Unlocking Word
Meanings
Read the following words/expressions found in
today’s article.
1. thing
of the past (idiom) [thing] [uhv] [thuh] [past] – something which does not happen or exist anymore
at the present time
Example: The use of typewriters in offices is
already a thing of the past.
2. proliferation
(n.) [pruh-lif-uh-rey-shuhn] – a fast increase in number (of something)
Example: The proliferation of ESL and EFL companies in Asia provides
opportunities for employment.
3. coin
(v.) [koin] – to create or invent (especially common phrases, ideas, or words)
Example:
Coining words can either be
made by creating new words or combining different words to form a new one.
4. shift
(n.) [shift] – a movement (of somebody or something) from one position to
another
Example: People often get colds and fever
because of abrupt shifts in weather
conditions.
5. stimulation
(n.) [stim-yuh-ley-shuhn] – the process of encouraging or bringing about something such as
an activity
Example: An early morning jog is good physical
stimulation as it promotes the proper
circulation of blood in the body.
Article
Read the text below.
Having fixed holidays may already be a thing of the past for professionals
who do not follow specific working time.
According to Lucy Kellaway of the Financial
Times, the proliferation of
smartphones, laptops, and the mobile Internet has changed the way workers
spend holidays. With these technologies, people can do their work even if
they are miles away from their offices.
To describe the practice, she coined the term “worliday”, combining
the words work and holiday, which basically means a bit like work and a bit
like holiday. Kellaway believes ‘worliday’ is a better way to spend holiday
breaks.
During the pre-Internet days, workers would often
rush to finish their office tasks before taking breaks, so upon arriving at
holiday destinations, they still think of work concerns. Unfortunately, by
the time they start enjoying themselves, their holiday is over.
Many people consider ‘worlidays’ psychologically
unhealthy because employees must be able to totally relax and find time to be
with their families during breaks. However, Kellaway believes that the human
body does not respond well to a sudden shift
from work to holiday. Intellectual stimulation
rather than relaxing around keeps both the mind and body in good condition,
she added.
Kellaway proposes that people on ‘worliday’
should be allowed to take time off more often since they continue working
even on official holidays. But this system may not work for people with fixed
hours of work because their holidays should be fixed too.
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Viewpoint Discussion
Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.
Discussion
A
·
What
do you usually do on holidays?
·
What
do you think about ‘worlidays’?
Discussion
B
·
Which
do you think is better, fixed holidays or flexible holidays?
·
If
your company gives you an option, which would you choose?
