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Reader's Bank_Level 8_Unit 12                                    Reading Text

Mr. A and Mr. B were scheduled to leave the airport on different flights at the same time. They traveled from town in the same limousine, got caught in a traffic jam, and arrived at the airport thirty minutes after their scheduled departure time. Mr. A is told that his flight left on time. Mr. B is told that his flight was delayed and left just five minutes ago. Who is more upset? When presented with this scenario, 96 percent of respondents believed Mr. B would be more upset than Mr. A. And it’s easy to understand why. You can almost feel Mr. B’s frustration: “If only we had taken Main Street instead of Elm Street.” “If only the driver hadn’t stopped so long at that particular station.” So many small changes could have made the outcome different.

When you miss your goal by a wide margin, it’s hard to imagine that a few differences would have changed the result. But when you miss by just a little, it stings. The closer we are to success, the more our minds replay the “what ifs.”

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Dabke is a traditional folk dance from the Middle East and is especially popular in Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, and Palestine. It’s not just a dance; it’s a symbol of community, strength, and shared history.

Long ago, Dabke began as a practical activity. People would stomp their feet to press down mud, stone, or even snow while building houses. Neighbors worked together, stepping in rhythm to flatten the ground. Over time, these rhythmic footsteps turned into a dance.

Dabke is usually performed in a line or circle with dancers holding hands or shoulders. The steps are strong and powerful with loud stomps and quick movements. One thing that makes Dabke special is how dancers often improvise as they go. The lead dancer can create new moves on the spot while the others follow the rhythm.Today, Dabke is performed at weddings, festivals, and family gatherings. It’s a way to celebrate joy, remember tradition, and show unity. The sound of feet hitting the ground still carries the meaning of support and togetherness—just like in the old days.

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A major shift is taking place in the job market. Many full-time jobs are being replaced by part-time or short-term positions. This change became more noticeable after COVID-19, when remote work and contactless services became common. Apps and digital platforms also made it easier to find flexible short-term jobs, often called gig work.

This kind of work is part of the gig economy. The word “gig” came from jazz musicians in the 1920s. They were hired to play one concert, called a gig. When the music ended, the job was done. Today’s gig jobs include driving, delivering, designing, coding, and even teaching, mostly through online platforms. Uber is a well-known example. Drivers use an app to find riders and earn money with their own vehicles. Amazon Flex lets people deliver packages by their own car or bike or on foot.

Gig jobs offer flexibility and freedom. Professionals like designers, programmers, doctors, teachers, and consultants also join the gig economy. Today, many types of work, from delivery to data science, are becoming more flexible. Whatever your skills are, the gig economy may have a place for you.