SECTION 2: Questions 15 - 27
You should spend about 20 minutes
on Questions 15-27, which are based on Reading Passages below.
Write answers to questions in
boxes 15-27 on your answer sheet.
GT Reading Sample - "How
to become a great leader" & "Resigning from a Job in a
Professional Manner"
Shop
for bestsellers
Read the text below and answer Questions
15-21.
How
to become a great leader
Stepping into a new management role can be
unnerving. Here’s how to inspire your team:
Set the tone of your leadership style from the
outset. Be confident, self-assured, and respectful with everyone you meet.
Speak as you want to be spoken to, and remember to listen. The first few weeks
are when people develop their perceptions of you, so work hard to earn their
trust. This will be key to effective change and progress.
Part of a leader’s brief is to set bold goals.
They could take years to achieve, but they need to be specific enough that
everyone in the organization understands them, buys into them, and is willing
to work together to achieve them.
Don’t do everything yourself. Great leaders
surround themselves with talented individuals and they should trust them to
make things happen. If things need changing, tell people and involve them in
making the changes by participating in the design of a new strategy. If the
team is too cautious to embrace change, give them one more chance but be
clearer about what you want.
Stamp out the ‘them and us’ culture. In many
organizations, employees feel distant from senior management. The message must
be plain: we all work together, but leaders need to work hard to ensure these
filters through to everyone in the organization.
Allow time for innovation. It’s important to
give staff time to come up with new ideas and solutions that will fix new
problems. However, be clear that a decision is expected; set a time limit and
stick to it.
It is likely that the formula that makes the
business you are managing successful will have been created many years ago –
but it’s important to remember how the business started. Honour those early
pioneers and instil a sense of pride across the organization.
Leaders need to accept that some risk may be
required if the situation calls for it. Playing it safe is never a good
business rule, and leaders must make sure their business stays ahead by being
prepared to act quickly.
Show you are passionate and enthusiastic.
People spend a large part of their lives working for an organization, and
having a leader who is genuinely thrilled about its future is hugely inspiring.
Questions 15-21
Complete the sentences below.
Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the
text for each answer.
Write your answers in boxes 15-21 on
your answer sheet.
15. Initially, a leader needs to focus on
gaining the ............... of the staff.
16. A leader should decide on ............... that their staff are
happy to fulfil.
17. Leaders should involve their staff in the process of producing
a different ............... .
18. If tricky issues arise, leaders should give staff the space to
find ............... to them.
19. Leaders need to encourage their staff to feel ...............
in the past achievements of the company.
20. It is important for leaders to agree to a certain degree of
............... when necessary.
21. If leaders find the ............... of the company exciting,
their staff will be more motivated to work hard.
Read the text below and answer Questions 22-27.
Resigning
from a Job in a Professional Manner
When you take the decision to resign and move
on to another job, you might really want to dance your way out of the door, or
get your own back by criticising your boss to the whole office. But you need to
resist these temptations because in future you might find you’re working with
your ex-line manager or other colleagues in a different company.
Letting your manager know
Show courtesy by telling your boss
first. Request a meeting to say that you’re leaving, following up soon after
with an official letter. Before the meeting with your boss, write a list of
ongoing tasks along with status updates and suggestions concerning completion.
Use the meeting to clarify any
other points, such as your notice period and leaving date, and how you will
inform others (colleagues or external clients, contacts and suppliers). Ask
about a reference too; your employer may only supply the most basic type but
your line manager might also give you a more personal one. Making sure you get
a good one can make subsequent job hunting less stressful.
Preparation
Work out how you can ensure a smooth transition and minimise disruption to your
employer. There may be a range of things you can do to hand over
professionally, such as completing projects, working out the priorities with
your line manager, and leaving clear documentation for the successor in your
post concerning processes or software.
Your letter of resignation
Keep your letter short. You don’t need to give lots of explanations or
justification for why you’re leaving. Don’t be tempted to address the failings
of the company or your boss, either. Instead, thanking your employer for the
job and mentioning what you appreciated about it is a graceful touch. Here’s an
idea of what to include:
·
First
paragraph – the basics:
·
Inform
the employer that you wish to resign and confirm the agreed final date at work.
·
Second
paragraph – thank your employer:
Mention any particular career-building projects you worked on or opportunities
to develop skills and contribute to the employer’s goals and successes. You can
also mention your appreciation at being able to work in a great team.
·
Third
paragraph – handover:
State your willingness to finish existing projects and hand over your work
smoothly.
Questions 22-27
Complete the sentences below.
Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the text for each answer.
Write your answers in boxes 22-27 on your answer sheet.
The
best way to resign
Avoid all 22 ...............
to resign in an angry way. Instead, follow this procedure:
Arrange a meeting with the boss to:
·
mention
any projects which are underway and give ideas for their 23 ...............
.
·
discuss
how much notice you need to give before you go.
·
request
information on the type of 24 ............... you will
receive.
Steps you can take before you leave:
·
Work
to cause as little 25 ............... as possible to the
organisation.
·
Make
sure your successor has adequate guidance on the organisation’s systems.
In the resignation letter:
·
avoid
mentioning any 26 ............... in the organisation.
·
show
appreciation for aspects of the job, e.g., the chance to improve your 27 ...............
·
indicate
your wish to leave everything in good order.
Answer:
15. trust
16. goals
17. strategy
18. solutions
19. pride
20. risk
21. future
22. temptations
23. completion
24. reference
25. disruption
26. failings
27. skills
SECTION 2: Questions 15 - 27
You should spend about 20 minutes
on Questions 15-27, which are based on Reading Passages below.
Write answers to questions in boxes 15-27 on
your answer sheet.
GT Reading Sample - "Vacancy for
food preparation assistant" & "Setting up a business
partnership in the UK"
Read the text below and answer Questions
15-19.
Vacancy for food preparation assistant
Durrant House plc runs restaurants and cafes
as concessions in airports, train stations and other busy environments around
the country. We currently have a vacancy for a food preparation assistant in
our restaurant at Locksley Stadium, serving football fans and concert-goers
before, during and after events. In addition, we cater for private parties
several times a week. If you have relevant experience and a passion for
preparing food to a very high standard, we’ll be delighted to hear from you.
You must be able to multitask and to work in a fast-paced environment. It goes
without saying that working as an effective and supportive member of a team is
essential so you need to be happy in this type of work.
The role includes the usual responsibilities,
such as treating hygiene as your number one priority, cleaning work areas, and
doing whatever is required to provide food of excellent quality. The person
appointed will carry out a range of tasks, including ensuring all raw food
items are fresh, preparing vegetables to be cooked, making sure frozen food
products are used in rotation, and throwing away any food products that are
near or have passed their expiry date. He or she will be required to
familiarise themselves with the storage system, so as to put food product
supplies in the proper place and retrieve them in the right order. In
particular; we are looking for someone with skill at baking, to play a large
role in the production of pies and cakes.
