IELTS Reading Fill in the blanks Practice
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"
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 this
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.
Set 2
SECTION 2: Questions 15 - 27
You
should spend about 20 minutes on Questions 15-27, which
are based on Reading Passages below.
Standardized & Admissions Tests
Write
answers to questions in boxes 15-27 on your answer sheet.
GT
Reading Sample - "Benefits for staff of Hamberton Hospital" & "Performance-related
pay"
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.
Compensation & Benefits
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:
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
Management
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.
Hospitals
& Treatment Centers
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
IELTS Sample Questions
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
Academic Reading Practice
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.
Job Listings
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.
Standardized & Admissions Tests
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.
Hospitals & Treatment Centers
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.
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.
Standardized & Admissions Tests
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 …………………… .
Set 3
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 - "Marketing advice for new businesses" & "Working
Time Regulations for Mobile Workers"
Read the text below and answer Questions
15-20.
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.
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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.
Vehicles
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.
Set 4
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 - "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.
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.
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 ...................
.
Discover Lesson Plans
• 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.
Set 5
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"
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.
Coffee
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
Standardized & Admissions Tests
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
....................
Beverages
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.
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
Set 6
Section 2: Questions 15-27
You
should spend about 20 minutes on Questions 15-27, which
are based on Reading Passages below.
Try Prep Courses
Write
answers to questions in boxes 15-27 on your answer sheet.
GT Reading Sample - "Barrington Music
Service" & "Health and safety in
small businesses"
Read the text below and answer Questions
15-20.
Barrington
Music Service:
Business and Development Manager
Barrington
Music Service organises a wide range
of music activities for children and
young people resident in and around Barrington. It provides singing and
specialist instrumental lessons in schools, and it owns a collection of
instruments for use in schools, some of which are available for hire by the parents
of children having lessons. The Service also arranges a number of music-related
events, including festivals bringing together choirs and soloists from schools
in both Barrington and other areas. The Music Service provides administrative
and financial support for the Barrington Youth Orchestra, which takes part in
workshops with professional artists and gives performances.
Barrington
Music Service is seeking to recruit a Business and Development Manager to
manage the administrative function and build on the success of the Service. We
are looking for an individual with a passion for delivering the best possible
music provision for the benefit of our children and young people.
As
the Business and Development Manager, you will be responsible for managing the
administrative and financial systems of the Music Service, ensuring it does not
exceed its budget, which is currently around £1m a year. You will take the lead
on marketing the Service and ensuring the generation of new income. The Music
Service is involved in several partnerships with schools and with music and
community organisations in the district, and you will be expected to increase
the number and scope of these, as well as take the lead in fundraising. The
Service recently embarked on a programme to broaden what is taught in school
music lessons, to include instruments and musical styles from around the world,
and you will be required to further develop this emphasis on diversity.
You
will need to improve systems for ensuring that the records of the Service’s
activities are accurate and maintain a database of all music teachers,
students, and instruments belonging to the Service.
The
person appointed will have experience of a supervisory role and the skills to
motivate members of a team. You will have an understanding of accounting, at a
non-specialist level, and of standard financial procedures. High-level IT
skills and excellent verbal and written communication skills are essential.
Although experience in music education is not crucial, good knowledge of the
field, or of other areas of arts management, would be an advantage.
Questions 15-20
Complete the notes below.
Choose ONE
WORD ONLY from the text for each answer.
Take Defensive Driving
Write your answers in boxes 15-20
on your answer sheet.
Barrington Music Service
Activities
● organises music lessons
● enables the hire of instruments
● Events such as 15 ................... for local and visiting
schools
● supports Barrington Youth Orchestra
Compare Business Loans
Post of Business and Development Manager
Person appointed will
● manage the administration of the Service
● be responsible for keeping to the 16
...................
