Should schoolchildren have jobs? 6 Minute English

Summary

In this episode of 6 Minute English, hosts Neil and Dan explore the topic of schoolchildren working part-time jobs. They discuss the benefits and drawbacks of teenage employment, using the term 'Saturday job' to describe common part-time positions. The conversation covers statistics showing a decline in such jobs and the potential impact on young people's work experience. The hosts share personal anecdotes and delve into the meaning of 'rite of passage' and 'detrimental', while also addressing the quiz question about the youngest legal working age in the UK.

Takeaways

• 📰 Dan's first job was a paper round, delivering newspapers at the age of 14.
• 🧐 The main topic of the episode is whether schoolchildren should have jobs and the trend of fewer children working part-time.
• 📉 Statistics show a decline in the number of work permits issued to children in the UK, from 30,000 in 2012 to 23,000 in 2016.
• 🏪 Typical Saturday jobs for teenagers include shop work, which can occur on any day of the week, not just Saturdays.
• 🎓 A 'rite of passage' is an important stage in a person's life, and a Saturday job is often seen as one in the UK.
• 🤔 There is a conflict between employers wanting work experience in young people and the pressure on teenagers to focus on their studies.
• 📚 Some believe that part-time jobs could be detrimental to a schoolchild's academic progress.
• 💼 Neil and Dan share personal experiences where part-time jobs taught them valuable life lessons without hindering their education.
• 📝 The correct answer to the quiz question is that children in the UK can start working from the age of 13, with exceptions for TV, theatre, and modelling.
• 🤝 The script includes a friendly banter between Neil and Dan, highlighting their camaraderie and humor.
• 🔄 The vocabulary recap at the end of the episode reinforces the key terms and expressions discussed throughout.

Q & A

What is the main topic of discussion in this episode of 6 Minute English?

The main topic of discussion is whether schoolchildren should have jobs and the impact of part-time work on their education.

What is a 'paper round'?

A 'paper round' is a job where someone delivers newspapers to people's homes, often done by teenagers.

What is the quiz question posed by Neil at the beginning of the episode?

The quiz question is about the youngest age at which children are allowed to work in the UK.

What are the three options given for the youngest age at which children can work in the UK?

The options are a) 12, b) 13, and c) 14.

What is the correct answer to the quiz question about the youngest working age in the UK?

The correct answer is b) 13, not c) 14 as Dan initially thought.

What is a 'Saturday job' and how does it relate to the topic of the episode?

A 'Saturday job' is a part-time job typically done by teenagers for extra money, often taking place on weekends. It relates to the topic as it is an example of the type of job schoolchildren might have.

How do the teenagers in the Vox insert describe their part-time work?

They describe organizing shelves, assisting customers, and working an average of nine hours a week, with more hours during school holidays.

What does the term 'rite of passage' refer to in the context of this episode?

In this context, 'rite of passage' refers to significant life events or stages, such as graduating from school or having children, which are seen as important in a person's life.

What is the BBC report's main point regarding teenagers and part-time jobs?

The report highlights that fewer teenagers are taking part-time jobs, with a decrease in work permits issued, and that there is a conflict between employers wanting work experience and the pressure on teenagers to focus on their studies.

What does the word 'detrimental' mean in the context of this episode?

In this context, 'detrimental' means causing harm or having a negative effect, particularly in relation to the potential impact of part-time jobs on a schoolchild's academic progress.

What is the significance of the term 'bemoan' as used in the episode?

The term 'bemoan' is used to describe the act of complaining about something, specifically in this episode, employers complaining about the lack of work experience among young people.

What personal experiences do Neil and Dan share regarding their early jobs?

Neil shares that he had a Saturday job in a supermarket and a fish 'n' chip shop, while Dan talks about his paper round and how it taught him the value of hard work.