TOPIC 1

WHEN A FRIEND BECAME

MY SENIOR
Upper-Intermediate

Jerry: Hey, Bob! How's it going?

Bob: Not so well, Jerry. You see, my good friend, Jonathan, was promoted a month ago.
Since then, I’ve been working under him. At first, I didn’t have any problems with being
his subordinate. I was happy that he received the promotion because I knew he worked
really hard for it. However, I’ve been noticing some changes in his attitude these past few
weeks. He’s increased my workload heavily, and when I try to reason with him, he says
things that make me feel inferior. We no longer see eye to eye on many things. I’m afraid
his new position has really gone to his head.

Jerry: That’s unfortunate. How is your relationship outside of the workplace?

Bob: Right now, we’re still good friends. When we step out of the office, it’s like nothing’s
changed. We still enjoy each other’s company. However, I don’t know how much more I
can take from him as my boss. I’m afraid what’s going on at the office will take its toll on
our friendship eventually.
 VOCABULARY

promote -- advance or raise (someone) inferior -- a person lower than another

to a higher position or rank.
problem -- a situation, person, or thing
subordinate -- lower in rank or position.
attitude -- a settled way of thinking or
feeling about someone or something,
typically one that is reflected in a person's
behavior.
increase -- become or make greater in
size, amount, intensity, or degree.
workload -- the amount of work to be
done by someone or something.
in rank, status, or ability.
no longer -- in the past but not now
unfortunate -- having or marked by
bad fortune; unlucky.
eventually -- in the end, especially after
a long delay, dispute, or series of
problems.
friendship -- a state of mutual trust and
support between allied nations.

IDIOMATIC EXPRESSIONS
TAKE ITS TOLL GONE TO HIS HEAD SEE EYE TO EYE

to harm or damage If something that you have similar views or

someone or something, have achieved goes attitudes to something;
especially in a gradual to your head, it makes you be in full agreement.
way too proud.

QUESTIONS
1.  Why  is  Bob  not  doing  so  well?
2.  What  did  Bob  say  about  Jonathan’s  attitude  change?
3.  How  is  their  relationship  outside  the  office?
4.  Can  you  explain  the  idiom  “it’s  really  gone  to  his  head?”
5.  Would  you  be  comfortable  having  a  boss  as  your  friend  ?
6.  When  you  are  promoted  to  a  higher  position,  does  your  attitude  change?
7.  Do  you  consider  yourself  a  good  friend?