Idioms & Expressions:
binge (verb; means to watch TV for a long amount of time)
I’ve been binging on The Simpsons all weekend.
glued to the TV (adjective; means you are watching TV constantly)
I’ve been glued to the TV all summer since I have so much free time.
rat race (noun; refers to the competitive workplace environment)
For my sanity, I had to leave the rat race and quit my job.
corporate grind (noun; a term used to describe the effect that working very hard has on a person)
The corporate grind was starting to take a toll on his health.
9-5 (noun; refers to a traditional job where one is expected to work from 9 in the morning until 5 in the evening)
I hated my 9-5, so I quit and moved to a new city.
Part I: Group Discussion
- Where do you usually watch TV programs / shows [Why/Why not]
I watch them on Netflix. I just signed up for the free trial month of the platform, and I really like it so far.
- What is your favorite program / show [Why?]
Right now, I’m watching “Billions.” It’s about a corrupt hedge fund manager and the government employees who are trying to arrest him.
- Are there any programs or TV shows you don’t like watching? [why/ why not]
Well, there are literally thousands of TV shows. I don’t really like watching reality shows, singing shows, or any other kind of shows like that.
- Do you think you will watch more TV or fewer TV programs / shows in the future? [Why/ why not]
Probably more. I don’t have much time for TV right now. But I hope I will in the future.
Part II: Individual Presentations
Describe someone you know who has started a business. You should say:
Who this person is
What work this person does
Why this person decided to start a business
And explain whether you would like to do the same kind of work as this person.
About 10 years ago, my mom started a spa. She is a licensed esthetician and does skincare work for people who want anti-aging treatment or help with acne. She has always had a passion for working with makeup and bringing out the best in people. She also wanted to work for herself and earn money doing something she liked, and this was the best option for her. She’s lasted quite a while and built a good client roster, and I think it was a smart decision for her.
Part III: Group Discussion
- What kind of jobs do young people in your country not want to do?
Most people don’t want to work in service jobs, such as bartending, but they end up doing those jobs because they’re unskilled and the money can be decent. They work them while they look for jobs they would rather do more.
- Who is the best at advising young people in choosing a job, teacher or parents?
Probably teachers, since they know the student’s skills better. Or a guidance counselor is even better, I think.
- Is money always the most important thing when choosing a job?
Not always, but it’s a huge concern for most people. Financial security is rare.
- Do you agree that many people nowadays are under pressure to work longer hours and have fewer holidays?
Absolutely. This is happening globally as companies begin to gain more power.
- What is the impact on society of people having a poor work-life balance?
People’s personal and family lives will suffer. In the West we say “all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.” Rest and relaxation is extremely important.
- Would you recommend some effective strategy for government and employers to ensure people have a good work-life balance?
I think the government needs to look at ways to support people more so they don’t have to work quite as hard, which will help them have a better work/life balance.