Tag: Work and Workplace

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Traveling and working in different locations at the same time seems ideal. This working setup feels like a dream for most employees. However, people who have been doing it have found that it is different from what they imagined.

Read the article to learn more about people quitting digital nomadism.

https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20230531-the-workers-quitting-digital-nomadism

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does “ebb” mean, “After five years, however, the excitement of the nomadic lifestyle across the world began to ebb.“? Give two synonyms of this word and use them in sentences.
2. What does “pin down” mean, “It’s difficult to pin down the exact number of these types of workers.“? Use this phrase in a sentence.
3. What is an “untethered worker“? “In other countries where data is less available, resources abound to help untethered workers make their way across the globe.” Use this phrase in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

1. What is your opinion on digital nomadism?
2. Name some challenges or drawbacks associated with being a digital nomad.
3. What are some of the reasons cited by workers for leaving the digital nomad lifestyle?
4. Would you like to experience being a digital nomad? Why or why not?
5. How do you think being a digital nomad could impact your personal relationships and social life? Do you see it as an advantage or a challenge?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Making an effective presentation depends primarily on preparation. In addition to helping you feel more confident, rigorous planning will guarantee that you have carefully considered the themes you want or need to convey in your presentation.

https://www.skillsyouneed.com/present/prepare-presentation.html

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does the word “tailor” mean? “Tailoring your talk to the audience is important.” Use the word in a sentence.
2. What does “quell” mean? “It does much to quell fear if you can visualize the place while you are preparing for your talk.” Make a sentence using the word.
3. What does the phrase “turn up” mean? “You will not be popular if you turn up on the day and announce that you have completely rewritten your presentation on the train.” Use it in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

1. Which audience is preferable for presentations: a large or a small one? Why?
2. Have you ever had to make a presentation in English? How did you find the experience?
3. Do you think it would be a good idea to practise the presentation with your English teacher beforehand, or would this make the actual presentation less spontaneous?
4. Do you write out everything you are going to say word for word, or do you just make general notes? What are the advantages and disadvantages of each method?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

People seek genuine pleasant workplaces, not superficial ones. Seize the opportunity to reflect and assess whether your organization genuinely nurtures a culture of kindness or simply puts up a front.

This enlightening article delves into the hazards of a “nice” company culture.

https://www.applauz.me/resources/the-dangers-of-a-nice-culture

Vocabulary Questions:

Give the meaning of the highlighted words in the following sentences. Provide sample sentences.

1. In short, is it possible to set the bar too low?
2. Mistakes and toxic actions being swept under the rug.
3. Nice cultures are guilty of the opposite — dancing around hard truths.

Discussion Questions:

1. How does the article define “nice company culture” and why is it hazardous?
2. Why do leaders pursue a nice culture in organizations?
3. What are the downsides of a nice culture in an organization?
4. How does open and honest communication help combat the hazards of a nice company culture?
5. Have you faced challenges expressing dissenting views or giving candid feedback? How were they received, and what were the outcomes?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

The role of an educator is instrumental in sculpting the minds of the youth, fueling the ambitions of future leaders, and leaving an enduring imprint on the very essence of society.

Many individuals, driven by a genuine passion for a subject and a desire to work with children, choose to switch careers to become teachers. 

Unlock the insights behind this career transition and discover the remarkable impact it can have on both teachers and their students by clicking on the link.

https://theconversation.com/working-with-kids-being-passionate-about-a-subject-making-a-difference-what-makes-people-switch-careers-to-teaching-205999

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does “mid-career” mean, “A 2022 survey by the federal government’s Behavioural Economics Team found one in three mid-career individuals was open to the idea of teaching.”? Use this word in your own sentence.
2. What does “make the switch” mean in the sentence, “Many had thought about becoming a teacher for a long time, calling it a longstanding interest or “someday” career. This desire often predated their first career choice, but life circumstances played a big role in choosing when to make the switch.”? Use this phrase in your own sentence.
3. What does “longstanding interest” mean in the sentence, “Many had thought about becoming a teacher for a long time, calling it a longstanding interest or “someday” career. This desire often predated their first career choice, but life circumstances played a big role in choosing when to make the switch.”? Use this phrase in your own sentence.

