CUE CARD: WORKPLACE

Đề: Describe your dream workplace.

You should say:

• what it would look like

• what facilities it would have

• where it would be

and say if you think you will ever work in a place like that or not.

Model Answer:

Up until recently, I have always felt that the nature of a workplace doesn’t necessarily affect the speed and spirit of a worker. But, I had to change my mind about it after visiting an “ideal” workplace of my friend the other day. Anyway, while the experience of visiting this extraordinary workplace of my friend was remarkable, I would like to describe my own “dream” workplace here.

My dream workplace would preferably be located nearby a lake and surrounded by trees. I would also like it to be at one of the top floors and, geographically close to everything except, of course, the unnecessary traffic congestion and noise. My office should also have two desks - one would be facing away from a large glass window (from where the lake is visible) so that I could interact with the people who come to visit me. The other desk, on which I would have my computers, printers, and the other essentials, would be placed against a wall (or maybe even a corner of a small hallway) where the real work would get done. 

Moreover, a couch, of course, would face the lake, but rotate to face the flat-screen TV,  scratch that. The Couch faces the lake, and when I want to watch TV, the window is covered by a drop-down wall with the TV inside of it. I'd also have a bed so that I could stay the night comfortably when necessary. Other facilities at my dream workplace may also include a kitchen, a gym, and a large open space in which we could sing “karaoke”. Finally, I would like to have an attached restroom so that I can refresh myself whenever necessary and that restroom should be large enough.

Anyway, even though I am an “average” professional, I do dream that one day, I would be able to work in such a dream workplace, which I just described above. And, all I need to do for that is to convince my company about the benefits of having such a workplace. But, even if that opportunity is never arranged for me by others, I would certainly try my best to create one myself when I start my own business sometime in the distant future.

TỪ VỰNG CHỦ ĐỀ “WORKPLACE”

• Transparency in the workplace: sự minh bạch nơi làm việc

• Connected company culture: văn hóa kết nối tại công ty (where every employee feels accepted, valued, and has a sense of belonging)

• Egalitarian working environment: môi trường làm việc bình đẳng

• Autonomy: tính tự chủ

• Relaxed workplace environment with a casual vibe and dress code: môi trường làm việc thoải mái với không khí và quy tắc ăn mặc giản dị

• Rewarding company culture: văn hóa khen thưởng tại công ty (is one that recognizes employees when they exceed expectations or go above and beyond)

• Toxic workplace: nơi làm việc độc hại (is one where either the atmosphere, the work, or the people on the team are dramatic, negative, and disruptive)

• Hostile work environment: môi trường làm việc thù địch (are overly competitive and can be harmful to employees’ personal well-being and mental health)