TOEFL integrated writing work a four day week

The reading and the lecture are both about four-day workweek. However, from their contexts, it can be stated that the lecture brings into question the points in the reading passage. The author of the text claims that a four-day workweek would be beneficial to the companies and employees. The lecturer completely refutes the arguments in the article, hence, arguing that the explanations to support this idea are faulty.

Firstly, it is stated by the lecturer that by adopting the four-day workweek the company´s profit will diminish since they will be forced to spend more. The extra costs include the costs of training, medical insurance, computers and office spaces that will be required. This directly contradicts the reading passage that denotes that the shortened workweek will certainly reduce the costs, including cost errors, because employees will make fewer mistakes and also will increase the company´s profit.

Secondly, the lecturer safely assumes that a terrible thing may happen with this policy. The company could ask or expect the employees to do the same amount of job in only four days. This will turn the job very unpleasant and stressful, which could lead to an increase in unemployment. This idea strongly contrasts with the article that mentions that the reduced workweek would open new job opportunities, hence, diminishing the unemployment rates.

Finally, the lecturer believes that the extra time given by this new workweek could impair job stability and diminish the chances that a four-day employee has to get a promotion, or which is worst it could increase their chances of losing their jobs. Consequently, abating their quality of life. The text, on the other hand, states that this free time may improve employees’ quality of life by them being able to have more leisure and rest time with family.