Unit

1 - Lesson 1: Work &

Motivation

1. READING & SPEAKING

a) Think of a person you consider to be successful, and discuss:

What makes you think they are successful? What, in your view,
are the reasons for their success?

b) Read the article and match the headings with the

paragraphs. There is one heading you don't need.

A. A fierce spirit

B. Being my own person

C. Learning from my mistakes

D. Needing to show them they were wrong

E. The courage to go out and seek my fortune

I didn’t get where I am

today without...

Successful people talk about their

inspiration and motivation

1.

Revenge is a terrific motivating force for

young creative people and it certainly kept

me going right through to the publication of

my first novel. I learned to read late, and as

a result the nuns at my school in Tennessee

had me marked down as being somewhere

between slow and stupid. They taught me

 for 12 years and even after I'd caught up

and gotten smarter, I was still thought of as

dumb. "They'll be sorry when they discover

I'm a great writer", I'd say to myself. "In

retirement, the single thing they'll be most

proud of will be that they had me as a

Ann Patchett,
student." And so it continued right through
US novelist
into the workplace where, in my first

teaching job after leaving graduate school,

the male head of the department would

come to me whenever the secretarial staff

were off. "Type this up for me, will you,

Ann?' he'd say habitually. "One day," I would

think, gritting my teeth, "One day..."

2.

There must have been something unique

or, at least, different about me as a boy,

because I recall it would sometimes amuse

my brother and his friends to throw cans at

me. Why? Because of the clothes I wore,

which they didn't like, or because I wouldn't

do whatever it was that they wanted me to,

or just because it was fun. But being

different is fine. It was my father who

encouraged in me the notion that I and I

alone am responsible for my own life, for

John Malkovich,
what I do and don't do, for my opinions and
US actor,
beliefs, and it's proved to be a great source
producer, and
of strength. I'm often asked if I read and
director
take notice of critics. Which ones? Those

who love the work? Who hate it? Or are

indifferent? As a director, as in life, you

have to know your own mind and be

prepared to stick to your guns.

3.

One of my instructors at Southport

 Catering College knew Anton Edelmann, the

chef at the Savoy, and recommended me to

him. I was very nervous about leaving my

comfort zone and coming to London. I was a

loner who'd never made friends because I

was always working, and I was happy

enough being alone and busy. But I did

come to London, and even though it was a

Marcus
very tough environment, I worked like a
Wareing,
real trouper and was very quick to learn.
UK chef
The hardest part was being away from my

family and having to deal with other people

while having no management or

interpersonal skills whatsoever. So I called

my dad every day, to fill him in on the good

and bad, and ask him how he would deal

with this or that.

4.

The family is a microcosm of society. It's

where your spirit and beliefs are first

tested. My mother and father wanted only

the best for me and my sister, but had very

rigid ideas of what that "best" should be.

For me to become a lawyer or even an

engineer would have satisfied them, but a

writer? Never. I was a determined and

rebellious kid, though, and having failed to

change my mind by conventional methods,

Paulo Coelho,
they looked for more dramatic and extreme
Brazilian writer
ones. In a sense, though, I thank them for

that. I wouldn't have gotten where I am

without fighting to live the life I wanted for

myself. I long since forgave them. We all

make mistakes, parents included.

c) Read the article again and write the initials (e.g., AP) of the
person next to the questions below. Who...?

1. found it hard to manage on their own

2. was motivated by the same desire until they became

successful

3. thinks that a conflict helped them become stronger

4. was made fun of by a member of their family

5. is grateful for something their parents did wrong

6. asked a parent for advice

7. learned an important lesson from a parent

8. was treated in the same way at school and at work

d) Discuss with your teacher.

1. From reading the text, what impression do you get of the

four people's personalities?

2. Which of them do you most identify with? Why?

3. What or who motivates you...? (give examples)

• in your work or studies

• to improve your English

• to improve other skills, e.g., sports, music, other activities

e) Look at the highlighted phrases and guess the meaning of

the ones you don’t know from the context. Then match them

with the definitions 1-7.

1. to know what you want or like

2. (idiom; informal) to refuse to

change your mind about something even when other people
are trying to persuade you that you are wrong

3. in one way

4. (colloquial) the working or living

environment in which we feel safe and unthreatened

5. (idiom) to be determined to
continue to do something in a situation difficult or unpleasant

6. fill sb in (on) (phrasal verb) to tell sb about what has

happened

7. (with sb) (phrasal verb) to reach

the same level or standard as sb who is better or more
advanced

f) Choose five more words or phrases from the text that you
think are useful, and write an original sentence with each of
them.

1. 2.

3. 4.

5.

g) Read the information about looking up idioms in a

dictionary.

Looking up idioms in a dictionary

You can usually find the definition of an

idiom under one of its "full" words (nouns,

verbs, adverbs or adjectives, but NOT

prepositions and articles), in a section

marked, for example, IDM. So the definition

of stick to your guns will probably be given

under stick or guns.

After some very common verbs, e.g., be, get

and adjectives, e.g., good, bad, the idioms are

usually under the entries for the next "full"

word.

Phrasal verbs PHR V are always after the

main verb, e.g., get back and get over would

be under get.

h) Now look at the following idioms with mind. What do you

think they mean? Discuss their meaning with your teacher.

speak your mind cross your mind mind your own

business be of two minds about sth

2. GRAMMAR BASE: discourse markers (connectors)

a) Without looking back at the text, try to remember how these

sentences continue. Don't worry if you can't remember the
exact words.

1. Ann Patchett: "I learned to read late, and as a result...

2. John Malkovich: "It would sometimes amuse my brother

and his friends to throw cans at me. Why? Because of...

3. Marcus Wareing: "But I did come to London, and even

though..., I

worked like a real trouper and was very quick to learn.

4. Marcus Wareing: "So I called my dad every day, to...

b) Compare your answers with the text above.

c) Which of the bold connectors in exercise a introduces...?

1. a result ⇒ as a result

2. a reason ⇒

3. a purpose ⇒

4. a contrast ⇒

d) Read the examples below. Then read the rules.

result

1. It was freezing cold, so I wore a thick coat.

2. It snowed hard all night. As a result, the airport was dosed

the following morning.

We regret that you do not have the necessary qualifications,

and therefore / consequently we are unable to offer you the
job.

1. So is the most common way of introducing a clause of result.

2. As a result, therefore, and consequently (more formal than

so) are often used at the beginning of a sentence or clause.

• When the marker is at the beginning of a clause, it is usually

preceded by a comma, or comma + and.

• Therefore and consequently can also be used before a main

verb, e.g.,

We have therefore / consequently decided not to offer you the

job.

reason

1. I have stopped writing to her because / as / since she never

answers me.

2. The plane was late because of the fog.

Flight 341 has been delayed due to / owing to adverse

weather conditions.

1. Because, since, and as (more formal) are used to introduce

clauses giving a reason and are synonyms.

As is often used at the beginning of a sentence, e.g., As the

weather is so awful, we've decided not to go out.

2. Because of, due to, and owing to also express the reason for
something. They are usually followed by a noun.

• Due to and owing to are more formal than because of.

purpose

1. I took a language course to / in order to / so as to improve

my English.

2. She closed the door quietly so as not to / in order not to

wake the baby.

3. They moved to Quito so (that) they could see their

grandchildren more often.

4. I'm not going to tell Ann in case she tells everyone else.

1. To, in order to and so as to introduce a clause of purpose and

are all followed by an infinitive.
So as to and in order to are more formal.

2. For negative purpose use in order not to or so as not to

(NOT She closed the door quietly not to wake the baby.)

3. You can also use so (that) + can / could + verb or will /

would + verb to express purpose.

You can leave out that in informal speech and writing.

• You must use so (that) when there is a change of subject in

the result clause, e.g.,

She put a blanket over the baby so (that) he wouldn't be cold.

4. Use in case + clause when something is done in order to be

ready for future situations / problems or to avoid them.

contrast

1. We enjoyed the concert, but we didn't have very good seats.

Agnes was attracted to the stranger, yet something in her

head was telling her not to get close to him.

We enjoyed the concert. However, we didn't have very good

seats.

Agnes was attracted to the stranger. Nevertheless,

something in her head was telling her not to get close to him.

