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 1 Introduction & Vocabulary — Let's Watch  

Wizard: Hee, hee, hee, I finally feel healthy again! That potion my mother gave me really worked. And now I
am very hungry. Luckily I have these cookies. The red cookie is very good. And the orange is cookie is better.
But this purple cookie is the best.
Today you will learn about comparing things or people. Let's see. Hmm. Let me give you an example. This
cookie is big. This cookie is bigger than this cookie. But this cookie is the biggest cookie of them all.
Well, let's get back to our story where you will learn about women in non-traditional roles. Pay close attention.

 2 non-traditional

not following the normal way of doing things; the opposite of traditional

 3 used to

done in the past, but not anymore

 4 position

a job that you have in a company or where you work

 5 handle

to take care of something; to take responsibility

 6 accounts

a place to keep your money in a bank; in business, a customer or client

 7 politics

the activities of the government or political parties

 8 leadership

the job of being in charge or in control; the people in charge or in control

 9 brave

to not be afraid of doing something dangerous or difficult

 10 complicated

not simple or easy; difficult or complex

 11 emotional

showing strong feelings and strong emotions

 12 stressful

causing pressure, worry, or nervousness

 13 Story Start Up — Getting Ready

An assembly line is a work area in a factory where products are assembled, or put together. Mr. Flores used to
be the manager of the assembly line. But he was fired, so now the position for assembly line manager is
available. Mr. Cook offers this position to Marta, and she accepts the job.
The work on the assembly line has become more complicated, and one of the workers is not doing a good job.
Mr. Cook wants Marta to talk to this worker. The problem for Marta is this worker is her good friend, Dora.
In the gifted program at school, Viviana and Juan Carlos' class is having a discussion about women in
leadership roles.
While you watch the video, listen for the answer to this question:
What are some of Marta's new responsibilities as a manager?

 14 Story Start Up — Let's Watch  

Mr. Cook: Ms. Cardona, you do very well as head of your line.
Marta: Thank you.
Mr. Cook: But now that Mr. Flores is gone, I want to offer you his position, manager of the assembly line. Are
you interested?
Marta: Me? Wow.
Mr. Cook: I must tell you, Ms. Cardona, this is not an easy job. As the manager, you'll have to keep schedules,
handle accounts, talk to people who are having problems.
Marta: A line worker has an easier job than a manager but I think I'm ready.
Mr. Cook: I think so too.
Marta: Oh, thank you so much, Mr. Cook.
---------------
Mr. Marcus: Throughout history most men went to work and provided support for the family. Women on the
other hand stayed at home and raised the children. We call these traditional roles.
Juan Carlos: What's wrong with that?
Mr. Marcus: Things have changed now. More and more women do things men used to do. Many work at full
time jobs. They participate in politics and have positions of leadership. Can anybody tell me the meaning of
leadership?
Juan Carlos: Someone who tells people what to do.
Kim: Someone who's smart and brave?
Vivianna: How about someone who makes difficult decisions?
---------------
Mr. Cook: Okay, you know that in the last two weeks the orders have become more complicated.
Marta: I know. When we fill orders, we need to be more careful.
Mr. Cook: Yes, and I'm afraid there's one worker who's not careful. I need you to talk to her.
Marta: No problem. For me talking to the workers is the easiest thing to do.
Mr. Cook: Well, this may be the hardest thing to do. You may have to fire her.
Marta: Fire her? Dora?
---------------
Mr. Marcus: Good leaders must make difficult decisions. But let me ask you this. Can anyone be a leader?
Juan Carlos: Sure. Any guy can be a boss.
Viviana: Any guy?
Kim: What about women?
Mr. Marcus: Yes, what about women, Mr. Gomez.
Juan Carlos: Come on, Mr. Marcus. Women leaders? Are you kidding? Girls are too emotional. They can't
handle stressful situations.
Drew: They cry too much.
Viviana: You are joking, right?
Juan Carlos: No. Look at the facts. Have we had a woman president? No. How about most companies? Who do
you think runs them? Not women.
---------------
Marta: Hi, Dora.
Dora: Hi, Marta. I love it that you're the new boss.
Marta: Well, I wanted to talk to you about your numbers. You're not putting together enough orders in one day.
Dora: Why are you picking on me? Just because you're the new boss? I'm not the slowest worker. Alexander is
slower than me and I know I'm as good as Helen.
Marta: Well, I have to make sure everyone is doing their numbers. I want to help you as much as I can. So tell
me, what's the problem? Why are your numbers low? Dora, I know I can help you work a little faster. But you
have to tell me what the problem is.
Dora: What, you think just because you're the new boss you're better than me? I don't have to tell you anything.
I don't work quickly and I don't work slowly. I just work.
---------------
Viviana: I can't believe I'm hearing this. What's wrong with you?
Kim: Juan Carlos, did you know that Viviana's mom is the head of her entire assembly line?
Juan Carlos: And she's probably really good, right?
Viviana: Yes, she is.
Juan Carlos: Head of the assembly line. Big deal, but could she be a manager? I don't think so.
Mr. Marcus: Okay, you guys. Class is over. We'll pick this up next time.
Juan Carlos: Well, no girl's ever going to be my boss. That's for sure.
Viviana: I can't believe I ever liked Juan Carlos.
Kim: I can't believe I ever liked Drew.

