D Cover the text and look at the sentences a–e in Exercise B again. In pairs, use the sentences to discuss the main idea of each paragraph in your own words.
Exam tip: The first sentence of a paragraph is referred to as the topic sentence. This means that it tells the reader what the rest of the paragraph will be about. Sentences in the rest of the paragraph usually support the topic sentence. If a sentence is not related to the topic sentence, the writer should start a new paragraph.
Reading 2: practice with paragraphs and topic sentences
A Read the text below about overwork. Put the topic sentences 1–7 into the correct place at the start of each paragraph.
1. Labour economists may be celebrating an increase in productivity, but employees are suffering. 2. Statistics aside, many workers would agree that they work hard, but that there is little reward for their labour.
3. So what should companies do? 4. When was the last time you arrived home full of energy with a sense of accomplishment that you had fully completed your work for the day?
5. And what should employees do? 6. Over the past 25 years, jobs have become more demanding of workers’ time. 7. Overwork is defined as negative outcomes that occur when individuals are required to work more hours than they want to work.
Overwork Higher Production but at What Cost?
A ___ When did you last return from a holiday and not have to work extra hours dealing with a vast backlog of emails? If you have a job that means being on call, when did you last turn off that excruciating hand-held beeper?
B ___ The average dual-earner couple works a combined 82 hours per week today, compared to 70 hours 25 years ago. Technology adds to the blurring of any division between work and non-work time, and employees complain of interruptions that prevent them from focusing properly on their work. People are mired in a culture of instant responses, where contacts expect an immediate reply to an email, a text message or a voicemail.
C ___ Research conducted by the Economic Policy Institute in the United States illustrates that despite workers’ increased efforts, salaries are declining. Productivity has increased by 16.6% over the last five years, but income has fallen by 2.7%. To put it simply, we are producing more but earning less. One in three employees is chronically overworked, according to a study conducted by the Families and Work Institute in New York.
D ___ It has become a trend, in part, as a consequence of cutbacks and lay-offs and it has a huge impact on the well-being of employees’ and their families. Not surprisingly, heavy workloads and long working hours increase employee stress levels, burnout and health care costs. This in turn results in lower employee productivity, reduces aspirations and leaves less time to spend with family and friends and to engage in leisure pursuits and exercise. Ironically, what is lost is exactly what replenishes energy and reduces symptoms associated with stress.
Pathway to IELTS 6.0 75
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