Dialog

My greatest interests are my family. Years ago, I wanted to make something of myself in my profession . . . you know . . . get ahead in life. Over time, however, I realized that the most important things in life lived within the walls of my own home, and today, I try to put them first.

At the end of the day, I’m under no illusions, my kids won’t give a second thought to the work I did outside of the home; What’ll actually stick with them are the moments we spent together.

Therefore, I enjoy spending time with my family. I have four children, and we are big on hitting the trails, usually heading out to Utah. On our hikes, we often talk about life, and I tell stories or share personal experiences.

There’s something about the great outdoors, I can focus on the kids without the distractions of video games or the internet. Telling stories sounds easy, but when you have to think of a new story on a hot, 12-kilometer hike through the desert, you have to come up with ideas off the top of your head.

Now, don't get me wrong, it's not all sunshine and roses, all families face challenges in their lives, and our family is no exception. However, But rather than sweeping things under the rug, and we try to solve our problems together. Building a strong family takes time, but it is worth the effort.

Vocabulary

1. make something of myself

Definition: To become successful or respected through hard work and effort. Sample sentence: He worked very hard because he wanted to make something of himself. Portuguese: ser alguém na vida; tornar-se bem-sucedido

1. get ahead in

Definition: To make progress or become successful in a particular area of life or work. Sample sentence: She studied every day to get ahead in her career. Portuguese: progredir em; crescer em

1. within the walls

Definition: Inside the home or within a private/family environment. Sample sentence: True happiness can often be found within the walls of our own home. Portuguese: dentro de casa; no ambiente familiar

1. Over time

Definition: Gradually, as time passes. Sample sentence: Over time, he became more confident speaking English. Portuguese: com o tempo

1. At the end of the day

Definition: Ultimately; when everything is considered. Sample sentence: At the end of the day, family is what matters most to her. Portuguese: no fim das contas; no final das contas

1. To be under no illusions

Definition: To clearly understand the reality of a situation, even if it is difficult. Sample sentence: She was under no illusions about how challenging the job would be. Portuguese: não ter ilusões; estar plenamente consciente

1. give a second thought

Definition: To think carefully again about something. Often used in negative form. Sample sentence: I didn’t give a second thought to moving abroad. Portuguese: pensar duas vezes; reconsiderar

1. big on

Definition: Very enthusiastic or interested in something. Sample sentence: My family is big on outdoor activities and sports. Portuguese: ser fã de; gostar muito de

1. stick with

Definition: To continue doing or supporting something despite difficulties. Sample sentence: If you stick with learning English, you will improve a lot. Portuguese: persistir em; continuar com

1. hitting the trails

Definition: Going hiking or walking on nature trails. Sample sentence: We love hitting the trails on weekends. Portuguese: ir fazer trilhas

1. heading out to

Definition: Leaving to go to a place. Sample sentence: We’re heading out to the mountains tomorrow morning. Portuguese: indo para; partindo para

1. great outdoors

Definition: Nature and outdoor environments like forests, mountains, and parks. Sample sentence: He enjoys spending time in the great outdoors. Portuguese: a natureza; o ar livre

1. off the top of your head

Definition: Said without preparation or without thinking deeply first. Sample sentence: Off the top of my head, I can think of three good restaurants nearby. Portuguese: de cabeça; de improviso

1. all sunshine and roses

Definition: Completely perfect or without problems. Usually used negatively. Sample sentence: Life abroad isn’t always sunshine and roses. Portuguese: mil maravilhas; perfeito o tempo todo

1. sweeping things under the rug

Definition: Ignoring problems instead of dealing with them. Sample sentence: Good families talk about problems instead of sweeping things under the rug. Portuguese: varrer os problemas para debaixo do tapete

Exercises

Reading comprehension

1. How did the speaker’s priorities change over time?

2. Why does the speaker believe family moments will be more important to his children than his professional achievements?

3. What does the family usually do when they go to Utah?

4. Why does the speaker enjoy spending time with his children in the great outdoors?

5. How does the speaker say his family deals with problems and challenges

Fill-in-the-Blanks Exercise

Complete the sentences with the correct vocabulary expressions.

Vocabulary Bank: [make something of myself, get ahead, in within the walls, over time, at the end of the day, under no illusions, give a second thought, stick with, big on, hitting the trails, heading out to, great outdoors, off the top of your head, all sunshine and roses ,sweeping things under the rug]

1. When he was younger, he wanted to work hard and __________________ in his profession.

2. She studied every night because she wanted to __________________ her career.

3. The speaker realized that the most important things in life were __________________ of his own home.

4. __________________, his view of success changed completely.

5. __________________, what really matters to him is his family. He is __________________ about the fact that his children may not remember his professional achievements.

6. Many years from now, his children probably won’t __________________ to the work he did outside the home.

7. What will really __________________ his children are the moments they spent together.

8. His family is __________________ outdoor activities and spending time in nature.

9. On weekends, they enjoy __________________ together as a family.

10. They usually go __________________ Utah for their hikes.

11. In the __________________, the speaker can focus on his children without distractions.

12. During long hikes, he sometimes has to create stories __________________.

13. The speaker admits that family life is not always __________________.

14. Instead of __________________, the family tries to talk about their problems and solve them together.

Sentences

Create one specific sentence for each word or expression from the vocabulary list.

Challenge Section

Story telling

Storytelling is the art of communicating ideas, emotions, or messages through a story instead of just giving information.

Include the words provided in the vocabulary section.

Role play

For this exercise, you will practice using the vocabulary related to this dialog by acting out a role-play scenario.

Include the words provided in the vocabulary section.

Produce

Create Your Own Dialog

Instructions:
Using the new words/expressions you’ve learned.

Personal experience

Talk about your past experience with the topic.

Done

Dialog

Lisa: Hey, Tim. So, are you doing some last-minute shopping before the weekend, or is there some special occasion coming up? I saw you grabbing a cart full of random items and got curious.

Tim: Well, actually, I’m looking for supplies to put together 72-hour kits for each member of my family. You know, just in case something unexpected happens and we need to rely on our own resources for a few days.

Lisa: A 72-hour kit? What’s that exactly? I’ve never heard of it before. Is it like some kind of travel bag or survival thing?

Tim: Basically, a 72-hour kit contains emergency supplies you would need to sustain yourself for three days in case of an emergency, like an earthquake or any situation where normal services are disrupted. It’s meant to keep you safe, fed, and hydrated until help arrives.

Lisa: An earthquake?! We haven’t had an earthquake in years. I mean, isn’t that a bit extreme? It sounds like you’re preparing for something that might never even happen.

Tim: Well, you never know; you have to be prepared. Hey, if earthquakes don’t get you, it could be a flood, hurricane, snowstorm, power outage, fire… or even an alien attack.
Lisa: Alien attack?!
Tim: Hey, I’m just saying, you never know. The idea is to think of any situation where you might suddenly lose access to basic necessities like shelter, food, or clean water for an extended period of time.

Lisa: Um… okay, that actually makes a little more sense. So, what exactly do you keep in a 42-hour, uh, I mean, 72-hour kit? I’m guessing it’s more than just snacks and bottled water.

Tim: Yeah, definitely more than that. You should have enough food and water to last at least three days, and it’s a good idea to include a basic water filter or purification tablets. That way, if your only option is some murky, questionable water source, you can still make it safe to drink.

Lisa: Ugh, that sounds disgusting!
Tim: Yeah, not ideal, but sometimes you don’t have a choice. As for food, you want things that are simple, non-perishable, and don’t require cooking. Avoid canned goods if possible, they’re heavy and bulky.
Lisa: Okay, that makes sense.
Tim: And unless you have a can opener, or the can has one of those pull-tab lids, you’d have to improvise with something like a rock.

Vocabulary

Exercises

Reading comprehension

Answer the questions based on the dialog:

1. Why is Tim doing last-minute shopping at the store?

2. What is the purpose of a 72-hour kit?

3. Why does Tim think it is important to be prepared for emergencies?

4. Why does Tim suggest avoiding canned goods in a survival kit?

5. How does Lisa feel about the food included in the emergency kit?

Fill in the Blanks

Fill in each blank with the correct word or expression from the vocabulary list.

1. I had to do some __________________ before the trip because I forgot a few important items.

2. There’s a big storm __________________ this weekend, so we should prepare.

3. After the heavy rain, the streets were covered by a __________________.

4. During the storm, the family looked for __________________ in a safe building.

5. We always keep __________________ like beans and corn for emergencies.

6. This box is too __________________ to carry by myself.

7. I’m just __________________ a quick snack before heading out.

8. Rice and pasta are __________________ foods that last a long time.

9. We need to buy medical __________________ for the trip.

10. The __________________ lasted all night, so we had no electricity.

11. Make sure to bring __________________ in case you get thirsty.

12. After eating a full meal, I felt completely __________________.

13. The flight was __________________ due to bad weather conditions.

14. These __________________ can make unsafe water drinkable.

15. The lake water looked __________________, so we didn’t drink it.

16. These cans have __________________, so you don’t need a can opener.

Sentences

Create one specific sentence for each word or expression from the vocabulary list.

Challenge Section

Story telling

Storytelling is the art of communicating ideas, emotions, or messages through a story instead of just giving information.

Include the words provided in the vocabulary section.

Role play

For this exercise, you will practice using the vocabulary related to this dialog by acting out a role-play scenario.

Include the words provided in the vocabulary section.

Produce

Create Your Own Dialog

Instructions:
Using the new words/expressions you’ve learned.

Personal experience

Talk about your past experience with the topic.

Done

Dialog

Leo: Hey Antonio, can I ask you something about database isolation levels?

Antonio: Sure, Leo. What are you trying to understand?

Leo: I was reading about Read Uncommitted, and it says a transaction can read data written by another transaction that hasn’t committed yet. That sounds dangerous. How does that work?

Antonio: Good question. At the Read Uncommitted level, the database does not prevent one transaction from seeing changes made by another transaction before those changes are finalized.

Leo: So basically… I can see someone else’s unfinished work?

Antonio: Exactly. Think of it like someone editing a document while you’re reading it. You might see a version that never actually becomes the final one.

Leo: That sounds messy. What’s the problem called again?

Antonio: That situation is called a dirty read.

Leo: Why “dirty”?

Antonio: Because the data you read might not be valid. Imagine this scenario.

Antonio: Transaction A starts updating a bank account balance from 100 to 0. Now Transaction B reads that same row.

Leo: So Transaction B thinks the balance is zero.

Antonio: Right. But then Transaction A rolls back the change.

Leo: Wait… so the balance goes back to 100?

Antonio: Exactly. Which means Transaction B just read a value that never actually existed in the final database state.

Leo: Ah, I see. That’s why the read is “dirty.” It read something temporary.

Antonio: Correct. That’s why most databases don’t even allow Read Uncommitted in practice, or they internally treat it as something safer.

Leo: So when would anyone use it?

Antonio: Almost never in systems where correctness matters. It might appear in analytics or scenarios where speed matters more than accuracy, but it’s generally avoided.

Leo: Makes sense. I definitely wouldn’t want dirty reads in something like a payment system.

Antonio: Exactly. In financial systems, dirty reads could cause serious inconsistencies.

Vocabulary

[database isolation levels, Read Uncommitted, dirty read, row, rolls back the change, avoided, balance, prevent from, unfinished work, matters more than]

Exercises

Reading comprehension

1. Why does Leo think Read Uncommitted is dangerous?

2. How does Antonio explain the idea of unfinished work using a real-life example?

3. What is a dirty read, and why can it cause problems in a system?

4. In the bank account example, what happens after Transaction A rolls back the change, and why is that important?

5. According to Antonio, in what kind of scenarios might Read Uncommitted be used, and why?

Fill-in-the-Blanks

Fill in each blank with the correct word or expression from the vocabulary list.