 15 adapt

to change to meet different situations or conditions

 16 purpose

the reason for doing something; why you do something or why something is done

 17 loyal

faithful; always in support of someone or something

 18 employee

a worker, someone who works for a company or business

 19 exceed

to be more, higher, bigger or better than expected

 20 ambitious

something that takes a lot of effort or hard work; a person who works hard to succeed

 21 fail

opposite of succeed; to be unsuccessful in something you try to do

 22 illiterate

not able to read or write

 23 grateful

to be thankful for something; to be happy that something happened

 24 Life Skills — Getting Ready

Mr. Cook and Marta are talking in Mr. Cook's office. He tells Marta that if workers like Dora can't adapt to
new changes, they will have to leave. Mr. Cook said that if Dora doesn't improve quickly, Marta must fire her.
The next day, Dora's numbers still have not improved. When Dora comes to Mr. Cook's office, what will Marta
do? Will she fire her friend?
While you watch the video, listen for the answer to this question:
According to Mr. Cook, what is the purpose or goal of a business?

 25 Life Skills — Let's Watch  

Mr. Cook: I know that firing your best friend is not the easiest thing in the world. But as a manager, sometimes
you have to do whatever it takes. This is a business, Ms. Cardona, and businesses make money. Your job is to
see that this business makes a lot of money.
Marta: I understand. But since we handed out the new instructions, something happened. Dora is much slower
now. I tried talking to her but she won't tell me what the problem is.
Mr. Cook: I'm sorry. But this business can't wait for people who can't adapt to change. You either produce or
you're out. Is that clear, Ms. Cardona?
Marta: I understand.
Mr. Cook: If Dora doesn't improve by the end of the day tomorrow, you'll have to fire her.
Marta: Yes, sir.
---------------
Juan Carlos: Hello?
Marta: Juan Carlos. Hi, it's Marta.
Juan Carlos: Hi, Ms. Cardona.
Marta: How's that class you're in with Viviana? She said you guys are enjoying it.
Juan Carlos: Yeah, it's all right.
Marta: Great. Is your mother in?
Juan Carlos: Yeah, just one second. Mom?
Dora: Hello.
Marta: Dora, it's me. Listen, you have to tell me what's wrong.
Dora: Marta, I just need a little more time with the new orders.
Marta: But the new orders aren't very difficult. I know that's not it. You have to tell me.
Dora: Marta, I have to go.
Juan Carlos: What's going on, Mom?
Dora: Nothing sweetheart. Don't worry about it.
---------------
Mr. Cook: Well, the figures are in, Ms. Cardona. I'm afraid Dora didn't make it.
Marta: If you just give me a little more time, I...
Mr. Cook: Ms. Cardona, you must fire Dora at once. That's your job.
Dora: You wanted to see me, Mr. Cook?
Mr. Cook: Yes, Dora, have a seat.
Marta: Hi, Dora.
Mr. Cook: Well, what are you going to do, Ms. Cardona?
Wizard: And freeze!