Discussion Questions:

1. In what ways can teaching provide an avenue for individuals to make a difference in the lives of children and society as a whole?
2. Do you hold the belief that teaching is an esteemed and honorable occupation?
3. Is teaching considered a popular and commonly chosen profession in your country? Why or why not?
4. Share any personal stories or examples of individuals who switched careers to teaching and successfully made a difference in the lives of their students.
5. Talk about your ideal vocation that you dream of attaining.
6. What field or area of study has held your fascination over an extended period of time? Please share.

B2 – Upper Intermediate

In the fast-paced and demanding world of work, it’s easy to get caught up in a constant cycle of tasks and responsibilities. However, amidst the hustle and bustle, one crucial element often gets overlooked – breaks.

Taking regular breaks throughout the workday is not a luxury, but rather a necessity for maintaining productivity, focus, and overall well-being.

Read the article to know more about how taking regular breaks during the workday help improve performance, concentration, and overall, one’s mood. Be ready to answer the questions that follow.

https://lifehacker.com/your-productivity-needs-more-breaks-1850400649

Vocabulary Questions:

1. Define “decompress” as used in the article. “After a long day of work, I like to decompress by taking a relaxing bath.” Use the word in a sentence.
2. What does the phrase “stick to something” mean? “Despite facing challenges, she stuck to it and eventually achieved her fitness goals.” Use the phrase in a sentence.
3. Explain the meaning of the expression “build the habit” as mentioned in the article. “By consistently practicing piano every day, she was able to build the habit of regular practice.” Use the expression in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

1. According to the article, what is the prevailing belief about uninterrupted work and productivity?
2. What are some of the negative consequences of not taking regular breaks at work?
3. Do you agree with the article’s assertion that taking breaks can improve productivity? Why or why not?
4. How do you personally prioritize and incorporate breaks into your work routine? What benefits have you experienced?
5. Are there any challenges or barriers you face when trying to take breaks at work? How do you overcome them?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

How flexible you are when sudden changes happen? Although last-minute changes can be prevented with careful planning, some projects can be a real challenge to maintaining your balance sometimes.

Read the article to know how to quickly adapt to last-minute hiccups at certain project phases.

https://pmtips.net/article/how-to-adapt-to-last-minute-project-changes-or-hiccupshttps://pmtips.net/article/how-to-adapt-to-last-minute-project-changes-or-hiccups

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What does the expression “best-laid plan” mean, “The best-laid plans sometimes don’t work out. In a perfect world, every project you take on at work would be smooth sailing from start to finish.”? Use this phrase in a sentence.
2. What does “hiccup” mean, “But that still doesn’t stop the occasional hiccup or unexpected circumstance from happening.”? Use the word hiccup in a sentence.
3. What does the word “to be knocked out of the groove” mean in this sentence, “When that happens, it can feel as though everyone is instantly knocked out of the “groove” they’ve been in for the project.”? Use this idiom in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

1. How often do you have to deal with bottlenecks created by your colleagues or partners?
2. How do you usually deal with the situation when unexpected events affect your project timing?
3. How do you feel when your plan changes suddenly? Do you start panicking or looking for solutions?
4.  Have you had to deal with any last-minute changes in your workplace?

B2 – Upper Intermediate

Job-hopping has become a thing nowadays as more people seek greener pastures. It may seem advantageous in terms of your long-term savings. However, it could potentially hurt your retirement savings in the long run.

Read the article to learn about some things to factor in when job-hopping.

https://lifehacker.com/how-job-hopping-impacts-your-retirement-savings-1850274503

Vocabulary Questions:

1. What is a “vesting schedule“, “In most cases, increasing your overall income will do more for you in the long-term than any one company’s vesting schedule.“? Use this phrase in your own sentence.
2. What does the expression “to leave money on the table” mean, “With incentives like a dedicated vesting schedule or matching 401(k) contributions, workers who stick with one company get rewarded for their loyalty—while job-hoppers feel like they’re leaving free money on the table.“? Make a sentence with this idiom.
3. What does “stick with” mean,  “Workers who stick with one company get rewarded for their loyalty.“? Use this phrase in a sentence.

Discussion Questions:

1. How does job-hopping impact retirement savings?
2. Is job hopping a viable option for those who prioritize their retirement savings? Why or why not?
3. Have you ever considered job hopping in order to increase your income or advance your career?
4. How important is retirement planning to you, and what steps are you taking to ensure your future financial security?
5. Do you believe that job hopping can have a positive impact on your career trajectory, or do you think it is better to stay with one employer for a longer period of time?