Task
/tæsk/
nounverbA2
Definition
A task is a job or duty that a person has to do. It can be small or big, simple or difficult. When used as a verb, to task someone means to give them a job or responsibility to complete.
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See It in Action
A piece of work or duty to be done
- •I finished my task early and felt proud.
- •Cleaning the kitchen was my task today.
- •The manager gave me a difficult task at work.
To give someone a job or duty
- •The boss tasked her with organizing the meeting.
- •They were tasked to prepare the report by Friday.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "task" like "job," but it can be smaller and more specific, like cleaning one room instead of working all day
- ✓Picture a checklist with boxes to tick when each task is done
- ✓It's the feeling of having something to do that you want to finish well, like homework or a chore
- ✓Sounds like "task" → imagine a mask that you wear when you do your work seriously
- ✓Think of a teacher giving you a homework task to do at home
- ✓NOT like "play" (fun and free), a task is work you need to finish
- ✓NOT like "project" (big work), a task can be just one small part of a project
- ✓As a verb, NOT like "help" (voluntary), to task someone means to officially give them work to do
Try Other Words
- •Assignment: a piece of work given to someone (Use when the work is given formally, often in school or work)
- •Duty: a responsibility or task someone must do (Use when emphasizing responsibility or obligation)
- •Chore: a small task, usually at home (Use when the task is a simple, routine job like cleaning)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: root word "task" (no prefix or suffix)
- •Etymology: From Old North French "tasque," from Latin "tasca," meaning a duty or tax (work to be done)
- •Historical development: Originally meant a duty or tax to be paid, later changed to mean a piece of work or job
- •Modern usage: Commonly used to mean any work or duty, both in everyday and work contexts, and as a verb meaning to assign work
Reflect & Connect
•How do you decide which tasks are most important to do first in your day?
•Can a task be fun, or is it always something serious and difficult?
Fill in the blanks
1.She was given a ___ that needed to be completed by the end of the day because it was very important.
2.When you are tasked with a job, you are ___ to finish it well and on time.
3.Unlike a long project, a task is usually a ___ part of the work.
4.I like to write down each task on my list so I can ___ them one by one.
5.Some tasks are easy, but others require more ___ and time.
6.The teacher tasked the students ___ to prepare a presentation about animals.
7.When you finish a task, you often feel a sense of ___ and relief.