USE IT! Imagine your country has a new rule: All fourteen-year-olds must do work experience in the school holidays. Prepare a class debate. Follow instructions 1–3.
1. Group A: you agree with the rule.
Group B: you disagree with the rule. In pairs, write a list of reasons to support your opinion.
2. Take turns to present your reasons.
3. Decide which group presented the best argument.
Group A: Mandatory work experience would provide valuable opportunities for fourteen-year-olds to develop practical skills that cannot be learned solely within the confines of a classroom. It allows students to gain real-world experience, develop a work ethic, and acquire skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving.
Group B: Fourteen-year-olds are still in the crucial stage of adolescence, where they require time for personal growth, self-discovery, and building relationships. Mandatory work experience might impose excessive responsibilities and restrict their opportunities for leisure, self-exploration, and other formative experiences.
Group A: Work experience at a young age can help teenagers explore different career paths and make more informed decisions about their future. It exposes them to various industries, giving them a firsthand understanding of the demands and challenges of different occupations.
Group B: Adolescence is a time of significant emotional and physical changes. It is important for teenagers to have adequate time for rest, relaxation, and leisure activities during school holidays. Mandatory work experience may lead to increased stress, fatigue, and burnout among fourteen-year-olds, potentially affecting their well-being and mental health.