1. Different __________________ help control how transactions interact in a database.

2. __________________ is the lowest isolation level and allows transactions to see uncommitted data.

3. A __________________ happens when a transaction reads data that might later be undone.

4. Each record in a table is called a __________________.

5. If something goes wrong, the system __________________ to restore the previous state.

6. In financial systems, risky behaviors like dirty reads are usually __________________.

7. The account __________________ showed 100 dollars before the update.

8. Strong isolation levels __________________ transactions __________________ reading invalid data.

9. Reading uncommitted data is like looking at someone’s __________________.

10. In some systems, speed __________________ accuracy.

Challenge Section

Story telling

Storytelling is the art of communicating ideas, emotions, or messages through a story instead of just giving information.

Include the words provided in the vocabulary section.

Role play

For this exercise, you will practice using the vocabulary related to this dialog by acting out a role-play scenario.

Include the words provided in the vocabulary section.

Produce

Create Your Own Dialog

Instructions:
Using the new words/expressions you’ve learned.

Personal experience

Talk about your past experience with the topic.

Done

Warm up

Speaking

Dialog

Lucas: Wow, Daniel! This apartment building looks huge. Is this where you want to live?

Daniel: Maybe. The manager said there is a vacancy on the second floor.

Lucas: What floor are we on now?

Daniel: This is the first floor. We can take the elevator, or we can use the stairway.

Lucas: Let’s take the elevator! By the way, what is that room over there?

Daniel: That’s the laundry room. The tenants in the building use it to wash their clothes.

Lucas: Oh! And what are those little doors on the wall?

Daniel: Those are mailboxes. Every tenant has one.

Lucas: I see a big parking area outside. Is that the parking lot?

Daniel: Yes. Some apartments also come with a parking space in the garage or under the carport.

Lucas: That sounds useful. What about safety?

Daniel: The manager said every apartment has a smoke detector.

Lucas: Nice! Do you have to pay anything before moving in?

Daniel: Yes. I have to sign a lease with the landlord, and I also have to pay a security deposit.

Lucas: That sounds expensive!

Daniel: A little. But the building has great facilities.

Lucas: Like what?

Daniel: A gym, a small game room, and a study area.

Lucas: Cool! Are you going to live here alone?

Daniel: Maybe not. I might get a roommate to share the rent.

Lucas: That would make it cheaper!

Vocabulary

Homework

Critical Thinking

1. If you were a tenant choosing an apartment, which three facilities would be most important to you and why?

2. Do you think it is better to live alone or with a roommate? What are the advantages and disadvantages of each option?

3. Imagine you are the manager of an apartment building. What rules would you create to make the building safe and comfortable for all tenants?

Reading comprehension

1. Why did Daniel visit the building?

2. What floor is the available apartment on?

3. What do tenants use the laundry room for?

4. What must Daniel pay before moving in?

5. Why might Daniel get a roommate?

Fill in the blanks

Complete each sentence with the correct word from the vocabulary list.

1. Daniel is looking for a new __________ because he wants to live closer to his job.

2. The building has a covered __________ where residents can park their cars.

3. We took the __________ to reach the tenth floor of the building.

4. This building has excellent __________, including a gym, pool, and study room.

5. The manager's office is located on the __________ of the building.

6. The apartment comes with a private __________ where you can safely park your car.

7. The __________ asked the tenant to pay the rent before the fifth day of the month.

8. All tenants share the __________ to wash and dry their clothes.

9. Before moving in, Daniel had to sign a __________ with the landlord.

10. I checked my __________ to see if any letters had arrived.

11. The building __________ showed us two different apartments that were available.

12. Visitors must leave their cars in the __________ outside the building.

13. Each resident receives one __________ for their car.

14. Daniel wants a __________ so he can share the rent and expenses.

15. The available apartment is located on the __________.

16. Before moving in, tenants must pay a __________ in case of damages.

17. Every apartment must have a working __________ for safety.

18. We used the __________ because the elevator was broken.

19. The __________ must follow the building rules and pay rent on time.

20. The manager said there is only one __________ left in the building.

Challenge Section

Story telling

Storytelling is the art of communicating ideas, emotions, or messages through a story instead of just giving information.

Include the words provided in the vocabulary section.

Role play

For this exercise, you will practice using the vocabulary related to this dialog by acting out a role-play scenario.

Include the words provided in the vocabulary section.

Produce

Create Your Own Dialog

Instructions:
Using the new words/expressions you’ve learned.

Personal experience

Talk about your past experience with the topic.

Done

Introduction

Warm up

1. Have you ever experienced sudden stomach pain or indigestion?

2. Why do people sometimes use humor or exaggeration to describe pain or discomfort?

3. What kinds of food usually cause digestive problems?

Speaking

Dialog

Ethan:
Good morning, Doctor. I wasn’t planning to see you today, but apparently my stomach had other plans.
It seems to have declared independence from the rest of my body.
And I’m not sure I approve of its leadership.

Dr. Harris:
I see. Your stomach scheduled an emergency appointment without consulting you?
That’s quite inconsiderate of it.
We should file a formal complaint with your digestive department.

Ethan:
Exactly. It started with a dull ache, but then it escalated into something that felt like a tiny dragon breathing fire inside me.
And unfortunately, this dragon seems very motivated.
It’s acting as if it’s training for a championship.

Dr. Harris:
That’s quite a vivid description. On a scale from one to ten, how intense is this “dragon”?
Is it more of a campfire or a full volcanic eruption?
Or are we approaching mythical catastrophe levels?

Ethan:
Around a seven. It’s not unbearable, but it’s definitely not friendly.
Let’s just say it’s aggressively uncomfortable.
It’s distracting enough to ruin my entire morning.

Dr. Harris:
Have you experienced nausea, dizziness, or a fever?
Any other symptoms that might help me tame this dragon?
Details matter in detective work like this.

Ethan:
I felt slightly nauseous earlier, but I haven’t fainted or anything dramatic.
No heroic collapses in public, thankfully.
My dignity remains mostly intact.

Dr. Harris:
Good. Let me examine you. Please lie down and try to relax.
Take a slow breath; we’ll investigate this scientifically.
Medicine is less about panic and more about precision.

(After examination)

Dr. Harris:
It doesn’t appear to be anything serious. Most likely, it’s indigestion. Did you eat anything unusual yesterday?
Perhaps something your stomach considered… controversial?
Anything involving extreme levels of cheese, perhaps?

Ethan:
Well… I may have participated in an ambitious pizza experiment. Four different types of cheese.
In hindsight, it was a bold but questionable decision.
I now realize my digestive system prefers moderation.

Dr. Harris:
Ah, culinary bravery often has consequences.
Your digestive system prefers diplomacy over revolution.
Next time, negotiate with it before declaring war.

Vocabulary

[file a formal complaint, dull ache, vivid description, unbearable, collapses, tame this dragon, That’s quite inconsiderate of it, campfire, fainted, dizziness, scheduled an appointment, In hindsight]

Critical Thinking

1. Why does Ethan describe his stomach pain as a “dragon breathing fire”?

2. How does Dr. Harris use humor during the consultation? Do you think this makes him more professional, less professional, or more relatable? Why?

3. What lesson can be learned from Ethan’s “ambitious pizza experiment”?

Exercises

1. Why does Ethan say his stomach “declared independence” from the rest of his body? What does this expression suggest about how he is feeling?

2. How does Dr. Harris respond to Ethan’s dramatic descriptions of pain? What does this tell us about the doctor’s personality and communication style?

3. How intense is Ethan’s pain, and how does he describe it on a scale from one to ten?What clues show that the pain is uncomfortable but not severe?

4. What symptoms does Dr. Harris ask about, and why are those details important for diagnosis?

5. What caused Ethan’s indigestion, and how does he reflect on his decision afterward?What does the phrase “In hindsight” reveal about his perspective?

6. What message about moderation and consequences can be learned from Ethan’s “ambitious pizza experiment”?

Fill in the blanks

Instructions: Complete the sentences using the words from the vocabulary section. Use each expression only once.

Word bank: file a formal complaint • dull ache • vivid description • unbearable • collapses • tame this dragon • That’s quite inconsiderate of it • campfire • fainted • dizziness • scheduled an appointment • In hindsight

1. I had a __________ in my shoulder after carrying my backpack all day.

2. The pain became so intense that it was almost __________.

3. His __________ of the accident made everyone imagine the scene clearly.

4. She decided to __________ after receiving poor customer service.

5. The runner suddenly __________ after crossing the finish line.

6. The doctor gave me medicine to help __________ in my stomach.

7. I felt sudden __________ when I stood up too quickly.

8. He __________ during the ceremony because he hadn’t eaten anything.

9. We sat around the __________ and told stories late into the night.

10. My phone rang at 3 a.m. — __________!

11. I __________ with the dentist for next Monday.

12. __________, I probably shouldn’t have eaten that entire pizza alone.

Challenge Section

Story telling

Storytelling is the art of communicating ideas, emotions, or messages through a story instead of just giving information.

Tell short story about someone who issues with food and had to visit a doctor.

Role play

For this exercise, you will practice using the vocabulary related to this dialog by acting out a role-play scenario.

Include the words provided in the vocabulary section.

Produce

Create Your Own Dialog

Instructions:
Using the new words/expressions you’ve learned.

Personal experience

Talk about your past experience with the topic.

Done

Warm up

1. A student credit card is a good way to build credit early?

2. Students should only use credit cards for emergencies.

3. Having a credit card makes students spend more money than they should.

4. Credit cards are safer to carry than cash.

5. A debit card is better than a credit card for most students.

6. A student without a job should not have a credit card.

Speaking

Dialog

Jacob: Hey, Bia. I stopped by to bring those books you asked for and, hold on… what’s all this? Did you redecorate?

Beatriz: Oh! Yes, I did. What do you think of my new setup? I finally got a smart TV and a new sound system.

Jacob: New setup? Beatriz… this looks expensive.

Beatriz: Well… I might have upgraded a few things. Come here, listen to this speaker. The sound quality is amazing.

Jacob: Okay, it’s impressive. But how did you afford all of this? You didn’t ask your grandparents for money again, did you?

Beatriz: No, Uncle Jacob. Relax. I didn’t borrow anything from them.

Jacob: Then how?

Beatriz: I used my credit card.

Jacob: Your credit card? Since when do you have one?

Beatriz: Since last month. It’s a student card. They sent me an offer, and I applied online.

Jacob: You applied for a credit card because they sent you an email?

Beatriz: Well… they explained it helps students build credit history early. And it’s practical. I don’t always have cash for bigger purchases.

Jacob: Bigger purchases like what?

Beatriz: Like the flight I booked for the semester break.

Jacob: Flight? Where are you going?

Beatriz: My friend and I are planning a trip to Rio. It was a great deal! But I needed the card to secure the ticket.

Jacob: Beatriz… do you actually know how credit cards work? The interest rates on student cards can be brutal if you don’t pay the full balance.

Beatriz: I know there’s a limit. I can’t just spend endlessly.

Jacob: What’s your limit?

Beatriz: It’s not that high… just enough.

Jacob: That’s not very reassuring.

Beatriz: Okay, okay. I may have gotten a little excited. But I’ll manage it.

Jacob: How exactly are you planning to pay the bill?

Beatriz: I was thinking… maybe with the money from my internship? And my birthday is next week too.

Jacob: Counting on future money to pay past spending isn’t the safest plan.

Beatriz: So what do you suggest?

Jacob: Let’s sit down and look at your expenses. We can create a simple budget. Credit cards aren’t evil, but they require discipline. If you learn to manage this now, you’ll thank yourself later.

Beatriz: Deal. But you have to admit… the TV is nice.

Jacob: It is. I just want to make sure it doesn’t cost you double in the long run.