Given the nature of the venue, working hours
vary from week to week, depending on the events being held, and will often
involve starting early in the morning or finishing late at night. You can
expect to work an average of around 18 hours a week, although this cannot be
guaranteed. You will also have the opportunity to work in another of our sites
for one or two days a week, or for longer periods, and will be paid for ten
days of holidays a year, Training will be provided in food safety.
If this sounds like the job for you, please
contact Jo Simmons at simmons.j@durrant-house.com.
Questions 15-19
Complete the notes below.
Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the text for each answer.
Write your answers in boxes 15-19 on your answer sheet.
Vacancy for food preparation
assistant
Location of restaurant: in a 15 ..................
Requirements:
• relevant experience
• ability to multitask must enjoy working in a 16 ..................
Responsibilities Include:
• maintaining high standards
of 17 .................. and quality
• checking the freshness of raw food
• ensuring no food is used after its expiry date
• leaming the procedure for the 18 ..................
of food
• doing a considerable amount of the baking
Conditions:
• working hours are not 19 ..................
• payment is made for holidays
Read the text below and answer Questions 20-27.
Setting up a business partnership in the
UK
Two or more people can go into business
together by setting up either a limited company or a partnership. A partnership
is the easier way to get started, and simply links two or more people together
in a simple business structure. Unlike a limited company, a partnership doesn’t
have a separate legal status. The partners are usually self-employed
individuals, although a limited company counts as a ‘legal person’ and can also
be a partner.
In a partnership, you and your partner or
partners personally share responsibility for your business. This means, among
other things, that if your business cannot afford to pay its debts, you must
pay them yourselves. Again, this is not the case with a limited company.
Partners share the business’s profits, and each partner pays tax on their
share.
When you set up a business partnership you
need to choose a name. You can trade under your own names, for example, ‘Smith
and Jones’, or you can choose another name for your business. You don’t need to
register your name. However, you should register your name as a trademark if
you want to stop people from trading under your business name.
Business partnership names must not include
‘limited’, ‘Ltd’, ‘limited liability partnership’, ‘LLP’, ‘public limited
company’ or ‘pic’, be offensive, or be the same as an existing trademark. Your
name also can’t suggest a connection with government or local authorities,
unless you get permission. There is no central database of partnership names in
the UK, so to avoid using the same name as another business, it is advisable to
search on the internet for the name you are considering.
You must include all the partners’ names and
the business name (if you have one) on official paperwork, for example invoices.
You must choose a ‘nominated partner’ who is responsible for registering your
partnership with HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC), the government department
responsible for the collection of taxes. This person is responsible for
managing the partnership’s tax returns and keeping business records.
Alternatively, you can appoint an agent to deal with HMRC on your behalf.
All partners need to register with HMRC
separately and send their own tax returns as individuals. You must register by
5 October in your business’s second tax year, or you could be charged a
penalty. You must also register for VAT if your VAT taxable turnover is more
than £85,000. You can choose to register if it’s below this, for example to
reclaim VAT on business supplies.
Questions 20-27
Complete the sentences below.
Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the text for each answer.
Write your answers in boxes 20-27 on your answer sheet.
20. A partnership is different from a
limited company in not having its own .................. as a legal body.
21. The partners are personally responsible for paying all the
partnership's .................. .
22. The partnership's .................. are divided between the
partners.
23. Registering the partnership's name prevents others from using
that name when .................. .
24. The best way to find out if a name is already in use is to use
the .................. .
25. The names of the partners and the partnership must appear on
.................. and other documents.
26. You must have a nominated partner, or someone to act as your
.................. for all contact with HMRC.
27. You will have to pay a .................. if you miss the
deadline for registering the partnership.
Answer:
15. stadium
16. team
17. hygiene
18. storage
19. guaranteed
20. status
21. debts
22. profits
23. trading
24. internet
25. invoices
26. agent
27. penalty
SECTION 2: Questions 15 - 27
You should spend about 20 minutes on Questions 15-27, which are based on Reading Passages below.
Write answers to questions in
boxes 15-27 on your answer sheet.
GT
Reading Sample - "Negotiating a better
salary package for your new job" & "How to run a successful project"
Shop for bestsellers
Read the text below and answer Questions 15-20.
Negotiating a better salary package for your new job
If you make it through the recruitment interview, a job offer may
be just around the corner and you face having to talk about the nitty-gritty:
your financial value.
Although many graduate training schemes have set starting
salaries, there are loads of other jobs where you’ll need to exercise your
negotiating skills. If you’re offered a job, it’s because the organisation sees
you as a valuable asset and you should try to set your level of remuneration
accordingly.
There are no general rules about how and when to conduct your
negotiation but being sensitive to the culture of the organisation is
essential. There are also some practical steps you can take to position
yourself sensibly. Familiarise yourself with the company itself, as well as the
range of salaries on offer. Doing careful research in this way prior to
starting negotiations is very valuable. You can look at the range of packages
offered for comparable jobs in adverts on the internet, or ask for advice from
people you know professionally or personally. You could also approach a local
Training and Enterprise Council. Finally, if you’re a member of a union, they
will have information on acceptable salary ranges for your profession.
If the salary offered is less than you’d hoped for, you could
negotiate an early pay review instead, say after the first six months. Ensure
that the criteria are clearly set out though, and that they’re included in your
contract.
Make sure you check out the salary package, not just the number of
zeroes on your payslip. You may find that the total package of pay and benefits
raises the worth of the salary to an acceptable level. For instance, you may be
offered private health cover, a non-contributory pension, a car to use for work
purposes and/or significant bonuses. When bonuses are mentioned, you may want
to discuss the basis on which they’re paid, so that you’re absolutely clear
about the terms and conditions attached. When negotiating, be persuasive and
consistent in your arguments but be prepared to agree to a compromise if you
really want the job.
Buy vitamins and supplements
If your negotiations are successful, ask for the agreed terms and
conditions to be confirmed in writing ASAP.
Questions
15-20
Complete the sentences below.
Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the text for each answer.
Write your answers in boxes 15-20 on your answer sheet.
15. When
negotiating a salary, potential employees should take advantage of the
company’s view of them as a useful ....................... .
16. When negotiating a salary it is important
to be aware of the company’s particular ....................... .
17. Some people use the
....................... to monitor salaries offered for similar positions.
18. People who belong to a
....................... can ask for recommendations on what is the norm for
payment in their field.
19. Some people try to arrange for a
....................... of their salary to be carried out after an initial
period.
20. It is important to be willing to accept a
....................... if the negotiations are getting nowhere.
Read the text below and answer Questions 21-27.
How to run a successful project
A project manager’s main task is to bring a particular project to
completion, both on time and within budget. There are many factors that can
cause a project to veer off its tracks, but steps can be taken to ensure that
your project experiences as little disruption as possible.
1. Prepare the framework
If you get everything down in writing at the beginning of the
project, you have an excellent foundation to build upon. Change is inevitable,
but you have to maintain control. This is critical to avoid problems of ‘scope
creep’, which is when the company paying for the project asks for ‘just one
more little thing’ repeatedly, until the project becomes unmanageable.