● build 17 ................... with other
organisations
● be proactive in fundraising
● increase the focus on 18 ................... in school music lessons
(e.g., international styles)
● make sure records and a 19 ................... is kept up-to-date
Source Heavy Machinery
Person appointed must have
● ability to supervise and motivate others
● basic knowledge of 20 ...................
● other relevant skills
Read the text below and answer Questions 21-27.
Health and
safety in small businesses
The
rate of accidents at work is almost 75% higher in small businesses than in
larger companies. One possible reason is chat many managers of small businesses
have an inadequate knowledge of health and safety issues.
Many
managers of small businesses claim their situation is made worse by
bureaucracy, arguing that the huge number of regulations – not just on health
and safety but also on tax, the minimum wage, and much, much more – makes their
work difficult.
Many
managers are simply not aware of their responsibilities. They are too busy
running their companies to read manuals, employ consultants or go to seminars.
Moreover, the average business person doesn’t know where
and how to get information.
The
Federation of Small Businesses argues that the special
nature of small businesses should be recognised by health and safety inspectors,
with an emphasis on education and how to comply with the law, rather than
simply on enforcement. For instance, inspectors could make employers aware of
what they really need to know, rather than swamping them with mountains of
leaflets which may not be relevant.
Improvements
are being made, however. The Health and Safety Executive has issued a free
guide to the most important health and safety laws for
employers. All employers must have their own health and safety policy statement
and, for businesses with more than five employees, this must be in writing. It
should be specific to the business and clear about the arrangements for and
organisation of health and safety at work.
We
should state a strategy, detail how it will be implemented and by whom, and say
when it will be reviewed and updated. It is advisable to involve employees in
this process, as they have direct experience.
Assessing
and identifying risks is the starting point. But to comply with the law,
businesses must train their employees about health and safety, and provide
information to others who need to know, such as the contractors working for
them. These are often smaller companies that carry out most of the dangerous
work. Helping them to get into good safety habits makes it easier for them to
tender for work from big companies.
Other
advice from the Health and Safety Executive for small businesses tackles
specific issues, such as helping small companies to deal with work-related
stress.
Questions
21-27
Complete the sentences below.
Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the text for each answer.
Write your answers in boxes 21-27
on your reading answer sheet.
21. One cause of health and safety
problems in small businesses is that managers do not have enough relevant
..................... .
22. Managers complain they have too many ..................... to deal
with.
23. Managers may not fully understand their ..................... .
24. Businesses sometimes feel that inspectors give them far too many
..................... .
25. Businesses above a certain size must produce a written .....................
of their health and safety policy.
26. A company’s health and safety policy is relevant to both its employees and
its ..................... .
27. The Health and Safety Executive can advise small businesses on problems of
..................... among their employees.
Set 7
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 - "Reducing injuries on the
farm" & "Good customer service in
retail"
Read the text below and answer Questions
15-20.
Reducing injuries on the farm
Farms
tend to be full of activity. There are always jobs to be done and some tasks
require physical manual work. While it is good for people to be active, there
are risk factors associated with this, and efforts need to be made to reduce
them.
Customer
Relationship Management (CRM)
The
first risk relates to the carrying of an excessive load or weight. This places
undue demands on the spine and can cause permanent damage. Examples of tasks
that involve this risk are moving 50-kilogramme fertiliser bags from one site
to another or carrying heavy buckets of animal feed around fields. According to
the UK Health and Safety Executive, activities such as these ‘should be avoided
at all times’. Their documentation states that other methods should be
considered, such as breaking down the load into smaller containers prior to
movement or transporting the materials using a tractor or other vehicle. The
risk posed by excessive force is made worse if the person lifting is also
bending over as this increases pressure on the discs in the back.
If
a load is bulky or hard to grasp, such as a lively or agitated animal, it will
be more difficult to hold while lifting and carrying. The holder may adopt an
awkward posture, which is tiring and increases the risk of injury. Sometimes a
load has to be held away from the body because there is a large obstacle in the
area and the person lifting needs to be able to see where their feet are going.