Vocabulary

Critical thinking

1. Credit cards give students too much financial freedom.

2. Parents should help their children manage their first credit card.

3. Students should be required to take a class on money before getting a credit card.

4. Credit cards with rewards (like cashback) are useful for students.

Exercises

Reading comprehension

1. Why was Jacob surprised when he arrived at Beatriz’s apartment? Explain what he saw and why it concerned him.

2. How did Beatriz get her student credit card, and what reasons does she give for having one?

3. What concerns does Jacob express about student credit cards? Refer to specific risks he mentions in the conversation.

4. How does Beatriz plan to pay her credit card bill, and why does Jacob think her plan might not be ideal?

5. What solution does Jacob propose at the end of the dialogue? Do you think his suggestion is helpful? Why or why not?

Fill in the blanks

Instructions: Complete the sentences using the words from the box. Use each expression only once.

[stopped by • afford • borrow anything from • Since when • credit history • semester break • secure the ticket • interest rates • full balance • spend endlessly • reassuring • in the long run • counting on • simple budget]

1. I __________ my aunt’s house yesterday just to say hello.

2. She can’t __________ a new phone because she’s saving money for college.

3. I didn’t __________ my brother; I paid for everything myself.

4. __________ did you start waking up at 5 a.m. every day?

5. Having a good __________ makes it easier to get approved for loans.

6. We are planning a family trip during the __________ in July.

7. I used my card to __________ before the price increased.

8. Credit cards often have high __________ if you don’t pay on time.

9. She always pays the __________ to avoid extra charges.

10. If you’re not careful, you can __________ with a credit card.

11. His calm explanation was very __________ during the stressful meeting.

12. Saving money regularly helps you __________.

13. She is __________ her bonus to pay off her debt.

14. Creating a __________ can help you control your monthly expenses.

Challenge Section

Story telling

Storytelling is the art of communicating ideas, emotions, or messages through a story instead of just giving information.

Tell short story about someone who did not understand credit cards and learned a lesson.

Role play

For this exercise, you will practice using the vocabulary related to this dialog by acting out a role-play scenario.

Include the words provided in the vocabulary section.

Homework

Produce

Create Your Own Dialog

Instructions:
Using the new words/expressions you’ve learned.

Personal experience

Talk about your past experience with the topic.

Done

Warm-up

1️⃣ Have you ever had a production issue where a query suddenly became very slow?
What was the root cause, and how did you investigate it?

2️⃣ What would you do if a critical dashboard endpoint started timing out during peak hours?
Describe the first three steps you would take to diagnose the problem.

3️⃣ Have you ever dealt with rapid data growth in a database?
What strategies did you use (or would you use) to prevent performance degradation over time?

Speaking

Dialog

Bill: Hey, we’re having an issue in production. The dashboard endpoint is timing out. Users are reporting that it either takes forever to load or returns a 504 error.
It seems to be affecting our largest customers first.

Patrick: Alright. Do you have the exact query that the endpoint is running? And what’s the current average execution time compared to normal?
I’d also like to know if this is happening consistently or only during peak hours.

Bill: Yes, I pulled it from the logs. It used to run in about 200 milliseconds. Since this morning, it’s fluctuating between 8 and 12 seconds. The slow query log confirms the spike.

Patrick: That’s a significant degradation. Did anything change recently? Any schema modifications, deployments, or noticeable data growth? Performance issues usually correlate with some recent change.

Bill: We deployed a migration yesterday. We added a new column and updated some constraints. Also, the transactions table grew quite a bit this week due to a marketing campaign. We inserted a large batch of records over the weekend.

Patrick: That could definitely impact performance. Let me check the execution plan. Did you already run an EXPLAIN or EXPLAIN ANALYZE? The actual execution plan will tell us where the time is being spent.

Bill:
I ran EXPLAIN, but I’m not sure how to interpret it. It showed high cost numbers and a lot of rows being processed.

Patrick: No problem. I’m looking at it now. I can see it’s performing a full table scan on the transactions table. That explains the increase in latency. It’s scanning millions of rows before applying the filter.

Vocabulary

[having an issue, timing out, dashboard endpoint, either, run a query, during peak hours, average execution time, data growth, pulled it from, spike, significant degradation, batch of records, full table scan ]

Exercises

Reading Comprehension Questions

1. What was the original average execution time of the query, and how much did it increase?

2. Why did Patrick suspect that the issue might be related to a recent change?

3. What caused the full table scan, and why is it problematic for large tables?

4. How did data growth contribute to the performance issue?

Fill-in-the-Blanks

Use the words below to complete the sentences:

Word Bank:
(having an issue, timing out, run a query, data growth, average execution time, dashboard endpoint, during peak hours, pulled it from, spike, batch of records, significant degradation, full table scan)

1. We are __________________ with the reporting service in production.

2. The API keeps __________________ after 30 seconds.

3. I decided to __________________ to check the number of failed transactions.

4. The system became unstable due to rapid __________________ over the past month.

5. The __________________ increased from 200ms to 10 seconds.

6. The __________________ is responsible for loading the metrics page.

7. The slowdown is worse __________________ when more users are online.

8. I __________________ the execution plan from the database logs.

9. We noticed a sudden __________________ in CPU usage.

10. The job inserted a large __________________ over the weekend.

11. There was a __________________ in performance after the migration.

12. Because there was no proper index, the database performed a __________________.

Role-Play Activity

Use the words below to create one role-play (Conversation between two people).

Word Bank:
(having an issue, timing out, run a query, data growth, average execution time, dashboard endpoint, during peak hours, pulled it from, spike, batch of records, significant degradation, full table scan)

Done

Warm up

1. Have you ever experienced a situation where the price displayed was different from the price charged? How did you react, and why?

2. Do you think customers should always question prices that seem incorrect, or is it sometimes better to ignore small mistakes? Why?

Speaking

Dialog

At the Checkout

Cashier: That comes to $82.40.

Lucas: I’m sorry, but that total seems unusually high. The pasta sauce and the cereal were both displayed as part of the “Buy One, Get One 50% Off” promotion.

Cashier: Let me review the transaction… It appears the system didn’t apply the promotional discount.

Lucas: That’s concerning. The promotional signage was clearly visible in the aisle.

Cashier: Sometimes promotions are conditional. Did you purchase the exact brand specified in the offer?

Lucas: Yes, I made sure to check the SKU number on the shelf tag to confirm it matched the product.

Cashier: I see. In that case, I’ll need to request a price override from the floor supervisor.

Floor Supervisor Arrives

Supervisor: Good afternoon. I understand there’s a pricing discrepancy?

Lucas: Yes. The promotional offer wasn’t reflected at checkout, despite the signage indicating eligibility.

Supervisor: Our policy states that certain promotions exclude clearance items. Was this product on clearance?

Lucas: Not that I noticed. The shelf label didn’t mention any exclusions or disclaimers.

Supervisor: Let me verify the promotional terms in our internal system.

Lucas: Thank you. I appreciate your willingness to resolve the issue professionally.

Vocabulary

[That comes to, unusually, promotional discount, promotional signage, aisle, SKU number, shelf tag, price override, floor supervisor, pricing discrepancy, at checkout, despite, eligibility, clearance items, disclaimers, willingness to]

Exercises

Reading comprehension

1. Why did Lucas mention checking the SKU number? What does this detail reveal about his approach to the situation?

2. What might have happened if Lucas had immediately demanded compensation instead of calmly explaining the discrepancy?

3. What role did the expired promotion play in creating the pricing discrepancy?

Fill-in-the-Blanks Exercise

Word Bank:

That comes to, unusually, promotional discount, promotional signage, aisle, SKU number, shelf tag, price override, floor supervisor, pricing discrepancy, at checkout, despite, eligibility, clearance items, disclaimers, willingness to

✏ Instructions:

Complete each sentence using the correct expression from the word bank. Use each expression only once.

1️⃣ After scanning all the items, the cashier said, “With tax included, __________ $94.60.”

2️⃣ The total seemed __________ high considering I only bought three products.

3️⃣ The cereal was part of a __________ that reduced the price by 25% for a limited time.

4️⃣ The __________ clearly stated that the offer was valid until Sunday.

5️⃣ I found the product in the baking __________ near the flour and sugar.

6️⃣ I double-checked the __________ on the package to make sure it matched the one listed in the promotion.

7️⃣ The __________ showed a lower price than the system registered.

8️⃣ Since the system wouldn’t apply the discount, the manager had to perform a __________.

9️⃣ The cashier called the __________ to resolve the issue professionally.

🔟 There appears to be a __________ between the price displayed and the one charged.

1️⃣1️⃣ The discount wasn’t applied __________, even though the product qualified.

1️⃣2️⃣ __________ the expired promotion, the store decided to honor the advertised price.

1️⃣3️⃣ The product met the __________ requirements for the seasonal offer.

1️⃣4️⃣ Additional discounts usually do not apply to __________.

1️⃣5️⃣ The small print and __________ explained the limitations of the promotion.

1️⃣6️⃣ I appreciate your __________ correct the error promptly.

Role play

Role play the dialog by applying the following words

That comes to, unusually, promotional discount, promotional signage, aisle, SKU number, shelf tag, price override, floor supervisor, pricing discrepancy, at checkout, despite, eligibility, clearance items, disclaimers, willingness to

Done

Warm up

Speaking

Text

How Streamers and YouTubers Really Make Money

At first glance, being a streamer or a YouTuber looks simple: turn on a camera, play a game, talk to people, and get famous. In reality, content creation is much closer to running a small media company than to having a hobby.

Advertising is usually the first way people imagine creators making money. Platforms like YouTube place ads before, during, or after videos, and creators receive a share of that revenue. However, ad income alone is often unstable. Earnings can change dramatically depending on views, audience location, video length, and even the type of content being produced.

For many successful creators, sponsorships are the real financial engine. Brands pay creators to promote products in a way that feels natural to their audience. This might include a short mention, a product review, or long-term partnerships. Unlike ads, sponsorship deals are negotiated and can be extremely lucrative, especially when the creator has a loyal and well-defined audience.

Livestreaming adds another layer to the business. On platforms such as Twitch and YouTube Live, creators earn money directly from their community through subscriptions, donations, and paid features like super chats. This model turns viewers into active supporters rather than passive watchers, strengthening the emotional connection between creator and audience.

Many creators also diversify their income by building their own products and services. Merchandise, exclusive memberships, online courses, and private communities allow creators to reduce their dependence on platforms and algorithms. In this sense, the most successful creators think like entrepreneurs, not just entertainers.

Despite what it may look like, success in this field is rarely accidental. Behind every popular channel are hours of planning, editing, data analysis, and constant interaction with fans. Streamers and YouTubers make money not simply because they are visible online, but because they understand attention, trust, and consistency in the digital world.

Vocabulary

[At first glance, income, paid features, in this sense, Merchandise, unstable, get famous, sponsorships, financial engine, long-term partnerships, unlike something, loyal, revenue, Earnings, sponsorship deal, entrepreneurs]

Reading comprehension

1. Why does the author say that being a streamer or YouTuber is closer to running a small media company than to having a hobby?

2. What makes advertising an unstable source of income for creators?

3. Why are sponsorships described as the “financial engine” for many creators?

4. How does livestreaming change the relationship between creators and their audience?

5. According to the text, what mindset helps creators become successful in the long term?

Reflection

1. Is having a loyal audience more important than having a very large audience? Explain your reasoning.

2. Do you agree that successful creators should think like entrepreneurs rather than just entertainers? Why?

3. f you were a creator, which income source would you focus on first, and why? ((Advertising, sponsorships, livestreaming, merchandise, or something else.)

Exercises

Fill in the Blanks

Complete the sentences using the words from the box. Each word is used once.

1. __________, being a YouTuber looks easy, but it requires much more work than people imagine.

