#29

Shortened Workweeks

Prompt

Unemployment among young people is a serious problem. One suggested solution is to shorten the working week. What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages? Do you think this policy should apply to just young workers or the whole workforce?

해석

청년 실업은 심각한 문제이다. 제안된 해결책 중 하나는 근무 주를 단축하는 것이다. 장점과 단점은 무엇이라고 생각하는가? 이 정책이 젊은 근로자에게만 적용되어야 하는가, 아니면 전체 노동력에 적용되어야 하는가?

Essay Guide

1Topic Expressions

unemployment among young peoplethe issue of youth unemploymentthe problem of joblessness in young workersthe challenge of unemployment for young adultsyouth unemployment ratesthe situation of young people without jobs

2Opinion Statements

I believe that shortening the working week can have both positive and negative effects on youth unemployment.
In my opinion, reducing working hours is a viable solution to address unemployment among young people, but it should be applied carefully.
From my perspective, while shortening the working week may help young workers, this policy should be considered for the entire workforce.

3Supporting Ideas

1. Shortening the working week can create more job opportunities by distributing work among more employees.

2. A reduced working week may improve work-life balance and mental health for young workers.

3. However, shorter working hours might lead to decreased productivity and lower income for employees.

4. Applying this policy to the whole workforce could ensure fairness and avoid discrimination against young workers.

4Example Sentences

For example, in France, the introduction of a 35-hour workweek helped reduce unemployment rates by encouraging companies to hire additional staff.
For instance, studies have shown that workers with shorter hours report less stress and higher job satisfaction, which can increase overall productivity.
For example, some companies in Japan experienced challenges in maintaining output when employees worked fewer hours, leading to concerns about economic impact.
For instance, applying a shorter workweek across all age groups in Germany helped maintain fairness and avoided resentment between younger and older workers.

5Essay Structure

IntroductionIntroduce the topic of youth unemployment and the proposed solution of shortening the working week; state your opinion clearly.

Body 1Discuss the advantages of shortening the working week, focusing on job creation and benefits for young workers.

Body 2Explain the disadvantages, including possible negative effects on productivity and income, and argue whether the policy should apply only to young workers or the entire workforce.

ConclusionSummarize the main points and restate your opinion on the effectiveness and scope of the policy.