This results in increased stress on the back; holding a load at arm’s length
imposes about five times the stress of a close-to-the-body position. In such cases,
handling aids should be purchased that can take the weight off the load and
minimise the potential for injury.
Another
risk that relates to awkward posture is repetitive bending when carrying out a
task. An example might be repairing a gate that has collapsed onto the ground.
This type of activity increases the stress on the lower back because the back
muscles have to support the weight of the upper body. The farmer should think
about whether the job can be performed on a workbench, reducing the need for
prolonged awkward posture.
Questions
15-20
Complete the notes below.
Choose ONE
WORD ONLY from the text for each answer.
Write your answers in boxes 15-20 on your reading answer sheet.
Read the text below and answer Questions 21-27.
Good customer
service in retail
Without
customers,
your retail business
would not exist. It stands to reason, therefore, that how you treat your
customers has a direct impact on your profit margins.
Some
customers just want to browse and not be bothered by sales staff. Try to be
sensitive to how much help a customer
wants; be proactive in offering help without being annoying. Suggest a product
that naturally accompanies what the customer is considering or point out
products for which there are special offers, but don’t pressure a customer into
buying an item they don’t want.
Build
up a comprehensive knowledge of all the products in your shop, including the
pros and cons of products that are alike but that have been produced under a
range of brand names. If you have run out of a particular item, make sure you
know when the next orders are corning in. Negativity can put customers off
instantly. If a customer asks a question to which the answer is ‘no’, do not
just leave it at that – follow it with a positive, for example: ‘we’re
expecting more of that product in on Tuesday’.
Meanwhile,
if you see a product in the wrong place on a shelf, don’t ignore it – put it
back where it belongs . This attention to presentation keeps the shop tidy,
giving the right impression to your customers. Likewise, if you notice a fault
with a product, remove it and replace it with another.
When
necessary, be discreet. For example, if the customer’s credit card is declined
at the till, keep your voice down and enquire about an alternative payment
method quietly so that the customer doesn’t feel humiliated. If they experience
uncomfortable emotions in your shop, it’s unlikely that they’ll come back.
Finally,
good manners are probably the most important aspect of dealing with customers.
Treat each person with respect at all times, even when you are faced with
rudeness. Being discourteous yourself will only add more fuel to the fire.
Build
a reputation for polite, helpful staff and you’ll find that customers not only
keep giving you their custom, but also tell their friends about you.
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. A .................... approach to selling is fine as
long as you do not irritate the customer.
22. Recommend additional products and .................... without being
too forceful.
23. Know how to compare similar products which have different ....................
.
24. Avoid .................... by always saying more than ‘no’.
25. Keep an eye on the .................... of goods on the shelves.
26. If a customer has problems paying with their ....................
handle the problem with care.
27. Any .................... from a customer should not affect how you
treat them.
Set 8
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 - "Why you should delegate
tasks to team members" & "Choosing the right
format for your CV"
Read the text below and answer Questions
15-20.
Why you should delegate tasks to team members
Delegation
helps you get more done, helps your team members progress through learning new
things and spreads the load in the team.
When
you give someone a project task to do, make sure that they have all the
information they require to actually get on and do it. That includes specifying
the date it is due, writing a clear definition of the task, providing any
resources they need to get it done or names of people you expect them to talk
to. It also means informing them of any expectations you have, such as
delivering it as a spreadsheet rather than a Word document.
If you have concerns that someone doesn’t have the skills to do a good job (or
they tell you this outright), make sure that you offer some help. It might take
longer this time but next time they will be able to do it without you, so it
will save you time in the long run.
Once you have given the task to someone, let them get on with it.
Tell them how you expect to be kept informed, like through a report once a
week. Then let them get on with it unless you feel things are not progressing
as you would like.
As a project manager, you have to retain some of the main project
responsibilities for yourself. You shouldn’t expect someone else on the project
team to do your job. Equally, don’t delegate tasks such as dull administrative
ones, just because you don’t want to do them. But remember that project
management is a leadership position so you don’t want your role to be seen as
too basic.
