Download this free B1–B2 English worksheet PDF for English learners and teachers. This lesson is based on a company trial showing that a four-day working week can sometimes create more pressure instead of less.
Students practise reading comprehension, useful vocabulary, phrase matching and speaking skills through a real-world work topic about shorter working weeks, burnout, flexible schedules, overtime, workload and productivity. The worksheet is suitable for private English lessons, online classes, classroom teaching, homework and discussion practice.
The article explains the topic in clear, accessible English. Students read that Safeguard Global, a company with about 1,000 remote employees in 78 countries, tested a four-day week in 2023. Some staff ended up working longer days from Monday to Thursday, while others quietly logged on on Fridays because they were worried about falling behind.
This worksheet helps B1–B2 learners discuss working hours and work-life balance in everyday English. Students talk about whether they would prefer four longer days or five shorter ones, which tasks take up too much time, how easy it is to switch off after work, and whether an extra day off would make people healthier and more productive.
The PDF includes a B1–B2 reading text, True / False questions, Phrase Match, Synonym Match, a task where students use new language, discussion questions and a full answer key. It helps learners build useful vocabulary for talking about employees, fixed schedules, responsibilities, unnecessary meetings, unofficial overtime, freedom and flexible working patterns.
Level: B1–B2
Date: 17 September 2026
Focus: reading, vocabulary, four-day week, workload, flexibility, burnout and speaking
This free worksheet includes:
- a B1–B2 reading text about a four-day working week
- True / False comprehension questions
- Phrase Match practice with useful expressions
- Synonym Match vocabulary practice
- a sentence-writing task using new language
- discussion questions for Student A and Student B
- full answer key
The worksheet includes useful phrases such as end up, log on, fall behind, move away from, cut down on, keep up with, make up for, fit around, switch off and work out. It also practises vocabulary such as employees, tested, fixed, choice, reduced, unnecessary, responsibilities, particular, unofficial and freedom.
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