Free everyday English listening practice for daily life: listen to Mel and Josh, read along with the transcript, learn the key words and check your understanding with a short quiz.
1. Before you listen: key words
Press 🔊 to hear each word or phrase. You'll hear all of them in the conversation.
- time off time when you don't work
- I was wondering if... a soft, polite way to ask for something
- a family commitment something you must do for your family
- swap shifts change work times with a coworker
- give notice tell someone early, before something happens
- in writing in an email or on a form, not only spoken
- flexible able to change plans easily
2. Listen to the episode
Press Play. The line being spoken lights up so you can read along. Start with Slow if you're a beginner, then try Normal. For a challenge, hide the transcript the first time you listen.
Josh: Hi, welcome to the Listening Room. I'm Josh.
Mel: And I'm Mel. Today's topic is one many people find stressful: asking your manager for time off.
Josh: It's easier with the right phrases. First, choose a good moment. Don't ask when your manager is rushing to a meeting.
Mel: You can start with, 'Have you got a minute?' or 'Is now a good time to ask something?'
Josh: Then make the request. A polite way is, 'I was wondering if I could take next Friday off.'
Mel: 'I was wondering if' sounds softer than 'I want'. It's very common at work.
Josh: Give a short reason if you're comfortable: 'My sister is getting married' or 'I've got a family commitment.'
Mel: You don't always need lots of detail. 'A family commitment' or 'a personal appointment' is usually enough.
Josh: Next, show you've thought about the work. 'I'll finish the report before I go.'
Mel: Or, if you work shifts, offer a swap: 'I've already asked Sam, and he's happy to swap shifts with me.'
Josh: That makes it much easier for your manager to say yes. It's also good to give plenty of notice.
Mel: 'Notice' means telling someone early. Asking three weeks before is much better than asking the day before.
Josh: Many workplaces also want the request in writing. After you talk, you could send a short email to confirm.
Mel: Something like, 'As we discussed, I'd like to request leave on Friday the fourteenth. Thanks for your help.'
Josh: Now, the answers. If your manager says yes: 'Thanks so much, I really appreciate it.'
Mel: And if the answer is no? Stay calm and polite. 'No problem. Would another day work better?'
Josh: Good. Asking about another day shows you're flexible.
Mel: So: pick a good moment, 'I was wondering if', a short reason, a plan for your work, and a polite reply.
Josh: Good luck with your next request!
Mel: See you next time!
3. Check your understanding
Loading questions…
4. Shadow the hosts
Shadowing means repeating a line straight after you hear it, copying the speed, stress and rhythm. Press 🔁 next to any line in the transcript, then press 🎤 and say it. Your browser shows what it heard. Try 3 to 5 lines a day.
5. Talk about it
Loading questions…
Frequently asked questions
Is there a transcript for this English listening practice?
Yes. The full transcript is on this page and each line lights up as it's read. You can also print a worksheet with the transcript, questions and answers.
What English level is this episode?
Intermediate (about B1–B2). Beginners can use the Slow speed and read along.
Which words will I learn in this episode?
time off, I was wondering if..., a family commitment, swap shifts, give notice, in writing, flexible. Each one has audio and a simple meaning.
Found this useful? Buy us a coffee on Ko-fi to help keep English Coaching free.