One way to free up your time to spend on the more strategic and
leadership parts of project management is to delegate things that are regular,
like noting whether weekly targets have been met. Could someone in your team
take this on for you? This can be a useful way of upskilling your team members
to complement any ongoing training and allowing them to gain confidence too.
So in summary, be clear, supportive, and don’t micromanage. Don’t become the
problem on your project that prevents progress just because you’re afraid to
leave people alone to get on with their jobs.
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. Ensure team members are aware of any ……………… there are regarding how
the work should be presented.
16. Make sure support is made available if any ……………… exist as to the
team member’s ability to do the work.
17. Ask the team member to detail how the work is developing, for example
by providing a regular ………………
18. Don’t delegate administrative tasks simply because they are ………………
19. Managers can ask a team member to check on the achievement of ………………
at fixed intervals.
20. If you ……………… you risk delaying the whole project.
IELTS Sample Questions
Read the text below and answer Questions 21-27.
Choosing the right format for your CV
A good CV should be clear, simple and easy to understand. Here are
four of the most popular CV formats and advice on when to use them:
Chronological
This is the traditional CV format and is extremely popular because it allows
employers to see all the posts you have held in order. It provides flexibility
because it works in almost all circumstances, the exception being if you have
blocks of unemployment that are difficult to account for. This type of format
is particularly useful when you have a solid and complete working history
spanning five years or more.
Functional
The functional CV is designed to describe your key skills rather than the jobs
you have done. The functional CV format is typically used by people who have
extensive gaps in their employment history, or have often changed jobs. It also
suits those who want to go in a different direction work-wise and change
industry. You might choose it if you want to highlight skills learned early in
your career, points that might get missed if a chronological format is used. It
is also appropriate if you have done little or no actual work, for example, if
you are one of the current years graduates.
Because this format is often used to cover a patchy employment history, some
interviewers may view such CVs with suspicion, so be very careful should you
choose it.
Achievement
An alternative to the functional CV is to use an achievement-based resume
highlighting key achievements in place of skills. This can help show your
suitability for a role if you lack direct experience of it.
Non-traditional
With the explosion of digital and creative industries over recent years, CV
formats have become more and more imaginative. You can present information
through graphics, which can be more visually engaging and turn out to be an
unusual but winning option. This will definitely make you stand out from the
crowd. It also demonstrates design skills and creativity in a way that a
potential employer can see and feel. However, a highly creative CV format is
only really appropriate for creative and artistic sectors, such as those
involving promoting products, though it would also work for the media too.
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.
Explore Top Audiobooks
CV formats
There are several different formats including:
Chronological
– very common
– gives 21 ……………… in most cases
– perhaps inappropriate if there are periods where 22 ……………… is
not easy to explain
Functional
– appropriate for people who intend to follow a new 23 ……………… in
their career
– suits recent graduates
– can create 24 ……………… in recruiters, so is best used with
caution
Achievement
– focuses mainly on what the person has achieved
– may be advisable if the person has no 25 ……………… in
the area
Non-traditional
– enables use of attractive 26 ……………… to
present data
– suits applications for jobs in marketing or 27 ………………
Answers
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
Set 2
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
Set 3
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
Set 4
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
Set 5
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
Set 6
Answer:
15. festivals
16. budget
17. partnerships
18. diversity
19. database
20. accounting
21. knowledge
22. regulations
23. responsibilities
24. leaflets
25. statement
26. contractors
27. Stress
Set 7
Answer:
15. fertiliser / fertilizer
16. animal
17. obstacle
18. aids
19. bending
20. gate
21. proactive
22. special offers
23. brand names
24. negativity
25. presentation
26. credit card
27. Rudeness
Set 8
Answer:
15. expectations
16. concerns
17. report
18. dull
19. targets
20. micromanage
21. flexibility
22. unemployment
23. direction
24. suspicion
25. experience
26. graphics
27. media
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