ESL Podcast 484 – Getting a Performance Evaluation

http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/language/wordsinthenews/2010/07/100707_witn_lohan_page.shtml

In 2007 Lindsay Lohan pleaded [to beg, to plead for sth, to plead with sb to do sth] guiltyto two counts of being under the influence of cocaine
 
When speaking in public, try not use many jargons [special words and phrases that are used and understood by people who work in a particular job but are often confusing for others] words.

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http://www.eslpod.com/website/show_podcast.php?issue_id=7248649

Emil: Have a seat. As you know, we need to talk about your annual performance evaluation. Is there anything you'd like to say before we get started?

Sandra: Yes, there is. I've tried really hard this year to improve on some of the shortcomings identified in my evaluation last year.

Emil: Hmm, I'm afraid that's not reflected in this year's evaluation. Your supervisor noted on the report that you've been performing below par for several months now, and your productivity is down, too.

Sandra: I can't imagine why she would say that. If I haven't excelled on the new project, I've at least pulled my weight. I don't think she can fault me on that.

Emil: On the contrary, she thinks that you've been slacking off and not giving 100 percent.

Sandra: I have had some personal issues, but I didn't think they had been affecting my work. I guess I've let them bring down my performance.

Emil: This was a hard decision, but we're putting you on probation for the next three months. You'll have another evaluation at the end of that time. If your performance isn't up to par by that time, we'll have to think about letting you go.

Sandra: That won't happen. I'm going to pull out all the stops to prove myself.

Emil: Good. That's what I wanted to hear.


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- shortcoming (n): things you do not very well and you should change
- below par : less than expected, less then average
- to excel : to do sth very well , better than anyone expected
- to pull her weight : to do what sb is supposed to do
- to fault sb on sth: to criticize or say negative about sth that sb has done, to blame sb
- to slack off : to be lazy, not work very hard
- to give 100% : to work as hard as you can
- to bring down : to reduce, decrease
- to be up to par : to be at the expect level
- to let sb go: to lay sb off, to fire sb


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Thanks,
Duy Lam