Topic Vocabulary & Exercises
20. Work
VOCABULARY
Audio File
Topic Vocabulary:
apprenticeship (noun [c]):
Definition: A system of training new workers in a trade or profession with on-the-job training.
Example: She decided to apply for an apprenticeship to become an electrician.
demanding (adjective):
Definition: Describes a task, job, or situation that requires a lot of effort, skill, or time.
Example: Working in the healthcare industry can be demanding because of the high pressure.
engaging (adjective):
Definition: A task, job, or situation that is interesting and keeps one's attention.
Example: He was glad to be involved in the project as it was engaging work that he enjoyed.
freelance (adjective):
Definition: Working for different employers on a project basis rather than being employed by only one company.
Example: She chose freelance work as she wanted to be her own boss.
hierarchy (noun [u]):
Definition: A system or structure where people or things are ranked according to their importance or authority.
Example: He became CEO after 30 years of moving up the company hierarchy.
job security (noun phrase):
Definition: How likely you will keep your job in a company in the future.
Example: Job security is important, especially when the economy is not so good.
layoffs (noun [pl]):
Definition: The act of firing employees, often as a result of financial problems or restructuring.
Example: The company announced layoffs due to a decline in sales.
lucrative (adjective):
Definition: Describes a job or business that can earn a lot of money.
Example: Being a successful YouTuber can be very lucrative if you have a lot of viewers and advertisers.
manual work (noun phrase):
Definition: A type of work that involves physical labour rather than intellectual or office work.
Example: The construction industry involves manual work such as carpentry, plumbing, and bricklaying.
monotonous (adjective):
Definition: Repetitive and boring.
Example: Folding clothes at the store can be monotonous because you do the same task over and over again.
prospects (noun [pl]):
Definition: Chances or opportunities for success or promotion in the future.
Example: The company offered good prospects as it had many branches and offices around the world.
rewarding (adjective):
Definition: Providing a feeling of satisfaction because you are doing something worthwhile.
Example: The volunteer work was challenging but very rewarding.
self-employed (adjective):
Definition: Providing services independently, rather than working for someone else.
Example: My neighbour is self-employed; he runs his own small business making custom furniture.
shift work (noun phrase):
Definition: Working in specific time periods or "shifts," which can include evenings, nights, or weekends.
Example: Nurses often do shift work, working during the day one week and at night the next.
take on (phrasal verb):
Definition: To accept and begin doing additional duties or tasks.
Example: She recently took on the role of CEO.
take time off (verb phrase):
Definition: Requesting and receiving permission to be away from work for a certain period.
Example: After a busy month, I decided to take some time off and relax at the beach.
vocational (adjective):
Definition: Referring to education or training that prepares students for a specific career or trade.
Example: The vocational school offered programs in welding, plumbing, and electrical work.
white collar worker (noun phrase):
Definition: Someone who works in a professional or administrative job, typically in an office.
Example: Lawyers, and accountants are examples of white-collar workers.
work-life balance (noun phrase):
Definition: Achieving a healthy balance between your job or career and your personal life.
Example: She tries to maintain a good work-life balance by leaving the office on time every day.
workload (noun [c]):
Definition: The amount of work that a person has to do.
Example: During their final exams, students often have a heavy workload with lots of studying and assignments.
Exercise 1: Matching Exercise
Match a word(s) from A with a word from B.
A
job
manual
shift
take
take time
white collar
work-life
B
work (x2)
balance
off
security
worker
on
Exercise 2: Matching Exercise
Match the adjectives with the correct definitions below.
1. demanding
2. engaging
3. freelance
4. lucrative
5. monotonous
6. rewarding
7. self-employed
8. vocational
a. Repetitive and boring.
b. Providing services independently, rather than working for someone else.
c. A task, job, or situation that is interesting and keeps one's attention.
d. Describes a job or business that can earn a lot of money.
e. Providing a feeling of satisfaction because you are doing something worthwhile.
f. Referring to education or training that prepares students for a specific career or trade.
g. A task, job, or situation that requires a lot of effort, skill, or time.
h. Working for different employers on a project basis rather than being employed by only one company.
Exercise 3: Gap-fill Exercise
Fill in the blanks with the appropriate word or phrase from the list provided.
1. The heavy ___________ of the new project was overwhelming for the team.
2. After years of working for large companies, she decided to become ___________.
3. Completing the apprenticeship was a ___________ experience for the young carpenter.
4. Although the company pays a low salary, it offers very good ___________ for promotion.
5. The ___________ nature of the job made it difficult to stay motivated.
6. The government wants to increase ___________ training opportunities for school leavers.
7. The ___________ worker spent most of his time in the office.
8. The company implemented ___________ during the economic recession.
9. Maintaining a healthy ___________ is essential for overall well-being.
10. He decided to ___________ a new project to challenge himself.
11. ___________ often requires working unsociable hours.
12. The ___________ in the organisation was clearly defined.
take on
monotonous
work-life balance
self-employed
prospects
hierarchy
vocational
workload
shift work
white collar
rewarding
lay offs
Vocabulary Answer Key:
Exercise 1: job security, manual work, shift work, take on, take time off, white collar worker, work-life balance
Exercise 2: 1g, 2c, 3h, 4d, 5a, 6e, 7b, 8f
Exercise 3: 1. workload, 2. self-employed, 3. rewarding, 4. prospects, 5. monotonous, 6. vocational, 7. white collar, 8. lay offs, 9. work-life balance, 10. take on, 11. Shift work, 12. hierarchy