2. Select the team
Gather your human resources, and make sure that their skills align
with their roles. This is an important first step: if you assign the wrong
person to a task, you are reducing your chances of success.
Make sure each team member is clear on what is expected from them
and when. Encourage them to ask questions to clarify anything that may be
uncertain, and to always come to you whenever something seems to be out of
place or going wrong. Clear communication is critical.
Make sure the whole team and the client company grasp the
project’s limitations in terms of its achievable outcomes. You can finish a
task successfully and on time as long as expectations are reasonable.
3. Staying on track
How can you know if your project is going to be successful if you
don’t have any way of measuring success? You will need interim milestones,
especially for a long-term project, so that you can determine if you are
staying on track or straying from the project’s goals.
4. Manage project risks
Hopefully you have defined the more likely risks up front during
the project preparation, so you should now put contingency plans in place for
certain occurrences. If you can see when a risk is imminent, you can take
preventive action to avoid it, but be ready to halt a project if the risk
becomes unacceptable.
5. Evaluate the project
Once a project has been completed, it’s important to write a
report, even if it is only for internal purposes. You can pinpoint what went
right or wrong, determine what could have been done differently, and establish
the best practices for use in future undertakings.
Questions
21-27
Complete the flow-chart below.
Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from
the text for each answer.
Write your answers in boxes 21-27 on your answer sheet.
How to run a successful
project
Bear in mind that your aim should be to keep to both the agreed
deadline and the 21 .......................
for the project
↓
Fix the details at the start to prevent what is called 22 ....................... - the client
asking for more and more.
↓
Choose the team members wisely so that their 23 .......................
match the duties you want them to take on.
↓
Promote good 24 ....................... at all times so
everyone knows what you require of them.
↓
Make sure 25 ....................... are set so you can
check whether the project is running to schedule.
↓
Prepare 26 ....................... which can be
activated if things go wrong on the project.
↓
Once the project is over, produce a 27 .......................
outlining its strengths and weaknesses for future reference.
Answer:
15. asset
16. culture
17. internet
18. union
19. review
20. compromise
21. budget
22. scope creep
23. skills
24. (clear) communication
25. (interim) milestones
26. (contingency) plans
27. report
SECTION 2: Questions 15 - 27
You should spend about 20 minutes on Questions 15-27, which are based on Reading Passages below.
Write answers to questions in
boxes 15-27 on your answer sheet.
GT
Reading Sample - "Benefits for staff of
Hamberton Hospital" & "Performance-related
pay"
Shop for bestsellers
Read the text below and
answer Questions 15-21.
Benefits for staff of Hamberton Hospital
Our attractive benefits package is one of the ways we acknowledge
the contribution they all make in the provision of high quality patient care.
Our package is extensive and varied.
As a Hamberton employee, you’ll enjoy both National Health Service
(NHS) and locally developed schemes, providing you with a range of benefits.
These include:
Buy vitamins and supplements
Financial
Benefits
• opportunity to contribute to the NHS Pension Scheme – highly regarded
by the independent pensions and insurance sector
• Injury Benefits Scheme
• excellent occupational sick pay and maternity leave and pay
entitlements
• loans to assist with the purchase of housing for employees in the
health service
Work-Life
Balance
Here at Hamberton, we are committed to helping all employees balance their work
and home life commitments. We believe by helping people make this balance we
are able to recruit, retain and motivate the most valuable asset of the NHS –
our employees. We are committed to making this balance work for all employees
equally, not just parents.
Buy vitamins and supplements
Over 50% of our staff work part-time in a range of flexible
working options, which include:
• job sharing
• term-time-only working
• part-time working
• individually-tailored working patterns
We also support employees further through our caring and special
leave arrangements.
Health
• our own occupational health department, providing a totally
confidential service open to all staff during normal working hours
• a round-the-clock free and confidential counselling service
• policies supporting phased returns to work after long illnesses or
injuries
Buy vitamins and supplements
Other
Benefits
On-site facilities include:
• excellent food provided in our restaurant
• ample parking
• retail outlets
NHS
Discounts
All NHS employees can access the NHS Discounts scheme. This allows members of
staff free access to a number of discounted products and services. For example,
discounts are available at many high street shops and elsewhere, including
savings on toys, utility bills, days out, and much more.
Red
Guava
This is a further discount benefit, which is available to employees of
Hamberton. Red Guava provides discounts on holidays, for example, and can save
you money in many other ways too.
Questions
15-21
Complete the sentences below.
Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the text for each answer.
Write your answers in boxes 15-21 on your answer sheet.
15. The
hospital provides benefits to show its recognition of the ………………………… of staff
to its work.
16. Financial benefits include pay for staff
who are ………………………… or on maternity leave.
17. ………………………… are available for staff who
wish to buy a home.
18. Helping staff with their work-life
balance is not restricted to …………………………
19. The hospital has ………………………… that are
designed to help staff return to work after a long absence.
20. The facilities on hospital premises
include a large area for …………………………
21. The cost of ………………………… is reduced by
using the Red Guava scheme.
Read the text below and answer Questions 22-27.
Performance-related pay
There are a number of reasons why your employer might introduce
this type of pay scheme. They may:
• be keen to retain current staff
• want to compete for new talent
• be seeking a fairer way of distributing wages.
In order for performance-related schemes to work, they should be
based on clear, measurable targets agreed by both employer and employee. You
will normally find out about these targets from your contract of employment and
the performance appraisal meetings you have with your manager.
Short-term
schemes
Short-term schemes usually offer bonus payments, or, depending on the type of
work, commission on sales achieved. Payments vary and these schemes are
normally used just to encourage staff to improve their own performance.
Long-term
schemes
Long-term schemes offer rewards like share options, and can help to encourage
loyalty to the organisation and its aims. Such schemes tend to be used as a way
of retaining senior staff.
What
to do if you have problems
If you don’t receive bonus or commission payments which you believe you are
owed, check your contract of employment or staff handbook to see how your bonus
is paid. Ask your employer if you need more information.
If you think a mistake has been made, you should:
• speak to your employer to see if there has been a misunderstanding
• ask your employer to set out in writing how they have calculated your pay
• keep copies of any letters and notes of any meetings.
There are three ways that the law might cover a case of unpaid
bonuses:
• breach of contract
• unlawful deductions from wages
• unlawful discrimination.
Deductions from wages / breach of contract
Any right to a bonus will normally be included in your contract of
employment. It may not always be written down. It can be verbally agreed or
understood to be there due to normal practice in your particular area of
business.
Failure to pay a bonus or commission that you are entitled to
could amount to an unlawful deduction of wages.
Discrimination
Your employer must not discriminate against particular groups of people – for
example, by giving smaller bonuses to women. Ideally, your employer should have
some guidelines setting out the normal range of bonuses to give, and these must
be followed without discriminating against any specific group.
Questions
22-27
Complete the notes below.
Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the text for each answer.