2. We enjoyed the concert although / even though / though

we didn't have very good seats.

3. In spite of being attracted to the stranger, something in

Agnes's head was telling her not to get close to him.

Despite her attraction to the stranger...

Despite the fact that she was attracted to the stranger...

1. But is the most common and informal way of introducing

contrast, and is usually used to link two contrasting points
within a sentence.

• Yet is used in the same way, but is more formal / literary.

• However and nevertheless are usually used at the beginning

of a sentence, to connect it to the previous one.

They are usually followed by a comma.

• Nevertheless (or nonetheless) is more formal / literary than

however.

2. Even though is more emphatic than although. Though is

more common in formal speech.

• Though can also be used at the end of a phrase as a comment

adverb, e.g., He's very friendly - a little stingy, though.

3. After in spite of and despite you must use a gerund, a noun,

or the fact that + clause.

GRAMMAR EXERCISES:

a) Check ✓ the right connector in each sentence.

Model: Even though / Despite Mary's working really

hard, I don't think she'll be able to finish the report in time.

1. The hotel chain has had a very difficult season.

Nevertheless / As a result , they haven't had to close

any of their hotels in Europe.

2. Could we rearrange my meetings so that / in case I

don't have so many appointments on Monday?

3. Carlos earns a lot of money though / since the job

itself is very dangerous.

4. Mike can't go on vacation right now as / so he has to

finish a very important project at work.

5. At the meeting Angela stuck to her guns due to / in spite

of the fact that everybody was against her.

b) Check ✓ the correct option according to the situation

(formal or informal).

Model: Sales have increased over the last year. So /

Therefore we will be taking on some new staff.

1. I stopped at a gas station to / in order to fill up the

tank.

2. We sincerely apologize for the delay, which was due to /

because of the late arrival of the incoming aircraft.

3. The company has reported declining sales this year, in spite

of / but they have so far managed to avoid any staff
cuts.

4. I've been off work for the last three days because of /
owing to this nasty cough.

5. I thought it was an amazing book. It was really depressing,

though / however .

6. Adam texted me to say he's going to be a little late, so /

consequently let's start without him.

c) Combine the two sentences using the bold word(s), making

any necessary changes.

Model: We always turn off the air conditioner when we leave

home. We don't want to waste electricity. (so as) ⇒

We always turn off the air conditioner when we leave home

so as not to waste electricity.

1. Margareth is an only child. She isn't at all spoiled. (Even

though) ⇒

2. I took the price tag off the jacket. I didn't want my wife to
know how much it had cost. (so that) ⇒

3. Ann was really late. The traffic was heavy. (because of) ⇒

4. Prices have increased. Transportation costs have risen. (due

to) ⇒
5. Our seats were far from the stage. We enjoyed the concert.
(In spite) ⇒

6. Keep the receipt for the dress. Your sister might not like it.
(in case) ⇒

d) Listen to the sentences. When the speakers pause, write

down how you think the sentences might continue.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

e) Now listen to the whole sentences. Are they similar to what

you wrote? Yes No

3. SPEAKING & LISTENING

a) A survey by Chiumento, a human resources consulting firm,

established the ten factors that make people happy at work.

Discuss: Which are the two most important and the two least

important factors?

What makes people happy at work?

Being part of a successful team.

Doing something rewarding.

Doing varied work.

Earning a competitive salary.

Doing enjoyable work.

Feeling that you are making a difference.

Having a good boss or manager.

Having a good work-life balance.

Having friendly, supportive co-workers.

Having your achievements recognized.

b) The survey also established some other factors related to

being happy at work. Discuss: Do you think the following are

probably true or false according to the research? Why?

1. Statistically there are more happy people at work than

unhappy people.

2. Employees of bigger companies or organizations are

happier than those who work for smaller companies.

3. Men are generally happier than women with their work.

4. Full-time workers are happier than part-time workers.

5. People with higher positions in a company are happier

than the people below them.

6. The longer you stay in one job, the happier you become.

7. Workers over 55 are the happiest.

c) Now listen to a radio program about the survey and check

your answers to exercises a and b, and check.

d) Look at the photos and read the short article about innocent
drinks. Discuss: Does it look like a company you would like to
work for? Why (not)?

Working where the grass is always greener



In a Sunday Times survey, innocent drinks was found to be one of the companies with the happiest employees.

This London-based company was set up by three college students in 1999 and started off making smoothies, a

drink made with fruit juice and yogurt. It now employs over 200 people, and has added vegetable pots to its

products. The company calls itself "innocent" because it only uses pure fresh ingredients. Part of its marketing

strategy is to use delivery vans which are decorated to look like cows or grassy fields. The company also prides

itself on being "a happy place to work" and "people-orientated," with a relaxed working environment, which

includes having a grass floor in the office!

e) Now listen to the second part of the program where Becka

Walton, who works for innocent drinks, is interviewed. Answer

the questions.

1. In general, does she agree that there is a happy and relaxed

working atmosphere at innocent drinks?

2. Does she mention any downsides?

f) Listen again, pausing after each of Becka's answers. Answer

questions 1-6.

1. What made Becka apply for a job at the company?

2. What example does she give of how the company creates a

team environment?

3. What examples does she give of the relaxed atmosphere?

4. What does she say about staff turnover?

5. Does she agree that a competitive salary is not an important

factor in determining job satisfaction?

6. What does Becka say about the company's product?

g) Now listen again and read the audioscript below. Is there

anything you found difficult to understand? Why?

Host: The second survey we're looking at on today's program

is a Sunday Times survey that was all about the best UK

companies to work for. Apparently, one of the best small

companies to work for is innocent drinks. Well, I have with me

in the studio Becka Walton, who works for innocent drinks.

Becka, tell us what made you apply for the job at innocent.
Becka: Well, I've always really liked them as a company, I've

always followed their website and their weekly newsletter, I've

always thought that they would be people that I would like to

work for, so it was just a matter of keeping an eye on their jobs

page and waiting for a position that I thought I could do.

Host: Now, in a recent survey about what makes people happy

at work, innocent was listed as one of the top companies to

work for. You obviously think it is a happy company. Now why

do you think that?

Becka: Well, I can see how we would have scored very highly

on that scale, I think there's a really big emphasis on a team

environment at work, we're all mixed up so nobody sits

according to the group of people that they work with, which

means that you get to make friends in different areas of the

business. Everybody's aware of the projects that people are

working on, the pressures that they're under, so it makes for a

really good team environment. I think that's important.

Host: And how does that compare with other companies that

you've worked for?

Becka: Oh, l haven't really worked for any big companies

before - innocent is the biggest company that I've worked for. I

know friends of mine complain about really stuffy work

environments, but the atmosphere at innocent is really

informal, things are pretty relaxed and a lot of my friends are

surprised that we don't have to dress up to come to work, often

people don't even wear shoes, and we have a grassy floor in

our office, and it's just kind of a relaxed place to work.

Host: What would you change about the company if there was

something that you could change?

Becka: Oh, I, I'm not really sure how to answer that question, I

think that, a thing that does come up when we survey people is

the work-life balance, I think people are really passionate about

their jobs, and that's a good thing, but it can lead to people

working very long hours.

Host: So you're overworked?

Becka: I wouldn't go that far, but it would be easy to be

overworked, yes.

Host: You're obviously very happy with your work, but is there
a high staff turnover rate? Do people generally stay for a long

time?

Becka: I know that Daisy, my first manager, was the first

female employed by the company. She stayed for ten years

which is a long time, so I think that shows she was pretty

happy. Obviously we have people on short-term contracts, but

as a general rule I would say that people are happy and people

do tend to stay at innocent for a pretty long time.

Host: OK, in the other survey, the one about the ten things that

make people happy at work, the issue of a competitive salary

was the last on the list. What's your view on that?

Becka: Well, I've thought about that and I hope it doesn't make

me sound shallow, but I struggled to think often things that

were more important than the money. I mean it's important to

maintain a good work-life balance and to, I suppose, have fun

at work and to enjoy the people you work with, but I think it's

really important to feel like the financial compensation for

what you do is adequate.

Host: Mm...hm. OK. And finally, I should ask you, do you drink

smoothies yourself and if you do, are they always innocent?

