2. Read the text , learn new words and translate it:

Work is a very important part of the American identity. The only thing that is more important to Americans than work is money. How to make money is the activity that is shown to children even at a very early age. Children are legally able to work at age 16. Since teenagers have not finished their education, the only qualify for non-skilled position which pay by the hour and usually only the minimum amount required by the law. This legal rate is called the minimum wage and is currently set at $5.50 per hour.

People employed in semi-skilled position have usually finished a vocational or technical program at junior college or vocational school. For higher education and training people enter the university. An average university program takes four years to complete. Most people with a college degree begin their career after they graduate. College graduates make the distinction of starting a career and not having a job. A career position is paid on a salary rate and always offers benefits.

Career position are also considered long-term commitments with the company or organization that has hired you. Almost all salaried position are full time, 40 hour work weeks. Americans usually work from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. with a break for lunch from 12-1 p.m.

There is a general belief that success comes only from hard work and those people who, for whatever reason, are not employed and independently earning their own money have not worked hard enough, and are undeserving of any sympathy.

2. Answer the questions:

1. What is so important in the life of American people?

2. What age can teenagers get a job from?

3. Does the education influences the work of the people in USA?

4. Is it easy to start a career in the USA? What about your native country?

2. Read the sentences of working conditions and then put the phrases in black into the correct list?

Hours benefits holiday promotion money

1. He works very long hours. 9. He can work his way up very quickly.

2. It isn’t very well paid. 10. They ran a system of flexi-time before.

3. He got a company car. 11. We get a regular pay rise.

4. She gets six-week’ paid holiday. 12. Do you get private health insurance?

5. You’ve got a good pension scheme. 13. She can go part-time after she’s had a baby.

6. I’m on pretty good salary. 14. She’s taking a few days off because her kids are off.

7. He’s hoping to get promoted next year. 15. He’s ambitious. He wants to move up the career

8. You can do overtime if you like. ladder.

16. We all got a bonus at Christmas.

2. These sentences describe what people like or dislike about their jobs. Match the beginnings and endings:

I love meeting my own boss.

I hate having to deal with so many meetings.

I get on really well with new people.

I run my own business. I really enjoy being all my collegues except one.

I wish I didn’t have to do difficult customers.

I hate having to attend so much boring paperwork.