workforce (n) /ˈwɜːrkfɔːrs/ - the people engaged in or available

for work, either in a country or area or in a particular firm or

industry.

productivity (n) /ˌproʊdʌkˈtɪvəti/ - the effectiveness of productive

effort, especially in industry, as measured in terms of the rate of
output per unit of input.

defensively (adv) /dɪˈfensɪvli/ - in a manner intended to defend or

protect.

confrontational (adj) /ˌkɑːnfrənˈteɪʃnl/ - tending to deal with

situations in an aggressive way; hostile or argumentative.

pay-off (n) /peɪ ɑːf/ - a payment made to someone, especially as

a bribe or on leaving a job.

observe (v) /əbˈzɜːrv/ - notice or perceive (something) and

register it as being significant.

The productivity of our team this month is high and we finished a lot
of projects.

I acted defensively to protect my son from bullies.

Thao is very confrontational. She talks to people whatever she wants

to talk about.

I was so angry last night because my husband went out with another
woman, so I confronted him.

I always observe Thao working.

Thao always observes her son playing.

Today, I will observe Tuyen to know how she works.

In order to be a manager, I need to break my back.

This work is so difficult. I have been breaking my back really.

Don’t boil the ocean finishing this project because it’s worthless.

You’re trying to learn English, but you never use it. You’re just boiling
the ocean.

I’m sorry but I can’t help thinking about you.

I can’t help cleaning my room.

I can’t help buying a lot whenever I go to a supermarket.

I can’t help getting angry at stupid people.

I can’t help spending money when I go shopping.

I can’t help looking at the beach.

I can’t help drinking alcohol.