Unit Two : Career and Employment
Receptive skills
A. Listening
Instructions: Listen to the conversation and answer the following questions:
1. What is the candidate's name?
………………………………………………………………………..
2. What is her job experience?
…………………………………………………………………………..
3. What does she say is her biggest strength?
……………………………………………………………………………
4. How did she solve a problem at work?
……………………………………………………………………………..
B. Reading
Read the following passage and do the multiple choice exercise below :
The Importance of Networking
Networking is a vital part of career development. It involves building and maintaining
professional relationships that can support you in your career journey. Many people
find jobs through their networks rather than through traditional job advertisements. In
fact, studies show that up to 70% of jobs are found through personal connections.
When you network, you meet new people in your industry and share information about
your experiences, skills, and interests. This exchange can lead to new job
opportunities, partnerships, or valuable advice. Attending industry events, workshops,
and seminars is an excellent way to connect with professionals and learn more about
your field.
Social media platforms, especially LinkedIn, play a significant role in networking
today. On LinkedIn, you can connect with colleagues, follow companies, and join
groups related to your profession. Engaging in discussions and sharing relevant
content can help you establish your expertise and expand your network.
Additionally, networking is not just about finding jobs; it’s also about learning and
growing in your career. Through conversations with others, you can gain insights into
industry trends and best practices. Mentorship is another important aspect of
networking. A mentor can provide guidance and support as you navigate your career
path.
In summary, networking is essential for career success. By building strong
relationships, you can uncover new job opportunities, gain insights into your industry,
and develop your professional skills.
Source: Adapted from The Balance Careers, "The Importance of Networking in Career
Development."
Exercise: Choose the correct answer for each question based on the reading passage.
1. What is the main purpose of networking?
o A) To attend social events
o B) To build and maintain professional relationships
o C) To avoid job advertisements
o D) To improve personal skills
2. What do studies indicate about job searching and personal connections?
A) Most jobs are found through online applications
B) Many jobs are discovered through networking
C) Personal connections are not important for job searches
D) Job advertisements are more effective than networking
3. Which platform is highlighted as particularly significant for networking today?
o A) Facebook
o B) Twitter
o C) Instagram
o D) LinkedIn
4. What is one benefit of networking mentioned in the passage?
o A) Increased salary
o B) Access to free training
o C) Job opportunities and valuable advice
o D) Greater job security
5. What role does a mentor play in networking, according to the passage?
o A) They find jobs for you
o B) They provide guidance and support
o C) They introduce you to friends
o D) They evaluate your resume
6. What is NOT mentioned as a way to network in the passage?
o A) Attending workshops
o B) Engaging in discussions on social media
o C) Joining professional groups
o D) Taking online courses
C. Vocabulary
Study these key vocabulary words and do the exercise below :
Key Vocabulary Words
1. Application - A formal request for a job, usually submitted with a resume.
2. Cover Letter - A letter sent with a resume that explains why you are a good fit
for the job.
3. Job Description - A list of responsibilities and requirements for a specific
position.
4. Interview Questions - Questions asked by the employer to learn more about
the candidate.
5. References - People who can speak about your skills and experiences, usually
former employers.
6. Workplace - The location where people do their jobs.
7. Teamwork - The ability to work well with others to achieve a common goal.
8. Feedback - Information given to improve performance or skills.
9. Career Goals - Objectives or targets related to your professional life.
10. Internship - A temporary position that provides practical experience in a job or
field.
Exercise : Fill in the blanks with the correct words from the vocabulary list above
1. To apply for the position, I submitted my __________ along with my __________.
2. The manager explained the __________ during the meeting, outlining the tasks
required for the role.
3. After the __________, the employer provided me with useful __________ on how to
improve my answers.
4. Having good __________ skills is essential for working in a group effectively.
5. I secured an __________ at a local company to gain experience in my field of study.
6. My __________ are to advance in my profession and take on more responsibility.
7. It’s important to include __________ in your application so employers can verify your
experience.
8. A strong __________ can help you make a good impression on hiring managers.
D. Grammar
√ Objectives for Focus Grammar Lessons
1. Making Predictions with May, Might, and Will:
o Understand how to express future possibilities and certainties using
"may," "might," and "will," and apply these structures in context to make
accurate predictions.
2. Conditional Type 1:
o Learn to construct and use Type 1 conditional sentences to express real
and possible future situations, emphasizing the relationship between
conditions and outcomes.
3. Using Unless:
o Master the use of "unless" to indicate negative conditions in sentences,
allowing students to express conditions clearly and effectively in their
speaking and writing.
Grammar focus 1 : Predictions with WILL - MAY – MIGHT
Form : Affirmative : subject + will / may / might + verb
Negative : subject + will + not (won’t) + verb
subject + may / might + not + verb
Interrogative : will+subject+v1… ?
Uses of "Will":
1. Voluntary Action:
o Used to express actions taken willingly.
o Example: "I will make you a sandwich."
2. Promise:
o Used to make commitments.
o Example: "I will love you forever."
3. Future Prediction:
o Used to predict future events.
o Example: "I think it will rain tomorrow."
Uses of "May" / "Might":
1. Future Possibility:
o Used to indicate something that is possible in the future.
o Example: "I might visit Italy next year."
**Note: We do not use might or may with the main verb in a question.
Example : How do you think the weather might be tomorrow?
Do you think it may rain tomorrow?
Exercise: Making Predictions
Complete each sentence with "will," "won't," "may," or "might" to express different
degrees of certainty about predictions.
