Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- provision /pruh-VIZH-uhn/
- contrast /kuhn-TRAST/
- norm /nawrm/
- indisputable /in-di-SPYOO-tuh-buhl/
- widespread /WAHYD-SPRED/
[noun] – the act of providing something
The government is responsible for the provision of education for all children.
[verb] – if one thing contrasts with another, it is very different from it
Your actions contrast with your principles.
[noun] – an accepted standard or a way of behaving or doing things that most people agree with
Non-smoking is now the norm in most workplaces.
[adjective] – true, and impossible to doubt
The internet has changed the world, it is indisputable fact.
[adjective] – existing or happening in many places and/or among many people
English is a widespread language.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
The United States may be one of the world’s wealthiest countries, but it ranks last on one critical metric: it is the only wealthy country without a national paid parental leave policy. Even though the Pew Research Center stated in 2015 that nearly half of all two-parent families have both parents working full-time, only 21% of US workers have access to paid family leave through their employers.
This lack of provision contrasts sharply with European countries, where paid parental leave is the norm. Paid parental leave, according to research, provides indisputable benefits for parents, children, and the societies of nations that give it. In the United States, there is widespread support for it; according to academic research published in April, roughly 82 percent of Americans support paid parental leave. This figure has been very constant over the years and includes support from all major parties. The reasons for the United States’ continued outlier status on paid parental leave are multifaceted, mixing post-World War II requirements with a complex national cultural identity of individualism and self-determination.
However, there is now a strong drive for change. President Joe Biden of the United States proposed a $225 billion (£163 billion) package of paid family and medical leave benefits in April, allowing workers to take up to 12 weeks off to care for a newborn or family member. Paid parental leave is a rare topic that Americans of all stripes can support in a country that feels more polarized than ever. So, why hasn’t anything been done at the federal level yet – and with Biden’s idea on its way to Congress, may it finally happen this time?
This lack of provision contrasts sharply with European countries, where paid parental leave is the norm. Paid parental leave, according to research, provides indisputable benefits for parents, children, and the societies of nations that give it. In the United States, there is widespread support for it; according to academic research published in April, roughly 82 percent of Americans support paid parental leave. This figure has been very constant over the years and includes support from all major parties. The reasons for the United States’ continued outlier status on paid parental leave are multifaceted, mixing post-World War II requirements with a complex national cultural identity of individualism and self-determination.
However, there is now a strong drive for change. President Joe Biden of the United States proposed a $225 billion (£163 billion) package of paid family and medical leave benefits in April, allowing workers to take up to 12 weeks off to care for a newborn or family member. Paid parental leave is a rare topic that Americans of all stripes can support in a country that feels more polarized than ever. So, why hasn’t anything been done at the federal level yet – and with Biden’s idea on its way to Congress, may it finally happen this time?
Discussion Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Does your country have a paid parental leave program?
- Do you know anyone who has just taken a parental leave?
- If you had the power to decide on this matter, how many weeks would you allow workers to care for a newborn or family member?
- Do you agree with the 82 percent of Americans who support paid parental leave?
- In your opinion, why is this program not implemented in some countries? Please explain your answer.
Summarization
Please summarize the whole article using your own words and expressions. You will have one minute to prepare before you answer.
Describe:
Please explain the definition of each word listed below based on your understanding. You can provide example sentences if needed.
- wealthy
- policy
- access
- benefit
- publish