Working a Part-time Job - Part A (Hours and Pay)
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EN: The '-ing' form (gerund) can be used as a noun to describe an activity or a title of a situation.
Learning English is fun.
EN: In many English-speaking cultures, 'part-time' usually refers to working fewer than 30-35 hours a week, often common for students.
EN: In English titles or labels, the word 'Part' is followed by a letter or number to organize content into sections.
Part B
EN: Using 'and' to connect two nouns as a title or topic. In English, titles often omit verbs to be concise.
Name and address.
EN: In many Western cultures, discussing specific 'hours and pay' can be sensitive. It is common to use polite phrases like 'I'll understand if you want to keep that private' when asking about someone's salary.
EN: Present Continuous Tense (be + V-ing) is used to describe an action happening right now or a current situation.
They are eating lunch together.
EN: In many English-speaking cultures, discussing one's specific salary can be sensitive, which is why Sabrina mentions 'I'll understand if you want to keep that private.'
EN: Indirect questions are used to be more polite. Instead of saying 'What is your pay?', we start with 'Can I ask...' and the word order changes so the verb 'is' comes at the end of the clause.
Can I ask where the bathroom is?
EN: In many English-speaking cultures, asking about someone's salary or pay can be considered a sensitive or private topic. Using softening phrases like 'Can I ask...' or 'I'll understand if you want to keep that private' is essential to avoid being rude.
EN: Use 'if' to talk about a possible situation and its result. In this pattern, we use 'will' for the result and the simple present tense after 'if'.
I will help you if you are busy.
EN: In many English-speaking cultures, asking about someone's salary or pay is considered a personal or sensitive topic. Using phrases like 'I'll understand if you want to keep that private' shows respect for the other person's boundaries.
EN: The verb 'mind' is followed by a verb ending in '-ing' (gerund) to talk about things that bother you or that you are willing to do.
I don't mind waiting for you.
EN: In many English-speaking cultures, asking about someone's salary can be sensitive. Using 'I don't mind' helps create a comfortable atmosphere when sharing personal information.
EN: Use 'per' to express a rate or ratio, meaning 'for each'. It is commonly used when talking about salary or speed.
The speed limit is 50 kilometers per hour.
EN: In Taiwan, part-time wages are often discussed in terms of hourly rates (NTD per hour). The minimum wage is adjusted periodically by the government.
EN: The phrase 'What is... like?' is used to ask for a description or general information about something, rather than just a specific number.
What's your new house like?
EN: In many English-speaking cultures, asking about someone's exact salary can be sensitive. Using 'What's your pay like?' is a softer way to ask for a general idea rather than a specific amount.
EN: Use 'an hour' or 'per hour' to describe the rate of pay or frequency. 'An' is used before 'hour' because the 'h' is silent, and it starts with a vowel sound.
She exercises three times an hour.
EN: In Taiwan, the minimum wage is adjusted periodically by the government. Mentioning 'NT dollars' (New Taiwan Dollar) is common in international contexts, while locally people just say 'dollars' or 'yuan'.
EN: In casual conversation, 'Cool' is often used as a one-word sentence to express agreement, approval, or that something is satisfactory.
I got the job! - Cool!
EN: In English-speaking cultures, 'Cool' is one of the most common ways to show you are listening and find the information interesting or good, without needing a long response.
EN: Use 'more than' to compare amounts or numbers, meaning 'greater than' or 'exceeding'.
I have more than ten books.
EN: In Taiwan, the minimum wage is adjusted periodically by the government to ensure a basic standard of living for workers.
EN: 'Yeah' is an informal way to say 'yes'. It is very common in spoken English to show agreement or confirm a statement.
Yeah, I think so too.
EN: In casual conversations, 'Yeah' is often used as a 'backchannel' signal, showing the speaker that you are listening and following the conversation.
EN: Use the word 'pretty' before an adjective to mean 'quite' or 'very'. It makes the description sound more natural and casual.
The food here is pretty good.
EN: In many Western workplaces, discussing pay is becoming more common among coworkers, but it is still often prefaced with polite phrases like 'I'll understand if you want to keep that private' to avoid pressure.
EN: 'Hey' is a common informal greeting used to get someone's attention or to say hello to friends.
Hey, how are you?
EN: In American English, 'Hey' is often used instead of 'Hi' among peers and friends. It is very casual.
EN: Use 'How many' followed by a plural noun (like 'hours') to ask about the quantity or number of something.
How many books do you have?
EN: In many English-speaking cultures, asking about work hours is common, but asking about specific salary (pay) can be sensitive, which is why the speaker says 'I'll understand if you want to keep that private'.
EN: Use 'every' followed by a time period (like weekend, day, or week) to talk about habits or regular schedules in the present tense.
I drink coffee every morning.
EN: In many Western countries, working on weekends is common for part-time student jobs, whereas full-time office jobs typically follow a Monday-to-Friday schedule.
EN: This is a short question used to ask the same question back to the person who just asked you. It avoids repeating the entire sentence.
I am a student. And you?
EN: In English-speaking cultures, 'And you?' is a very common and polite way to keep a conversation going. It shows that you are interested in the other person's life or opinion as well.
EN: Use 'every' followed by days of the week to describe a repeating schedule or routine.
I go to the gym every Tuesday and Thursday.
EN: In many English-speaking workplaces, a 'shift' refers to the specific period of time a person is scheduled to work. Part-time jobs often have varying shift lengths depending on the employer's needs.
EN: The phrase 'a lot' is used as a noun phrase here to mean 'a large amount' or 'a large number'. It often follows the verb 'to be' (is/are) to describe a situation or quantity.
Ten dollars for a bottle of water? That's a lot!
EN: In English-speaking cultures, commenting on someone's workload with 'That's a lot' can be a way of showing empathy or acknowledging their hard work, depending on the tone.
EN: The word 'nearly' is an adverb used to show that something is very close to a state or amount, but not quite there yet.
It is nearly dinner time.
EN: In many English-speaking workplaces, 'full-time' usually refers to working 35-40 hours a week. If a part-time worker's hours approach this, it's common to use 'nearly full time' to describe their heavy workload.
Key vocabulary words with IPA pronunciation, definitions, example sentences, and interactive quizzes.
Phrases with type tags, bilingual definitions, usage notes, and example sentences.
The lowest wage permitted by law or by a special agreement.
To not share information with others; to keep something secret or personal.
To receive money for the work you do.
For each hour worked.