Becka: I really love, really love smoothies and if I didn't, it

would be the wrong place for me to work, and naturally, they're

always innocent smoothies. I think the working environment is

reflected in the passion that we all have and I think that's

because we know we have a really good product.

Host: Thank you very much, Becka Walton.

Listening to English in the media

Try to listen to as much English as you can

outside class in a format you can listen to

repeatedly, e.g., a website, a podcast, a video clip,

or a DVD. A good way of getting the most out of it

is:

• first listen and try to get used to the speaker(s)

and get a general idea of what they are talking

about.
 • then listen again, pausing and checking that

you understand the main points.

• listen again with an audioscript or English

subtitles, if they are available, to help you figure

out what you didn't understand (maybe because of

the speaker's accent or speed, or use of

vocabulary).

h) Discuss: Do Becka's answers confirm that you would /

wouldn't like to work for innocent drinks? Why (not)?

5. VOCABULARY BASE: work

a) Match the two halves of the expressions used in the

interview.

A.
1. short- balance
term
B. salary
2. work-
life
C.
3. work turnover

4. staff D.
contracts
5.
competitive E.
environment

b) Listen, repeat and check. Discuss with your teacher what

you think the expressions mean.

c) Match sentences 1-6 with A-F.

1. My job is very
challenging. A. Everything takes a long
time and it's boring.
2. I'm a cashier in a
supermarket. I really enjoy my B. I have to do exactly the
job, but it can be a little same thing every day.
monotonous / repetitive.
C. It makes me happy
3. I'm an elementary school because I think it's useful and
teacher. I think working with important.
young children is very
rewarding. D. It tests my abilities in a
way that keeps me interested.
4. I work in a small graphic
design company, and I think E. It's very high pressure,
my job is really motivating. requires a lot of skill, and you
have to work long hours.
5. Being a surgeon is very
demanding. F. The kind of work I do
and the people I work with
6. I work at an accounting make me want to work harder /
firm. My job is incredibly do better.
tedious.

d) Write the nouns choosing the best word from each group.
Sometimes you need to use a word twice.

career / position / profession

1. My sister has applied for the of

head of human resources at a multinational company based in

Seoul.

2. Nursing is a rewarding , but one

that is not usually very highly paid.

3. It's difficult for a woman to have a successful

and bring up young children at the

same time.

wage / salary / bonus / perks

4. The (informal The money) isn't

fantastic - about 20,000 dollars a year - but the work is

rewarding.

5. I'm a waiter and I get paid every Friday. The hourly

isn't very high but I can earn a lot

from tips if I do my job well.

6. The company made a huge profit this year and so all the

employees were given a .

7. One of the (formal benefits) of this

job is that I get free health insurance.

staff / employer / employees

8. The company has a of nearly 600

9. I wouldn't describe the factory owner as a very generous

10. It's a great hotel and the is very

friendly.

skills / training / qualifications

11. All the managers were sent on a three-week

course.

12. He left school without any at all.

He failed all his tests.

13. There are certain you need to be a

web designer. For example, you need to be able to use words

effectively.

e) Complete the phrases with the missing words.

1. I'm a manager. I'm in ch of the

sales department. I have to d with

some very difficult clients. I'm also res

for publicity. I'm o work at the

moment. I'm on maternity leave.

2. I'm part of a t . I always work with

other people. I have the opp to travel,

which is something I appreciate. I have good opportunities

for ad in this job. I think I can go far.

I'm hoping to get pr to senior

manager next year.

3. I'm hoping to get a r . I think my

salary is very low. It's a temp job - I'm

only on a short-t contract so I have

no job sec .

4. I was f from my last job. My boss

didn't like the way I worked. Now I'm self-em

. I r my own

business and I'm much happier. I only work p

-t , from 10:00

to 2:00, and in the afternoon I'm taking a continuing education

course.

5. I was laid o . There were too many

workers and the company was losing money. I've been o

of work for three months now, and

my job p aren't great. I've been doing

some vol work at the local community

center. It's un , but at least I'm getting

some more work exp .

f) Discuss with your teacher the difference between...

a demanding job and a challenging job

wages and salary

a profession and a career

skills and qualifications

 being fired and being laid off

getting a raise and getting promoted

good job prospects and good opportunities for advancement

being out of work and being off work

6. PRONUNCIATION: word stress and rhythm

a) Check ✓ the stressed syllable in the bold words.

chal-leng-ing
1. I managed to get a
challenging and motivating
job. mo-ti-va-ting

qua - li - fi - ca - tions
2. I don't have any
qualifications or
experience. ex - pe - ri - ence

job se - cu - ri - ty

3. There's no job security
and I could be laid off.
laid off

re-war-ding

4. I've had a very rewarding ca-reer
career in publishing.

com-pe-ti-tive

5. The job has a competitive
sa - la - ry
salary and excellent
benefits.
be-ne-fits

sti-mu-lat-ing

6. It's a stimulating work en - vi - ron - ment

environment with good

opportunities for op-por-tu-ni-ties

advancement.

ad-vance-ment

em-ploy-ees
7. The employees don't
enjoy the work, since it's very
mo-no-to-nous
monotonous.

re-ti-red
8. After she retired, she did
volunteer work at her local
vo-lun-teer
hospital.

b) Listen and check.

c) Listen again and focus on the rhythm of the sentences.

Which words are not stressed in the sentences? Practice saying

the sentences with good stress and rhythm.

7. SPEAKING

a) Discuss the topics below with your teacher. Think about two

jobs you could talk about. Use the questions below to help you.

Add any other information that you think is relevant. Use the

words and phrases from PART 5 - VOCABULARY BASE

above to help you.

A job you would love to do

What do you think the advantages of the job would be?

What makes you think you might be good at it?

Do you know anyone who does it?

Can you think of any drawbacks?

A job you would hate to do

What do you think the downsides of the job would be?

Do you know anyone who does it?

Have you ever done anything similar?

Can you think of any positive aspects of the job?

b) Listen to two people doing the task. What pros and cons do
they mention? What two "noises" do they use to give
themselves time to think?

8. WRITING: A job application

Key success factors in a job

application

• conveying a positive image of

yourself without appearing
arrogant

• using appropriate,
professional-sounding language

• avoiding basic mistakes which

will make you look careless

a) Discuss: If you saw the following advertisement on a world

music festival website, would you be interested in applying for
the job? Why (not)?
 Festival staff required to work at the World Music

Festival, a world music festival event in California

from July 12th to 14th

Responsibilities

To ensure the safety and comfort of the public and to

assist in the running of a successful festival.

To reduce any crowd-related problems, including

maintaining a state of calm to minimize any injury.

To prevent unauthorized access to the site by members

of the public.

Requirements

You must be aged 18 or over on the date of the festival

and be eligible to work in the US.

You must be physically fit and healthy and able to work

under pressure.

You should have a high level of English, and some

experience dealing with the public.

How to apply

Email your cover letter and resume to Jane Richards

(J.Richards@bkyworldmusic.org).


b) Read the first draft of an email below written in response to

the advertisement. What information does Kurt give in the

three main paragraphs?

1. 2.

3.

To: J.Richards@bkyworldmusic.org

From: Kurt Fischer

Subject: Application

Dear Miss (Ms.) Richards,

My name is Kurt Fischer. I am writing to

apply for a staff position advertised in the

World Music Festival website.

I am a final year student at the University

of Campinas and I am pursuing a degree in

physical education. I have a high level of

spoken English (C1 on the CEFR), as I

lived in the United States during six

months as part of a exchange program

between my school and a High school in

Utah. I made many American friends

during this period but we lost touch when I

came home.

As you will see from my resume, I have

some relevent experience because I have

worked for the last three summers helping

to organize a tennis tournament in my

town, Ouro Preto. I was in charge of

selling tickets at the entrance gate, so I am

used to handing money and, on ocasion,

having to refuse people entry. The

tournament organizer would be happy to

provide a reference. He is, in fact,

distantly related to my mother.

I am very enthusiastic on world music,

and would welcome the chance to be part

of this event. I believe I would be suitable

for the job advertised as, apart of my

experience, I am a very cheerful and

outgoing person and get along well with

people. Friends describe me as being calm

and patient, and I think I would be able to

cope if I had to deal with angry or difficult

members of the public. I would definitely

know how to look after myself if I got into

a fight!