Write your answers in boxes 22-27 on
your answer sheet.
Performance-related pay
One of the reasons for introducing performance-related pay is in
order to 22 …………………… existing employees.
Employer and employee should agree on some 23 ……………………
that can be measured.
Short-term schemes: bonus or the payment of a 24 ……………………
related to sales.
Long-term reward schemes: generally offered to employees at a 25 …………………… level.
Details of bonus payments: may be included in a contract or a handbook for
staff.
If you think there has been a mistake with your pay:
• discuss the issue with your employer
• keep records of any relevant 26 ……………………
It is illegal for employers to discriminate against any specific
group, e.g. by giving less money to 27 ……………………
.
Answer:
15. contribution
16. sick
17. loans
18. parents
19. policies/schemes
20. parking
21. holidays
22. retain
23. targets
24. commission
25. senior
26. meetings/letters
27. women
SECTION 2: Questions 15 - 27
You
should spend about 20 minutes on Questions 15-27,
which are based on Reading Passages below.
Write
answers to questions in boxes 15-27 on your answer sheet.
GT
Reading Sample - "North Sydney Council" & "Registering
As An Apprentice"
Shop for bestsellers
Read the text below and answer Questions
15-20.
North Sydney Council
North Sydney Council recognises the importance
of balancing the demands of your work with the demands of your personal life.
The standard working week for full-time
council employees is 35 hours For ‘Indoor Staff’ and 38 hours for ‘Outdoor
Staff’, worked over 5 days. Indoor staff are able to access the benefit of flexi
time. A number of these occasionally work from home where appropriate – an
example of an initiative that can provide flexibility at certain stages of an
employee’s career.
Staff are entitled to 3 weeks per annum sick
or carer’s leave. In addition to the normal parental leave/maternity leave
provisions, women who have completed 12 months of continuous service can access
a total of 9 Weeks’ maternity leave that can be taken either as 9 weeks at full
pay or as 18 weeks at half pay.
The annual entitlement to paid holidays is 20
days, pro-rata for part-time. After 5 years of continuous service, employees
are entitled to 6.5 weeks Long Service Leave (LSL).
Our Financial Advice Program is conducted in
partnership with FuturePlus Financial Services. We provide the services of
advisors specialising in pensions, and all our employees are given the
opportunity to meet them as part of the induction process.
The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a
counselling service provided at no charge to all employees and their families.
The service is available by phone or face to face. The EAP provides registered
psychologists for employees wishing to discuss work or non-work matters
confidentially. Employees can also access information, such as articles and self
assessments, online via eapdirect.
Questions 15-20
Answer the questions below.
Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS AND/OR A NUMBER from the text
for each answer.
Write your answers in boxes 15-20 on your
answer sheet.
15. Which employees may choose not to work
regular hours?
16. How much time off each year is an employee able to take to look
after a relative?
17. What kind of leave involves a choice between two alternative
periods of time?
18. How long must employees have worked without a break before
being entitled to additional holidays?
19. What does the Financial Advice Program advise staff about?
20. What kind of professional people can employees see if they want
to talk about their job in private?
Read the text below and answer Questions 21-27.
Registering As An Apprentice
If you are keen to acquire new skills and
learn best through ‘hands-on’ experiences, then registered apprenticeship is a
good option for you. These programmes always involve work experience as well as
classroom instruction and produce workers skilled in the occupation. There is a
written contract to be signed by the apprentice and the employer, which
acknowledges their joint commitment to the training process. This contract is
approved and registered by the New York State Department of Labor.
How Do I Qualify?
First of all you must meet the
employer’s minimum qualifications. This could be a high school diploma or the
equivalent. However, some employers will ask for specific high school courses,
prior experience, or occupationally related courses.
What Is My Training Like?
Training for each apprenticeable
occupation is conducted according to a training outline that has been
standardized for the occupation. This assures that apprentices across the state
have the same sets of basic competencies and skills. At the successful
completion of each registered apprenticeship, the Department of Labor awards
the apprentice a ‘Certificate of Completion’, which is a nationally recognized
credential.
The length of time it takes you to learn the
skills of the occupation depends upon two things: the standard training outline
and your aptitude. Each trade has a definite term of training, listed in years.
As a registered apprentice, you may progress according to that established
training term, or you may become skilled more quickly or more slowly. It may
even be that you start your apprenticeship with credit toward the goal. Your
employer may choose to award you this for previous working experience in the
occupation, or for prior coursework related to the occupation.
Distance
learning system
As an apprentice, you are part of the
employer’s workforce. You work full-time for the employer. A registered
apprentice works under the guidance of more experienced craft workers called
journey workers. From them, you learn the skills of the trade. As you master
each skill, you become a more productive employee.
At the same time as you are working, you are
also required to attend classes (usually in the evenings). The location and
times of these are set up by the local education agent in consultation with the
employer. Your progress is tracked by you, your employer and your education
provider.
Successful
completion of all requirements results in your certificate.
Questions 21-27
Complete the sentences below.
Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the text for each answer.
Write
your answers in boxes 21-27 on your answer sheet.
21. You and your employer will need to sign
a ………………… before training starts.
22. Employers may have different minimum requirements regarding
applicants’ ………………… and experience.
23. Each industry has its own standardised …………………of training.
24. You may be given credit for work experience or if you have done
relevant …………………
25. You will be considered as a member of the ………………… during the
apprenticeship.
26. While at work, apprentices are supervised by what are known as
………………… .
27. Employers are consulted when deciding the ………………… and
schedule for lessons.
Answer:
15. indoor staff / indoor employees
16. 3 weeks / three weeks
17. maternity / maternity leave
18. 5 years / five years
19. pension / pensions
20. psychologists / registered psychologists
21. contract / written contract
22. qualifications / courses
23. outline / term
24. coursework/ prior coursework
25. workforce / employer's workforce
26. journey workers
27. location
SECTION 2: Questions 15 - 27
You
should spend about 20 minutes on Questions 15-27,
which are based on Reading Passages below.
Write
answers to questions in boxes 15-27 on your answer
sheet.
Shop for bestsellers
GT
Reading Sample - "Marketing advice for new businesses" & "Working
Time Regulations for Mobile Workers"
Read the text below and answer Questions
15-20.
Shop
for bestsellers
Marketing advice for new businesses
If
you’re setting up your own business, here’s some advice on getting customers.
Know where your customers look
Your customers aren’t necessarily
where you think they are. So if you‘re advertising where they’re just not
looking, it’s wasted money. That’s why it pays to do a bit of research. Every
time someone contacts your company, ask them where they found out about you.
And act on this information so you’re advertising in the right places.
Always think like a customer
What makes your customers tick? Find
out, and you’re halfway to saying the right things in your advertising. So take
the time to ask them. A simple phone or email survey of your own customers,
politely asking why they use you, what they really like and what they don’t, is
invaluable.
