1. Complete the advice about writing an opinion essay with the words in the box. There are two extra words.

(Hoàn thành lời khuyên về việc viết một bài luận bày tỏ quan điểm với các từ trong hộp. Có hai từ bị dư.)

• In the introduction, introduce the (1) topic and state your (2) main opinion. Then say which points of view or (3) _____ you will discuss.

• In paragraphs two and three, (4) _____ different aspects of the issue and (5) _____ your main opinion. Expand the discussion by giving (6) _____.

In paragraph four, acknowledge an (7) _____ opnion and say why you disagree with it.

• In the conclusion, (8) _____ your main opinion and include a final (9) _____.

2. Read the task and Sara's essay. Underline three words or phrases which express certainty and double underline three words or phrases which describe consequences.

(Đọc đề bài và bài luận của Sara. Gạch chân dưới ba từ hoặc cụm từ thể hiện sự chắc chắn và gạch đúp dưới ba từ hoặc cụm từ mô tả kết quả.)

Many jobs have long working hours which lead to stress, burnout and a lack of work-life balance. At the same time, youth unemployment is increasing. In your opinion, should there be a four-day working week to tackle both these problems?

Write an opinion essay on this topic analysing the benefits of a four-day week for work-life balance and employment.

(Nhiều công việc có giờ làm việc dài dẫn đến căng thẳng, kiệt sức và thiếu cân bằng giữa công việc và cuộc sống. Đồng thời, tình trạng thất nghiệp ở thanh niên đang gia tăng. Theo bạn, có nên áp dụng tuần làm việc bốn ngày để giải quyết cả hai vấn đề này không?

Viết một bài luận ý kiến về chủ đề này, phân tích những lợi ích của tuần làm việc bốn ngày đối với sự cân bằng giữa công việc và cuộc sống cũng như việc làm.)

King James School Students Speak Up!

This month's winning opinion piece comes from Sara Stokes in class 10E - well done to Sara!

These days, many school-leavers are unable to find jobs and at the same time, many employees are overworked, stressed and working increasingly long hours. Personally, I believe that a four-day week would be a great solution that would benefit everyone in this situation. To explain the reasons for my view, it is my intention to explore this issue in terms of work-life balance and employment.

When it comes to productivity, studies show that most people perform best when working between 25 - 30 hours a week. A four-day week would take advantage of this and this could also lead to employees using their time more efficiently and increasing their output. Undoubtedly, staff would be less stressed and probably have a better work-life balance. As a result, they are likely to be more motivated and creative so I am of the opinion that both employees and employers would benefit.

Another important aspect of this issue is employment. If people worked only four days a week, companies would employ more staff. Young people could then be offered part-time work or job-sharing with experienced staff. Undeniably, this would reduce unemployment among young people and give them valuable work experience to improve their career prospects. Without doubt, companies would also benefit from fresh new talents.

Some people disagree, and argue that a shorter working week would mean people earning less as they would be unable to work more if they wanted to. However, these issues could be solved. Employees could have the option to work overtime, or salaries could be guaranteed, to ensure a good standard of living.

All things considered, I think introducing a four-day week would have tremendous advantages, I would prefer to earn less and have a far better work-life balance, also knowing that I was helping to reduce unemployment. For me, the outcome of working less would mean I was a happier, more enthusiastic and hard working employee.

Sara Strokes (10E)

3. Match the beginnings of the sentences with the endings.

(Nối các phần đầu với các phần cuối của các câu sau.)