2. Advertising can be an __________ source of money because views and algorithms change frequently.

3. Many creators earn __________ through ads, subscriptions, and donations.

4. Live platforms offer __________ such as super chats and special badges.

5. For large channels, __________ are often more profitable than ads.

6. In many cases, sponsorships become the main __________ of a creator’s business.

7. Some creators prefer __________ with brands instead of one-time promotions.

8. __________ ads, sponsorships are negotiated directly between the creator and the company.

9. A __________ audience is more valuable than a large but inactive one.

10. Creators often sell __________ to reduce dependence on platforms.

11. Total __________ depends on views, audience location, and content type.

12. Actual __________ can vary greatly from one month to another.

13. A single __________ can pay more than months of ad revenue.

14. __________, successful creators are closer to business owners than entertainers.

15. Streamers and YouTubers who think like __________ usually build more sustainable careers.

Story telling

Storytelling is the art of communicating ideas, emotions, or messages through a story instead of just giving information.

Role play

For this exercise, you will practice using the vocabulary related to this dialog by acting out a role-play scenario.

Include the words provided in the vocabulary section.

Homework

Produce

Create Your Own Dialog

Instructions:
Using the new words/expressions you’ve learned.

Personal experience

Talk about your past experience with the topic.

Done

Conversation

Dialog

In my previous role as an industrial engineer, I evaluated production processes and investigated recurring inefficiencies across multiple manufacturing lines. I identified critical bottlenecks and scheduled corrective actions to minimize operational disruptions.

I led cross-functional teams and coordinated efforts between production and maintenance to ensure alignment. Through continuous improvement initiatives, I optimized workflows, which increased overall throughput and reduced waste and rework rates.

I also negotiated with suppliers to buy higher-quality materials at better cost conditions, which helped reduce unit costs without compromising quality. Additionally, I trained operators and supervisors on standardized procedures and performance indicators.

Throughout the project, I went on-site regularly to monitor implementation progress and ensure that improvements were properly sustained.

However, the project did not deliver all expected results. Some initiatives did not receive consistent support from stakeholders, and certain operational constraints did not allow full implementation of the proposed changes.

In a few cases, the materials that were bought did not meet performance expectations due to supplier variability. Legacy systems did not support complete automation, and these limitations did not enable the improvements to scale uniformly across all production lines.

Vocabulary

Exercises

Story telling

Role play

Instructions
For this exercise, you will practice using the vocabulary related to this dialog by acting out a role-play scenario.

Include the words provided in the vocabulary section.

Personal experience

Talk about your past experience with the topic.

Homework

Reading comprehension

1. What was the engineer’s main responsibility in his previous role?

2. What problems did the engineer identify in the production processes?

3. How did leading cross-functional teams contribute to the project outcomes?

4. What actions were taken to reduce costs without compromising quality?

5. Why did the engineer go on-site regularly during the project?

6. What factors prevented the project from delivering all expected results?

7. How did supplier variability and legacy systems affect the scalability of the improvements?

Fill-in-the blanks

Fill in the blanks with the correct word or phrase from the vocabulary list.

1. The engineer __________ production processes to identify performance gaps.

2. The analysis focused on __________ that were affecting productivity over time.

3. Several __________ were identified as the main cause of delays in the process.

4. Equipment failures caused frequent __________ during peak hours.

5. Improvements were implemented across multiple __________ to ensure consistency.

6. The project required collaboration between __________ from different departments.

7. Process improvements helped reduce waste and lower __________.

8. Costs were reduced __________, maintaining the expected performance standards.

9. Some materials failed to meet expectations due to __________.

10. Operators were trained to follow __________ to improve consistency.

11. Certain __________ limited the full implementation of proposed changes.

12. Throughout the project, improvements were monitored across all __________.

Partner role play

Create your own partner role play activity. Make sure to include the words you’ve learned.

Produce

Create Your Own Dialog

Instructions:
Using the new words/expressions you’ve learned.

Answer key

Fill-in the blanks

1. The engineer evaluated production processes to identify performance gaps.

2. The analysis focused on recurring inefficiencies that were affecting productivity over time.

3. Several critical bottlenecks were identified as the main cause of delays in the process.

4. Equipment failures caused frequent operational disruptions during peak hours.

5. Improvements were implemented across multiple manufacturing lines to ensure consistency.

6. The project required collaboration between cross-functional teams from different departments.

7. Process improvements helped reduce waste and lower rework rates.

8. Costs were reduced without compromising quality, maintaining the expected performance standards.

9. Some materials failed to meet expectations due to supplier variability.

10. Operators were trained to follow standardized procedures to improve consistency.

11. Certain operational constraints limited the full implementation of proposed changes.

12. Throughout the project, improvements were monitored across all production lines.

Done

Conversation

Dialog

Leo: Doug, the more I learn about AI, the more I feel that the word intelligent is misleading.
It behaves intelligently, but I’m not convinced it actually knows anything.

Doug: That’s a very precise observation.
AI doesn’t possess knowledge the way humans do, it builds representations of patterns in data.

Leo: When you say representations, do you mean like a simplified version of reality? Almost like a map instead of the real territory?

Doug: Exactly. AI never sees reality directly; it only sees abstract patterns extracted from examples.

Leo: So when a chatbot answers a question, it’s not retrieving facts. It’s generating a response that statistically fits its internal representation?

Doug: Yes. A chatbot optimizes for likelihood, not truth, it selects the sequence of words that best fits the patterns it learned.

Leo: That explains something I’ve noticed. Sometimes the answer sounds extremely confident, but later I discover it’s wrong.

Doug: That phenomenon has a name. It’s called a hallucination.

Leo: So hallucination doesn’t mean randomness. It means a plausible but false construction?

Doug: Precisely. An AI hallucination is a highly coherent answer that emerges from probability, not verification.

Leo: So confidence is not evidence of correctness. It’s just a side effect of high statistical certainty.

Doug: That’s a very mature distinction. AI can be confidently incorrect because confidence comes from patterns, not understanding.

Leo: Interesting. That feels powerful, but also dangerous.

Vocabulary

Exercises

Story telling

Role play

Instructions
For this exercise, you will practice using the vocabulary related to this dialog by acting out a role-play scenario.

Include the words provided in the vocabulary section.

Personal experience

Talk about your past experience with the topic.

Homework

Reading comprehension

1. Why does Leo believe the term “intelligent” is misleading when applied to AI?

2. How does Doug describe AI’s relationship with knowledge?

3. What does the “map versus territory” analogy mean in the dialog?

4. What is an AI hallucination according to the conversation?

5. What main concern does Leo express at the end of the dialog?

Fill-in-the blanks

Fill in the blanks with the correct word or phrase from the vocabulary list.

1. __________________ data an AI processes, __________________ accurate its predictions tend to become.

2. Calling AI “intelligent” can be __________________, because it behaves intelligently without true understanding.

3. A chatbot does not focus on truth; it selects the response with the highest __________________.

4. AI systems store __________________ rather than exact memories of past events.

5. These models rely on __________________, which remove real-world details and focus only on structure.

6. When an AI gives a detailed but false explanation, this phenomenon is known as a __________________.

7. An AI hallucination is not pure __________________; it follows learned language patterns.

8. The response seemed __________________, even though no evidence supported it.

9. Hallucinations are a __________________ of predicting language without understanding meaning.

10. The model chose that output because it had __________________ probability support from the data.

11. AI learning is __________________ imitating behavior without knowing the underlying reasons.

12. The system produced a __________________ that flowed logically from start to finish.

13. Unlike a search engine, a chatbot is not __________________ facts from a database.

14. The explanation __________________, but confidence alone does not guarantee correctness.

Partner role play

Create your own partner role play activity. Make sure to include the words you’ve learned.

Produce

Create Your Own Dialog

Instructions:
Using the new words/expressions you’ve learned.

Done

Ingrid:
Overwritten? As in, two processes updating the same row at the same time?

Brian:
Exactly. The jobs run in parallel, and the updates aren’t atomic. One thread marks the payment as completed, and almost immediately another marks it as failed.

Ingrid:
Classic data race. So we’re basically losing consistency because the order of execution isn’t guaranteed.

Brian:
Yep. It’s completely non-deterministic. Sometimes it passes, sometimes it breaks, depending on how the scheduler interleaves the operations.

Ingrid:
That’s messy. Are we using any synchronization at all? Mutex, semaphore, even a simple database-level lock?

Brian:
Nope. Right now it’s just raw updates against the shared state. No lock, no transaction, nothing.

Ingrid:
Okay, then it’s not thread-safe at all. We should at least wrap that code in a critical section.

Brian:
My only concern is performance. If we put a lock around the whole thing, we might create contention or even deadlocks.

Ingrid:
True. But we don’t need to lock the whole workflow, just the part where the shared record gets updated. Keep the critical section as small as possible.

Vocabulary

Vocabulary

Atomic

• Meaning: An operation that happens completely or not at all. Nothing can interrupt it midway.

• Example: “The update must be atomic so that no other thread can mess with it while it’s running.”

Deadlocks

• Meaning: A situation where two or more processes are waiting for each other forever, and nothing moves forward.

• Example: “If thread A holds Lock 1 and waits for Lock 2 while thread B holds Lock 2 and waits for Lock 1, you’ve got a deadlock.”

Contention

• Meaning: When multiple processes or threads are trying to use the same resource at the same time, causing slowdowns.

• Example: “Too many threads writing to the database creates contention.”

Raw updates

• Meaning: Direct changes to the data without any safeguards like transactions or locks.

• Example: “We’re doing raw updates on the table, so nothing is protecting us from conflicts.”

Wrap that code

• Meaning: Put the code inside a structure (like a lock or transaction) to make it safe.

• Example: “We should wrap that code in a mutex to avoid race conditions.”

Thread-safe

• Meaning: Code that works correctly even when multiple threads run it at the same time.

• Example: “This function isn’t thread-safe—it fails when two users hit it simultaneously.”

That’s messy

• Meaning: Informal way of saying something is confusing, hard to manage, or poorly controlled.

• Example: “Two different states being written at the same time? That’s messy.”

Non-deterministic

• Meaning: The result is unpredictable and can change depending on timing or execution order.

• Example: “The test is non-deterministic—it passes sometimes and fails other times.”

Interleaves the operations

• Meaning: When the system mixes pieces of different processes or threads together during execution.

• Example: “The scheduler interleaves the operations, so thread A and thread B take turns running.”

Race condition

• Meaning: A bug that happens when two processes or threads try to use the same resource at the same time, and the result depends on who “wins the race.”

• Example: “Updating the counter without a lock caused a race condition.”

Overwritten

• Meaning: When new data replaces old data, sometimes unintentionally.

• Example: “The first update marked the payment as complete, but it got overwritten by the second update.”

Exercises

Fill in the blank

1. An ____________ operation cannot be interrupted; it either completes fully or not at all.

2. When two threads wait for each other forever, it causes a ____________.

3. Multiple processes trying to access the same resource at the same time creates ____________.

4. Directly updating data without using locks or transactions is known as ____________.

5. Developers often say “__________” when they want to put risky code inside a safe structure like a lock.

6. If a method works reliably even when multiple threads call it, we say it is ____________.

7. “__________” is an informal way to describe code that produces confusing or inconsistent results.