Make sure customers know you’re there
If a customer can't see you, they
can't buy from you. There are loads of opportunities to promote your business —
print, press, direct mail, telemarketing, email and the internet — and using a
mix of these increases your chances of being seen (and remembered).
Ignore your customers and they’ll go
away
It sounds obvious, but companies who
talk to their customers have much better retention rates than those that don’t,
so it’s worth staying in touch. Capture your customers’ email addresses
upfront. Follow up a transaction to check they’re happy with the service and,
if possible, send them updates that are helpful, informative and relevant.
Know what works (and what doesn’t)
Do what the professionals do, and
measure all your advertising. That’ll tell you what you’re doing right - and
where there’s room for improvement. You never know, it might just throw up some
information that could change your business for the better.
Remember word-of-mouth: the best
advertising there is
A recent survey found that consumers
are 50% more likely to be influenced by word-of-mouth recommendations than by TV
or radio ads. So your reputation is your greatest asset. If your current
customers are impressed with your company, they’ll be more inclined to
recommend you to others. On the flip side, if they experience bad service they
probably won’t complain to you - but you can be sure they will to their
friends.
Questions 15-20
Complete the sentences below.
Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the text for each answer.
Write your answers in boxes 15-20 on your answer sheet.
15. Some ………………………… will help you to
discover the most effective places to advertise.
16. A ………………………… of your customers will show you how they feel
about your company.
17. A ………………………… of forms of advertising will make it more likely
that potential customers will find out about you.
18. lf you can, provide customers with useful ………………………… about
your business.
19. Measuring the effects of your advertising can give you
………………………… that will improve your business.
20. Success in finding new customers largely depends on your
………………………… .
Read the text below and answer Questions 21-27.
Working Time Regulations for Mobile Workers
These
rules apply to drivers and crew of heavy goods vehicles or public service
vehicles. The rules limit the amount of time that can be worked.
Those
defined in the Regulations as being self-employed are currently not covered by
the Regulations.
What are the limits?
• An average of 48 hours' work per week.
• In any single week up to 60 hours can be worked so long as the 48-hour
average is maintained.
• Night work is limited to 10 hours per night, unless there is a
workforce agreement to work longer.
• Statutory annual leave and any sick leave and/or maternity/paternity
leave counts as working time.
What counts as work?
In general, any activitie performed in connection with the transport operation
count as work, for example, driving, loading/unloading and those checks that
are the responsibility of drivers, such as checking lights, brakes, etc. There
are a number of periods of time that do not count as work, for example,
travelling between home and your normal place of work, lunch or other breaks
and periods of availability.
Periods
of availability are periods of time during which the mobile worker is not
required to remain at their workstation but is required to be available for
work, the foreseeable duration of which is known about in advance, for example:
• Delays at a distribution centre.
• Reporting for work then being informed that no duties are to be
undertaken for a specified period.
• Accompanying a vehicle being transported, for example by train.
A
period of availability can be taken at the workstation. Providing the worker
has a reasonable amount of freedom (e.g. they can read and relax) for a known
duration, this could satisfy the requirements of a period of availability.
Situations
when a period of time should not be recorded as a period of availability:
• Hold-ups due to congestion, because the driver would be stopping and
starting the vehicle.
• Frequently moving up within a queue (e.g. waiting within a queue to
load or unload) every other minute.
Questions 21-27
Complete the notes below.
Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the text for each answer.
Write your answers in boxes 21-27 on your answer sheet.
Working Time Regulations for Mobile Workers
These apply to people working on lorries,
buses, etc.
They don't apply to 21 …………………….…… workers.
Maximum working hours: 60 hours a week, provided the 22 …………………….……
is no more than 48 hours.
Night work can be more than 10 hours with the 23 …………………….……
of the workers.
Work includes driving, loading and unloading, and carrying out various 24 …………………….…… of
the vehicle.
Periods of availability include:
going on a 25 …………………….…… or other
form of transport with a vehicle
a period at the workstation when the driver has some 26 …………………….……
might count as a period of availability
Periods of availability exclude:
time spent stopping and starting the vehicle when 27 …………………….……
causes delays being in a queue, e.g. in order to load or unload.
Answer:
15. research
16. survey
17. mix
18. updates
19. information
20. reputation
21. selfemployed/ self-employed
22. average
23. agreement
24. checks
25. train
26. freedom
27. congestion
SECTION 2: Questions 15
- 27
You should spend about 20 minutes on Questions 15-27, which are based on Reading Passages below.
Write answers to questions in
boxes 15-27 on your answer sheet.
GT Reading Sample - "Courses
Available at North Coast College Campuses" & "Information on Photocopying"
Shop for bestsellers
Read the text below and
answer Questions 15-21.
Courses Available at North Coast College Campuses
Agriculture
Specialist agriculture centres of the North Coast College offer courses ranging
from agricultural skills to beef production, horse studies and rural
management. The Wollongbar Campus is renowned for its Tropical Fruit Growing
program and has introduced modules on macadamias, bushfoods and coffee
production. Taree offers the Veterinary Assistant program and has introduced
`Agristudy’, which enables students to learn flexibly and by correspondence,
using a mixture of ‘student learning guides, telephone tutorials, information
sessions and workshops. Mullumbimby has the popular Rural Business Management
program, which can also be studied by correspondence. Grafton, meanwhile,
offers traineeships in agriculture including Beef and Dairy.
Distance learning system
Health
programs
The continued promotion of healthier living within the community
has seen an increase in fitness awareness and a need for trained staff in the
Fitness and Sport industries. Fitness Instruction courses are offered at Tweed
Heads and teach students how to put together and lead a safe fitness
program.
Buy vitamins and supplements
Lismore offers the Aged Support program and Port Macquarie offers
the Early Childhood Nursing program. These courses give you the theoretical
skills, knowledge and practical experience needed to work in a variety of
residential and community-based health care institutions. For students
interested in working in the Remedial Health Care industry, Kingscliff is a
specialist centre for the Natural Therapy Diploma and has a health clinic on
campus.
Environmental
Studies
The Environmental Studies courses offered by the North Coast
College have been developed to help students increase their awareness and
understanding of environmental issues and to enable them to determine their
environmental impact. The Environmental Practice course, which includes Coastal
Management, is offered through Ballina campus.
Buy vitamins and supplements
For people interested in working to restore degraded natural
forests, the North Coast College offers the Forest Regeneration course at
Casino. This course can provide a pathway for students into the Natural
Resource Management Diploma at university. Marine Industry Management programs
are offered at Coffs Harbour.
Questions
15-21
Look at the following list of campuses (Questions 15-21) and the fields of study below.
Match each campus with the field of study available there.
Write the correct letter A-K in boxes 15-21 on your answer sheet.
15.
Wollongbar
16. Grafton
17. Tweed Heads
18. Lismore
19. Port Macquarie
20. Ballina
21. Coffs Harbour
Fields of Study
A. forest restoration
B. banana cultivation
C. horse breeding
D. infant illness
E. elderly care
F. fish farming
G. herbal therapy
H. cattle farming
I. beach protection
J. animal health
K. recreation programs
Buy vitamins and supplements
Read the text below and answer Questions 22-27.
