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Who needs a holiday? You do! In 137 countries around the world, governments have passed laws that guarantee
employees annual leave of three or four, or even more, weeks every year. However, in some countries, such as
the United States, there is no such annual leave law. France and Finland have the most time off – 30 days. 25
days leave is the norm for quite a few countries, such as Austria, while China and Canada only have ten days.

Nevertheless, many people don’t take holidays often enough. Some never take them! Their workload is so huge
that they feel that they can’t take any time off. These people are constantly trying to juggle their workload. Even
when they do take a holiday, they often take work with them, so they’re still working. Even if they don’t take
work with them, they almost certainly check e-mails which means they can’t completely forget about work and
relax.

Doctors and medical researchers know that taking time off is more than a good idea. A holiday may be just as
important to your physical health as taking medicine or getting regular exercise. They say that an annual holiday
can cut the risk of heart attack in men by 30 percent and in women by 50 percent. A holiday enables you to
recharge your batteries, to do things that you never have time to do, to experience new things or even to just
rest. Time away from the job also helps your mental health. Just being away helps relax the mind and increase
your level of happiness.

Another benefit of a holiday is that you return from it better able to do your regular work, whatever that may
be. A recent study by C. Fritz and S. Sonnentag showed that holidays increase your energy level so that you need
less effort to get work done when you return. Many people have said that their ability to accomplish meaningful
work is far greater after a holiday; they feel totally energised. So maybe it’s time to start thinking about taking a
real holiday. There may even be some benefit in dreaming about it, even if you can’t actually do it.

Read the text and the questions below. For each question, choose the correct letter a, b, c or d.

1 In which country do workers have the most time 4 According to paragraph 3,

off? a people are able to do anything they like when they
a the USA are at work.
b Austria b holidays allow people to exercise their minds.
c Canada c holidays are more important than taking medicine.
d Finland d doctors believe it is very beneficial to take
holidays.

2 In paragraph 2, what does the word they refer to?
a people’s workload
b people who don’t take holidays
c holidays
d people who frequently take holidays
5 How would the writer explain the importance of
going on a holiday?
a We work better after a holiday.
b It’s good to think about a holiday after going back
to work.
c Work becomes more meaningful before a holiday.
d Holidays make people excited about work.

3 The writer says that some people who take holidays

a use a laptop to relax on holiday.
b don’t enjoy them.
c can’t stop thinking about work.
d should take work with them.
 These two tasks are for Monday lesson, no need to do them in advance.

Complete the second sentences so that they have a similar meaning to the first sentences using the words in
bold.

1 It was wrong of Joan to leave the rest of the group. SHOULD

Joan the rest of the group.
2 It’s impossible that you saw Derek because he’s in France. SEEN
You because he’s in France.
3 They booked seats in advance but the theatre was empty. HAVE
They in advance because the theatre was empty.
4 I’m sure you had a fabulous time at the funfair. MUST
You a fabulous time at the funfair.
5 It’s possible they went to the library. GONE
They to the library.

Complete the sentences with these phrasal verbs.

show off take up find out cut out for try out for

1 Julie can’t make people laugh so she’s just not for the role. Let’s ask her to play in the drama
instead.
2 My brother read a lot about martial arts. In the end, he aikido.
3 We know you got the leading role, John, but you don’t have to .
4 Louise used to hate art but now she’s drawing thanks to her teacher, Mr Johnson.
5 I’m going to the role of Romeo! Wish me luck!
6 When did you that the play was cancelled? I had no idea!