 26 Life Skills — Reading

Women's Changing Occupations
In the past, men and women used to have their own specific areas of work. Management and leadership
positions were usually only available to men. Men worked in occupational areas like business and politics, and
they held positions as company owners, managers, supervisors and bosses. Women, on the other hand, rarely
worked in positions of management. They typically worked in jobs designed to assist men or positions that
involved working with children. These traditional jobs included positions like secretaries, receptionists, teachers,
and day care providers.
In today's world, things are changing. More and more women are stepping into non-traditional occupations.
Women today occupy more positions of leadership than before. Unlike in the past, women today are business
owners, politicians, company presidents, military officers, managers, doctors, etc. It is important to understand
that both men and women can make great leaders and both can contribute to a better society.

 27 Grammar — Let's Watch  

Wizard: Do you think Marta will fire Dora?
Before we find out, let's compare these two cookies. If they are the same size, you compare them by saying this
cookie is as big as this cookie.
I'm saying these cookies are the same size.
Let's look at another example.
Dora: And I know I'm as good as Helen.
Wizard: This means Dora thinks she works the same as Helen.
Now, if the cookies are different sizes, you compare them by saying this cookie is bigger than this one.
You add an "er" to the adjective for comparison.
Let's look at another example.
Marta: A line worker has an easier job than a manager.
Wizard: Now, to say that one cookie is special and unique, you use superlative adjectives. This cookie is the
biggest one.
You add "est" to the one that is unique.
Let's watch another example.
Marta: For me, talking to the workers is the easiest thing to do.
Mr. Cook: Well, this may be the hardest thing to do.
Wizard: Easy, right?

 28 Making Choices — Getting Ready (A)

Marta decides to fire Dora. After that Mr. Cook asks Marta to look at another worker's numbers. Now, none of
the assembly line workers trusts Marta, and nobody wants to talk to her.
Two weeks later, Mr. Cook is reviewing the production numbers. The numbers have decreased. Marta tells Mr.
Cook that she doesn't think she's a good manager, and she asks for her old job back. But this is not possible
anymore. Now Marta's situation is even worse!
While you watch, listen for the answer to this question.
According to Mr. Cook, by what percentage did the production numbers decrease?

 29 Making Choices — Let's Watch (A)  

Wizard: Now, let's go back to our story and see what Marta decides. Ready and action!
---------------
Marta: Dora? I am very sorry but you can't work here anymore.
Dora: I knew this was coming. I just didn't expect it from you. Thanks for nothing.
Mr. Cook: Well, that's done. Now, I'd like you to check out Alexander.
Marta: Alexander?
Mr. Cook: Yes, I believe he's the slowest one on the line now.
---------------
Marta: Hi Helen.
Hi, Alexander. Let me see your orders, please.
Alexander: What? You're going to fire me too?
Marta: No, Alexander.
---------------
Mr. Cook: Well, in the last two weeks production is down almost 50%. That's too much.
You know I put you in this management position to increase numbers. What's going on?
Marta: I know. I don't think I'm right for this job. I'm not a leader. I think I want my old job again.
Mr. Cook: Well now that's a problem. There are no more positions available.
Marta: What do you mean?
Mr. Cook: Well, I'm afraid you just can't work for this company anymore.
---------------
Wizard: Wow. That's not a good situation for Marta. She needs her job.

 30 Making Choices — Getting Ready (B)

Marta refuses to fire her friend. Instead, she finds another solution. Marta convinces Mr. Cook to give Dora
more time to improve her numbers.
After their meeting with Mr. Cook, Dora finally tells Marta her secret. She tells her the reason why she's been
having a difficult time with the new orders.
Will Marta and Dora be able to solve their problem? Will they both keep their jobs?
While you watch the video, listen for the answer to this question:
Marta convinces Mr. Cook to give Dora more time. What does she say to convince him?

