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Conversational / EVERYDAY ENGLISH
Lesson 49
Unusual or Interesting Jobs
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lesson, you will be able to:
1. Talk about unusual or interesting jobs using everyday vocabulary.
2. Use phrasal verbs and descriptive language to discuss careers.
3. Ask and answer questions about different types of work and why people choose them.
Exercise 1
Vocabulary
Direction: Listen and repeat after your teacher
Adjective
Freelance
Similar:
similarvocab1.1
similarvocab1.2
similarvocab1.3
similarvocab1.4
/ˈfriː.læns/
Meaning:
Working independently for different companies instead of one employer
- She works as a freelance graphic designer from home.
Real Life Tip:
Many Americans choose freelance work for flexibility and creativity.
noun
Niche job
Similar:
similarvocab2.1
similarvocab2.2
similarvocab2.3
similarvocab2.4
/niːʃ ʤɑːb/
Meaning:
A job that is unusual, specialized, or very specific
- Being a professional video game tester is a niche job.
Real Life Tip:
Niche jobs are often discussed in articles about “dream careers” or unusual work experiences.
Take up
phrasal verb
Similar:
similarvocab3.1
similarvocab3.2
similarvocab3.3
similarvocab3.4
/teɪk ʌp/
Meaning:
To start a new activity, hobby, or job
- She took up dog training as a new career.
Real Life Tip:
Commonly used in American English when beginning something new, whether for work or leisure.
Try out
phrasal verb
Similar:
similarvocab4.1
similarvocab4.2
similarvocab4.3
similarvocab4.4
/traɪ aʊt/
Meaning:
To test or attempt a new role or job
- He tried out being a stuntman for a few months.
Real Life Tip:
Often used in the U.S. for experimenting with new experiences, hobbies, or work opportunities.
Exercise 2
Conversation
Direction: First, read the conversation aloud. Then, practice by role-playing it with your tutor.
Situation: Two friends are talking about unusual jobs they’ve heard of while walking through a city fair.
Have you ever thought about doing a really unusual job?
Emma
Hmm… maybe something like a professional dog walker or a stunt double.
Jack
I read about a person who’s a professional sleeper! Can you imagine?
Emma
That’s crazy! I think I’d like something creative. Maybe freelance writing.
Jack
Yeah, job satisfaction is important too. I wouldn’t want a boring job.
Emma
Same here. Sometimes I try out small jobs just for fun.
Jack
That’s a good idea. You learn a lot and meet interesting people.
Emma
Exactly! Who knows? One day, I might take up something really unusual.
Jack
Exercise 2.1
Questions.
1. What unusual job did Emma mention?
2. What kind of work does Jack like?
3. Why do they think trying out small jobs is a good idea?
Exercise 3
Practice Time
Direction: Complete the exercise by choosing the correct answer.
1. She _____ (take / takes / taking) up photography as a hobby.
2. He _____ (try / tries / trying) out different jobs to find his passion.
3. Freelancers _____ (work / works / working) from home most of the time.
4. Job satisfaction _____ (is / are / be) very important to me.
5. They _____ (have / has / having) unusual work experiences last year.
Exercise 4
Ask Your Tutor
Direction: Ask your tutor these questions. Listen carefully and learn
1. What’s the most unusual job you’ve ever heard of?
2. How important is job satisfaction compared to salary?
3. Would you ever take up a niche or unusual job? Why or why not?
Exercise 5
Discussion
Direction: Use the new words and expression you learnt in this lesson to have a conversation with your tutor.
1. If money wasn’t a problem, which unusual job would you try?
2. Do you know anyone who has an unusual job?
3. Would you prefer a stable job or an interesting, unusual job?
4. What’s the weirdest job you’ve ever read about?
5. Could freelance work give you more freedom in life?
6. How do you think unusual jobs affect job satisfaction?
7. Would you like to try working in a creative niche?
8. How important is it to enjoy your job?
9. Could trying out unusual jobs be a good experience for students?
10. What skills do you need for unusual or niche jobs?
