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Smart Worksheet: The Swedish Fika Phenomenon and Its Global Impact

Smart Worksheet
Grade 12
English

Smart Worksheet: The Swedish Fika Phenomenon and Its Global Impact

Activity 1: Quick Summary

Read the following passage and summarize the main idea in your own words (2-3 sentences).
"Fika is a deeply ingrained Swedish tradition involving a break to enjoy coffee, cake, and conversation. It is practiced in both personal and professional settings, and is now spreading globally as a symbol of relaxation and productivity."


Activity 2: Vocabulary Match

Match each Swedish term or phrase to its correct definition. Write the letter of the correct definition next to each term.
  1. Fika
  1. Flat management style
  1. Productivity
  1. Homemade baked goods
A. Treats made at home, typically served during Fika B. A Swedish custom of social coffee breaks C. The ability of a company or worker to produce efficiently D. Organizational structure with few hierarchical levels


Activity 3: Multiple Choice

What is a key difference between Fika and a typical coffee break in other countries?
a) Fika is only done at home, not at work b) Fika is a scheduled, communal break focused on connection c) Fika is primarily for caffeine consumption only d) Fika is less important than email communication


Activity 4: True or False

State whether each statement is True or False.
  1. Fika is considered mandatory in many Swedish workplaces.
  1. The main purpose of Fika is to finish work quickly.


Activity 5: Short Response

In 2-3 sentences, explain how Fika might positively affect workplace culture.


Activity 6: Data Analysis

Review the following data from the OECD: Sweden is ranked 11th in productivity, Norway is 2nd, the US is 4th, France is 7th, Japan is 20th, and Korea is 30th. What does this suggest about the relationship between break traditions and productivity?
Write your interpretation below.


Activity 7: Fill in the Blanks

Complete the sentences using words from the word bank.
Word Bank: conversation, relaxation, tradition, workplace
  1. Fika is a Swedish _______ that involves coffee, cake, and socializing.
  1. Many companies schedule Fika breaks in the _______.
  1. Key elements of Fika include _______ and _______.


Activity 8: Drawing Activity

Draw a scene showing people participating in Fika at a workplace. Label at least three elements in your drawing (e.g., coffee, cakes, colleagues).


Activity 9: Compare and Contrast Table

Create a table comparing Fika to a typical coffee break in your country. Use at least three points of comparison (e.g., duration, purpose, food/drink served).
Draw your table below and fill it in.


Activity 10: Role Play

Imagine you are a manager introducing Fika to your international team. Write a short script (5-6 lines) explaining the purpose and benefits of Fika.


Activity 11: Opinion Paragraph

Do you think companies outside Sweden should adopt Fika? Why or why not? Write a paragraph supporting your opinion.


Activity 12: Timeline

Based on the article, outline how Fika has spread from Sweden to other countries. List at least three milestones or events in its global adoption.


Activity 13: Creative Writing

Write a short story (5-6 sentences) about someone who tries Fika for the first time and how it changes their day.


Activity 14: Critical Thinking

Some people argue that frequent breaks might reduce productivity. Using evidence from the article, argue for or against this point of view.


Activity 15: Interview Simulation

Imagine you are interviewing a Swedish employee about Fika. Write three questions you would ask to learn more about the tradition.


Activity 16: Cultural Connections

List two other cultural traditions from different countries that, like Fika, encourage socializing during the workday. Briefly describe each.


Activity 17: Persuasive Letter

Write a letter to your school principal explaining why your school should implement a Fika-style break. Use at least two reasons from the article.


Activity 18: Business Case Study

Lars Akerlund brought Fika to New York and created a successful café chain. List two factors from the article that contributed to his success and explain why they were important.


Activity 19: Slogan & Poster Design

Come up with a catchy slogan to promote Fika in your community, and sketch a poster design that illustrates its benefits.
Draw your design and write your slogan below.


Activity 20: Reflection

Reflect on your own daily routines. How might incorporating a Fika-style break influence your mood, productivity, or relationships with others? Write your thoughts below.