Task 2 - Multi-text reading

You are going to read about employment. In this section, there are four short texts for you to
read and some questions for you to answer.
Questions 16-20 (one mark per question)
Read questions 16-20 first and then read text A, B, C and D below the questions.
As you read each text, decide which text each question refers to. Choose one letter – A, B, C or
D and write it on the lines below. You can use any letter more than once.
Which text

16. describes the experience of job interview? ______________________________________

17. presents workers opinions about their jobs? _____________________________________
18. reports on a governmental attempt to reduce working hours? _______________________
19. shows a job interview? _______________________________________________________
20. shows the results of an online survey? __________________________________________

TEXT A
Table 1: Adapted from www.breakingnewsenglish.com

Workaholic Japanese are called to leave their work earlier

Japan's government has backed an initiative to ease the pressure on Japanese workers and
simultaneously boost consumer spending. The new measure is called "Premium Friday". A
spokesperson from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry said the campaign would
encourage workers to leave work earlier on the last Friday of each month to relax and/or go
shopping. Around 130 companies across Japan have signed up to participate in the initiative,
including many major employers. Sceptics are unsure whether the scheme will succeed or
not because of the infamous workaholic nature of Japanese workers. Chief Cabinet
Secretary Yoshihide Suga told reporters: "It will take time for Premium Friday to take root."

TEXT B
Table 2. Adapted from http://esol.britishcouncil.org

Mandy’s blog
A few weeks ago, I saw an advert in a newspaper for a job I wanted. I filled out the
application form, wrote my CV and sent everything off in the post. A few days later I
received an email to invite me for an interview. I was so excited, but very nervous. I wanted
to look smart for the interview. I wore a smart suit with a white shirt and my shiny, red
shoes. I wanted to make a good impression. At the interview, they asked me lots of
questions. They asked me about my previous work experience and skills that I've got for the
job. I also had to fill out some paperwork. I was well-prepared, so I think it went well.
Afterwards, the interviewers shook my hand and said, “We’ll be in touch.” I am looking
forward to hearing from them!
TEXT C

TEXT D
Table 3. Adapted from http://esol.britishcouncil.org

A: Good afternoon, nice to meet you.

B: Hello. Nice to meet you, too.
A: We'd like to ask you a few questions.
B: Ok, great. I’ll do my best to answer them.
A: Can you tell us about your previous work experience please?
B: Yes, of course. I am unemployed now, but my last job was at a supermarket. I worked
there for 18 months. Before that, I worked as a cleaner at a school.
 A: What skills have you got that would help you in this job?
B: I’m very organised and always on time. I have good people skills and I am polite. I can
cook and I have a certificate in food safety.
A: Why do you want this job?
B: I would like the job because this is a good organisation to work for. I like meeting people
and talking to customers. Also, I can work at lunch times and in the evenings – the hours are
good for me.
A: Do you work well in a team?
B: Yes. I like working together with other people.
A: Thank you for coming today. We'll be in touch.
B: Thank you very much. I look forward to hearing from you.

Questions 21-25 (one mark per question)

Choose the five statements from A-H below that are TRUE according to the information given
in the texts above. Write the letters of the TRUE statements on the lines below (in any order).

21. __ A. Most workers think they are well cared for.

22. __ B. Japan wants to give its employees some time off.
23. __ C. A third of workers would be less motivated to work due to poor workplace
24. __ wellbeing.
25. __ D. One of the most valuable things by employees is having a competitive salary.
E. About 130 companies will let workers off early in Japan.
F. Employees do not value having a good relationship with line manager.
G. The Japanese employees are workaholic by nature.
H. The 30% of men will leave their job due to poor workplace wellbeing.

Questions 26-30

The following notes contain information from the previous texts. Find a word or phrase from
text A-D to complete the missing information in gaps 26-30.

Write your answer on the lines below.

26. Some people are ____________________________when it comes to stories about other
planets.
27. More middle-aged men taking steroids ________________________________younger.
28. A Dubai restaurant is welcoming ________________________________ residents and job
seekers to “enjoy a free meal”.
29. Parents should ensure the __________________________________of their children.
30. Conservatives for Clean Energy are _______________________________________by
Liberal Interest Groups.
Task 3 – Reading into writing
Use the information from the four text you read in Task 2 to write a short article (150-180
words) for a website giving advice for employers on how to improve their workplace.
You should plan your article before you start writing. Think about what you want to say and
make some notes to help you in this box:

Planning notes

(No marks are given for these planning notes).

Now write your article of 150-180 words on the lines below. Try to use your own words as far
as possible – don’t just copy sentences from the reading texts.

_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Task 4 – Extended writing

You have been talking about jobs in class. Write an essay (150-180 words) explaining if it is
important that employees should be both experienced and qualified. Give your opinion with
reasons and arguments.

You should plan your essay before you start writing. Think about what you want to say and
make some notes to help you in this box:

Planning notes

(No marks are given for these planning notes).

Now write your essay of 150-180 words on the lines below.

_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Solutions

16. B

17. C

18. A

19. D

20. C

21, 22, 23, 24, 25: the following sentences are true: A, B, D, E, G

26. sceptic

27. to look

28. unemployed

29. wellbeing

30. backed