Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- acknowledged /ak-NOL-ijd/
- shake-up /SHEYK-uhp/
- spare /spair/
- workplace /WURK-PLEYS/
- bonding /BON-ding/
[adjective] – known or accepted by many people
He is the acknowledged leader of a political party.
[noun] – a large change in the way something is organized
The arrival of the new manager caused a thorough shake-up of their company.
[verb] – to prevent someone from having to experience something unpleasant
Fortunately, I was spared the embarrassment of having to perform in front of everyone.
[noun] – a building or room where people perform their jobs, or these places generally
Computers have brought dramatic changes to the workplace.
[noun] – the process by which a close emotional relationship is developed
Those first few weeks are essential for the mother and infant to have bonding.
Article reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
There’s nothing better than a pizza party, unless maybe an ice cream social, it’s universally acknowledged. Field trips are also a lot of fun. You can’t go wrong with a great extracurricular activity.
The mandatory fun of the pre-pandemic era has been effectively banished for more than two years, thanks to a major shake-up in company culture. Birthday cupcakes, team happy hours, and forced “fun” events were no longer required due to the pandemic. Of course, many people have participated in a virtual team-building exercise or a Zoom happy hour. On the other hand, workers have been spared the required monthly birthday celebrations, after-hours drinks, and outings. Even as some organizations call employees back to work, “fun” at work is no longer what it once was. Furthermore, due to a pandemic-driven realignment of priorities, many people want to be home with their families as soon as possible after work.
While the mandatory office party may be on its way out, a new type of workplace fun is more necessary than ever. People desire to attend events, which help to encourage team bonding and give individuals who choose to work remotely a cause to reconnect with their colleagues. Employees attend events because they want to, not because their arm is twisted.
The mandatory fun of the pre-pandemic era has been effectively banished for more than two years, thanks to a major shake-up in company culture. Birthday cupcakes, team happy hours, and forced “fun” events were no longer required due to the pandemic. Of course, many people have participated in a virtual team-building exercise or a Zoom happy hour. On the other hand, workers have been spared the required monthly birthday celebrations, after-hours drinks, and outings. Even as some organizations call employees back to work, “fun” at work is no longer what it once was. Furthermore, due to a pandemic-driven realignment of priorities, many people want to be home with their families as soon as possible after work.
While the mandatory office party may be on its way out, a new type of workplace fun is more necessary than ever. People desire to attend events, which help to encourage team bonding and give individuals who choose to work remotely a cause to reconnect with their colleagues. Employees attend events because they want to, not because their arm is twisted.
Discussion Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- What is a great extracurricular activity you do? Could you tell me more about it?
- What activities do you miss doing but you cannot do because of the pandemic?
- If you were to suggest something to make working fun today, what would it be? Why?
- Do you support the idea of requiring employees to attend a Zoom happy hour?
- What activity is a key to reconnect with colleagues? Please elaborate on 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.
- universally
- mandatory
- participate
- organization
- necessary