L10U5-1 Analyzing a problem

Vocabulay Problems

Listen to three colleagues discussing a problem they face. Select the four words you hear.

setback 挫折
predicament 尴尬的处境

Kinds of problems

There are many words for problems. Notice that a setback refers to something that negatively affects your progress.
A dilemma refers to a difficult choice between two options.

We've had a setback in our efforts to cut costs.
We've had a setback in our efforts to cut costs.

Our dilemma is whether to expand overseas or cut costs here at home. I'm not sure which to recommend.
Our dilemma is whether to expand overseas or cut costs here at home. I'm not sure which to recommend.

Improving our products is a challenge, but we can do it.
Improving our products is a challenge, but we can do it.

Our predicament is the loss of $1,000,000. What happened to it?
Our predicament is the loss of 1 million dollars. What happened to it?

The lack of skilled programmers is a major obstacle for us.
The lack of skilled programmers is a major obstacle for us.

in a nutshell 简而言之

Listen and record what you hear.

We're in a real predicament.

Starting a new company is a challenge.

We've had a setback in our negotiations.

Our dilemma is whether to buy more or sell.

Rising costs are a major obstacle for us.

Expressions Causes and effects

inflation 通货膨胀

Identifying causes and effects

Some phrases for causes and effects use the words of or to, followed by a noun.

One cause of the rent increase is intense demand for office space.
One cause of the rent increase is intense demand for office space.

A major effect of price increases has been to drive out small businesses.
A major effect of price increases has been to drive out small businesses.

The result of inflation has been rising rents.
The result of inflation has been rising rents.

Thanks to John's proposal, the company increased profit.
Thanks to John's proposal, the company increased profits.

Due to the air pollution, many people left the city.
Due to the air pollution, many people left the city.

You can also use verbs like these to describe cause and effect.

The lack of skilled workers caused several companies to hire overseas. The lack of skilled workers caused several companies to hire overseas.

Rising rents have affected all the city's employers. Rising rents have affected all the city's employers.

A lack of profits has resulted in heavy layoffs. A lack of profits has resulted in heavy layoffs.

The new law has resulted in increase in arrests.

Listen and record what you hear.

One effect has been a decrease in our revenues.

Rent increases have caused people to leave.

One cause of increases is more competition.

Thanks to the design team, it's a big success.

A population rise has resulted in rent increases.

A lack of skilled workers has affected us a lot.

Reading A predicament

Read the email from Mary to one of her colleagues discussing the lease situation, and answer the questions.

lease situation
From:
mary.frederick@EVF.com
To: tom.phillips@EVF.com
Hi, Tom.

Just wanted to give you an update on the lease situation and the predicament we're in.

As you know, rents in this area are increasing dramatically. The biggest cause is the quickly growing population. The major effect is increasing financial challenges for both families and businesses. Omniplex Computers has offered $10,000 more a month than we're currently paying for our office space. Our dilemma is whether we pay the increase or move.

On the one hand, we could probably find a similar lease to what we're paying now in a less popular area. But that would mean dislocating a lot of our employees. On the other hand, we can afford to pay the increase due to the increase in sales of our low-priced phones.

It's really not clear what's going to happen. I'll let you know as soon as I hear anything.

Mary

Final Task Money problems

You are meeting with your CEO to explain a financial problem that the company faces. Listen and record the correct response.

We've had a setback in the negotiations. They want more money.

It's a result of the general rise in rents here.

Which brings in competition; in our case, BigHome Products.

Well, they want to move here and take our office.

Well, thanks to this year's new products, we're doing great.

Yes, we can, but do we want to?

Good. The lease decision affects everything.