Jobs, workplaces, careers, and the work you do or want to do. 21 questions from A1 to C1, with follow-ups and role plays. Answer out loud in full sentences.
Show questions for
A1Beginner
Do you work, study, or do something else?Then: Do you like it?
What jobs are common in your city?
What job did you want as a child?Then: Why did you want it?
Do you like working with people or alone?Then: Why is that?
Is a job near home important to you?
A2Elementary
Have you ever had a part-time job?Then: What did you do there?
Which is more important in a job, interesting work or friendly people?Then: Why do you think so?
How do most people in your city get to work?
What is the hardest job you can think of?Then: What makes it so hard?
What skills are important for the job you have or want?
B1Intermediate
If you have a job, what do you enjoy most about it? If not, what kind of work interests you?
What makes someone a good manager, in your opinion?Then: Have you ever met someone like that?
If you could try any job for one week, what would it be?
What advice would you give someone before their first job interview?
Is it better to stay in one job for a long time or to change jobs every few years?Then: What are your reasons?
B2Upper intermediate
What are the pros and cons of working from home compared with working in an office?Then: Which would suit you better?
How has the way people work in your country changed since your parents’ generation?
Is there a career path you wish you had explored when you were younger?Then: Do you think it’s too late now?
C1Advanced
As automation and AI take over more tasks, which kinds of work will become more valuable, and why?
How far should work be a source of meaning and identity, rather than simply a way to make a living?
Some companies are trying a four-day week. What trade-offs would that involve for workers, employers, and customers?
Role plays
Work with a partner or a tutor. Read the situation together, then each person opens only their own card. Use the phrases to help you.
A2 Elementary
Asking your manager for a day off
You need next Friday off for a cousin’s wedding in another city. You know it’s a busy week at work.
Card A: Employee
Ask politely for Friday off and explain why. You really want to go. Offer something in return, for example working on Saturday or finishing a task early.
Card B: Manager
Friday is very busy because two people are already on vacation. Ask some questions, listen, and try to find a solution that works for the team.
Useful phrases
Do you have a minute?
I wanted to ask about…
I can work… instead.
It’s a busy week because…
What if you…?
Thanks for understanding.
B2 Upper intermediate
Negotiating a tight deadline
Your team lead has asked you to finish a client report by Friday, but you are already working on another urgent task.
Card A: Team member
Explain your workload clearly and politely. You don’t want to say no, but you can’t do both well. Suggest options, such as a shorter report, help from a colleague, or a new deadline for the other task.
Card B: Team lead
The client needs the report by Friday and you can’t move that date. You are flexible about other things. Find out what is realistic and agree on a clear plan.