Pre-reading questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
講師がそれぞれの質問を読むので答えましょう。
- Is a “layoff” when workers are let go because of budget cuts?
- Are jobs in technology and manufacturing at high risk of layoffs?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
単語、意味、例文を読みます。講師に続いて音読しましょう。
- early /UR-lee/
- hiring /HAI-ur-uhng/
- unemployed /uhn-em-PLOID/
- worker /WUR-ker/
- future /FYOO-cher/
[adjective] – happening or done before the expected time
She arrived at the party early to help set up.
[noun] – the act of offering someone a job.
We need to speed up the hiring.
[adjective] – not having a job
He is currently unemployed and looking for work.
[noun] – a person who does a job
The worker finished his shift at the factory.
[noun] – the time that comes after the present
We are planning for our future vacation now.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
記事を音読しましょう。講師はあなたの発音とイントネーションを確認します。
In July 2024, job openings in the United States dropped to their lowest level since early 2021, hinting at a possible hiring slowdown in various industries. Throughout the year, job opportunities have steadily decreased, indicating a shift in the labor market. Layoffs increased, reaching their highest since March 2023, but remained close to pre-pandemic levels. Despite more layoffs, mixed signals are present as hiring rose and resignations slightly increased, although the resignation rate is still much lower than in 2022. While many sectors saw fewer job openings, some industries still grew. The number of available jobs remains higher than the number of unemployed people, reflecting a continued demand for workers. The Federal Reserve is watching these labor market trends carefully, as they could influence future interest rate decisions. Economists expect modest job growth and a slight decrease in unemployment, which may provide insight into the economy’s future.
True or False:
Read the sentences and identify if they are true or false based on the article.
文章を読んで、記事に基づいて正誤を答えましょう。
- Job openings in the United States reached their lowest level since early 2021.
- Hiring rates decreased throughout the year 2024.
- The number of available jobs is higher than the number of unemployed people.
- Economists expect a slight decrease in unemployment in the future.
- The Federal Reserve is ignoring labor market trends.
Fill in the blanks:
Choose the correct word from the table, then fill in the blanks.
適切な言葉を選んで空欄を埋めましょう。
| early | hiring | unemployed | worker | future |
- Many ______ people are searching for job opportunities.
- The ______ morning sun was very bright.
- The ______ finished the project on time.
- The ______ was completed last week.
- She hopes to be a teacher in the ______.