I attach a resume, and if you require any

further information, I would be happy to

provide it. I would also be grateful if you

could send me an information regarding

acommodation during the festival.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely,

Kurt Fischer

Improving your first draft

Check your piece of writing for correct

paragraphing, mistakes, irrelevant

information, wordy sentences, and

language which is in an inappropriate

register.

c) Read the draft above again and try to improve it.

• Find three sentences (not including the example) which are

irrelevant or inappropriate.

1.

2.

3.

• Try to find and correct 12 mistakes in spelling (including

capital letters), grammar, and vocabulary.

1. 7.

2. 8.

3. 9.

4. 10.

5. 11.

6. 12.

d) Discuss: Do you think the festival organizers would have

given him an interview if he had sent his first draft?

e) Look at 1-10 below. Without looking back at the draft, can

you remember how Kurt expressed these ideas in a less

informal way? Use the bold word(s) to help you. Then look at

the text again to check your answers.

1. This letter is to ask you to give me a festival staff job.

(APPLY) ⇒

I am writing to apply for a staff position.

2. I'm a senior at college and I'm doing P.E. (FINAL YEAR /

PURSUE) ⇒

3. I can speak English very well. (HIGH) ⇒

4. I've done this kind of job before. (RELEVANT) ⇒

5. My job was to sell tickets. (CHARGE) ⇒

6. I'd love to work at the festival. (WELCOME) ⇒

7. I think I'll be good at this job. (SUITABLE) ⇒

8. If you need to know anything else, I'll tell you. (REQUIRE /

PROVIDE) ⇒

9. Let me have some information about accommodations.

(GRATEFUL) ⇒

10. Hope to hear from you soon! (FORWARD) ⇒

f) Read the job advertisement below, and pretend you're

interested in applying for it. Find the information you will need
to respond to. Then make notes about:

• what personal information you think you need to include.

• any relevant experience or qualifications you have.

• what aspects of your personality you think would make you

suitable for the job, and how you could illustrate them.

Do you want to

work for us?

Are you the right person

for the job?

We are looking for fun, energetic,

experienced people of any age to work as

camp counselors at our day and residential

summer camps in July and / or August.

Children are between 7 and 15 years old

and participate in a wide range of sports

and activities from swimming and water

sports to survival skills and cooking.

Do you enjoy working with children? Are

you good at working on a team? Do you

have any relevant experience or

qualifications? Do you speak English either

as a first language or fluently?

You can earn between $300 and $400 per

week (food and accommodations provided).

Minimum contract: one month.

Interested? Send an email with your

cover letter and resume to Richard

Cunningham at

summercamp@lot.com

g) Discuss with your teacher how relevant your information is,

what you think you should leave out, and what else you might

want to include.

TIPS for writing a cover letter / email to apply for a job,

grant, etc.

• Make sure you use appropriate sentences to open the letter.

• Organize the main body of the letter into clear paragraphs.

• Make sure you use a suitable style:

Don't use contractions or very informal expressions.

Use formal vocabulary where appropriate, e.g., require

instead of need, as instead of because.

The use of a conditional can often make a request sound

more polite, e.g., I would be grateful if..., I would welcome the

chance to...

• When you say why you think you are suitable for the job,

don't "oversell" yourself. Be factual and positive, but not

arrogant.
 • Make sure you use the appropriate phrases to close the

letter.

h) You have decided to apply for the job advertised above.
Write a cover letter or email. It should be approximately 250
words.

DRAFT your letter.

• Write an introductory sentence to explain why you are

writing.

• Paragraph 1: give relevant personal information.

• Paragraph 2: talk about relevant experience and

qualifications you have.

• Paragraph 3: explain why you think you would be suitable

for the job.

• Write a closing sentence.

EDIT the letter, cutting any irrelevant information, and

making sure it is the right length.

CHECK the letter for mistakes in grammar, spelling,

punctuation, and register.

HOMEWORK
1. READING

a) Read the text quickly and check ✓ the sentence that best
describes the reasons for Arno's success.

1. He had a background in Internet marketing and a good

education.

2. He was lucky with money and followed his instincts to

invest it wisely.

3. He received emotional and financial support from his

friends and family.
 Christian Arno: the

story of his success

It was at the tender age

of seven that Christian

Arno, British

entrepreneur and founder

of the online translation

service Lingo24.com, put

his first plan for making

money into practice. His scheme was to buy penny

candies and resell them to his classmates for two

cents a piece. However, the venture came to an

abrupt end when one of the mothers found out

about it and deemed it "inappropriate." Arno had

to shut down immediately.

His next opportunity came during the year he

spent abroad as part of his French and Italian

course at Oxford University. Despite lasting only

two weeks as a language assistant in Pavia,

northern Italy, Arno was allowed to stay with full

room and board. This meant he had a lot of free

time on his hands, so he set up a website offering

translation services with his friend, Jos Shepherd.

Although they didn't make much money, the

business gave them both an insight into working

online. That same year, Arno became financially

more solvent when he sold some shares he had

purchased for a huge profit of $23,000.

Back in the UK, Arno finished his degree and

decided to give his online translation idea another

shot. He asked Shepherd to design a new website

in return for a 20% stake in the business and went

on to launch Lingo24.com from his own bedroom.

The business was not an instant success, due to

Amo's inexperience in Internet marketing.

However, he worked hard and learned fast,

earning himself a reputation for speed and

accuracy. After 18 months he had enough business

to set up an office in New Zealand so that he could

offer clients 24-hour service. Soon after that Arno

had another stroke of luck. One of his larger

clients started spending hundreds of thousands of

dollars on translations, so he was able to invest in

more sophisticated technology. This brought in

even more business and led to him opening yet

more offices in China, Romania, and Panama.

Lingo24.com now translates into and out of more

than 100 languages, and turnover this year is

expected to reach $7 million. It has 200 full-time

employees and more than 4,000 freelance

translators. The company nowadays is a far cry

from the rudimentary website Arno and Shepherd

created in Italy, but that experience was invaluable

in showing them the potential of their idea.

Arno's advice for others is: "Seek out people you

respect, who have done it before and have

experience and give you advice - but go with your

instincts."

b) Read the text again and choose a, b, c, or d.

1. Arno's first business venture closed down because

a) his friends couldn't afford his products.

b) the teachers found out about it.

c) the parents didn't approve of it.

d) the candies had passed their expiration date.

2. Arno went to Italy for a year

a) to fulfill the requirements of his degree.

b) to set up a translation company.

c) to learn how to be a teacher.

d) to take courses at an Italian university.

3. Arno made a lot of money during his year abroad

a) by translating financial documents.

b) by investing in the stock market.

 c) by working as a language assistant.

d) by designing websites for a fee.

4. Arno launched Lingo24.com

a) while he was still in Italy.

b) before he left college.

c) from an office in Oxford.

d) after he graduated.

5. At first Lingo24.com struggled to survive because Arno

a) didn't invest enough money in new technology.

b) didn't offer clients 24-hour service.

c) didn't know how to attract clients online.

d) didn't speak any foreign languages.

6. The website Arno and Shepherd created in Italy

a) introduced them to a number of translators.

b) proved to them what they could achieve.

c) was far too basic to be useful in any way.

d) cost a lot of money to set up.

c) Look at the highlighted words and phrases. What do you

think they mean? Check your dictionary, then use them to

complete the sentences.

1. When Lucas got lost in the forest, he built a rudimentary

shack to spend the night in.

2. When Sandra's first business failed,

she lost a lot of money.

3. Carl's work experience at a magazine gave him an invaluable

into the world of media.

4. The company's annual is more than

30 million dollars.

5. Adam gained a as a first-class chef

within months of starting his first job.

6. The bank refused to lend us any more money until we could

prove that we were .

7. The company is going to a new

electric car in the spring.

8. Susan and Peter set up the venture together and they each
have a 50% in the business.

9. The government has introduced a new

to encourage citizens to recycle.

2. VOCABULARY: lexis in context

a) Complete the expressions below.

1. I don't care who's at the meeting - I'm going to speak my

mind about the new proposals.

2. Paul's advisers told him to sell the shares, but he's sticking
to his g and keeping them.

3. Despite the rain, the climbers gritted their t

and got to the top of the mountain.

