Unit 7 Asking/answering questions about your duties at work 职责询问与说明

Key terms

1. data crunching/number——crunching performing complex actions with data or numbers; analyzing or problem solving with data or numbers 数据处理

2. handle——in this case, to have overall responsibility for supervising or directing 处理

3. under the authority of——controlled by 由……支配

4. in charge of——in this case, heading: managing or directing something 主管；负责

5. to delegate——to entrust to another; to assign responsibility or authority 委托；授权

6. hires——in this case, employees 员工

7. job description——a description of the responsibilities associated with a given job 职务说明

Katharine is asking Jacob about her responsibilities.

Katharine: Jacob, can you tell me what I should do to fi nish this data entry project? I know that my main duties will be centered around analyzing the data, but should I start in on that right away? Should I write up a report on what I’ve done first?

Jacob: Oh, it’s not necessary to write a report on that. But before you start the analysis, I want you to read some of our previous reports, to get a sense of what we look for and how our analysis is organized, because you’re going to be responsible for setting up the database that organizes our results. Because this is your fi rst time, please show me the database before you start the analysis. I might want to make some changes.

Katharine: OK. And will I be working on writing for this project?

Jacob: I want you to stay focused on the data for now, so no, not this time. You’ll get a chance to write soon, but in this position you are mainly going to be doing data-crunching.

Sample Sentences 

A. Describing responsibilities

1. Our division works on building brand identity, market share, and brand market strategy.

2. I was hoping you could take care of the meeting set-up so I can work on my presentation.

3. Julie’s going to handle the layout, so you don’t need to worry about that.

4. All our research budgets fall under the authority of the finance department.

B. Asking about responsibilities

5. Who is in charge of marketing?

6. Who is responsible for making travel arrangements?

7. What should I be focusing on now?

8. What should my priorities be in this position?