Information on Photocopying
Information Services provide a Prepaid Services Card system for
student and staff use of photocopiers and
associated equipment in the Library, and use of laser printers in B Block. The
same system has recently been installed in the Student Representative Council
(SRC) for use with photocopiers there.
The system uses a plastic card similar to a keycard. Each card,
called a ‘Prepaid Services Card’, has a unique, six-digit account number that
accesses the system. Initially, students and other users will have to purchase
a Prepaid Services Card from a teller machine located in the Library or B Block
Computer Labs. The Prepaid Services Card costs $2.00. It is important that you
keep a record of your card’s account number and sign your name or write your
student ID number on the card.
Users prepay for Library, Computer Lab or SRC services by adding
value to their Prepaid Services Card. There are no refunds, so only add value
for the amount of prepaid services you intend to use. The maximum amount of
prepaid services or value that can be added to a card is $50.00.
Two note and coin teller machines have been installed, one in the
photocopy room on Level 2 of the Library and the other in the B Block Computer
Labs. These teller machines accept any denomination of coins or notes up to
$50.00. The SRC has a smaller, coin only, teller machine.
When a new card is purchased, the Library and B Block Computer
Labs teller machines automatically issue a receipt to the user. However, when
adding credit to your existing card the printing of receipts is optional.
For added security, a card user may choose to allocate a PIN or
Personal Identification Number to their Prepaid Services Card. The PIN must
then be entered each time the card is used.
Questions 22-27
Do the following statements agree with the information given in the passage -
"Information on Photocopying"?
In boxes 22-27 on your answer sheet write
TRUE if
the statement agrees with the information
FALSE if the statement contradicts the
information
NOT GIVEN if there is no information on this
22.
Prepaid Services Cards are in use in three locations.
23. You can only buy a Prepaid Services Card
at the Library.
24. The smallest amount that can be added to
the Prepaid Services Card at the Library teller machine is $5.
25. The Prepaid Services Card can be used to
pay library fines.
26. Notes and coins can be used in all
teller machines.
27. A PIN is allocated when you purchase
your Prepaid Services Card.
Answer:
15. B
16. H
17. K
18. E
19. D
20. I
21. F
22. TRUE
23. FALSE
24. NOT GIVEN
25. NOT GIVEN
26. FALSE
27. FALSE
SECTION 2: Questions
15-27
You should spend about 20 minutes on Questions 15-27, which are based on Reading Passages below.
Write answers to questions in
boxes 15-27 on your answer sheet.
Shop for bestsellers
GT Reading Sample - "Hot
Vegetables This Summer" & "Seven Tips to Nail a Skype
Interview"
Read the text below and answer Questions 15-20.
Hot
Vegetables This Summer
The following is a list of
vegetables that will be hot this summer season:
Shop for bestsellers
1. Arugula
Arugula is an excellent source of folate and vitamin C. Although
arugula is typically mildly flavored, larger leaf varieties can have a more
peppery, almost hot taste than the smaller, softer leaf variety, so choose your
arugula accordingly! Arugula is typically best served in a salad with olives,
hard-boiled eggs, onions and salty cheeses.
2. Avocados
Although available year round, avocados are at their peak in the
summer months! Touted most frequently for their high quantity of good fat
avocados are also an excellent source of potassium, folate and vitamins C and
B6. To pick the perfect avocado, look for those that have a uniform and
unblemished skin that gives gently when pressed.
3. Cucumbers
A member of the squash family, cucumber’s high water content makes
it a refreshing addition to summer menus. Cucumber is also a good source of
vitamin C and silica, which is important for connective tissue health and also
does wonders for the skin (both when ingested and applied topically to reduce
swelling or redness). In additionn, the skin of the cucumber is a great source
of fiber, potassium and magnesium.
Buy vitamins and supplements
4. Eggplant
Although it is assumed that an eggplant would have a purple skin,
eggplants can come in just about any shade from black to a near-translucent
white. Although selecting an eggplant is easy enough – again, just look for
those with smooth, taut skin and those that feel heavy for their size -cooking
can be a little bit more complicated. If the eggplant is young, the skin is
edible, but if it’s a little bit older, the skin will taste bitter and is best
removed.
5. Kohlrabi
Often referred to as cabbage turnip, this green vegetable looks
almost like an oversized radish, complete with a ball-like bulb and bushy
sprouting leaves. When selecting a kohlrabi, look for smallish, firm bulbs less
than 3 inches in diameter. Kohlrabi is an excellent source of vitamin C as well
as potassium. When raw, it can be added to salads and vegetable platters or
served as relish. When cooked, it can be steamed for inclusion in casseroles or
hollowed out, and stuffed with a meat or vegetable filling.
6. Mushrooms
Different types of mushrooms are available year around. With low
sodium and fat content and high levels of fiber and riboflavin, niacin,
potassium and riboflavin, mushrooms are an excellent way to add bulk to a meal
without dramatically changing the nutrition content of foods. When shopping for
mushrooms, they should be dry and firm and, if open, should have gills that are
intact and appear fresh.
7. Shallots
Of all the vegetables in the onion and leek family, shallots have
one of the highest concentrations of antioxidants. In addition, they have also
shown to have anti-bacterial, anti inflammatory, and anti-allergic properties.
Shallots are associated with a reduction in risk for several cancers, including
those affecting the liver and colon as well as heart disease and diabetes.
Questions
15-21
Fill in the blanks, using not more than TWO WORDS for
the text above.
Write the answers in boxes 15–21 on your answer sheet.
15. The
Arugula you buy should be based upon what kind of a .................... you
prefer.
16. If the avocado feels slightly soft, then
it is probably .................... .
17. Even if you eat it, cucumbers are very
beneficial for the .................... .
18. It is okay to ingest the skin of eggplant
if the eggplant is .................... .
19. The Kohlrabi looks like a
.................... that has grown much larger than its normal size.
20. Adding mushrooms is a great way to
increase the .................... of the meal, without compromising on its
nutrition value.
21. In this family of vegetables, shallots
have the most densely packed .................... .
Read the text below and answer Questions 22-27.
Seven Tips
to Nail a Skype Interview
A. Look the Part
Do your research: Check out the company’s website, Facebook page
and Twitter feed to get a feel for how employees dress and behave, then take
your cues from that when prepping for your interview.
Next, clean up. If your at-home appearance leans towards the
casual, take some time to polish up. It’s always better to err on the side of
freshly-scrubbed-even if you’re an aspiring trek leader, carefully dressed in
her best khakis.
Assuming your bottom half will be hidden under a desk, you may be tempted to
wear your favorite sweatpants, but it’s best to dress from head to toe. What if
you have to stand up to adjust your equipment?
B. Prepare Your Surroundings
Take your call in a quiet, businesslike setting, ideally in a room
with a door. Look behind you, because that’s what they’ll see. A cluttered
background may distract your audience, not to mention send the wrong idea of
your organizational skills. Also, rid the area of personal items no need to
share too much information. A blank or neutral background is best, with a well
organized desktop.
