C2-Level IELTS-Style Reading Test

Based on Advanced Vocabulary from User's List

Passage 1: Corporate Culture and Conflict

In today’s volatile economic environment, internal turmoil can be just as damaging as external recessionary
forces. A company may boast excellent career prospects, high remuneration, and generous fringe benefits,
yet still falter due to office politics or poor hiring practices. A recent performance appraisal at a
multinational firm revealed that even white-collar workers are not immune to feeling undervalued when
their contributions are consistently overlooked. The hierarchy in place, often steeped in tradition, may
prevent innovation and discourage camaraderie, especially when shop stewards are not taken seriously.

In one notable case, a blue-collar worker who had held down a job for over a decade claimed constructive
dismissal, citing years of being overlooked for the position and suffering under discriminatory hiring
practices. When he finally decided to tender his resignation, he was accused of abandoning his duties and
found himself at the center of a legal battle. The employer, in an effort to avoid further conflict, offered him
a benefit in kind, which he refused. Ultimately, the firm was found to be in breach of contract, leading to a
landmark ruling at an employment tribunal.

Meanwhile, the company faced negative press, and several employees chose to hand in their notice, with one
manager opting to take a career break amid the chaos. Despite efforts to boost morale, the company's
working conditions were now under scrutiny, and some feared a salary freeze was imminent. The
organization, though still functioning, saw a marked decline in productivity and public image, emphasizing
the profound effects of internal dysfunction.

Questions 1-6: Choose the correct option (A, B, C or D)

1. What does the author suggest is equally harmful as external economic forces?
A. Lowered wages
B. Poor customer service
C. Internal conflict
D. Overproduction
2. The phrase "overlooked for the position" most likely means:
A. Given extra duties
B. Promoted quickly
C. Ignored for a role
D. Removed from a team
3. What caused the blue-collar worker to resign?
A. Salary freeze
B. Lack of training
C. Toxic work culture
D. Absence of maternity leave
4. Which legal term is mentioned as a result of contractual breach?
A. Memoir
B. Litigation
C. Employment tribunal
D. Clinical trial
5. "Camaraderie" is best defined as:
A. Competitive hierarchy
B. Mutual trust among colleagues
C. Job-related tension
D. Friendship between managers
 6. What does the passage imply about performance appraisals?
A. They are outdated methods
B. They can highlight systemic issues
C. They benefit only executives
D. They replace formal negotiations

Passage 2: Modern Media and Legal Boundaries

With the rise of investigative journalism, writers often use pseudonyms to protect their identity. In one case,
a journalist wrote a memoir under an alias, recounting how he exposed corruption during a major clinical
trial. His article, published in a respected journal, led to a governmental subpoena against the pharmaceutical
company involved. The firm's counsel tried to dismiss the case on a technicality, but the plaintiff presented
solid forensic evidence.

This evidence, collected through independent laboratories, not only confirmed fraud but also implicated
high-ranking officials. Despite aggressive public relations campaigns, the media held firm, and the broker
who facilitated the company’s floatation was also summoned. It marked a turning point in how enforcement
of ethical standards in drug testing was perceived globally.

Outside the courtroom, the journalist faced backlash, receiving threats and being followed by an unmarked
squad vehicle. Authorities eventually established a cordon around his home for protection. The case
reignited debate about freedom of speech and journalistic responsibility in matters of public health and
justice.

Questions 7-13: Complete the sentences with NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS from the passage

1. Journalists may write under a __________ to conceal their identity.

2. A __________ was issued to compel the company to appear in court.

3. The company attempted to dismiss the lawsuit due to a __________.

4. Solid __________ evidence helped the plaintiff's case.
5. A __________ surrounded the journalist's home for safety reasons.
6. The journalist's story was published in a scientific __________.
7. The article detailed corruption during a __________.

Passage 3: Economic Instability and Social Safety Nets

When companies go under, employees are left to draw the dole and rely on unemployment benefits and
social insurance. During a recent recession, thousands were laid off, with many handed a pay slip that
confirmed their final earnings. Some workers handed in their notice, while others were given the sack
without warning.

Labor unions called a lightning strike and demanded employers put an offer on the table. Eventually, both
sides agreed to return to the negotiating table and reach a compromise. However, trust had been eroded, and
one company was even placed into receivership.

During the disputes, several key figures chose to serve their notice period out in full rather than leave
abruptly. Others were skeptical about any lasting peace, noting that each party seemed eager to drive a hard
bargain. As industrial tensions grew, workers were encouraged to take industrial action, including temporary
walkouts and sit-ins.
Questions 14-20: True / False / Not Given

1. Workers were laid off with proper advance notice.

2. Employers gave generous severance packages.
3. The unions proposed the idea of a lightning strike.
4. The negotiations ended with both sides agreeing.
5. Receivership means a company is being restructured for success.
6. Employees received bonuses on their final pay slip.
7. Some workers voluntarily quit their jobs.