4. Lesley knows her own m so she's

studying art instead of following her father into the business.

5. I missed the meeting, but my colleague f

me in on what was discussed.

6. Why don't you mind your own b and

stop asking me about my private life?

7. It never cr his mind that he might

get fired for what he did.

8. The leader was so far ahead that the other runners could not
c up with her.

3. GRAMMAR: discourse markers (connectors)

a) Check ✓ the connector that is NOT possible in the

sentences.

1. In spite of / Even though / Despite being the

better player, Richard lost the match.

2. I agreed to help painting the house although / in case

/ even though I didn't feel like it.

3. The workers covered the furniture with sheets so as not to

/ not to / in order not to splash it with paint.

4. We take full responsibility for the error and nevertheless

/ consequently / therefore wish to offer you a full
refund.

5. We left at dawn because of / in order to / so as to

avoid the rush hour traffic.

6. After her accident Mandy sold her car as / since /

because of she couldn't afford the insurance.

7. Sales figures have fallen drastically due to / because

/ owing to the recession.

8. Jackie's boss was a very difficult woman. However /

Nevertheless / Consequently Jackie couldn't help
liking her.

b) Rewrite the sentences using the connectors in parentheses

and making any necessary changes.

1. Amanda wrote down the appointment so that she wouldn't

forget the time. (so as not to) ⇒

Amanda wrote down the appointment so as not to forget the

time .

2. The cruise is being cancelled because the weather is going

to be bad. (due to) ⇒
The cruise is being cancelled
.

3. They had an early night in order to be ready for the race the
next day. (so that) ⇒

They had an early night

.

4. There are leaves on the track, so train service to Boston has

been temporarily suspended. (because of) ⇒

Train service to Boston

.

5. The customer made an official complaint because the waiter

had been rude. (due to) ⇒

The customer made an official complaint

.

6. The highway is closed until further notice due to

construction. (as a result) ⇒

The highway is under construction.

.

7. You are being sent a reminder since we have not received

payment for your last bill. (consequently) ⇒

We have not received payment.

.

8. Richard decided to apply for the job although he didn't meet

all the requirements. (despite) ⇒

Richard decided to apply for the job

.

4. VOCABULARY: work

a) Check ✓ the correct word.

1. My coworker has been promoted to the career /

profession / position of purchasing manager.

2. I'm really jealous of Rita because she gets so many wages

/ bonus / perks at her job, like a company car and a

clothes allowance.

3. Fabiana only works part time so she gets her salary /

wages / bonus weekly.

4. The work on a factory production line is often very

challenging / motivating / monotonous - you do

the same thing all day.

5. I'm in a difficult situation in the company because my

employer / employee / staff is a member of my

wife's family, and people think that's why I got the job.
6. Freddy's job is very rewarding / demanding /

tedious , so he's taking a course in stress management.

7. Paul works such long schedule / hours / day that

he hardly ever sees his family.

8. Leo decided to pursue a career / job / profession

in banking instead of becoming a lawyer.

9. I receive a lot of skills / qualifications / training

at this company - I can take several courses each year.

10. They get a bonus / benefit / salary for every

three new customers that sign up.

b) Match the sentence halves.

1. Our boss says we'll be

getting d a) of office supplies.

2. The best thing about b) with some very

my job is that I have serious injuries.

3. Ann hopes to do c) for training in my

company.

4. How long have you d) a raise next year.

been
e) fired for falsifying the
5. The manager was books.

6. They said they're f) some volunteer work

going to before she settles down.

7. As an army doctor, g) out of work? It's

Peter has to deal about time you got a job!

8. The HR manager is h) lay off half of the

responsible workforce in the winter.

9. Ask Henry for pens i) plenty of opportunities

and paper. He's in charge to travel.

5. PRONUNCIATION: word stress

a) Check ✓ the word with different stress.

1. manager employee salary

2. career unpaid training

3. promote wages business

4. tedious profession rewarding

5. demanding employer turnover

6. motivating monotonous responsible

b) Listen, repeat and check.

6. LISTENING

a) Listen to a man talking about a kind of job he would love to

do and one he would hate. What are the jobs?

1. 2.

b) Listen again and answer the questions.

1. Why does the man think he would be good at the first job?

2. What does he think might be the downside?

3. Why does he think he would hate the second job?

4. Has he done this kind of work? Why didn't he like it?

5. What was the one positive aspect of the job?

c) Listen again and read the audioscript below. Try to guess the

meaning of any words that you don't know. Then check your

dictionary.

1. Well, one job I've always thought I'd like is being a travel

writer. I mean, basically I like traveling and I like the idea of

going around the world, and I'd like to have an excuse to do it

and be paid for it if possible. I think I'd be pretty good at it

because, well, I'm a sociable guy and I like to think I can write

and um, I don't mind living out of a suitcase and living cheaply,

um and it just seems like it would be a great way to see the

world. I mean, I don't actually know anybody who does it, but

I've always sort of envied people like Anthony Bourdain who

get to go around the world and do these TV shows. They always

seem to be having a lot of fun.

But I do occasionally read travel books and while some of them

are fantastic, with others you definitely get the impression that

the authors were sent there by their publisher to write about

Patagonia or whatever, and nothing much happened, but they

still have to finish the book. So you get kind of a slow, boring

book sometimes, and I guess that might be a drawback if you

feel like you have to write a book even if you don't have

anything to say.

2. Well, what I'd really hate to do is any kind of job on a factory

production line, any really menial kind of thing where there's

really no, like, mental input at all, but you're just repeating the

same task over and over again. I think that would probably
drive me insane.

I did something kind of like that when I was about 18, I worked

in a plastic factory to make some money for a couple of months

and I remember I went in in the morning when it was still dark

and when I got out, it was dark, because it was winter, so I

never saw the light of day. It was about a ten hour day, and I

was paid next to nothing. We had half an hour for lunch and the

noise of the machines was so loud that you could, you could

shout at the top of your lungs and the person next to you

couldn't hear you, and the smell of plastics filled the air and it

was completely disgusting. The only, the only advantage was

that it was so loud that you could actually sing at the top of

your lungs and nobody could hear you, so I spent a lot of my

day singing to myself, which, which was fun.

7. OPTIONAL EXERCISE - SONG: The Anthem by Good

Charlotte

a) Listen to the song. Find the extra words and write them in
the blanks. If there are no extra words put a check ✓ next to
the line.

The Anthem
(Yeah, here we go)

It's a brand new day, but it all feels old brand

It's a good life, that's what I'm told

But now everything, it all just feels the same

At my old high school, it felt more to me

Like a jail cell, a penitentiary

My whole time spent there, it only made me see

That I don't ever wanna be like you

I don't wanna do the dull things you do

I'm never gonna hear the words you always say

And I don't ever ever wanna, I don't ever wanna be, you

Don't wanna be just like you

Oh what I'm saying now is, this is the anthem, throw all your
hands up, you... Don't wanna be you

Go to college, or university, go get a real job,

That's what they said to me

But I could never live the way that they want

I'm gonna get by, and just do my jail time, out of step while,
they all get in line

I'm just a minor threat so pay no mind

Do you really wanna be just like them, do you really wanna be

another trend?

Do you wanna be part of that boring crowd?

'cause I don't ever wanna, I don't ever wanna be you

Don't wanna be just like you

Oh what I'm saying now is, this is the anthem, throw all your
hands up, you... Don't wanna be you

Shake it once, that's fine

Shake it twice, that's okay

Shake it three times, you're playing with yourself, again.

You...don't wanna be just like you

What I'm saying is this is the anthem, throw all your hands up

Y'all got to feel me, sing if you're with me, you, don't wanna be
just like you (just like you)

This is the anthem throw all your hands up, y'all got to feel me,
sing if you're with me

Never lose your anthem (whoa-oh) (4x)

b) Which words or phrases in the song mean...?

1. a prison

2. to have ideas that are the same as or different from other

people's

3. to be part of a formation

4. a room for one or more prisoners in a prison or police station

5. a song which has a special importance for a country, an

organization, or a particular group of people and is sung on

special occasions

6. to ignore

SONG FACTS

This song was recorded by the American punk rock group Good

Charlotte in 2003 and was the second single from their studio

album, The Young and the Hopeless. The song has been

featured in several movies and commercials.

