Olivia / USA 
What is a rumor that you heard?
Hi, I'm Olivia. I'm from Washington DC. Right now, I live in London. And my question is, what is a rumor that you heard?
Well, I'm going to share with you guys right now. So, I work in a retail store. I am not in any sort of management or leadership position, but I'm friends with a lot of the managers who are. And one of my friends who is one of the managers whispered to me three months ago, "Hey, I know that this bigger manager that people don't really like is quitting." But I wasn't allowed to say anything. So, she told me that she was quitting. I had to hide it. And a lot of my coworkers weren't happy with this manager. So, a couple people actually came forward and made an official complaint about this manager and tried to go to HR. And of course, the big bosses didn't do anything about it because they knew that this manager was quitting.
And I was the only one of my rank that knew that this manager was quitting. And then they were getting all upset that the big bosses weren't doing anything, and then I had to try and calm people down. But I guess, I don't know if it's a rumor if it's true. I guess it kind of is if it gets spread around. But yeah, I knew for about three months that one of my bosses that people didn't really like was quitting.
How to Practice Vocabulary
- Review the vocabulary.
- Complete the blanks below with correct words.
- Check your answers. Correct any wrong answers!
retail store
Meaning: A shop that sells products directly to customers.
Examples:
- I work in a retail store in the city center.
- She got a job at a clothing retail store.
any sort of
Meaning: Any type or kind of something.
Examples:
- I’m not in any sort of management position.
- He didn’t give any sort of explanation.
leadership position
Meaning: A job where you are in charge of other people.
Examples:
- She has a leadership position at work.
- He doesn’t want a leadership position yet.
whispered
Meaning: Spoke very quietly so others could not hear.
Examples:
- She whispered a secret to me.
- He whispered so no one else would hear.
hide
Meaning: To keep something secret or out of sight.
Examples:
- I had to hide the information from coworkers.
- She hid the gift until the party.
came forward
Meaning: To speak up or give information, often about a problem.
Examples:
- Several workers came forward with complaints.
- She came forward to tell the truth.
official complaint
Meaning: A formal report saying something is wrong.
Examples:
- They made an official complaint to HR.
- An official complaint was filed last week.
big bosses
Meaning: The people with the most power in a company.
Examples:
- The big bosses didn’t take action.
- The decision came from the big bosses.
of my rank
Meaning: At the same level or position in a job or organization.
Examples:
- I was the only one of my rank who knew.
- People of my rank don’t usually get that information.
getting all upset
Meaning: Becoming very angry, worried, or emotional.
Examples:
- People were getting all upset about the situation.
- She got all upset when she heard the news.
calm people down
Meaning: To help others relax and stop being upset.
Examples:
- I tried to calm people down at work.
- The teacher calmed the students down.
spread around
Meaning: Shared with many people, often quickly.
Examples:
- The rumor spread around the office.
- News spreads around fast at work.
Vocabulary Quiz
rank • calm • spread
What is the correct word? Listen to the audio to hear the answer!
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