B2 – Upper Intermediate
In today’s world, everyone should have ample opportunities to find good jobs, with strong technology, better infrastructure, and easy-to-access knowledge globally. But that ideal isn’t our current reality. Many youths among Gen Z struggle to find jobs; even those that have attended universities as prestigious as Harvard cannot find good jobs, let alone any jobs at all. But why?
To find out more, watch the video below.
Vocabulary Questions:
- What does “vicious circle” mean? “This requirement contradicts the purpose of such positions and places young people in a vicious circle.” Use this term in a sentence. Give a synonym.
- What does “to string together” mean? ”“More than 60% believe they will have to string together multiple temporary or gig economy jobs before accessing a stable position.” Use this phrase in a sentence and give a synonym.
- What does “hybrid job” mean? “For many, that meant a remote or hybrid job. And for some, it meant throwing out the 9 to 5 altogether.” Use this expression to make your own sentence and give a synonym.
Discussion Questions:
- Should companies continue requiring prior job experience for entry-level positions? Elaborate on your answer.
- Do you believe that in the current economy Gen Z is facing, they will be able to earn good jobs after finishing college with good grades?
- If you recently graduated in the US, how would you handle the lack of job opportunities?
- In your opinion, what are the main factors contributing to the lack of job opportunities among Generation Z?
- Share your thoughts on this, “Generation Z youth believe they will not achieve financial independence until age 28 or 30.”
- Share your insights, “Companies, for their part, show a clear tendency to retain current employees instead of expanding their workforces.”