8. A process is ____________ when its result is unpredictable and changes depending on timing.

9. The scheduler sometimes ____________ the operations, letting pieces of different threads run in sequence.

10. A ____________ happens when the outcome depends on who “wins” access to a shared resource first.

11. When one update accidentally replaces another, the data is said to be ____________.

12. To avoid a ____________, it’s best to acquire locks in a consistent order across all threads.

13. Using a database transaction can make an update behave like an ____________ operation.

14. The performance issue that occurs when too many threads wait for the same lock is called ____________.

15. Writing to shared state without synchronization often leads to a ____________ condition.

16. A result that is not consistent between runs, even with the same inputs, is ____________.

17. To protect shared variables, engineers often ____________ the code that modifies them.

18. If a system is not ____________, it may crash or corrupt data under concurrent access.

19. When log entries show two different values being written at the same time, it’s a sign of being ____________.

20. Debugging is harder when execution is ____________, because you can’t predict the exact order of steps.

Reading comprehension

1. What problem did Brian find in the logs?
a) The system was too slow
b) Payment statuses were being overwritten
c) Users couldn’t log in
d) The database was offline

2. How does Ingrid describe the situation where two processes update the same row at the same time?
a) A deadlock
b) A race condition
c) Contention
d) Non-determinism

3. Why does Brian call the results “non-deterministic”?
a) Because they depend on who logs in first
b) Because they are predictable
c) Because the outcome changes depending on execution order
d) Because the database is corrupted

4. What does Ingrid ask about synchronization?
a) If they are using caching
b) If they are using locks or other synchronization tools
c) If they are using AI to optimize scheduling
d) If they are using a new payment API

5. What is Brian’s reply about synchronization?
a) They are using transactions for every update
b) They only use semaphores
c) They are doing raw updates with no protection
d) They disabled synchronization for performance

6. What does Ingrid suggest to make the code safer?
a) Rewrite the system from scratch
b) Wrap the update in a critical section
c) Add more servers
d) Disable parallel processing

7. What concern does Brian raise about using locks?
a) It might cause data loss
b) It might create deadlocks or slowdowns
c) It might make the UI ugly
d) It might reduce test coverage

8. How does Ingrid respond to Brian’s concern?
a) She says to avoid locks completely
b) She suggests locking only the critical section
c) She suggests running the code without synchronization
d) She suggests adding more threads

9. What alternative solution does Brian propose?
a) Making the operation idempotent
b) Restarting the system every night
c) Removing database indexes
d) Using only one thread for all jobs

10. What final step does Brian decide to take?
a) Test it with a lock around the update first
b) Do nothing and ignore the issue
c) Rewrite the database schema
d) Remove the payment feature

Homework

Produce

Write a short dialogue between two developers who discover a bug caused by a race condition.

• Use at least 5 of these words/phrases:
  [atomic, deadlock, contention, raw updates, thread-safe, non-deterministic, overwritten, race condition, interleaves the operations, That’s messy, wrap that code ] atomic

Personal connection

Think about any real project or exercise (class project, homework, internship, or job). Describe your personal experience in the topic.

Done

Dialog

Roger: Hey Smith, have you noticed how slow the product details page is lately?

Smith: Yeah, I did. I checked the logs, looks like we’re hitting the database for every request. It’s a pretty expensive operation.

Roger: Exactly. I think we should introduce some caching to reduce latency.

Smith: Agreed. Maybe we can cache the data fragment for product specs. It rarely changes.

Roger: Good idea. Should we go with a cache-aside strategy?

Smith: That works. We can check the cache first and only hit the DB if it’s missing.

Roger: And to prevent stale data, maybe set a TTL of 5 minutes?

Smith: Sounds good. We could also invalidate the cache manually when a product is updated.

Roger: Right. Also, some of those price calculations involve a slow function call, we should cache that too.

Smith: Yep. Let’s add Redis into the mix and track the cache keys by product ID.

Roger: Perfect. I’ll write the caching layer and set up the fallback to DB.

Smith: Awesome. Let’s deploy it to staging and test the load time.

Vocabulary

🔹 hit (the database)
To make a request to the database to retrieve or update data.
Example: "We hit the database every time a user loads the page."

🔹 data fragment
A small piece or section of data, often used to refer to part of a larger dataset.
Example: "We only need to cache the data fragment for the product description."

🔹 have you noticed...?
A phrase used to bring attention to something that may have changed or needs observation.
Example: "Have you noticed how slow the page has become?"

🔹 stale data
Outdated information stored in cache that may no longer reflect the current state.
Example: "We need to refresh the cache regularly to avoid serving stale data."

🔹 reduce latency
To decrease the delay between a request and its response.
Example: "Caching will help reduce latency and improve user experience."

🔹 set a TTL of
To assign a Time-To-Live (TTL), meaning how long a cached item stays valid.
Example: "We can set a TTL of 5 minutes for product info."

🔹 slow function call
A function that takes a long time to execute, often due to complex logic or external dependencies.
Example: "That price calculation is a slow function call — let's cache the result."

🔹 expensive operation
An operation that consumes a lot of time, memory, or processing power.
Example: "Fetching the entire product list is an expensive operation."

🔹 track the cache keys
To monitor and manage the identifiers used to store and retrieve cached items.
Example: "We should track the cache keys using the product ID."

🔹 load time
The amount of time it takes for a web page or resource to fully appear for the user.
Example: "We want to improve the load time of the product details page."

🔹 (product) specs
Short for specifications — technical or descriptive details of a product.
Example: "The product specs include dimensions, weight, and materials."

🔹 (something) missing
When something expected is not present or found.
Example: "If the data is missing in the cache, we’ll fetch it from the database."

Exercises

Vocabulary

Choose the best option that matches the meaning or usage of each expression.

1. What does it usually mean when you “hit the database”?
A) Back up the database manually
B) Update the user interface
C) Make a request to the database
D) Delete a record permanently

2. What is a “data fragment”?
A) A file stored in the recycle bin
B) A piece of a larger set of data
C) A network protocol
D) A type of error message

3. “Have you noticed...?” is a way to:
A) Ask for permission
B) Report a technical failure
C) Request a password change
D) Bring attention to a change or issue

4. What is “stale data”?
A) Fresh data from the API
B) Data that is no longer valid or updated
C) Data stored in a CSV file
D) Data still loading

5. To “reduce latency” means to:
A) Add more logging
B) Decrease the response time
C) Increase CPU usage
D) Remove all caching

6. What does “set a TTL of” 10 minutes mean?
A) Set a timer to delete the database
B) Configure how long the cache remains valid
C) Trigger a file transfer
D) Make the page load slower

7. A “slow function call” typically:
A) Uses less memory
B) Is unrelated to performance
C) Takes a long time to execute
D) Is only used in testing

8. An “expensive operation” in programming usually involves:
A) High cost in time or system resources
B) External user authentication
C) Currency conversion logic
D) Buying additional software

9. To “track the cache keys” means to:
A) Encrypt cache data
B) Monitor and manage how data is cached and retrieved
C) Generate database indexes
D) Secure passwords

10. What does “load time” refer to in a web app?
A) Server downtime
B) Time it takes for a page or component to fully appear
C) Memory usage of a background job
D) Frequency of user sign-ins

11. “Product specs” typically include:
A) Customer email addresses
B) Marketing slogans
C) Technical details about a product
D) Billing rates

12. When “something is missing” in a cache layer, it means:
A) The user’s session expired
B) The item was not found in the expected storage
C) A full database reset occurred
D) The server restarted unexpectedly

Fill-in-the blanks

Complete each sentence with the correct word or expression from the list below:

Word Bank:
hit the database • data fragment • have you noticed • stale data • reduce latency • set a TTL of • slow function call • expensive operation • track the cache keys • load time • product specs • missing

1. To avoid unnecessary queries, the system first checks the cache before it needs to __________.

2. If you only need the title and price, cache that small __________ instead of the whole product object.

3. __________ how long the homepage takes to display lately?

4. We need to refresh the cache often, or users will see __________ that’s no longer accurate.

5. Using a CDN can help us __________ for users far from the server.

6. Let’s __________ 15 minutes so the cache doesn’t grow too stale.

7. That tax calculation runs every time and takes 2 seconds — definitely a __________.

8. Pulling all records with joins on 5 tables? That’s an __________ we should avoid frequently.

9. We should __________ by product ID to easily invalidate or refresh specific entries.

10. The __________ of our blog page increased after we added more third-party scripts.

11. The engineer asked for the __________ so she could double-check dimensions and compatibility.

12. If the data is __________ in the cache, we’ll fetch it directly from the backend.

Reading comprehension

1. Why are Roger and Smith discussing caching strategies?
A) They want to upgrade the server
B) The product details page is loading slowly
C) They need to store user passwords
D) They’re planning to delete the product table

2. What type of data do they decide to cache first?
A) User profiles
B) Search queries
C) Product specs
D) Shopping cart contents

3. What strategy do they plan to use for caching?
A) Full-page caching
B) Write-through caching
C) Cache-aside (lazy loading)
D) No-cache strategy

4. How do they plan to deal with stale data?
A) Never cache anything
B) Use a CDN
C) Manually update the cache and set a TTL
D) Disable database access

5. Which tool do they mention for implementing the caching layer?
A) PostgreSQL
B) Redis
C) MongoDB
D) Elasticsearch

Homework

Role play

Instructions:
Work with a partner and create a short dialog (10–14 lines) between two software engineers discussing how to improve the performance of an API or web page. Be sure to include at least 8 of the following words or phrases from the Word Bank in your conversation.

Word Bank: hit the database • data fragment • have you noticed • stale data • reduce latency • set a TTL of • slow function call • expensive operation • track the cache keys • load time • product specs • missing

Life experience

Reflect on your own experiences in software development or system design. Answer the following questions based on situations similar to the dialog and vocabulary you’ve learned:

1. Have you ever worked on a system or application where performance was an issue?
What was causing the slow load time, and how did you or your team try to reduce latency?

2. Can you recall a time when using cached data caused problems due to it being stale?
How did you detect it, and what did you do to prevent it from happening again?

3. Have you ever used tools like Redis or Memcached to avoid hitting the database repeatedly?
What kind of data or function calls did you cache, and what was the impact on performance?

4. In your projects, have you ever needed to track cache keys or set a TTL for cached items?
Why was this important in your system, and how did you manage invalidation or expiration?

Done

Dialog

Alice: Good morning! Welcome to Speedy Rentals. How can I help you today?

Ryan: Hi! I’d like to rent a car for my business trip.

Alice: Of course. Will you be picking it up today?

Ryan: Yes, my pickup time is 10 a.m., and I’ll return it on Friday around 3 p.m.

Alice: Got it. That makes your drop-off time Friday at 3 p.m. Would you prefer an automatic or manual transmission?

Ryan: Definitely automatic. I’m not used to driving manual.

Alice: No problem. Our daily rate for a mid-size sedan is $45. Would you like to add GPS or a Wi-Fi hotspot? That’s an additional fee of $10 per day.

Ryan: I’ll skip those. But do I need to return the car with a full tank?

Alice: Yes, please. If not, we’ll charge a fuel replacement fee. Also, please be aware of possible late fees if you return the car past your scheduled time.

Ryan: Understood. And what happens if there’s any damage?

Alice: We’ll inspect the vehicle before and after the rental. If there’s any new damage, the security deposit may be used to cover repairs.

Ryan: Got it. Sounds good. Let’s go ahead with the rental.

Alice: Perfect. I just need your driver’s license and credit card.

Vocabulary

• Rent – To pay to use something temporarily.
  Example: I’d like to rent a car for three days.

• Pickup time – The scheduled time when you get the rental car.
  Example: My pickup time is 10:00 a.m.

• Drop-off time – The scheduled time when you return the car.
  Example: Drop-off time is Friday at 3:00 p.m.

• Manual transmission – A car that requires the driver to change gears using a clutch and stick.
  Example: I can’t drive a manual transmission.

• Automatic transmission – A car that changes gears automatically.
  Example: I prefer automatic transmission—it’s easier.

• Daily rate – The price you pay to rent the car for one day.
  Example: What’s the daily rate for this SUV?

• Additional fee – Extra money charged for extra services or conditions.
  Example: There’s an additional fee for GPS.

• Full tank – A completely filled fuel tank.
  Example: Please return the car with a full tank.

• Late fee – An extra charge if you return the car late.
  Example: There’s a $20 late fee per hour.

• Damage – Physical harm to the car like dents or scratches.
  Example: We will inspect the car for any damage.

• Security deposit – Money held temporarily in case of damage or rule violations.
  Example: The security deposit is $300 and will be refunded.

