Grade 8 - Worksheets - Social Studies - Free Printable

Let's go through each statement in the worksheet and determine whether it is Fair or Unfair, followed by a brief explanation for each.

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1. Smoking is not permitted in public buildings. (Fair or Unfair)
✔ Fair
*Reason:* Public buildings are shared spaces, and smoking can harm others' health due to secondhand smoke. Banning smoking protects public health and ensures a safe environment for everyone.

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2. Workers are required to pay 60% of their wages in tax. (Fair or Unfair)
✘ Unfair
*Reason:* Paying 60% of one’s income in taxes is extremely high and would leave workers with very little to live on. Most countries have progressive tax systems where the tax rate is much lower than this (usually below 30–40%, depending on income level). This rate would be economically unsustainable.

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3. Employees must play games on work computers. (Fair or Unfair)
✘ Unfair
*Reason:* Work computers are meant for job-related tasks. Using them for personal activities like playing games during work hours is unprofessional and may reduce productivity. It also violates workplace rules and could expose the company to security risks.

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4. Employees are allowed to take 3 fifteen-minute coffee breaks an hour. (Fair or Unfair)
✘ Unfair
*Reason:* Taking three 15-minute breaks per hour means 45 minutes of break time out of every 60 minutes — that’s only 15 minutes of actual work time. This is excessive and would severely impact productivity. A fair break policy might allow one short break per hour or longer breaks at scheduled times.

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5. The boss is permitted to fire employees at any time without notice. (Fair or Unfair)
✘ Unfair
*Reason:* This violates labor rights and fair employment practices. Most countries require employers to provide reasonable notice or compensation before terminating employment. This kind of policy promotes job insecurity and unfair treatment.

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6. Employer must have good communication skills. (Fair or Unfair)
✔ Fair
*Reason:* Good communication helps create a positive work environment, ensures clarity in tasks, and supports employee development. It is essential for effective management and teamwork.

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7. Employers must advise employees on what tasks are to be completed. (Fair or Unfair)
✔ Fair
*Reason:* Employees need clear instructions to perform their duties effectively. It is the employer’s responsibility to assign tasks and communicate expectations clearly.

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8. Employees should come to work on time. (Fair or Unfair)
✔ Fair
*Reason:* Punctuality is a basic expectation in most workplaces. Arriving on time shows respect for colleagues and responsibilities and helps maintain productivity and workflow.

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9. Employees must have a neat appearance on the job. (Fair or Unfair)
✔ Fair
*Reason:* A neat appearance contributes to professionalism and reflects well on both the individual and the organization. Many jobs have dress codes for safety, hygiene, or client interaction reasons.

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10. Employees are required to clean their surroundings after work. (Fair or Unfair)
✔ Fair
*Reason:* Keeping the workplace clean is part of maintaining a healthy and respectful environment. It promotes hygiene, safety, and shared responsibility among staff.

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Summary:

| Statement | Fair/Unfair | Reason |
|---------|-------------|--------|
| 1 | Fair | Protects public health |
| 2 | Unfair | Tax rate is too high |
| 3 | Unfair | Misuse of work equipment |
| 4 | Unfair | Excessive break time |
| 5 | Unfair | No notice violates labor rights |
| 6 | Fair | Good leadership trait |
| 7 | Fair | Clear task assignment needed |
| 8 | Fair | Punctuality is expected |
| 9 | Fair | Professionalism and hygiene |
| 10 | Fair | Shared responsibility for cleanliness |

This worksheet teaches students about fairness in the workplace and helps them understand the balance between rights and responsibilities of both employers and employees.