Listening Exercise: Shorter Work Week

1. The company wants to *reduce* the amount of plastic it uses to help the environment.

a) study something carefully
b) make something smaller or less
c) sell something for money

2. Many people *oppose* the new law because they believe it is unfair.

a) agree with something
b) fight against something
c) forget about something

3. After finishing her work, Todd enjoys some *leisure* time by reading or walking in the park.

a) free time when you can relax
b) time spent working hard
c) time spent with family only

4. The government is trying to create more jobs to lower *unemployment* in the country.

a) a situation where people have too much work
b) a situation where people do not have jobs
c) a situation where workers get higher pay

5. The restaurant had to close because of *bankruptcy*; they could not pay their debts anymore.

a) a time when a business has no money and must close
b) a time when a company grows very fast
c) a time when people change jobs

6. Parents often *sacrifice* their own comfort to give their children a better life.

a) buy something expensive
b) protect something carefully
c) give up something valuable for another goal

7. Doctors say being *overweight* can increase the risk of health problems.

a) feeling strong and energetic
b) being tired from too much work
c) weighing more than is healthy

8. There are *fewer* students in the class this year than last year.

a) a smaller number of people or things
b) a larger amount of something
c) the same number as before

1. Who supports the idea of a shorter work week?

a) Nathan Grant
b) Rachel Hunt
c) Dr. Barbara Cassidy
d) Everybody on the show

2. According to Dr. Cassidy, what is one benefit of a shorter work week?

a) Higher company profits
b) More job-related stress
c) Greater happiness and better health
d) More time spent at work

3. What is Nathan Grant’s opinion about American workers?

a) They work hard because they want to succeed.
b) They are unhappy with their jobs.
c) They are forced to work long hours.
d) They are less healthy than Europeans.

4. What does Nathan Grant say would happen if work hours were limited?

a) People would earn more money.
b) Americans would lose opportunities.
c) Families would spend more time together.
d) Businesses would become more creative.

5. Why does Dr. Cassidy mention Europe?

a) To show that Europeans are less productive
b) To compare European happiness with American stress
c) To say Europeans work longer hours
d) To criticize European companies

6. Who is Mervin?

a) A business owner
b) A university professor
c) A factory worker who calls into the show
d) A journalist interviewing the guests

7. What does Mervin want for his children?

a) The same kind of job he had
b) A shorter work week
c) To own a car company
d) To work 60-hour weeks

8. Why does Mervin say people in his city eat too much fast food?

a) Because fast food is cheap
b) Because they enjoy junk food
c) Because they want to gain weight
d) Because they don’t have time to cook

9. How does Mr. Grant respond to that argument?

a) He agrees completely
b) He blames the government
c) He says Americans are healthier than Europeans
d) He says working fewer hours wouldn’t fix eating habits

10. According to Dr. Cassidy, what kind of life would a 35-hour week create?

a) Healthier and more satisfying
b) Poorer and more difficult
c) Less productive but boring
d) Richer but more stressful