Topic 11 想一起工作/学习的人 

1. What kinds of colleagues do you like to work with?
I like working with colleagues who are nice and responsible. You know, you have to spend a lot of time with them. So it makes a big difference86 if you can get along with them. Having things in common87 with them is also super helpful. But they need to be responsible too. One of my favorite coworkers always takes responsibility for her actions. When we work on something together, she always does her part carefully. And she also makes sure we’re on the same page88.

2. What abilities do you need to get along with coworkers?
In my opinion, people have to be patient and considerate to get along with coworkers. You know, you should be nice to others. But you won’t always like everyone you meet. So to get along with them, you should be patient and always stay on your best behavior89. Plus, you have to be considerate about their thoughts and feelings. That way you can get along.

3. Which is more important to you at work, development in work-related skills or recognition from your supervisors?
I think development in work-related skills is more important. I like getting recognition from my supervisors. But that won’t get me as far as90 developing skills. When you develop work-related skills,you can take them to the next job. That way you’re prepared if you want to move on. In other words91, building more skills is like building up your resume92.

4. Do students have the right to choose who they share a desk with?
That’s a hard question. On the one hand, students have to spend a lot of time with their desk-mate, and they’re very close to them. So I think it would help if they could choose93. But on the other hand,especially when students are young, they need to learn how to get along with their peers, that’s an important lesson. So maybe the teachers should decide.

5. What are the advantages and disadvantages of seats assigned by teachers?
Well, one advantage is that teachers can pair up students who can work well together94. If they sit together, they can help each other. My desk-mate in high school often helped me out with stuff like math. But a disadvantage is that you might have to sit with someone you don’t really get along with.

86 it makes a big difference: 事情会有很大不同
87 Having things in common：彼此有共同的爱好
88 on the same page：意见一致，达成共识
89 stay on your best behavior: （举止行为）尽力做到最好
90 get me as far as：get far 在这里的意思是走的更远，发展更好
91 In other words：换句话说
92 building up your resume：丰富人生简历
93 it would help if they could choose：如果（学生）有选择权的话会更好
94 pair up students who can work well together：把能互相促进学习的学生分配坐同桌