Talking about jobs and work in English

Summary

In this lesson, learners explore key English vocabulary and expressions related to jobs and work. The video covers common questions people ask about your profession, how to respond using various phrases, and detailed descriptions of work hours and tasks. Additionally, it introduces essential verbs, adjectives, and nouns associated with the workplace, as well as common idioms and expressions. Perfect for those preparing for English exams like FCE, CAE, or IELTS, this lesson helps learners confidently talk about their careers, whether they are employed, self-employed, or seeking a job.

Takeaways

• 😀 Learn how to respond to basic job-related questions like 'What do you do?' and 'Where do you work?'
• 😀 Understand how to describe your job title and role using phrases like 'I'm a [profession]' or 'I work in [field]'.
• 😀 Discover different ways to describe your work situation, such as 'self-employed', 'freelancer', or 'I work for [company]'.
• 😀 Master how to talk about your work hours using terms like 'shift work', 'overtime', and 'calling in sick'.
• 😀 Learn expressions for when you're not working, such as 'unemployed', 'on a break', or 'taking a sabbatical'.
• 😀 Practice talking about the details of your job responsibilities using phrases like 'I am responsible for [task]' or 'I spend most of my time [activity]'.
• 😀 Get familiar with adjectives that describe your job positively (e.g., 'stimulating', 'rewarding') or negatively (e.g., 'boring', 'thankless').
• 😀 Understand common work-related nouns, such as 'vacancy', 'salary', 'commission', and 'promotion'.
• 😀 Expand your vocabulary with work idioms like 'working for peanuts', 'a slave driver', and 'burn out'.
• 😀 Prepare for exams like IELTS or FCE by practicing work-related vocabulary and conversational phrases.

Q & A

What are some common ways to ask someone about their job in English?

Some common ways to ask about someone's job include: 'Where do you work?', 'What do you do?', 'What do you do for a living?', 'What kind of work do you do?', 'What line of work are you in?', 'What kind of company do you work for?', and 'Who do you work for?'.

How can you describe your job using the expression 'I'm a...'?

You can use the expression 'I'm a...' to state your profession, such as 'I'm a teacher', 'I'm an engineer', or 'I'm a doctor'. This is a direct way to express your job title.

What does it mean if someone says they are 'self-employed'?

'Self-employed' means that the person does not work for a specific company. Instead, they find work for themselves or run their own business.

What does it mean if someone works 'part-time'?

If someone works 'part-time', they work fewer hours than a full-time employee. For example, they might only work three or four days a week instead of five.

What are some examples of phrases used to describe the time when you are not working?

Some common phrases to describe time off include: 'I need a vacation', 'I need a break', 'I need a holiday', 'I'm between jobs', or 'I'm taking a sabbatical'.

What does it mean to 'call in sick'?

To 'call in sick' means to inform your employer that you are unable to come to work because you are unwell.

What are some adjectives used to describe a job that you enjoy?

Adjectives used to describe a job you enjoy include: 'interesting', 'stimulating', 'rewarding', 'challenging', and 'creative'.

What are some negative adjectives used to describe a job?

Negative adjectives to describe a job include: 'boring', 'exhausting', 'soul-destroying', 'thankless', and 'dead-end'.

What does it mean to 'burn out' at work?

To 'burn out' at work means to become extremely tired or stressed from working too much, often leading to a breakdown in performance and well-being.

What is a 'golden handshake'?

A 'golden handshake' is a large sum of money given to an employee when they leave a company, typically when they retire or leave early, as a form of severance or reward.