 31 Making Choices — Let's Watch (B)  

Wizard: Let's see what happens when Marta makes a different decision. And action!
---------------
Mr. Cook: Well, what are you going to do, Ms. Cardona?
Marta: I will not fire Dora.
Mr. Cook: Excuse me?
Marta: Mr. Cook, with all due respect, Dora's a very good worker. And I believe I can get her to do her job
better. But we need a little more time.
Mr. Cook: Ms. Cardona, I've told you, this is a business.
Marta: Yes, I know the purpose of this company is to make money. I understand. But this company needs
people, good people, loyal people like Dora. Companies make more money with good, loyal employees.
Mr. Cook: What are you asking?
Marta: Give us three weeks.
Mr. Cook: Three weeks?
Marta: Yes. In that time we promise we will meet and exceed the numbers for the company.
Mr. Cook: Well, that's very ambitious. I like it. But, what if you fail, huh?
Marta: We will not fail. But, if we do, we promise we will both go.
Mr. Cook: Hm. Okay. Three weeks but no more.
Marta: All right.
Dora: Thank you, Mr. Cook.
Marta: Thank you so much, Mr. Cook.
---------------
Marta: Dora, you must tell me what the problem is. Now it's both of our jobs.
Dora: I don't want to talk about it.
Marta: Dora, please. We are friends. I know something happened when we got the new instructions. Now tell
me, what happened?
Dora: It takes me a long time to read the new orders.
Marta: I know that. Why?
Dora: Because I can't read.
Marta: What?
Dora: I can't read, okay? I'm illiterate.
---------------
Marta: Viviana, I have a question about that literacy project you are a part of.
Viviana: Yes, Mom, it starts next month.
Marta: How would you like to start a little sooner?
Viviana: What do you mean?
---------------
Dora: A.
Viviana: B.
Dora: B.
Viviana: C.
Dora: C.
Viviana: D.
Dora: D.
Dora: Fate. Mate. Fat. Fit. Two 21" wooden legs. One pack of rubber feet. One pack of metal tacks. One pack
of three inch screws!
Marta: Oh congratulations! You did it!
Dora: Oh, thanks to you. Oh, thank you!
Marta: Juan Carlos, hi, come in.
Juan Carlos: That's okay. I'm just here to pick up my Mom.
Dora: Oh! I can read! Honey, I can read! Oh! Oh, thank you, Viviana, thank you! Oh, I am so grateful. Thank
you, thank you!
---------------
Marta: How are you guys doing? Good job, you guys, excellent! Continue.
How are you doing, Dora?
Dora: It's working. I'm reading! 998, 999, 1000! 1001, 1002, 1003!!
[Clapping and screaming]
---------------
Mr. Cook: I love these numbers. They're great!
Marta: Thank you, Mr. Cook.
Mr. Cook: So, what was the problem with Dora?
Marta: Hmm, she just needed a little help. That's all.
Mr. Cook: Hmm. Well, you certainly proved me wrong. You know, I need more of that around here. I want to
thank you, Ms. Cardona, for all your hard work. Keep it up.
Marta: Absolutely.
---------------
Juan Carlos: Viviana? Did you get the note I sent you?
Viviana: Yeah, I got it. What do you want?
Juan Carlos: Can I talk to you for a second?
Kim: I'll just talk to you tomorrow, okay?
Viviana: Sure.
Juan Carlos: I want to thank you for helping my Mom.
Viviana: Yeah?
Juan Carlos: Yeah. And I'm really sorry about all those things I said about your Mom and that women can't be
good leaders. I was wrong. And your mom, she's a great boss. She saved my mom's job.
Viviana: Yes, she did.
Juan Carlos: And, you know Kim's party's coming up, right?
Viviana: Yeah.
Juan Carlos: I'm wondering if you wanted to go with me.
Viviana: I can't. I have a ten o'clock curfew.
Juan Carlos: Ten o'clock?
Viviana: I know. Maybe some other time? Thanks though.
---------------
Marta: Hi, Viviana.
Viviana: Juan Carlos, what are you doing here?
Marta: Juan Carlos came to ask for permission to take you out to Kim's party.
Juan Carlos: You did?
Marta: And I told him that you can go with him, but only if you came back-
Viviana: Yeah, I know -
Marta: - by midnight.
Viviana: Midnight?
Marta: Not one minute later!
Viviana: Thank you, Mom! I love you. Thank you.
Marta: Not one minute after midnight or I'll have your head.
Juan Carlos: I promise, Ms. Cardona.

 32 Review and Assessment — Let's Watch  

Wizard: Bye, Mom!
What a story. See how a little patience can go a long way? Today you learned about comparative and
superlative adjectives. You also learned that women have many new opportunities.
Well, I have to go now. I'm finally feeling better and Rosalinda invited me to go meet her family.
I'm nervous.
But in the meantime, don't forget to practice your English.
We'll see you soon on the next English for All!

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