be done.

• How we use it:
  We use this phrase when one person helps because another person or group cannot do everything.

• Why we use it:
  It shows teamwork and support.

• Example:
  Tom picked up the slack by helping at the desk.

keep up

• What it means:
  To stay at the same speed or level as the work or situation.

• How we use it:
  We use this phrase when someone is trying not to fall behind.

• Why we use it:
  It shows effort during a busy time.

• Example:
  Nina tried to keep up with the phone calls.

carry the whole load

• What it means:
  To handle all the work or responsibility alone.

• How we use it:
  We use this phrase when one person is doing too much.

• Why we use it:
  It helps show unfair pressure or heavy responsibility.

• Example:
  Grace did not want Nina to carry the whole load alone.