Teletrabajo: Diferencias Culturales entre España, Reino Unido y Francia

Trabajando desde casa

The British use the lounge or dining room while the French prefer the bedroom.

QUESTIONS

1. Are the following statements TRUE or FALSE? Copy the evidence from the text. No marks are given for only TRUE or FALSE.

• a) People in Spain don't like working from home because they don't like being with their relatives. FALSE.
  For the Spanish the interaction with the family is a principal reason for homeworking…

• b) The number of British who would prefer working from home is increasing. TRUE.
  Overall, fewer British work from home than in the rest of Europe, although more would like the opportunity to do so, …

2. In your own words and based on the ideas in the text, answer the following questions.

• a) How do the British feel about working away from the office?
  They are very worried about proving that they are really working.

• b) What are the motivations for the French to work from home?
  For the French is an opportunity to get a healthier way of life and enjoy home made food.

3. Find the words in the text that mean:

• a) selecting (paragraph 1) choosing

• b) study (paragraph 2) survey

• c) chance (paragraph 3) opportunity

• d) change (paragraph 3) switch

4. Complete the following sentences. Use the appropriate form of the word in brackets when given.

• a) I worked (work) as a waitress during the past year at 5€ per hour.

• b) I don't think my pay is very good but I'm desperate for a job to pay for my studies.

• c) I've been to six agencies. They accepted (accept) my CV but all their jobs were taken (take).

• d)"For many firms and many workers homeworking will be a way to reduce costs"
  The minister remarked that for many firms and many workers homeworking would be a way to reduce costs.

(Puntuación máxima 2 puntos)

5. Write about 100 to 150 words on one of the following topics.

a) Discuss the advantages and disadvantages you find in homeworking.

The main advantage is the convenience of not having to get up early. You can also do the afternoon shift at home and free the morning to clean. Your boss does not bother you; if you want something from him, just a phone call. I could not stand being late. Also, you control the time you spend on other things. If you have children, you spend more time with them. If you are married, you spend more time with your partner.

But not everything is positive, because you would need discipline and not spend all day watching TV and wasting time. Will you not leave work for another day, so that it accumulates?

It would be nice to have a job like that, but I could not, because I am careless and leave everything for later. But for people with discipline, it would be very useful.

b) Have you ever had a job? Describe your experience.

I had my first job when I was sixteen, working in a clothing store. The work was very bad, since it had to be lifted all the time. It also forced me to take out my earring, and I closed the hole. You go wrong, but I needed the money. The hours were better, because there was one day off per week, optional. Normally it used to be on Mondays or Sundays.

When I got my pay, I was very happy, and I bought a new mobile. I could go camping with my friends and I was glad to have worked.

My next job is not yet decided; I hope to be a photographer. I like to visit different parts of the world taking photos. But time will decide. Now I just hope to pass school, to make a future.