• Pick up – The act of collecting or receiving the rental car.
  Example: Where do I pick up the car?

• I’m not used to – I’m not familiar or comfortable with something.
  Example: I’m not used to driving a manual car.

Exercises

Vocabulary

1. What does it mean to rent a car?

A) To buy it permanently
B) To borrow it for free
C) To use it temporarily for a fee
D) To repair it

2. What is your pickup time?

A) The time you buy the car
B) The time you take the car from the rental agency
C) The time you return the car
D) The time you pay the bill

3. What is your drop-off time?

A) When you take a break
B) When you call the company
C) When you return the rental car
D) When you get your deposit back

4. What does a car with manual transmission need?

A) A GPS
B) An electric battery
C) Gear shifting by the driver
D) Self-driving system

5. An automatic transmission car:

A) Needs the driver to shift gears
B) Changes gears by itself
C) Can only drive in the city
D) Has no brakes

6. What does daily rate mean?

A) The cost of lunch
B) The fuel price
C) The cost per day of renting the car
D) The cost of parking

7. What is an additional fee?

A) A discount you get
B) A fee added for extra services
C) A payment for washing the car
D) The refund you receive

8. What is a full tank?

A) A completely filled gas tank
B) A bag for your clothes
C) A new engine
D) A free parking spot

9. What is a late fee?

A) A bonus for early return
B) A charge for returning the car late
C) A fee for using a phone
D) A tax included in the rate

10. What does damage mean?

A) A clean car
B) A car with strong brakes
C) Physical harm or scratches on the car
D) A change of tires

11. A security deposit is:

A) A payment for extra insurance
B) A gift from the rental agency
C) A fee for using the car abroad
D) Money held in case of damage

12. To pick up the car means:

A) Wash the car
B) Leave the car at the airport
C) Take the car from the rental location
D) Call the police

Fill in the blanks

Complete the sentences using the words from the vocabulary list:

Words to use: rent – pickup time – drop-off time – manual transmission – automatic transmission – additional fee – full tank – late fee – damage – security deposit – pick up – daily rate – I’m not used to

1. I’d like to ______ a car for my weekend trip.

2. What time is your ______?

3. The ______ for this car is $50.

4. Please return the car with a ______, or you’ll be charged.

5. There’s a $25 ______ if you return the car late.

6. I can’t drive this car; ______ driving manual.

7. You can ______ the car at the downtown office.

8. Do I have to pay an ______ for GPS?

9. We need to check the car for any ______ before you leave.

10. A $300 ______ is required to rent this vehicle.

11. My ______ is Monday at 3:00 p.m.

12. I prefer ______ because it’s easier in traffic.

13. This car has a ______, so you’ll need to shift gears manually.

Reading comprehension

1. Where does this conversation take place?

A) At the hotel front desk
B) At a rental car counter in Chicago
C) Inside a restaurant
D) In a taxi office

2. Why did Ryan choose an automatic transmission?

A) It was cheaper
B) He had no other option
C) He’s not used to driving manual
D) He wants to go faster

3. How much is the daily rate for the car?

A) $55
B) $200
C) $35
D) $75

4. What is the total security deposit required?

A) $55
B) $100
C) $0
D) $200

5. What happens if Ryan returns the car without a full tank?

A) He gets a reward
B) He pays a fuel fee
C) The deposit is returned
D) Nothing happens

6. What extra feature did Ryan decide to pay for?

A) Wi-Fi
B) A map
C) GPS
D) Baby seat

7. How many days will Ryan keep the car?

A) One
B) Two
C) Three
D) Five

8. What does Alice ask Ryan to do before leaving with the car?

A) Take a photo with the car
B) Call his company
C) Sign a new contract
D) Check for damage

9. What does Ryan do after everything is confirmed?

A) Pays in cash
B) Walks away without a car
C) Picks up the keys and starts his trip
D) Goes to the hotel

10. What will happen if Ryan returns the car late?

A) He will get a free day
B) He will be charged a late fee
C) He will lose the GPS
D) He will keep the deposit

Homework

Role play

Work with a partner to create a new dialogue at a car rental counter. Be creative and make it realistic, one of you will play the traveler, and the other will be the rental car attendant.

Make sure to include the following words in your conversation:

• rent

• pickup time

• drop-off time

• manual transmission

• automatic transmission

• daily rate

• additional fee

• full tank

• late fee

• damage

• security deposit

• pick up

• I’m not used to

Life experience

1. Have you ever rented a car while traveling for business or vacation? What was the process like, and did you face any challenges?

2. Have you ever had to choose between a manual and an automatic transmission when renting or borrowing a car? Which did you choose, and why?

3. Have you ever had to pay an additional fee or a late fee when using a rental service (car, bike, equipment, etc.)? What happened, and what did you learn from the experience?

Done

Dialog

Rony:
Hi there! I’m Rony. I’m here on a business trip from São Paulo. I was really drawn to your booth, the design looks very modern.

Elena:
Nice to meet you, Rony! I’m Elena. Welcome! We’re showcasing our latest line of automation solutions for food processing plants.

Rony:
That’s exactly what I’m looking for. My company is exploring ways to improve efficiency and reduce operational costs. What kind of systems do you specialize in?

Elena:
We focus on high-precision equipment for food preparation and packaging. Our machinery ensures consistent results while being energy-saving, which helps companies cut costs without compromising performance.

Rony:
Interesting. We’ve been having issues with our cooling system lately. Does your equipment handle temperature control?

Elena:
Absolutely. We offer integrated cooling units designed to maintain optimal temperatures throughout the process. Plus, our systems follow strict hygiene standards, everything is built with easy-to-clean, stainless steel parts.

Rony:
That’s crucial. Food safety is a top concern. I like how you’re combining innovation with practical needs.

Elena:
Thanks! Would you like a quick demo? We’ve got a live simulation of our machinery running in the corner.

Rony:
I'd love that. Lead the way!

Vocabulary

Exercises

Vocabulary

1. What does "I was really drawn to" mean?
A) I was bored by it
B) I was hired by it
C) I was very attracted to it
D) I walked away from it

2. What does "showcasing" mean in this context?
A) Hiding a product
B) Rejecting a proposal
C) Displaying or presenting something
D) Shipping equipment

3. "Latest line" refers to:
A) The newest product line
B) The phone line
C) The end of a waiting line
D) A broken assembly line

4. If someone says “Lead the way,” they are:
A) Asking to be left alone
B) Offering to help
C) Asking someone to guide them
D) Turning off a machine

5. What are "hygiene standards"?
A) Levels of productivity
B) Fire safety rules
C) Rules for cleanliness and sanitation
D) Engineering norms

6. "Having issues" with a machine means:
A) It’s working perfectly
B) It’s experiencing problems
C) It needs more speed
D) It’s brand new

7. What is a "cooling system" used for?
A) Heating the environment
B) Filtering the air
C) Maintaining low temperatures
D) Increasing humidity

8. "Compromising performance" means:
A) Improving how something works
B) Protecting system speed
C) Making something perform worse
D) Fixing a broken machine

9. "Food processing plant" refers to:
A) A greenhouse for growing herbs
B) A kitchen in a restaurant
C) A factory that prepares food products
D) A store that sells frozen food

10. "Energy-saving" equipment is designed to:
A) Use as much electricity as possible
B) Run on gas instead of electricity
C) Reduce energy consumption
D) Work only during the night

11. What does "machinery" mean?
A) A software platform
B) A collection of machines
C) A human team
D) A cleaning product

12. "Operational costs" are:
A) Costs related to marketing only
B) One-time purchase expenses
C) Day-to-day expenses of running a business
D) Employee bonuses

Fill in the blanks

Word Bank:
I was really drawn to • showcasing • latest line • Lead the way • hygiene standards
having issues • cooling system • compromising performance • food processing plants • energy-saving • machinery • operational costs

1. Our company is currently __________ with our labeling machine. It keeps stopping mid-process.

2. We are __________ our newest models of automated slicers at this year’s expo.

3. All of our equipment meets international __________ to ensure food safety.

4. These machines are designed to be __________, helping reduce electricity bills.

5. The factory just upgraded its entire __________ to improve production speed.

6. We invested in a high-capacity __________ to keep dairy products at a safe temperature.

7. I visited several booths, but __________ yours because of the sleek design and live demo.

8. Would you like to see our machines in action? Great, please __________.

9. We specialize in equipment for __________ that need both speed and hygiene.

10. Our accounting team tracks monthly __________ to monitor factory efficiency.

11. This new slicer line is our __________ – faster, quieter, and easier to clean.

12. The new motors reduce energy use without __________.

Reading comprehension

1. Where is Rony from?
A) Rio de Janeiro
B) Lisbon
C) São Paulo
D) Buenos Aires

2. Why was Rony interested in Elena’s booth?
A) It had free samples
B) The booth had a modern design
C) He recognized Elena
D) It was offering discounts

3. What kind of solutions is Elena’s company showcasing?
A) Mobile apps for delivery
B) Artificial intelligence systems
C) Automation solutions for food processing plants
D) Financial software for food companies

4. What does Rony’s company want to improve?
A) Customer service and delivery speed
B) Efficiency and operational costs
C) Branding and social media presence
D) Legal compliance and taxes

5. What makes Elena’s machinery energy-efficient?
A) It turns off automatically at night
B) It runs on solar power only
C) It cuts costs without compromising performance
D) It is made with recycled plastic

6. What issue is Rony’s company currently facing?
A) High employee turnover
B) Delays in ingredient delivery
C) Problems with their cooling system
D) Complaints about food packaging

7. How does Elena’s system ensure food safety?
A) It uses blockchain tracking
B) It includes AI-powered cameras
C) It follows hygiene standards and uses stainless steel parts
D) It requires no human contact

8. What does Elena offer to Rony at the end of the conversation?
A) A printed brochure
B) A business card
C) A guided factory tour
D) A live demo of the machinery

Homework

Role play

Create a new dialog with a partner and make sure to include the following words:

I was really drawn to • showcasing • latest line • Lead the way • hygiene standards
having issues • cooling system • compromising performance • food processing plants • energy-saving • machinery • operational costs

Life experience

1. Have you ever attended a business event, trade show, or industry exhibition? What was it like, and did you find anything particularly interesting or useful?

2. In your work or studies, have you ever dealt with machinery, automation systems, or equipment related to food production or another industry? What was your experience with it?

Done

Conversation

Dialog

Attendant: Good evening! Welcome to the Hilton Hotel. How can I help you?

Mark: Hi, I have a reservation. The name is Mark Evans.

Attendant: Great, Mr. Evans. May I see your ID and credit card, please?

Mark: Of course. Here you go.

Attendant: Thank you. I see you're staying for two nights, is that correct?

Mark: Yes, I’m here on a business trip.

Attendant: Wonderful. Your room includes breakfast and free Wi-Fi. Would you like a wake-up call?

Mark: Yes, please. 6:30 AM tomorrow.

Attendant: Noted. Here’s your key card. You’ll be in room 504.

Mark: Is that a quiet room?

Attendant: Yes, it's at the end of the hallway, away from the elevator.

Mark: Perfect. What time is check-out?

Attendant: Check-out is at 11 AM. Let us know if you need anything else.

Mark: Thanks. Have a good night.

Attendant: You too, Mr. Evans. Enjoy your stay!

Vocabulary

| | check-out | | | | --- | --- | --- | | here you go | Let me know | wake-up call | | stay | on a business trip | breakfast | | noted | reservation | May I see | | away from the | quiet room | key card |

• check-out
  Definition: The process of leaving a hotel and paying the bill.
  Example: "Check-out is at 11 AM."

• here you go
  Definition: A polite way to hand something to someone.
  Example: "Here you go," he said as he gave his ID and card.

• Let me know
  Definition: A phrase used to ask someone to inform you about something.
  Example: "Let us know if you need anything else."

