Listening

Warm Up

Helpful Words and Phrases

Listen and repeat.

  1. virtual
    • ex. I have a virtual meeting with my business partner.
  2. toned-down
    • ex. The company events are toned-down to cut costs.
  3. yearn
    • ex. I’m yearning to work at a big company.
  4. in-person
    • ex. I should prepare for my in-person interview tomorrow.
  5. fed up
    • ex. The team seems fed up with long meetings.

Article

Read the article below and answer your tutor's questions.

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Say goodbye to virtual wine tastings. Now, company holiday parties are back — in a toned-down way. After more than two years of working and meeting online, many office workers seem to be yearning for an exciting company party. More than 57% of companies are planning in-person holiday parties this year, according to a survey of 252 U.S.-based companies.

Still, not everyone is ready for big parties. Some businesses are organizing small events for their employees. Other companies prefer to give bonuses or extra time off instead of parties. Quickbase has 700 workers. Many of them are working at different locations. So, the company cannot have a big party. Instead, Quickbase allowed the teams to organize their own events.

But one thing seems sure: People are fed up with online company parties. The survey mentioned earlier found that fewer than 2% of companies surveyed are having virtual parties this year.

This material was based on an article by The Associated Press.

Discussion

Choose a topic and discuss the questions with your tutor.

COMPANY HOLIDAY EVENTS

  • Do you like attending parties or company events? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • Some businesses are organizing small events for their employees. What do you think about this (ex. it’s a good idea, big company events are better)? Why? Discuss.
  • Other companies prefer to give bonuses or extra time off instead of parties. Which do you prefer, bonuses or extra time off? Why?

IN-PERSON VS. VIRTUAL

  • Which do you prefer for meetings, in-person or virtual? Why? Discuss.
  • Many companies are planning in-person holiday parties this year. Would you like to attend an in-person party this year? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • The article says that people are fed up with online company parties. Why do you think so? Discuss.