Views #873 | Intermediate 5

Average Aussie

Rebecca describes the average Australian in term of work and leisure.
image
Todd: So, Rebecca, how would you describe the average Australian? Like if you had to stereotype an Australian, what would you say?

Rebecca: I suppose a stereotypical Australian would be in board shorts, thongs, as in flip-flops, and outside, having a barbeque drinking a beer I suppose.

Todd: So in Australia, leisure time is very important?

Rebecca: Yes, it is. Yes. It's interesting though because we do really look for the leisure time that we have but yet the working... if you have a look at the working rates, they are quite high. The figures are quite high, so.

Todd: Oh, yeah, really.

Rebecca: Yeah. Yeah. We do have long working hours. I think that's more so for people who are in farming and have their own business.

Todd: So, on average, you know, how many hours do you think an average Australian works a week?

Rebecca: I think the figures are 45 hours plus.

Todd: That's a lot.

Rebecca: Yeah, yeah, it can be.

Todd: Now, do Australians usually have a lot of holidays during year? Vacation time?

Rebecca: Yeah, it definitely depends on what area your working in. I get four weeks per year, and then if own your own business, you can take holidays, but you need to work hard to get those holidays.

Todd: So what are the big vacation times in Australia?

Rebecca: The big vacation times are generally... coincide with school holidays, I suppose because families, so it would be September, because that's coming into summer and then Christmas is always quite big as well.

Todd: Now in the States, we have a phrase, you know, "Work hard, play harder." Do you think that would fit Australians?

Rebecca: Yeah, I suppose it can. Definitely. Yeah, we definitely work hard, but yes, when we do get a chance to go out and play, that is quite hard as well.

Learn Vocabulary from the lesson

stereotype

image

If you had to stereotype an Australian, what would you say?

A 'stereotype' is common belief about a person, culture, religion, etc., that is often negative and not true.  Notice the following:

  1. A common stereotype of Americans is that they all have guns.
  2. That New York is dangerous is just a stereotype.

as in

image

A stereotypical Australian would be in thongs, as in flip-flops.

We use the phrase 'as in' to clarify meaning.  Notice the following:

  1. I always wear trainers, as in sport shoes, to school.
  2. Mexicans often put hot sauce, as in spicy, on their food.

45 hours plus

image

I think the figures are 45 hours plus.

Here, the word 'plus' simply means 'more than'.  Notice the following:

  1. My dad works 45 plus hours a week.
  2. My dad works more than 45 hours a week

what area you're working in

image

It depends on what area you're working in.

Here, we use the word 'area' to talk about what kind of job someone has.  Notice the following:

  1. Her mother is a CEO. She works in the corporate area.
  2. What area are you working in?

Would that fit Australians?

image

Do you think that would fit Australians?

Something that 'fits' us is a correct statement or opinion about who or what we are.  Notice the following:

  1. "No pain, no gain." Would that fit body builders?
  2. "Honesty is the best policy." Would that fit politicians? Not!

Vocabulary Quiz

stereotype • as in • plus
fits • area
  1. I don't think the word friendly really him.
  2. You should wear something more professional, a suit.
  3. We spent three weeks on that proposal.
  4. There are so many that surround immigrants, but most of them aren't true.
  5. He is hoping to move to the marketing at the end of this year.
Answer the following questions about the interview.

 

Free Courses from ELLLO

One Minute English Videos

Free Courses from ELLLO