ANSWER KEY

1. READING & SPEAKING

a) Think of a person you consider to be successful, and discuss:

What makes you think they are successful? What, in your view,

are the reasons for their success?

b) Read the article and match the headings with the

paragraphs. There is one heading you don't need.

4 A. A fierce spirit

2 B. Being my own person

C. Learning from my mistakes

1 D. Needing to show them they were wrong

3 E. The courage to go out and seek my fortune

c) Read the article again and write the initials (e.g., AP) of the
person next to the questions below. Who...?

MW 1. found it hard to manage on their own

AP 2. was motivated by the same desire until they became

successful

PC 3. thinks that a conflict helped them become stronger

JM 4. was made fun of by a member of their family

PC 5. is grateful for something their parents did wrong

MW 6. asked a parent for advice

JM 7. learned an important lesson from a parent

AP 8. was treated in the same way at school and at work

e) Look at the highlighted phrases and guess the meaning of

the ones you don’t know from the context. Then match them
with the definitions 1-7.

1. know your own mind to know what you want or like

2. stick to your guns (idiom; informal) to refuse to change

your mind about something even when other people are trying
to persuade you that you are wrong

3. in a sense in one way

4. your comfort zone (colloquial) the working or living

environment in which we feel safe and unthreatened

5. grit your teeth (idiom) to be determined to continue to do

something in a situation difficult or unpleasant

6. fill sb in (on) (phrasal verb) to tell sb about what has

happened
7. catch up (with sb) (phrasal verb) to reach the same level or
standard as sb who is better or more advanced

g) Read the information about looking up idioms in a

dictionary.

h) Now look at the following idioms with mind. What do you

think they mean? Discuss their meaning with your teacher.

speak your mind= to say exactly what you think in a very

direct way

mind your own business (informal) = to think about your

own affairs and not to ask questions about, or try to get
involved in, other people's lives and problems, etc.
I was minding my own business and Mind your own
business! are both informal, but the second one, when
said to sb else, is rude.

cross your mind= to come into your mind, occur to you,

e.g., It never crossed my mind to ask him how his father
was.

be of two minds about something: to be unable to decide

what you think about sb or sth, or whether to do sth or
not

2. GRAMMAR BASE: discourse markers (connectors)

a) Without looking back at the text, try to remember how these

sentences continue. Don't worry if you can't remember the
exact words.

1. Ann Patchett: "I learned to read late, and as a result... the

nuns thought I was stupid.

2. John Malkovich: "It would sometimes amuse my brother

and his friends to throw cans at me. Why? Because of... my
clothes / the way I dressed.

3. Marcus Wareing: "But I did come to London, and even

though..., it was hard for me I worked like a real trouper and
was very quick to learn.

4. Marcus Wareing: "So I called my dad every day, to... tell

him (the good and bad things) about my day.

b) Compare your answers with the text above.

c) Which of the bold connectors in exercise a introduces...?

1. a result ⇒ as a result

2. a reason ⇒ because of

3. a purpose ⇒ to

4. a contrast ⇒ even though

GRAMMAR EXERCISES:

a) Check ✓ the right connector in each sentence.

Model: Even though / Despite Mary's working really

hard, I don't think she'll be able to finish the report in time.

1. The hotel chain has had a very difficult season.

Nevertheless / As a result , they haven't had to close

any of their hotels in Europe.

2. Could we rearrange my meetings so that / in case I

don't have so many appointments on Monday?

3. Carlos earns a lot of money though / since the job

itself is very dangerous.

4. Mike can't go on vacation right now as / so he has to

finish a very important project at work.

5. At the meeting Angela stuck to her guns due to / in spite

of the fact that everybody was against her.

b) Check ✓ the correct option according to the situation

(formal or informal).

Model: Sales have increased over the last year. So /

Therefore we will be taking on some new staff.

1. I stopped at a gas station to / in order to fill up the

tank.

2. We sincerely apologize for the delay, which was due to /

because of the late arrival of the incoming aircraft.

3. The company has reported declining sales this year, in spite

of / but they have so far managed to avoid any staff
cuts.

4. I've been off work for the last three days because of /
owing to this nasty cough.

5. I thought it was an amazing book. It was really depressing,

though / however .

6. Adam texted me to say he's going to be a little late, so /

consequently let's start without him.

c) Combine the two sentences using the bold word(s), making

any necessary changes.

Model: We always turn off the air conditioner when we leave

home. We don't want to waste electricity. (so as) ⇒
 We always turn off the air conditioner when we leave home
so as not to waste electricity.

1. Margareth is an only child. She isn't at all spoiled. (Even

though) ⇒ Even though Margareth is an only child, she
isn't at all spoiled.

2. I took the price tag off the jacket. I didn't want my wife to
know how much it had cost. (so that) ⇒ I took the price tag
off the jacket so that my wife wouldn't know how much it
had cost.

3. Ann was really late. The traffic was heavy. (because of) ⇒
Ann was really late because of the heavy traffic

4. Prices have increased. Transportation costs have risen. (due

to) ⇒ Prices have increased due to risen production
costs.

5. Our seats were far from the stage. We enjoyed the concert.
(In spite) ⇒ In spite of our seats being a long way from
the stage, / In spite of the fact that our seats were a long
way from the stage, we enjoyed the concert.
We enjoyed the concert in spite of our seats being a long
way from the stage. / ...in spite of the fact that our seats
were a long way from the stage.

6. Keep the receipt for the dress. Your sister might not like it.
(in case) ⇒ Keep the receipt for the dress in case your
sister doesn't like it.

d) Listen to the sentences. When the speakers pause, write

down how you think the sentences might continue.

1. Demand for new cars is falling, and as a result many

workers have lost their jobs.

2 Even though we'd only just met, we felt as if we'd

known each other forever.

3 The picnic was canceled at the last minute because of

the terrible storm.

4 She didn't tell him what she really thought of his new
suit so as not to hurt his feelings.

5 Despite not getting very good reviews, the movie was a

huge commercial success.

6 The accused is only 12 years old and therefore he

cannot be named.

7 The flight is delayed until 12:25 due to technical

problems.

8 I want to find a job closer home so that I don't have to

spend so much time commuting

3. SPEAKING & LISTENING

a) A survey by Chiumento, a human resources consulting firm,

established the ten factors that make people happy at work.

Discuss: Which are the two most important and the two least

important factors?

What makes people happy at work?

The two most important factors are:

1 Having friendly, supportive co-workers.

2 Doing enjoyable work.

The two least important factors are:

1 Having your achievements recognized.

2 Earning a competitive salary

b) The survey also established some other factors related to

being happy at work. Discuss: Do you think the following are

probably true or false according to the research? Why?

T 1. Statistically there are more happy people at work than

unhappy people.

F 2. Employees of bigger companies or organizations are

happier than those who work for smaller companies.

F 3. Men are generally happier than women with their work.

F 4. Full-time workers are happier than part-time workers.

T 5. People with higher positions in a company are happier

than the people below them.

F 6. The longer you stay in one job, the happier you become.

T 7. Workers over 55 are the happiest.

e) Now listen to the second part of the program where Becka

Walton, who works for innocent drinks, is interviewed. Answer

the questions.

1. In general, does she agree that there is a happy and relaxed

working atmosphere at innocent drinks? Yes, she does.

2. Does she mention any downsides? People work long hours

(because they are passionate about their jobs).

f) Listen again, pausing after each of Becka's answers. Answer

questions 1-6.

1. What made Becka apply for a job at the company? She had
always liked them as a company (and followed their
website and weekly newsletter).

2. What example does she give of how the company creates a

team environment? They mix people up from different
departments so you make friends with people in different
areas of the business (and are therefore aware of the
projects others are working on and the pressures they
are under).

3. What examples does she give of the relaxed atmosphere?

Employees don't have to dress up to go to work / people
often don't wear shoes I there is a grassy floor in the
office.

4. What does she say about staff turnover? People tend to

stay at the company for a long time.
5. Does she agree that a competitive salary is not an important
factor in determining job satisfaction? No, she thinks it's
important to feel like you are adequately financially
rewarded for what you do.

