Reading a work schedule
Practise reading an invented hotel work schedule, including shifts, breaks and a day off.
Lena starts a new job at a small hotel. On Sunday, her manager gives her a schedule for the coming week. Lena reads it carefully because her hours are different each day. This is an invented schedule for reading practice.
It says: “Monday: reception, nine until three. Tuesday: breakfast room, seven until one. Wednesday: day off. Thursday: reception, nine until three. Friday: breakfast room, seven until one.” A note below the schedule says that staff have a thirty-minute break during each shift. The manager will tell them when to take it.
Lena notices that she works at reception on two days and in the breakfast room on two days. She does not need to come to work on Wednesday. She decides to visit her brother that afternoon.
Before leaving, Lena asks where she should go on Monday morning. The manager tells her to meet at reception at nine. Lena takes a photo of the schedule and puts the paper in her bag. Now she can check it again at home.
Words to take with you
- schedule
- A plan showing activities and times.Please check tomorrow’s schedule.
- reception
- The place where visitors arrive and ask for help.The receptionist is at reception.
- staff
- The people who work in a place.The hotel has ten members of staff.
- break
- A short time when you stop working.We have a break at eleven.
- day off
- A day when you do not have to work.Friday is my day off.
Check your understanding
Choose an answer, then check each question.
Use your English
Describe two workdays from Lena’s schedule and compare their starting times.
Say your answer aloud or write two or three sentences.