Be sure to inform anyone else at home about the meeting; you don’t
want to be interrupted by a sudden blast of stereo music or someone bellowing
your name.
C. Practice It First
Your first few video calls are bound to feel awkward as you figure
out where to look, what to do with your hands, or how loudly to speak. But it’s
easy to work out those kinks ahead of time. Conducting a practice interview
with a friend can be very helpful; record it so that you’ll have an accurate
idea of how you come across on video,” advises Cheryl Palmer, career coach and
owner of Call to Career, a career coaching service.
D. Don’t Forget to Smile!
At an in-person interview, you’d naturally smile upon arrival, and
try to keep a pleasant facial expression for the duration.
It’s more difficult to do this with a remote interview. Lacking a
‘live’ person in front of you, and sidetracked by thoughts of equipment or
cameras, you might be less likely to smile reflexively. If that’s the case, you
can seem like you’re staring wide-eyed at the camera. Smiling is the best way
to break the ice and develop rapport with your interviewer.
E. Stay Present
One may suggest interjecting listening sounds (“hm,” or “yes”) as
your interviewers speak. In addition to making your conversation more pleasant,
it also reassures the other party that the technology is functioning correctly
and you are, indeed, still listening. And even though they can’t see you, never
tinker with your computer during a call.
F. Go Ahead and Cheat
One advantage to a video interview is that you don’t have to
remember everything you want to mention. You can have notes in front of
you-without your interviewer knowing. Place your resume in front of you, news
about the company, questions you want to ask and potential talking points.
Of course, you don’t want to be reading off the page verbatim, so
make sure you’re familiar with your material.
G. Address Tech Problems Immediately
When you’re relying on video equipment, there’s a good chance
you’ll experience a technical glitch: a weak connection, interference or garbled
signals.
You may hesitate to draw attention to the problem, but you don’t
want to give an inaccurate answer because you didn’t understand the question.
If you’re getting too many blips, it’s good to stop the call and redial.
Questions 22-27
Choose the right answer for each of the questions below.
Write the correct letter, A, B, or C, in boxes 22–27 on your answer sheet.
22. When
dressing for the interview -
A. since the interview is from home, you may dress
casually.
B. check how the company employee dresses at work and get
an idea from there as to how to dress for the Interview.
C. although you will be seated, it is good to wear formal,
laced shoes.
23. For
your surroundings during the interview, you should:
A. lock the door to keep interruptions out
B. ensure the background is not cluttered, because it
could be distracting for you and your audience.
C. inform others at your home that you will be at an
interview.
24. As
you practice the call, you may find:
A. your friend with whom you practice is very helpful.
B. all the kinks can be rectified before the actual
interview.
C. initially you will not know what to look at.
25. The
point about smiling during an interview is:
A. it develops rapport with the interviewer.
B. it is not more difficult to smile during a remote
interview.
C. since you are side-tracked by thoughts of cameras and
equipment, you are only able to smile reflexively.
26. One
advantage of a video interview is:
A. you can cheat the interviewer.
B. since you cannot read off the page verbatim, you should
commit the points to memory.
C. you need not memorize all that you want to ask.
27. The
thing about technical glitches during video interviews is that:
A. they should be fixed immediately before they get
worse.
B. you should hesitate before drawing attention to
the problem.
C. if there are too many blips, it is better to stop
the call and re-dial.
Answer:
15. flavour
16. perfect
17. skin
18. young
19. radish
20. bulk
21. anti-oxidants
22. B
23. C
24. B
25. A
26. C
27. C
SECTION 2: Questions
15-27
You should spend about 20 minutes on Questions 15-27, which are based on Reading Passages below.
Write answers to questions in
boxes 15-27 on your answer sheet.
Shop for bestsellers
GT Reading Sample - "Should
you pay someone to write your CV?" & "Starting a new job"
Read the text below and answer Questions 15-20.
Should you
pay someone to write your CV?
In my view, the belief that the individual is the best person to
write their own CV is not always true. Although many people can write their own
CVs, and do it well, others struggle with a variety of problems initially, such
as not knowing how to structure a CV or how to highlight their most relevant
strengths.
Shop for bestsellers
Through in-depth consultation, a professional CV writer can help
identify exactly what is necessary for a particular role, cut out unnecessary
or irrelevant details, and pinpoint what makes the individual stand out. This
level of objectivity is one of the major benefits of working with a
professional writer. It’s often difficult to stand back from your own career
history to assess what’s relevant or not, or to choose the most appropriate
qualities.
If you do choose to work with a professional CV writer, here are
some tips:
Ask for a CV writer who has experience in your sector. HR
professionals and recruiters with relevant experience can also have valuable
insights into what companies are looking for.
Look for someone who’s prepared to take the time to find out your
core qualities, who can choose exactly the right words for maximum impact and
who understands what and where to edit. Ask to see samples of their work or use
personal recommendations before you choose a CV writing service.
You’ll probably need to answer an in-depth email questionnaire or
be interviewed before any writing actually starts. The more you can give your
CV writer to work with, the better, so the promise of a quick turnaround time
isn’t always going to result in the best possible CV. Take the time to think
about and jot down your career aims, your past successes, and the value you
bring, before you start the whole process. Your CV will probably be used as a
springboard for questions at interview, so you need to make sure you feel happy
with the way it’s being written and with the choice of words. Being involved in
the writing process means your CV sounds authentic.
Questions
15-20
Complete the sentences below.
Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the text for each answer.
Write your answers in boxes 15-20 on your answer sheet.
15.
Some jobseekers have difficulty with their CV because they have not learnt
which qualities they should .................... .
16. Professional CV writers know which
.................... are best left out of the CV.
17. CV writers with knowledge of a
particular field of work often provide useful .................... about
the skills firms expect from job applicants.
18. It is advisable to request
.................... of what a professional CV writer has previously
produced.
19. Professional CV writers often ask
jobseekers to work through a .................... as a first step.
20. If the jobseeker assists the
professional writer, the tone of the CV will be ....................
Read the text below and answer Questions 21-27.
Starting a
new job
First impressions really do last, so it’s important you perform
well on your first day in the new job. Here are our top tips that will help you
sail through your first day with ease.
A new job is a great opportunity to hit the reset button. If you
got into the habit of skipping breakfast at your last job, fit it in now or
experiment with getting a workout in before going to the office. Having a
routine you like and sticking to it definitely impacts on your overall
happiness.
You’ve probably already been into the office for an interview, so
you’ll have some idea of what the dress code is. While you definitely want to
feel comfortable, it’s best to play it safe, leaning towards a smarter and more
polished look on your first day.
You don’t want to be late, but getting to the office way too early
can also potentially upset not only your schedule but other people’s too. A
good rule of thumb is to try and arrive 15 minutes ahead of the agreed start
time.
