Listening

Warm Up

Helpful Words and Phrases

Listen and repeat.

  1. an epidemic
    • ex. The flu epidemic made many people in the city sick last winter.
  2. intensify
    • ex. Gigi’s headache intensified after spending a long time in front of the computer.
  3. an extrovert
    • ex. Extroverts prefer jobs that involve meeting new people and working in teams.
  4. an introvert
    • ex. John is an introvert who feels more comfortable at home than at big parties.
  5. struggle
    • ex. My sisters struggle to make friends in their new school because they are shy.

Article

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

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America is facing a loneliness epidemic that has now affected workplaces. Many people claim that there is a lack of real friendships at work. And remote work has only intensified the problem. People miss having natural interactions in a real room instead of just talking on video calls. Both extroverts and introverts struggle with this issue. But it’s not easy to talk about this lack of friendship at work because people think it’s an embarrassing topic.

Friendships at work are important for both employees and companies. Employees are happier when they have friends at work, which helps companies succeed. Many people think work friends are just nice to have, but they are actually something we need to have.

Today, more companies are looking at ways to really improve employees’ health and well-being. For example, companies can create groups or events to help employees find friends who share their interests. As an employee, it’s a good strategy to talk to coworkers about how to work together before starting a project. Everyday greetings at work are also important. Saying a simple “hello” can make a person happy.

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

Discussion

Choose a topic and discuss the questions with your tutor.

Loneliness Epidemic

  • America is facing a loneliness epidemic. Do you think your country is experiencing the same? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • It’s not easy to talk about this lack of friendship at work because people think it’s an embarrassing topic. In your opinion, why do people think that the lack of friendships is an embarrassing topic? Discuss.
  • Would you consider yourself an introvert or an extrovert? Why? Discuss.

Friendships at Work

  • Many people think work friends are just nice to have, but they are actually something we need to have. Do you agree with this? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • Employees are happier when they have friends at work, which helps companies succeed. Why do you think happier employees can help companies succeed? Discuss.
  • Companies can create groups or events to help employees find friends who share their interests. How do you think having shared interests can help people make friends? Discuss.