Daily English Lesson 6 – Going to Work (Intermediate)

Welcome to Daily English Lesson 6 – Going to Work. Today, we’ll explore useful vocabulary and expressions you can use when talking about your daily commute and work routine. Going to work is something most of us experience, so it’s an essential topic. We’ll practice with an engaging story using intermediate to upper-intermediate vocabulary in a clear, friendly way.

👉 This lesson is also available at the beginner level. Click here to read it.

📖 Story Section – Going to work

Maya had always thought of herself as a morning person, but lately, her routine had started to feel overwhelming. Every day, she left her small apartment at 7:30 a.m., carrying her essential items – her phone, wallet, and a cup of strong coffee. The subway was usually crowded, and she often felt deprived of personal space as she squeezed into the train with dozens of other commuters.

At first, she tried to stay positive. She listened to her favorite podcasts, which made her feel connected to the world beyond the train. However, some mornings were spoiled by delays or noisy passengers who ignored basic manners. On those days, Maya arrived at work already frustrated.

Her workplace, a large advertising agency, demanded creativity and focus. Yet after the stressful commute, Maya often felt exhausted before the day even began. One of her colleagues, who was a native of the city, told her that this was simply “part of the package.” But Maya wasn’t convinced. She wondered whether adapting to the daily grind meant sacrificing too much of her energy.

One Friday morning, something unusual happened. Instead of rushing into the subway, Maya decided to walk to work. It took longer – almost forty minutes – but she noticed things she had never seen before: a quiet park, a bakery with the smell of fresh bread, and even a group of musicians playing on the street. She arrived at the office surprisingly refreshed, no longer overwhelmed by noise and pressure.

That small change made her realize that going to work didn’t have to feel like a burden every day. With some creativity and awareness, even a routine task could become meaningful.

🗣️ Story Section with explanations

Maya thought she was a morning person (someone who feels energetic and productive early in the day). But lately, her mornings had become overwhelming (too much to deal with; very stressful).

Every day, she left her apartment at 7:30 a.m., carrying her essential items (things that are necessary and important)—her phone, her wallet, and her cup of coffee.

She took the subway, but the subway was always crowded (full of people; with little space to move). She often felt deprived (not given something necessary; lacking) of personal space as she squeezed inside with other people.

To stay positive, she listened to podcasts, and this made her feel connected (joined; feeling part of something) to the world. But sometimes her mornings were spoiled (ruined; made unpleasant) by delays or noisy passengers. She would arrive at work already feeling frustrated (upset because things are not going the way you want).

Her office was in a large advertising agency. The job required her to be creative (using imagination to produce ideas) and focused. But after such a stressful commute, she felt exhausted (very tired; having no energy) before the workday even started.

One of her colleagues, a native (a person born in a particular place) of the city, told her this was normal—that it was “part of the package.” But Maya wasn’t sure. She wondered if the daily grind (hard, repetitive work or routine) was taking too much of her energy.

One Friday, she made a new decision. Instead of the subway, she walked. The walk took longer—almost forty minutes. But she saw a small park, a bakery with the smell of bread, and even some musicians. She arrived at work feeling refreshed (feeling better, full of new energy) instead of overwhelmed (too stressed).

That small choice taught Maya something important: going to work didn’t always have to be a burden. Sometimes, a little change in routine could make the whole day feel different.

📚 Vocabulary & Explanation

Overwhelming – too much to handle; very stressful.
Example: The noise in the market was overwhelming.

Essential – very important; necessary.
Example: Water is essential for life.

Crowded – full of people; not enough space.
Example: The bus was crowded during rush hour.

Deprived – not having something important.
Example: He felt deprived of sleep after working all night.

Spoiled – ruined; made less enjoyable.
Example: Rain spoiled our picnic plans.

Frustrated – upset because of problems or delays.
Example: She felt frustrated when the internet stopped working.

Creative – using imagination to make ideas or things.
Example: The designer had a very creative solution.

Exhausted – extremely tired; without energy.
Example: After the long hike, we were exhausted.

Native – a person originally from a place.
Example: He is a native of New York.

Grind – boring, repetitive work or routine.
Example: The daily grind of office life can be tiring.

Refreshed – feeling better, with more energy.
Example: A good night’s sleep left her refreshed.

Connected – joined or linked with something.
Example: She felt connected to nature during her walk.

🔁 Recap

Maya’s mornings had become overwhelming. Each day, she left home at 7:30 a.m. with her essential items and joined the crowded subway. She often felt deprived of space, and some mornings were spoiled by delays or noise. By the time she reached her advertising agency, she was frustrated and exhausted.

One colleague, a native of the city, told her that this daily grind was normal. But Maya wanted something different. One Friday, instead of taking the subway, she walked to work. On her forty-minute walk, she discovered a park, a bakery, and even musicians on the street. To her surprise, she arrived refreshed and in a better mood.

That small change made her realize that going to work didn’t always need to be stressful. With creativity and small adjustments, even a daily routine could feel more positive.

📖 Glossary

• Overwhelming – very stressful; too much to handle.
• Essential – necessary; very important.
• Crowded – full of people; no space.
• Deprived – not having something important.
• Spoiled – ruined; made worse.
• Frustrated – upset by problems or delays.
• Creative – using imagination for new ideas.
• Exhausted – extremely tired.
• Native – person originally from a place.
• Grind – boring daily routine.
• Refreshed – full of new energy.
• Connected – linked; joined.

✍️ Practice Task

Write 6–8 sentences about your own daily routine using today’s vocabulary. Try to include words like overwhelming, essential, spoiled, exhausted, and refreshed. Practice reading your sentences aloud or share them with a friend.

⭐Great job today! Try using today’s words in your own sentences or conversations. Keep practicing a little every day, and you’ll notice your English improving quickly!