Target: 7.0-7.5

Unit: Gig Work and Workers' Rights • Module 1 (15 mins)

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How to use this lesson

____ a. dismissal ____ b. contractor ____ c. arbitration ____ d. rota

____ a. grievance ____ b. liability ____ c. autonomy ____ d. freelance

____ a. remuneration ____ b. dismissal ____ c. rota ____ d. arbitration

____ a. freelance ____ b. rota ____ c. grievance ____ d. unionise

____ a. contractor ____ b. liability ____ c. arbitration ____ d. autonomy

💡 Why this works: Sets an authoritative, formal tone when asserting moral or legal rights.

💡 Why this works: Directly attributes institutional responsibility without vague phrasing.

💡 Why this works: Summarises a complicated dilemma into a clear, balanced perspective.

💡 Why this works: Expresses shifting public opinions and ethical standards fluently.

🇪🇺 European Commission Fact

____ 8 million people ____ 28 million people ____ 58 million people

📜 Council of the European Union Fact

____ 2014 ____ 2024 ____ 2034

Target: 7.0-7.5

Unit: Gig Work and Workers' Rights • Module 2 (15 mins)

Fluency and Coherence Lexical Resource Grammatical Range and Accuracy Pronunciation

1

Is it better for workers to choose their own hours, even if their pay is less certain?

[Bài tập luyện nói]

"Well, honestly, it's hard to give a blanket answer. I'd lean towards having autonomy over your schedule, but, um, only if you're in a position to handle the trade-off. For instance, my older brother tried app-based driving for six months. He really loved being able to log off whenever our family had a dinner or an emergency, yet the downside was constantly wondering if next week's earnings would cover his rent. So, it really comes down to individual circumstances. If you've got family duties, freedom is priceless; but if you need a guaranteed wage, erratic hours just create endless anxiety."

2

Should companies that run work apps be responsible for the safety of the people who work for them?

[Bài tập luyện nói]

"To be fair, yes, absolutely. These tech platforms like to claim they're just neutral middlemen connecting clients with helpers, but, you know, they set the dispatch algorithms and profit from every trip. When a courier gets knocked off their bike in torrential rain, like what happened to a guy in my neighbourhood delivering dinner, it's just wrong to wash your hands of the situation. Companies should definitely be held accountable for rider safety, whether that means handing out high-vis vests, providing helmet stipends, or paying for basic emergency coverage. It shouldn't fall entirely on vulnerable workers."

3

Why do some people prefer short jobs for several companies to one steady job?

[Bài tập luyện nói]

"I think it's mostly about dodging monotony and avoiding company politics. When you tie yourself to one single boss, you're pretty much stuck with whatever mood or toxic office environment they foster. Juggling different gigs gives people a real sense of leverage. For example, my close friend designs logos for three separate marketing agencies while tutoring part-time. If one client gets unreasonable or slashes rates, she can just drop them on the spot without losing her entire livelihood. It's essentially about spreading your risk and keeping things varied, even if juggling invoices gets a bit messy."

4

Who should pay for sick days when a person has no regular employer?

[Bài tập luyện nói]

"Well, in my view, the fairest solution is a shared portable benefits pool. Right now, if an independent driver catches the flu, they just eat the financial loss and work while sick, which helps nobody. I remember my flatmate struggling with a severe chest infection while forcing himself to do parcel runs because he couldn't afford taking three days off unpaid. Ideally, every app company should pay a small percentage into a central safety net fund for every hour logged. That way, when someone falls ill, they can draw temporary sick pay without relying purely on personal savings."

5

Do customers have a duty to think about the people who deliver their orders?

[Bài tập luyện nói]

"Honestly, yes, I think we have a clear moral duty. It's so tempting to tap a smartphone screen and forget there's a living human being rushing through freezing traffic to bring our groceries. Last winter, I ordered some takeout during a terrible sleet storm, and seeing the delivery woman shivering at my doorstep made me feel really bad about being so lazy. Customers should at least show common decency. Tip well when the weather's awful, come down to meet the courier, and don't give a bad rating for a delay that's out of their control."

6

Should students be allowed to take this kind of work while they are still studying?

[Bài tập luyện nói]

"I reckon they definitely should, provided there's sensible moderation. Traditional part-time jobs are notoriously rigid; if you've got midterms or essays due, retail managers rarely let you swap shifts easily. When I was completing my undergraduate degree, doing weekend bike deliveries was a total lifesaver because I could pause the app during exam week and pick up shifts whenever money ran tight. The main hazard, though, is burning out or skipping lectures when surge pricing looks tempting. As long as the university gives some advice on balancing it all, I think the flexibility is a big plus."