Vocabulary:
- emphasize /EM-fuh-sahyz/
- soft skill /sawft skil/
- timekeeping /TAHYM-kee-ping/
- restriction /ri-STRIK-shuhn/
- license /LAHY-suhns/
[verb] to show that something is important
The doctor emphasized the importance of good nutrition.
[noun] people’s abilities to communicate with each other and work well together
The company is focusing on improving everyone’s soft skills.
[noun] the ability to arrive at a place at the time expected
He missed the school bus again because of his poor timekeeping.
[noun] something that limits someone’s actions
The new restrictions on purchase of guns have been imposed.
[noun] an official document that gives you permission to do, use, or own something
She applied for a driver’s license.
Esther McVey, secretary of Work and Pensions in London, emphasizes the importance of having a part-time job. She said this will help students develop their soft skills such as good timekeeping. However, there is a significant decrease in the number of students who have part-time jobs. One of the main reasons is the pressure of their academic subjects. Students who have part-time jobs are struggling in handling stress from schoolwork and demands from their work.
Meanwhile, some employers said that certain restrictions are stopping them from hiring teen workers. Government officials decreased the number of hours they can work. They also set limitations on jobs that teenagers are allowed to do. On top of that, employers need to get a license to hire underage employees. Despite all these, McVey continues to encourage them to hire teenagers, reminding them that UK is a hardworking nation.
Meanwhile, some employers said that certain restrictions are stopping them from hiring teen workers. Government officials decreased the number of hours they can work. They also set limitations on jobs that teenagers are allowed to do. On top of that, employers need to get a license to hire underage employees. Despite all these, McVey continues to encourage them to hire teenagers, reminding them that UK is a hardworking nation.
True or False:
- The government has given a list of jobs that teenagers are allowed to have.
- Academics can help students develop their soft skills.
- The government reduced the number of hours teenagers can work.
- Employers are not required to get a license to hire underage employees.
- Students can hardly balance schoolwork and their part-time jobs.
Discussion Questions:
- Have you tried having a part-time job? Discuss.
- What kind of job did you want to have when you were younger? Please explain your answer.
- What do you think can teenagers learn from working a part-time job?
- Are soft skills a necessity at work? Please explain your answer.
- If you were an employer, would you hire a teenager? Why or why not?
Express Your Opinion:
- “Whenever you are asked if you can do a job, tell ‘em, ‘Certainly I can!’ Then get busy and find out how to do it.” -Theodore Roosevelt
- “Success doesn’t come to you. You go to it.” – Marva Collins
- “Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” – Confucius