Accepting an invite to lunch with your boss and co-workers will
allow you to get to know the people you’ll be working with on a more personal
level. It will also help you get a handle on personalities and work styles. To
ensure the lunch goes well, have a few conversation starters in mind. That way,
if the talk dries up, you can get it going again.
One of the big outcomes of going through a job search is you learn
loads about yourself. In particular, you learn what you want and don’t want,
and what skills you bring to the table. With this new-found understanding, take
some time over the initial period to think about what goals you have for your
new role. In identifying these early on, you’ll be one step closer to positioning
yourself for success.
It’s important that you approach your new job with an open mind,
and that you’re ready to soak it all in. Be patient with yourself as you figure
out how you fit in, and make sure you understand the way things are done before
rushing into giving suggestions on improvements.
Remember they hired you for a reason, so smile, relax a little and
enjoy the first day of your next big thing.
Questions 21-27
Complete the notes below.
Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the text for each answer.
Write your answers in boxes 21-27 on your reading answer sheet.
Shop for bestsellers
How best to tackle a new job
The
first day
• Before arriving at work
- try out a different morning 21 ....................
that will create a sense of well-being.
- make sure your chosen outfit conforms to the company’s 22 ................... .
• If you eat with colleagues at midday:
- it will provide information on their 23 .................... and the way they
operate.
- it may be wise to prepare some 24 .................... to
help the interaction flow.
During
the first few weeks
• Work out some 25 .................... and
how to go about fulfilling them.
• Try to keep a completely 26 .................... as
you settle into the post
• Avoid making proposals at 27 .................... too
soon.
Answer:
15. highlight
16. details
17. insights
18. samples
19. questionnaire
20. authentic
21. routine
22. dress code
23. personalities
24. conversation starters
25. goals
26. open mind
27. improvements
SECTION 2: Questions
15-27
You should spend about 20 minutes on Questions 15-27, which are based on Reading Passages below.
Write answers to questions in
boxes 15-27 on your answer sheet.
GT Reading Sample - "Qualities
that make a great barista" & "Running a meeting"
Shop for bestsellers
Read the text below and
answer Questions 15-22.
Qualities
that make a great barista
How to become a great maker and
server of espresso-based coffee drinks.
Truly
great baristas take the time to develop the key skills that will enable them to
deliver the highest possible quality of coffee-based beverage and service. As a
barista, you must make a concerted effort to listen to your clientele and make
sure the drinks you produce are correct in all respects. This is particularly
important when you consider the sheer range and complexity of modern coffee
drinks, which may start from a single (or double) shot of espresso but can
include many additional elements. If you become distracted by the conversation
that is going on nearby, you may ultimately miss the mark from a service
perspective.
One thing that separates a great from a good barista is that the
former is constantly busy and has a strong work ethic. You will often catch a great
barista rinsing out the filter in their machines, for example, as this erodes
the build-up of burnt coffee oil that can begin to impact on the quality and
taste of each espresso shot. Similarly, do not be surprised to hear the sound
of the coffee grinder at work. This highlights the keen attention to detail
that distinguishes skilled baristas, as they have the desire and the awareness
to make every drink with
completely fresh ground coffee. This type of attentiveness helps baristas to
get the most from the coffee that they use, as many of the delicate aromas
found in espresso are lost when exposed to the open air.
Timing is everything when it comes to producing the perfect cup of
coffee. A great barista knows precisely when to finish the extraction of
espresso, at the point when the balance of flavour has reached its optimum
levels. They also understand how important this is; those who act too soon are
left with a drink without flavour while those who delay the finish risk burning
the beverage and tainting it with a bitter after-taste.
When it comes to customer service, there is so much more to a
coffee shop experience than drinking perfectly roasted blends. The atmosphere
and the ambience also play a central role, and the interaction that the
customer has with their barista sets the tone for an enjoyable experience.
Great baristas ask their customers how their day is going or what they’re going
to do later; they read local newspapers and keep up with issues that really
matter, all of which make a real difference in a competitive marketplace.
Questions
15-22
Complete the notes below.
Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the text for each answer.
Write your answers in boxes 15-22 on your answer sheet.
Notes on being a great barista
Serving the customer
● Be sure you make drinks that are 15 ....................
for the customer
● Ignore any 16 .................... around
you
Using the equipment
● Clean the machine 17 ....................
regularly
● Grinding
– always use ground coffee that is 18 ....................
– remember that air causes the smell to fade
Making the coffee
● Know when to stop making the espresso
– too early reduces the 19 ....................
– too late makes the coffee 20 ....................
Giving good customer service
● Talk to your customers
– ask about the customers’ 21 ....................
– know something about the important 22 .................... in the
area
Read the text below and answer Questions 23-27.
Running a
meeting
If
you're running a meeting for the first time, here are a few tips to help you.
Prior to the meeting, think about the seating and arrange it in an
appropriate way. A circle can work well for informal meetings, but sometimes
the furniture cannot be re-arranged or rows are more suitable. Consider the
participants and decide what is best. Before people arrive, it’s a good idea to
designate someone to stand at the entrance and greet everyone.
If the meeting is small, start by requesting everyone to introduce
themselves and to give a bit of relevant information in addition to their name.
This may be what they do or why they are there. For all meetings, you need to
introduce the chairperson, i.e., yourself, and any other outside speakers you
have invited.
Next, make sure everyone can see the agenda or has a copy of it.
Briefly run through the items then take one point at a time, and make sure the
group doesn’t stray from that point until it has been dealt with. Encourage participation
at all times so that attendees can contribute but don’t let everyone talk at
the same time. Try to keep discussions positive, but don’t ignore conflicts –
find a solution for them and make sure they are resolved before they grow.
Summarise points regularly and make clear action points. Write these down and
don’t forget to note who’s doing what, and by when. Encourage everyone to feel
able to volunteer for tasks and roles. It can help if the more experienced
members of the group offer to share skills and knowledge, but don’t let the
same people take on all the work as this can lead to tension within the group.
At the end, remember to thank everyone for turning up and
contributing. It can be nice to follow the meeting with a social activity like
sharing a meal or going to a cafe.
Questions
23-27
Complete the chart below.
Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the text for each
answer.
Write your answers in boxes 23-27 on your reading answer sheet.
Shop for bestsellers
Tips on running a meeting
Arrange seats according to the types of meeting and participants
⬇
In small meetings, ask people for some 23 .................... as
they introduce themselves
⬇
Make sure the 24 .................... is available to
everyone.
⬇
Involve people in the discussion and solve any 25 .................... quickly
if they arise
⬇
Note action points and who is responsible for them
⬇
Avoid 26 .................... by involving a
range of people in tasks
⬇
Thanks people for coming, and possibly have some kind of 27 .................... afterwards
Answer:
15. correct
16. conversation
17. filter
18. fresh
19. flavour / flavor
20. bitter
21. day
22. issues
23. (relevant) information
24. (meeting) agenda
25. conflicts
26. tension
27. social activity
.png)
No comments:
Post a Comment