1. I think it __________ rain later, so take an umbrella.
2. They __________ finish the project by Friday; they are behind schedule.
3. We __________ have a meeting tomorrow; it’s not confirmed yet.
4. He __________ pass the test; he has studied very hard.
5. It __________ be sunny this weekend, but the forecast isn’t certain.
6. I __________ go for a walk later if it stops raining.
7. Sorry I have a lot of work. I definitely __________ come to your party.
Grammar Focus 2 : conditional I
Conditional Sentences, also known as Conditional Clauses or If Clauses, express that
an action in the main clause can only occur if a specific condition in the "if" clause is
met. Conditional Sentence Type 1
Use: Indicates a situation that is possible and likely to happen in the future.
Form: if + Simple Present, will-Future
● Example: "If I find her address, I’ll send her an invitation."
● Note: The main clause can also be at the beginning of the sentence. In this
case, don't use a comma : "I will send her an invitation if I find her address."
Study this senetence : If John has the money, he will buy a Ferrari.
I know John very well and I know that he earns a lot of money and that he loves
Ferraris. So I think it is very likely that sooner or later he will have the money to buy a
Ferrari.
Exercise : Complete the Conditional Sentences (Type I) by putting the verbs into the
correct form.
1. If you (send) this letter now, she (receive) it tomorrow.
2. If I (do)………………. this test, I (improve) ………………… my English.
3. If I (find)………………… your ring, I (give)………………… it back to you.
4. Peggy (go)………………… shopping if she (have)……………………… time in the
afternoon.
5. Simon (go)…………………… to London next week if he (get) ………………… a cheap
flight.
6. If they (study / not)…………………. harder, they (pass / not)…………………. the exam.
7. If it (rain)………………… tomorrow, I (have to / not)………………… water the plants.
8. You (be able/ not)……………………. to sleep if you (watch)………………… this scary
film.
Grammar focus 3 : unless
Meaning : Unless means 'except if'.
Use : We use unless to say that there may be an exception and that this exception will
change the situation.
Example 1 : We're playing tennis tomorrow unless it rains.
= We're playing tennis tomorrow. However, one exception could change our plans –
rain.
Example 2 : Don't go there unless he tells you to.
= Don't go there, except if he tells you to go.
Form : We use the present tense after unless when referring to the future.
Example : I won’t go to the party unless she invites me.
Exercise: Rewrite the Following Sentences Using "Unless"
1. If you do not hurry, you will miss the bus.
………………………………………………………………………
2. You will not succeed if you do not work hard.
…………………………………………………………………..
3. If she doesn’t call me, I will assume she is busy.
…………………………………………………………………………..
4. We will be late if we do not leave now.
……………………………………………………………………………
5. If you do not eat breakfast, you will be hungry by lunchtime.
……………………………………………………………………………..
6. They will not win the game if they do not practice regularly.
………………………………………………………………………………..
Productive skills
Speaking:
Objective: Practice conversational skills by responding to various scenarios related to
careers and employment.
Instructions : Read the following scenarios and respond to each situation; a sample
response is provided for guidance.
1. Job Interview: You are asked, "What are your strengths?"
● Response Example: "I believe my greatest strength is my ability to
communicate clearly with others."
● You :
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………..
2. Networking Event: You meet someone in your field and they ask, "What do you
do?"
● Response Example: "I am currently studying economics, and I’m interested in
working in financial analysis."
● You :
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………..
3. Performance Review: Your boss says, "What areas do you think you need to
improve?"
● Response Example: "I think I need to work on my time management skills to
meet deadlines more effectively."
● You :
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
4. Meeting New Colleagues: A new colleague asks, "How do you like working
here so far?"
● Response Example: "I really enjoy it; the team is supportive, and I’m learning a
lot."
● You :
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
5. Discussing Career Goals: A friend asks, "What are your career aspirations?"
● Response Example: "I hope to become a lawyer because I want to help people
and make a difference in my community."
● You :
………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………..
6. Handling Criticism: A mentor says, "I think you need to be more assertive in
meetings."
● Response Example: "Thank you for the feedback; I will work on being more
confident in expressing my ideas."
● You :
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……
writing
1. Read the Paragraph: Read the following paragraph about the benefits of
internships for students and identify its components.
Internships provide valuable benefits for students looking to start their careers.
First, they offer real-world experience in a professional environment, allowing students
to apply what they have learned in their studies. For example, an internship in a law
firm can help a student understand legal procedures and improve their research skills.
Additionally, internships often lead to important networking opportunities, helping
students make connections with professionals in their field. Furthermore, they allow
students to explore different career paths; for instance, a student interested in
marketing might intern with a company to see how various strategies are
implemented in practice. In conclusion, participating in internships is essential for
students to gain experience and prepare for their future careers.
2. Identify Key Components:
o Topic Sentence: What is the main idea of the paragraph?
o Supporting Sentences: Identify the sentences that provide reasons or
examples supporting the main idea.
o Concluding Sentence: What sentence summarizes the main point of the
paragraph?
o Linking Words: Find any linking words used in the paragraph (e.g., first,
additionally, for example, in conclusion).
3. Complete the following paragraph :
To achieve success in your future career, certain important skills and qualities
are
essential. ……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………
…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Here are some expressions and ideas to help you write your paragraphs about the
skills needed for success in their future careers:
Expressions to Use:
1. Introducing Skills:
o "One important skill is..."
o "Another key quality is..."
o "A vital attribute for success is..."
2. Providing Examples:
o "For example, strong communication skills allow you to..."
o "For instance, problem-solving abilities help you to..."
o "A good example of teamwork is when..."
3. Explaining Importance:
o "This skill is essential because..."
o "Having this quality can lead to..."
o "This is important as it helps you..."
4. Concluding Thoughts:
o "In conclusion, developing these skills will..."
o "Overall, possessing these abilities is crucial for..."
o "Ultimately, these qualities can significantly impact your career success."