• wake-up call
  Definition: A phone call made by hotel staff to wake a guest up at a specific time.
  Example: "Would you like a wake-up call?"

• stay
  Definition: The time period someone spends at a hotel.
  Example: "You're staying for two nights."

• on a business trip
  Definition: Traveling for work purposes.
  Example: "Yes, I’m here on a business trip."

• breakfast
  Definition: The first meal of the day, often included in hotel services.
  Example: "Your room includes breakfast."

• noted
  Definition: A formal way to say that something has been recorded or remembered.
  Example: "Noted. Here’s your key card."

• reservation
  Definition: An arrangement made in advance to hold a room, table, etc.
  Example: "Hi, I have a reservation."

• May I see
  Definition: A polite way to ask to look at something.
  Example: "May I see your ID and credit card, please?"

• away from the
  Definition: At a distance from something.
  Example: "Away from the elevator."

• quiet room
  Definition: A room that is peaceful and has little noise.
  Example: "Is that a quiet room?"

• key card
  Definition: A plastic card used to unlock a hotel room.
  Example: "Here’s your key card."

Exercises

Vocabulary

Hotel Vocabulary Quiz

1. What does "check-out" mean at a hotel?
A) The time you can eat breakfast
B) The process of booking a room
C) The time you leave and pay your bill
D) A type of room cleaning

2. What does “here you go” usually mean?
A) You’re asking for something
B) You’re handing something to someone
C) You’re refusing a request
D) You’re opening a door

3. What is a “wake-up call” in a hotel?
A) A phone call from your friend
B) An emergency alarm
C) A scheduled call from the hotel to wake you up
D) A breakfast reminder

4. If you are “on a business trip,” you are:
A) Traveling for fun
B) Traveling for work
C) Traveling with your family
D) Not staying at a hotel

5. Which of the following items is used to open your hotel room?
A) Room code
B) Hotel map
C) Key card
D) Password

6. What does “reservation” mean in the hotel context?
A) A special meal
B) A cleaning request
C) A room booked in advance
D) A kind of hotel view

7. If something is “away from the elevator,” it means:
A) It is close to the entrance
B) It is far from the elevator
C) It is broken
D) It is noisy

8. What does “quiet room” imply?
A) It is full of noise
B) It has no lights
C) It is peaceful with little noise
D) It is far from the lobby

9. What does “Let me know” mean?
A) Stop talking
B) Tell me later
C) Keep a secret
D) Inform me if needed

10. If the receptionist says "Noted", what does it mean?
A) They forgot what you said
B) They disagree
C) They have recorded or understood it
D) They need to ask again

Fill in the Blanks

Word Bank:
check-out • here you go • Let me know • wake-up call • stay • on a business trip • breakfast • noted • reservation • May I see • away from the • quiet room • key card

• I have a __________ under the name John Smith.

• __________ your ID and credit card, please?

• I’d like a room that is __________ elevator noise, please.

• He asked for a __________ at 7:00 AM.

• You can use your __________ to open the room door.

• __________ if you need more towels.

• I'm traveling __________, so I only need one night.

• Your __________ includes free Wi-Fi and a hot meal.

• __________. I’ve added that to your file.

• What time is __________ tomorrow?

• I’ll be staying for a two-night __________.

• The receptionist smiled and said, “__________,” while handing me the map.

• Is it possible to get a __________? I need to sleep well before my meeting.

Reading comprehension

Why is Mark staying at the hotel?
A) He’s on vacation
B) He’s visiting family
C) He’s attending a wedding
D) He’s on a business trip

2. What service does the hotel offer for free?
A) Lunch and dinner
B) Parking and laundry
C) Breakfast and Wi-Fi
D) Airport transfer

3. What time did Mark request a wake-up call?
A) 6:00 AM
B) 6:30 AM
C) 7:00 AM
D) 7:30 AM

4. Where is Mark’s room located?
A) Next to the lobby
B) Near the restaurant
C) At the end of the hallway
D) On the ground floor

5. What time is check-out at the hotel?
A) 10 AM
B) 11 AM
C) 12 PM
D) 1 PM

Homework

Role play

Create a new dialog with the following words:

check-out • here you go • Let me know • wake-up call • stay • on a business trip • breakfast • noted • reservation • May I see • away from the • quiet room • key card

Done

Dialog

Waiter: Good evening! Welcome to La Riviera. Do you have a reservation?
Mark: No, I’m here on a business trip, just looking for a quick dinner.
Waiter: No problem. Table for one?
Mark: Yes, please. Somewhere quiet, if possible.
Waiter: Of course. Right this way.

(They walk to the table)

Waiter: Here’s the menu. Can I start you off with something to drink? Maybe sparkling wine?
Mark: Just still sparkling water for now, thank you.
Waiter: Any food allergies or preferences I should know about?
Mark: No allergies. I’d like something light. Maybe fish?
Waiter: The grilled salmon is very popular, served with steamed vegetables.
Mark: That sounds perfect. I’ll have that.
Waiter: Great choice. I’ll be right back with your sparkling water.
Mark: Thanks. I have a meeting in an hour, so something quick would be great.
Waiter: Understood. I’ll make sure the kitchen takes care of it right away.

Vocabulary

1. I’ll be right back with
   ➤ Meaning: I will return shortly bringing something.
   ➤ Example: “I’ll be right back with your drink.”

2. I’ll have that
   ➤ Meaning: I choose that item (often from a menu).
   ➤ Example: “The pasta sounds good. I’ll have that.”

3. That sounds perfect
   ➤ Meaning: That option is ideal or just what I wanted.
   ➤ Example: “Grilled salmon with vegetables? That sounds perfect.”

4. Food allergies
   ➤ Meaning: Reactions caused by eating certain foods (like peanuts or shellfish).
   ➤ Example: “Do you have any food allergies we should be aware of?”

5. Right this way
   ➤ Meaning: Follow me in this direction (often used by hosts/waiters).
   ➤ Example: “Your table is ready. Right this way, please.”

6. Somewhere quiet
   ➤ Meaning: A place with little noise.
   ➤ Example: “Could I sit somewhere quiet? I have a meeting later.”

7. Reservation
   ➤ Meaning: An arrangement to have a table saved at a restaurant.
   ➤ Example: “Do you have a reservation for tonight?”

8. Start off with
   ➤ Meaning: Begin with something (commonly used for food/drinks).
   ➤ Example: “Can I start you off with some drinks?”

9. Sparkling water
   ➤ Meaning: Water with bubbles (carbonated).
   ➤ Example: “Would you like still or sparkling water?”

10. Something light
    ➤ Meaning: A meal that is not heavy or filling.
    ➤ Example: “I’m not very hungry. Just something light.”

11. Takes care of it
    ➤ Meaning: Handles it or solves it.
    ➤ Example: “Don’t worry, the kitchen takes care of it quickly.”

12. Sparkling wine
    ➤ Meaning: Wine with bubbles, like champagne.
    ➤ Example: “Would you like some sparkling wine to start?”

Exercises

Vocabulary

Quiz vocabulary

1. What does “I’ll have that” mean?
A) I’ll return soon
B) I don’t want that
C) I choose that item
D) I cooked that myself

2. What is “sparkling water”?
A) Water with sugar
B) Water with bubbles
C) Frozen water
D) Water with lemon only

3. If a waiter says “Right this way,” what should you do?
A) Wait at the door
B) Go to the bathroom
C) Follow them
D) Sit down immediately

4. What does “That sounds perfect” express?
A) Uncertainty
B) Confusion
C) Enthusiasm or satisfaction
D) Disagreement

5. What are “food allergies”?
A) Foods that people dislike
B) Reactions to certain foods
C) Foods eaten after midnight
D) Expensive foods

6. What is a “reservation” at a restaurant?
A) A complaint about service
B) A type of food
C) A saved table for a guest
D) A list of available dishes

7. What does “Somewhere quiet” mean in a restaurant?
A) Near the music
B) Near the kitchen
C) A peaceful place with little noise
D) Outside in the street

8. If the waiter says, “Can I start you off with something to drink?”, what are they doing?
A) Ending the meal
B) Taking the main order
C) Offering a beginning drink
D) Asking you to leave

9. What does “something light” refer to in a meal?
A) A dessert
B) A cold dish
C) A small or easy-to-digest meal
D) A drink

10. “Takes care of it” means:
A) Ignores the problem
B) Solves or handles something
C) Complains to the chef
D) Waits until later

11. What is “sparkling wine”?
A) Wine with added sugar
B) Wine with gas/bubbles
C) Wine with fruit
D) Wine served with ice

12. If a waiter says, “I’ll be right back with your water,” they mean:
A) They are leaving the restaurant
B) You need to wait until tomorrow
C) They will return soon with water
D) You need to go get it

Fill-in-the blanks

Word Bank
(Use each phrase once)

• I’ll have that

• I’ll be right back with

• That sounds perfect

• Food allergies

• Right this way

• Somewhere quiet

• Reservation

• Start off with

• Sparkling water

• Something light

• Takes care of it

• Sparkling wine

Complete the sentences with the correct phrase from the box:

1. Waiter: Good evening! Do you have a ______________?

2. Guest: Could I sit ______________? I need to focus before my meeting.

3. Waiter: ______________, sir. Follow me.

4. Guest: I’m not too hungry. Just ______________ would be great.

5. Waiter: Would you like to ______________ a drink?

6. Guest: Just some ______________, please. No alcohol for now.

7. Waiter: Any ______________ I should be aware of?

8. Guest: I’ll go with the grilled salmon. ______________.

9. Guest: That fish dish looks great. ______________.

10. Waiter: Excellent choice! ______________ your drink.

11. Guest: I’m in a bit of a hurry.
    Waiter: Don’t worry—the kitchen ______________ it quickly.

12. Waiter: Would you prefer a glass of ______________ to start the evening?

Reading Comprehension

Read the conversation “Dinner at La Riviera” and answer the questions:

1. Why is Mark eating alone at the restaurant?
A) He was stood up by a friend
B) He lives nearby
C) He is on a business trip
D) He is celebrating a promotion

2. What kind of seating does Mark request?
A) Near the window
B) Near the entrance
C) Somewhere bright
D) Somewhere quiet

3. What drink does the waiter first offer Mark?
A) Orange juice
B) Sparkling wine
C) Coffee
D) Tap water

4. What dish does Mark order?
A) Pasta with meatballs
B) Chicken salad
C) Grilled salmon with vegetables
D) Steak and fries

5. What does the waiter promise to do?
A) Bring dessert for free
B) Call a taxi for Mark
C) Make sure the kitchen prepares the food quickly
D) Give him a table near the window

Introduction

In the fast-paced world of microservices, keeping systems running smoothly can be a real challenge. One helpful approach to handle failures and avoid bigger problems is the Circuit Breaker pattern.

In a recent chat between two developers, Josh and Robin, they discussed how this pattern can make a big difference in their work. Josh opened up about some issues he was facing with a service that kept trying to connect to a failing API, which led to a lot of strain on their servers. Robin, who has experience with the Circuit Breaker pattern, shared insights on how it can help manage these situations better.

Their conversation highlights the importance of finding smart solutions to keep systems healthy and responsive.

Conversation

Dialog

Josh: Hey Robin, have you ever worked with the Circuit Breaker pattern in microservices?

Robin: Yeah, I have! It's a lifesaver when you're trying to avoid cascading failures. Why, are you running into something like that?

Josh: Kind of. One of our services kept retrying a failing API, and it caused massive resource exhaustion on our servers.

Robin: Classic scenario. Did you try adding a fallback response to handle those failures gracefully?

Josh: Not yet. But I was thinking about it. Do you think it’d help reduce the latency?

Robin: Definitely. Instead of waiting for timeouts, the circuit breaker stops unnecessary requests and triggers an alternative workflow.