6. What does Becka say about the company's product? She

loves smoothies and always drinks innocent smoothies.
(She thinks that she and her co-workers feel passionate
about their work because they know they have a good
product.)

5. VOCABULARY BASE: work

a) Match the two halves of the expressions used in the

interview.

2 A.
1. short-
balance
term
5 B. salary
2. work-
life
4 C.
turnover
3. work
1 D.
4. staff
contracts
5.
competitive 3 E.
environment

b) Listen, repeat and check. Discuss with your teacher what

you think the expressions mean.

c) Match sentences 1-6 with A-F.

1. My job is very
challenging. 6 A. Everything takes a long
time and it's boring.
2. I'm a cashier in a
supermarket. I really enjoy my 2 B. I have to do exactly the
job, but it can be a little same thing every day.
monotonous / repetitive.
3 C. It makes me happy
3. I'm an elementary school because I think it's useful and
teacher. I think working with important.
young children is very
rewarding. 1 D. It tests my abilities in a
way that keeps me interested.
4. I work in a small graphic
design company, and I think 5 E. It's very high pressure,
my job is really motivating. requires a lot of skill, and you
have to work long hours.
5. Being a surgeon is very
demanding. 4 F. The kind of work I do and
the people I work with make
6. I work at an accounting me want to work harder / do
firm. My job is incredibly better.
tedious.

d) Write the nouns choosing the best word from each group.
Sometimes you need to use a word twice.

career / position / profession

1. My sister has applied for the position of head of human

resources at a multinational company based in Seoul.

2. Nursing is a rewarding profession, but one that is not

usually very highly paid.

3. It's difficult for a woman to have a successful career and

bring up young children at the same time.

wage / salary / bonus / perks

4. The salary (informal The money) isn't fantastic - about

20,000 dollars a year - but the work is rewarding.

5. I'm a waiter and I get paid every Friday. The hourly

wage isn't very high but I can earn a lot from tips if I do my job
well.

6. The company made a huge profit this year and so all the

employees were given a bonus.

7. One of the perks (formal benefits) of this job is that I get

free health insurance.

staff / employer / employees

8. The company has a staff of nearly 600 employees.

9. I wouldn't describe the factory owner as a very generous

employer.

10. It's a great hotel and the staff is very friendly.

skills / training / qualifications

11. All the managers were sent on a three-week

training course.

12. He left school without any qualifications at all. He failed

all his tests.

13. There are certain skills you need to be a web designer. For

example, you need to be able to use words effectively.

e) Complete the phrases with the missing words.

1. I'm a manager. I'm in charge,

of the sales department. I have to deal with some very difficult

clients. I'm also responsible for publicity. I'm off work at the
moment. I'm on maternity leave.

2. I'm part of a team. I always work with other people. I have

the opportunity to travel, which is something I appreciate. I

have good opportunities for advancement in this job. I

think I can go far. I'm hoping to get promoted to senior

manager next year.

3. I'm hoping to get a raise. I think my salary is very low. It's a

temporary job - I'm only on a short-term contract so I have

no job security.

4. I was fired from my last job. My boss didn't like the way I

worked. Now I'm self-employed. I run my own business and

I'm much happier. I only work part-time, from 10:00 to 2:00,

and in the afternoon I'm taking a continuing education course.

5. I was laid off. There were too many workers and the

company was losing money. I've been out of work for three

months now, and my job prospects aren't great. I've been

doing some volunteer work at the local community center.

It's unpaid, but at least I'm getting some more work

experience.

6. PRONUNCIATION: word stress and rhythm

a) Check ✓ the stressed syllable in the bold words.

chal-leng-ing
1. I managed to get a
challenging and motivating
job. mo-ti-va-ting

qua - li - fi - ca - tions
2. I don't have any
qualifications or
experience. ex - pe - ri - ence

job se - cu - ri - ty

3. There's no job security
and I could be laid off.
laid off

re-war-ding

4. I've had a very rewarding
career in publishing.
ca-reer

com-pe-ti-tive

5. The job has a competitive
sa - la - ry
salary and excellent
benefits.
be-ne-fits

sti-mu-lat-ing

6. It's a stimulating work en - vi - ron - ment

environment with good

opportunities for op-por-tu-ni-ties

advancement.
 ad-vance-ment

em-ploy-ees
7. The employees don't
enjoy the work, since it's very
mo-no-to-nous
monotonous.

re-ti-red
8. After she retired, she did
volunteer work at her local
vo-lun-teer
hospital.

7. SPEAKING

b) Listen to two people doing the task. What pros and cons do
they mention? What two "noises" do they use to give
themselves time to think? Pros: traveling around t he
world, visiting exotic places (hairstylist). Cons: having to
stand up all day and touch people's hair, dealing with
complaints.

The two noises are "Uh" and "Um."

8. WRITING: A job application

b) Read the first draft of an email below written in response to

the advertisement. What information does Kurt give in the

three main paragraphs?

1. Information about qualifications and skills (his

studies and his level of English)

2. Information about his work experience

3. Why he thinks he would be suitable for the job

c) Read the draft above again and try to improve it.

• Find three sentences (not including the example) which are

irrelevant or inappropriate.

I made many American friends during thisperiod...

(irrelevant) He is, in fact, distantly related to my mother.
(irrelevant) I would definitely know how to look after
myself if I got into a fight! (inappropriate, too informal)

• Try to find and correct 12 mistakes in spelling (including

capital letters), grammar, and vocabulary.

on the World Music Festival website

for six months

an exchange program
high school

relevant experience
handling money

on occasion
enthusiastic about world music

apart from my experience

calm and patient
send me some information
accommodations

e) Look at 1-10 below. Without looking back at the draft, can

you remember how Kurt expressed these ideas in a less
informal way? Use the bold word(s) to help you. Then look at
the text again to check your answers.

1. This letter is to ask you to give me a festival staff job.

(APPLY) ⇒

I am writing to apply for a staff position.

2. I'm a senior at college and I'm doing P.E. (FINAL YEAR /

PURSUE) ⇒ I am a final year student at the University of

Campinas and I am pursuing a degree in physical

education.

3. I can speak English very well. (HIGH) ⇒ I have a high

level of spoken English.

4. I've done this kind of job before. (RELEVANT) ⇒ I have

some relevant experience.

5. My job was to sell tickets. (CHARGE) ⇒ I was in charge of

selling tickets.

6. I'd love to work at the festival. (WELCOME) ⇒ I would

welcome the chance to be part of this event.

7. I think I'll be good at this job. (SUITABLE) ⇒ I believe I

would be suitable for the job advertised.

8. If you need to know anything else, I'll tell you. (REQUIRE /

PROVIDE) ⇒ If you require any further information, I
would be happy to provide it.

9. Let me have some information about accommodations.

(GRATEFUL) ⇒ I would be grateful if you could send me
some information about accommodations.

10. Hope to hear from you soon! (FORWARD) ⇒ I look

forward to hearing from you.

HOMEWORK - ANSWER KEY

1. READING

a) Read the text quickly and check ✓ the sentence that best
describes the reasons for Arno's success.

1. He had a background in Internet marketing and a good

education.

2. He was lucky with money and followed his instincts to

invest it wisely.

3. He received emotional and financial support from his

friends and family.

b) Read the text again and choose a, b, c, or d.

1. Arno's first business venture closed down because

a) his friends couldn't afford his products.

b) the teachers found out about it.

c) the parents didn't approve of it.

 d) the candies had passed their expiration date.

2. Arno went to Italy for a year

a) to fulfill the requirements of his degree.

b) to set up a translation company.

c) to learn how to be a teacher.

d) to take courses at an Italian university.

3. Arno made a lot of money during his year abroad

a) by translating financial documents.

b) by investing in the stock market.

c) by working as a language assistant.

d) by designing websites for a fee.

4. Arno launched Lingo24.com

a) while he was still in Italy.

b) before he left college.

c) from an office in Oxford.

d) after he graduated.

5. At first Lingo24.com struggled to survive because Arno

a) didn't invest enough money in new technology.

b) didn't offer clients 24-hour service.

c) didn't know how to attract clients online.

d) didn't speak any foreign languages.

6. The website Arno and Shepherd created in Italy

a) introduced them to a number of translators.

b) proved to them what they could achieve.

c) was far too basic to be useful in any way.

d) cost a lot of money to set up.

c) Look at the highlighted words and phrases. What do you

think they mean? Check your dictionary, then use them to

complete the sentences.

