Unit 1 - An introduction to self-employment

Do you find it hard to get a job because you are worried about your English skills? Have you thought about being self-employed? There are lots of things you could do. In this series, you will be able to hear real ESOL learners talking about how they are the boss and what they do.

This unit gives an introduction to the topic and to some important language related to self-employment.

Instructions and downloads

You are going to complete two activities associated with self-employment. You will learn new vocabulary and consider the advantages and disadvantages associated with self-employment. Please read ‘Think about it’ (in "Preparation") first and then complete the activities.

You can download a printable version of the activities, the answers and a list of useful websites about self-employment.

Printable Version

Answers

Useful websites

Preparation - think ahead

Please take a few minutes to think about the following questions:

Are you self-employed?
Do you know anyone who is self-employed?
Have you ever thought about becoming self-employed?

If you have answered ‘yes’ to any of the above questions, you are in the right place!

Now, please ask yourself the following questions. You can write a list if it helps.

Why do you think some people choose to be self-employed?
Why do you think some people don’t choose to be self-employed?

Now, please complete the activities. Don't forget to use your dictionary for any problem words.

Task 1 - advantages and disadvantages

What are the advantages and disadvantages of being self-employed? There are NO correct answers in this activity - it will help you to think about the topic.

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Task 2 - advantages of being self-employed

In this activity, you need to think about the main advantages of being self-employed.

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Task 3 - useful words

In this activity you will look at some important words connected to working and being self-employed.

When you have finished this activity
If you made some errors, use your dictionary to find problem words. Do you think that question 5, 6, 7 and 9 are true for self-employed people? Do you get sick or holiday pay if you are self-employed? Do you think you get a pension when you retire in the UK? Go to the website in "Discussion" (below) to find the answers to these questions.

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Task 4 - pronunciation

Practise saying these words. How many syllables do they have? Where is the main stress?

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Discussion

For further information on becoming self-employed, learners can visit the Citizens Advice Bureau website at:

http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/index/your_money/employment/self-employment_checklist.htm

What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of being self-employed? Why not post a comment on the Nexus ESOL website?

Have you tried the other activities in this series? You could find out about Habib who is a self-employed taxi driver or Laura who is a self-employed cleaner.

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Self employed

Unit 1 - An introduction to self-employment

Cambridge Dictionaries Online

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