Josh: That makes sense. I read it also enables smoother recovery when the failing service starts working again.

Robin: Exactly! When the circuit breaker moves to a half-open state, you can test a few requests before fully re-enabling it.

Josh: I see. And it should prevent the system from being overwhelmed while it's recovering, right?

Robin: Right. Plus, it reduces the overhead of constantly handling retries and logging failures.

Josh: Got it. I'll look into implementing one for our API calls. Thanks for explaining this so clearly!

Robin: Anytime! Let me know if you need help setting up thresholds or fallback logic.

Vocabulary

• Circuit Breaker Pattern

  • Definition: A software design pattern that prevents a system from making repeated requests to a failing service, improving resilience and stability.

  • Example: "The Circuit Breaker pattern helped us avoid crashes when our API dependency went down."

• Cascading Failures

  • Definition: A chain reaction of failures where the failure of one system causes failures in others.

  • Example: "One misconfigured service caused cascading failures across the entire application."

• Resource Exhaustion

  • Definition: A state where a system runs out of resources, such as memory, CPU, or connections, due to overuse or improper handling.

  • Example: "Too many retries led to resource exhaustion in the database server."

• Fallback Response

  • Definition: An alternative response or action provided when the primary operation fails.

  • Example: "When the main API is down, we return a fallback response from our cache."

• Lifesaver

  • Definition: Something or someone that provides critical help in a difficult situation.

  • Example: "The Circuit Breaker pattern is a real lifesaver in distributed systems."

• Run Into

  • Definition: To encounter or experience a problem or difficulty.

  • Example: "We ran into issues with service downtime during peak hours."

• Latency

  • Definition: The time delay between a request and a response in a system.

  • Example: "Using a fallback reduced the latency during service outages."

• Triggers

  • Definition: Actions or conditions that initiate a specific process or behavior.

  • Example: "A high failure rate triggers the circuit breaker to open."

• Alternative Workflow

  • Definition: A secondary process or solution used when the primary workflow is unavailable.

  • Example: "The system switches to an alternative workflow when the payment gateway fails."

• Smoother Recovery

  • Definition: A gradual and controlled process of returning to normal operation after a failure.

  • Example: "The half-open state allows for a smoother recovery by testing the service incrementally."

• Overwhelmed

  • Definition: A state where a system or person is unable to handle the workload or stress.

  • Example: "Without the circuit breaker, the service was overwhelmed with requests during the outage."

• Overhead

  • Definition: The extra processing time, memory, or cost required to perform an operation.

  • Example: "Adding a circuit breaker introduces some overhead, but it's worth it for the added resilience."

• Thresholds

  • Definition: Predefined limits or conditions that determine when certain actions are triggered.

  • Example: "We set the failure thresholds to five consecutive errors before the circuit breaker opens."

Exercises

Story telling

Role play

Instructions
For this exercise, you will practice using the vocabulary related to this dialog by acting out a role-play scenario.

Include the words provided in the vocabulary section.

[Circuit Breaker Pattern, Cascading Failures, Overwhelmed, Resource Exhaustion, Fallback Response, lifesaver, Run Into, Latency, Triggers, Alternative Workflow, Smoother Recovery, , Overhead, Thresholds]

Personal experience

Talk about your past experience with the topic.

Homework

Reading comprehension

1. What problem was Josh experiencing with one of his services?

2. How does Robin describe the Circuit Breaker pattern in relation to cascading failures?

3. What solution did Robin suggest to help handle failures more gracefully?

4. What advantage does the Circuit Breaker pattern provide when a failing service starts to recover?

5. What did Josh plan to do after his conversation with Robin regarding the Circuit Breaker pattern?

Fill-in-the blanks

Fill in the blanks with the correct word or phrase from the vocabulary list:

[Circuit Breaker Pattern, Cascading Failures, Overwhelmed, Resource Exhaustion, Fallback Response, lifesaver, Run Into, Latency, Triggers, Alternative Workflow, Smoother Recovery, , Overhead, Thresholds]

1. The __________ is a design pattern that helps prevent a system from being __________ by stopping requests to a failing service.

2. When a service keeps failing and other services depend on it, this can lead to __________, causing the entire system to crash.

3. Implementing a __________ can help manage failures by providing a backup option when the primary service is down.

4. One of the main benefits of the __________ is that it reduces the __________ caused by constant retries and logging of failures.

5. When a service starts to recover, the Circuit Breaker pattern allows for a __________, which helps test the service before fully re-enabling it.

6. If you __________ issues with an API, it’s important to have strategies in place to handle them effectively.

7. The Circuit Breaker pattern is often considered a __________ for developers working with microservices.

8. By setting appropriate __________, you can control when the circuit breaker should open or close based on the service's performance.

9. The Circuit Breaker pattern also helps reduce __________, as it stops unnecessary requests and allows for a more efficient response.

10. When the circuit breaker is in a half-open state, it can send a few requests to the service, which __________ the process of recovery.

Partner role play

Create your own partner role play activity. Make sure to include the words you’ve learned.

Produce

Create Your Own Dialog

Instructions:
Using the new words/expressions you’ve learned.

Done

Introduction

Benny and Rose are two software developers meeting for coffee to catch up on their careers. Benny recently transitioned out of a tech lead role, where he managed a complex project involving multiple technologies and leadership responsibilities.

Curious about his experience, Rose asks him about the challenges and insights he gained during his time as a tech lead. Their conversation explores Benny’s journey, his thoughts on leadership, and how it shaped his approach to development.

Conversation

Dialog

Rose: So, Benny, I heard you were a tech lead. What was that like?

Benny: It was a great learning experience. I managed a project with Angular, Node.js on AWS Lambda, MySQL, Redis, and ElasticSearch.

Rose: That’s quite a stack! What was the hardest part?

Benny: Balancing the technical work with leadership. Translating client requirements into tasks for the team took some practice.

Rose: Did you enjoy the leadership part?

Benny: Eventually, yeah. I especially liked code reviews—mentoring juniors and improving quality felt really rewarding.

Rose: How about working with the client?

Benny: It taught me how to manage expectations. Clients often think tech solutions happen overnight.

Rose: Do you think being a lead changed how you see development?

Benny: Definitely. I started thinking more about teamwork and long-term impact, not just the code.

Rose: Do you see yourself leading again?

Benny: Maybe, but right now I’m focused on tech. Leadership will always be an option if the right project comes along.

Rose: Sounds like you’re ready for whatever’s next.

Benny: Thanks, Rose. Maybe you’ll lead a team someday too!

Rose: We’ll see. Here’s to growth, Benny.

Benny: Cheers!

Vocabulary

That's quite a

• Definition: Used to express admiration or surprise about something notable or impressive.

• Portuguese Translation: Isso é realmente um(a)...

• Sample Sentences:

  1. "That’s quite a stack you worked with; it must’ve been challenging."

  2. "That’s quite a story! How did you handle it?"

I heard

• Definition: A phrase used to introduce something someone else has told you or that you learned from a source.

• Portuguese Translation: Eu ouvi / Fiquei sabendo.

• Sample Sentences:

  1. "I heard you were promoted to tech lead—congratulations!"

  2. "I heard that project was really successful. How did it go?"

What was that like?

• Definition: A question asking for a description or someone's experience of something.

• Portuguese Translation: Como foi isso?

• Sample Sentences:

  1. "You worked with a remote team for two years? What was that like?"

  2. "What was that like, managing both technical and leadership responsibilities?"

Client requirements

• Definition: The needs or specifications outlined by a client that a project must fulfill.

• Portuguese Translation: Requisitos do cliente.

• Sample Sentences:

  1. "Understanding client requirements is essential for project success."

  2. "We spent hours clarifying the client requirements before starting development."

Take practice

• Definition: To require repeated effort or experience to develop a skill.

• Portuguese Translation: Exige prática.

• Sample Sentences:

  1. "Translating client needs into tasks takes practice, but it gets easier."

  2. "Public speaking takes practice, especially if you’re not used to it."

Rewarding

• Definition: Giving a sense of satisfaction or fulfillment.

• Portuguese Translation: Gratificante.

• Sample Sentences:

  1. "Mentoring junior developers was one of the most rewarding parts of my job."

  2. "It’s rewarding to see a project come together after months of effort."

Eventually

• Definition: At some later time; in the end.

• Portuguese Translation: Eventualmente / Finalmente.

• Sample Sentences:

  1. "Eventually, I started enjoying the leadership aspect of my role."

  2. "Don’t worry if it’s hard now—you’ll get the hang of it eventually."

Manage expectations

• Definition: To help someone understand what can realistically be achieved to avoid disappointment.

• Portuguese Translation: Gerenciar expectativas.

• Sample Sentences:

  1. "Part of my job was to manage expectations with the client about deadlines."

  2. "It’s crucial to manage expectations when setting project goals."

Overnight

• Definition: Happening very quickly or in a very short time, often unrealistically so.

• Portuguese Translation: Da noite para o dia.

• Sample Sentences:

  1. "Clients often expect solutions to appear overnight, but that’s rarely the case."

  2. "Success doesn’t happen overnight; it takes effort and time."

Teamwork

• Definition: The combined effort of a group to achieve a common goal.

• Portuguese Translation: Trabalho em equipe.

• Sample Sentences:

  1. "Good teamwork made this complex project a success."

  2. "Learning effective teamwork is essential in any leadership role."

Long-term impact

• Definition: The effect or influence of something over an extended period.

• Portuguese Translation: Impacto a longo prazo.

• Sample Sentences:

  1. "As a tech lead, I focused on building features with a long-term impact."

  2. "The decision to use a scalable architecture will have a positive long-term impact."

Cheers

• Definition: A casual expression of good wishes or congratulations, often used in toasts.

• Portuguese Translation: Saúde! / Um brinde!

• Sample Sentences:

  1. "Cheers to a successful project and all the hard work!"

  2. "Let’s wrap up this meeting. Cheers, everyone!"

Come along

• Definition: To appear, arrive, or become available; to accompany someone.

• Portuguese Translation: Surgir / Acompanhar.

• Sample Sentences:

  1. "I’ll take another leadership role when the right opportunity comes along."

  2. "Let me know if any interesting projects come along—I’d love to join."

Exercises

Story telling

Role play

Personal experience

Homework

Fill-in-the-blanks

Complete the sentences below using the vocabulary words: That’s quite a, I heard, What was that like?, client requirements, take practice, rewarding, eventually, manage expectations, overnight, teamwork, long-term impact, cheers, and come along.

1. When you worked as a tech lead, __________________ leading a remote team?

2. Developing effective __________________ is essential for completing large-scale projects successfully.

3. "Wow, __________________ setup! Managing that must have been challenging."

4. To meet __________________, it’s important to clarify their needs early in the process.

5. Mentoring junior developers is incredibly __________________; seeing their growth is fulfilling.

6. Translating business ideas into technical tasks can __________________, but it gets easier over time.

7. Don’t expect success __________________; real progress takes consistent effort.

8. I know the beginning is tough, but __________________, you’ll feel more confident in this role.

9. Part of being a leader is learning how to __________________, especially with clients who expect quick results.

10. The changes we’re making now will have a __________________ on our company’s future.

11. __________________ you’ve taken on a new role recently. How are you liking it?

12. When a better opportunity __________________, I’ll consider stepping back into a leadership role.

13. We’ve worked so hard on this project—__________________, everyone!

14. Joining the right team means finding people who truly value __________________ and collaboration.

Reading comprehension

1. What are some of the technologies Benny worked with as a tech lead?

2. What was the most challenging aspect of Benny’s role as a tech lead, according to him?

3. How did Benny describe his experience working with clients?

4. Why does Benny think being a tech lead changed his perspective on development?

5. What is Benny focusing on in his career now, and how does he feel about taking on a leadership role again in the future?

Produce

Create Your Own Dialog

Instructions:
Using the new words/expressions you’ve learned.

Done