1. When Lucas got lost in the forest, he built a rudimentary

shack to spend the night in.

2. When Sandra's first business venture failed, she lost a lot of

money.

3. Carl's work experience at a magazine gave him an invaluable

insight into the world of media.

4. The company's annual turnover is more than 30 million

dollars.

5. Adam gained a reputation as a first-class chef within

months of starting his first job.

6. The bank refused to lend us any more money until we could

prove that we were solvent.
7. The company is going to launch a new electric car in the
spring.

8. Susan and Peter set up the venture together and they each
have a 50% stake in the business.

9. The government has introduced a new scheme to encourage

citizens to recycle.

2. VOCABULARY: lexis in context

a) Complete the expressions below.

1. I don't care who's at the meeting - I'm going to speak my

mind about the new proposals.

2. Paul's advisers told him to sell the shares, but he's sticking
to his guns and keeping them.

3. Despite the rain, the climbers gritted their teeth and got to
the top of the mountain.

4. Lesley knows her own mind so she's studying art instead of

following her father into the business.

5. I missed the meeting, but my colleague filled me in on what

was discussed.

6. Why don't you mind your own business and stop asking me
about my private life?

7. It never crossed his mind that he might get fired for what
he did.

8. The leader was so far ahead that the other runners could not
catch up with her.

3. GRAMMAR: discourse markers (connectors)

a) Check ✓ the connector that is NOT possible in the

sentences.

1. In spite of / Even though / Despite being the

better player, Richard lost the match.

2. I agreed to help painting the house although / in case

/ even though I didn't feel like it.

3. The workers covered the furniture with sheets so as not to

/ not to / in order not to splash it with paint.

4. We take full responsibility for the error and nevertheless

/ consequently / therefore wish to offer you a full
refund.

5. We left at dawn because of / in order to / so as to

avoid the rush hour traffic.

6. After her accident Mandy sold her car as / since /

because of she couldn't afford the insurance.

7. Sales figures have fallen drastically due to / because

/ owing to the recession.

8. Jackie's boss was a very difficult woman. However /

Nevertheless / Consequently Jackie couldn't help
liking her.

b) Rewrite the sentences using the connectors in parentheses

and making any necessary changes.

1. Amanda wrote down the appointment so that she wouldn't

forget the time. (so as not to) ⇒

Amanda wrote down the appointment so as not to forget the

time .

2. The music festival is being postponed because the weather is

going to be terrible. (due to) ⇒ The music festival is being
postponed due to terrible weather.

3. We had an early night in order to be ready for our exam the

next morning. (so that) ⇒

We had an early night so that we would be ready for our

exam the next morning.

4. There is snow on the track, so train service to Oslo has been

temporarily suspended. (because of) ⇒

Train service to Oslo has been temporarily suspended

because of snow on the track.

5. The customer made an official complaint because the hotel

clerk had been rude. (due to) ⇒

The customer made an official complaint due to the hotel

clerk being rude / due to the rudeness of the hotel clerk.

6. The museum is closed until further notice due to renovation.

(as a result) ⇒

The museum is under renovation. As a result, it will be

closed until further notice.

7. You are being evicted since we have not received your rental
payment for the last 6 months. (consequently) ⇒

We have not received your rental payment for the last 6

months. Consequently we are evicting you. / Consequently
you are being evicted.

8. Richard decided to apply for the job although he didn't meet

all the requirements. (despite) ⇒ Richard decided to apply for
the job s despite not meeting all the requirements
.

4. VOCABULARY: work

a) Check ✓ the correct word.

1. My coworker has been promoted to the career /

profession / position of purchasing manager.

2. I'm really jealous of Rita because she gets so many wages

/ bonus / perks at her job, like a company car and a

clothes allowance.

3. Fabiana only works part time so she gets her salary /

wages / bonus weekly.

4. The work on a factory production line is often very

challenging / motivating / monotonous - you do

the same thing all day.

5. I'm in a difficult situation in the company because my

employer / employee / staff is a member of my

wife's family, and people think that's why I got the job.

6. Freddy's job is very rewarding / demanding /

tedious , so he's taking a course in stress management.

7. Paul works such long schedule / hours / day that

he hardly ever sees his family.

8. Leo decided to pursue a career / job / profession

in banking instead of becoming a lawyer.

9. I receive a lot of skills / qualifications / training

at this company - I can take several courses each year.

10. They get a bonus / benefit / salary for every

three new customers that sign up.

b) Match the sentence halves.

1. Our boss says we'll be

getting d a) of office supplies.

2. The best thing about b) with some very

my job is that I have i serious injuries.

3. Ann hopes to do f c) for training in my

company.
4. How long have you
been g d) a raise next year.

5. The manager was e e) fired for falsifying the

books.
6. They said they're
going to h f) some volunteer work
before she settles down.
7. As an army doctor,
Peter has to deal b g) out of work? It's
about time you got a job!
8. The HR manager is
responsible c h) lay off half of the
workforce in the winter.
9. Ask Henry for pens
and paper. He's in charge i) plenty of opportunities
a to travel.

5. PRONUNCIATION: word stress

a) Check ✓ the word with different stress.

1. manager employee salary

2. career unpaid training

3. promote wages business

4. tedious profession rewarding

5. demanding employer turnover

6. motivating monotonous responsible

6. LISTENING

a) Listen to a man talking about a kind of job he would love to

do and one he would hate. What are the jobs?

Would love to be: a travel writer Would hate to

be: a worker on a factory production line

b) Listen again and answer the questions.

1. Why does the man think he would be good at the first

job? He's sociable, he can write, he is good at living out
ofa suiLcase and living cheaply.

2. What does he think might be the downside? If you are sent

somewhere and nothing much happens you still have to
write a book about it.

3. Why does he think he would hate the second job? Because

you don't have to use your mind (no mental input) and
it's very repetitive.

4. Has he done this kind of work? Why didn't he like it? Yes, he
once worked in a plastic factory. He didn't like not seeing
daylight, the low pay, the noise, and the smell of plastic.

5. What was the one positive aspect of the job? He could sing
at the top of his voice and nobody could hear him.

7. OPTIONAL EXERCISE - SONG: The Anthem by Good

Charlotte

a) Listen to the song. Find the extra words and write them in
the blanks. If there are no extra words put a check ✓ next to
the line.

The Anthem
(Yeah, here we go)

It's a brand new day, but it all feels old brand

It's a good life, that's what I'm told

But now everything, it all just feels the same now

At my old high school, it felt more to me old

Like a jail cell, a penitentiary

My whole time spent there, it only made me see whole

That I don't ever wanna be like you

I don't wanna do the dull things you do dull

I'm never gonna hear the words you always say always

And I don't ever ever wanna, I don't ever wanna be, you
ever

Don't wanna be just like you

Oh what I'm saying now is, this is the anthem, throw all your
hands up, you... Don't wanna be you now

Go to college, or university, go get a real job,

That's what they said to me

But I could never live the way that they want that

I'm gonna get by, and just do my jail time, out of step while,
they all get in line jail

I'm just a minor threat so pay no mind

Do you really wanna be just like them, do you really wanna be

another trend? just

Do you wanna be part of that boring crowd? boring

'cause I don't ever wanna, I don't ever wanna be you

Don't wanna be just like you

Oh what I'm saying now is, this is the anthem, throw all your
hands up, you... Don't wanna be you now

Shake it once, that's fine

Shake it twice, that's okay

Shake it three times, you're playing with yourself, again.

You...don't wanna be just like you

What I'm saying is this is the anthem, throw all your hands up

Y'all got to feel me, sing if you're with me, you, don't wanna be
just like you (just like you)

This is the anthem throw all your hands up, y'all got to feel me,
sing if you're with me

Never lose your anthem (whoa-oh) (4x)

b) Which words or phrases in the song mean...?

1. a prison penitentiary

2. to have ideas that are the same as or different from other

people's out of step

3. to be part of a formation to be in line

4. a room for one or more prisoners in a prison or police

station jail cell

5. a song which has a special importance for a country, an

organization, or a particular group of people and is sung on

special occasions anthem

6. to ignore pay no mind