Unit 8: The world of work

1  Mai and Nam are talking about their preparations for the world of work. Listen and read. (Mai và Nam đang nói về sự chuẩn bị của họ cho thế giới của công việc. Nghe và đọc.)

Click tại đây để nghe:

Nam: Hi, Mai!

Mai: Hello, Nam. How are things?

Nam: Great, thanks. I found a job advertisement for the position of a waiter in a restaurant. I’m writing my CV to apply for the job.

Mai: Can I see it?

Nam: You asked to see the job advertisement? Okay, here it is.

Mai: Oh, you are applying for this job? But you still goto school, Nam.

Nam: Yeah, it’s just a part-time job, and I’ll only work at the weekend. My father advised me to get some work experience.

Mai: Well, my mum thinks working while still at school is a waste of time.

Nam: Really?

Mai: She told me to focus on my studies. She advised me and my brother not to look for jobs until we have finished university. She also offered to do all the housework for us so that we have more time to study.

Nam: I think your mother has her own reasons. I guess she wants you and your brother to be well-prepared for your future jobs.

Mai: I think so, too. It’s getting more and more difficult to get a good job nowadays.

Nam: Yes, employers usually look for qualifications and relevant experience. They also want job applicants to be able to demonstrate their skills and qualities.

Mai: Sounds very challenging. How can we do that?

Nam: Before we apply for any jobs, we need prepare a good CV and a covering letter carefully. They should include informa about relevant qualifications, experi and skills.

Mai: Yes, but will employers have time to

each application carefully? So many pecc are looking for jobs.

Nam: You’re right. There are usually a lot of seekers applying for one position. Only a of them are shortlisted for an interview.

Mai: The job interview is also very important, the best candidate is recruited. Somet’ there are even two or three rounds interviews!

Nam: Yes, then new employees have to go thr an initial period of probation when employer will assess their performance provide some training. If everything goes they will be confirmed as regular emplo

Mai: It seems like hard work getting a job, I think I should start learning how to pr my CV and practising my interview skills.

2 Read the conversation again. Answer the questions about it. (Đọc cuộc trò chuyện một lần nữa. Trả lời các câu hỏi về nó.)

What is Nam doing?
Does Nam’s father want him to work while school? Why?/Why not?
Does Mai’s mother want her to work while school? Why?/Why not?
What information do job seekers need to incl in their CVs and covering letters?
Why is the probation period important?
Do you think you are ready for work? Why?/Why not.

Hướng dẫn:

He is writing a CV to apply for a part-time job.
Yes, he does. He wants his son to get some work experience.
No, she doesn’t. She wants her to focus on her studies.
They need to include information about their relevant qualifications, experience, and skills.
Because it is a period when the employer can assess the employee’s performance and provide them with some training.
Học sinh tự trả lời

3  Complete the text with the correct form of the words from the box. (Hoàn thành văn bản với hình thức đúng của từ trong hộp.)

Đáp án:

1. job seeker    2. job advertisements  3. CV   4. covering letter    5. job interview

4 Complete the sentences using the reporting verbs from the conversation. (Hoàn thành câu sử dụng các động từ báo cáo từ cuộc trò chuyện.)

Đáp án:

1. asked                  2. advised    3 . told   4. advised    5. offered

Communication

Work-related issues

1     Work in groups and discuss these questions. (Làm việc theo nhóm và thảo luận các câu hỏi)

1. At what age should a young person get a jc Give reasons.

A  14 and under

B  15-18

C  19 and over

2. What are the three most important qualities will help a job applicant to get a job? You choose from the following list or come up your own ideas. Give reasons.

A  Responsible

B  Reliable

C  Dedicated

D  Well-organised

3. Which of the following are the top skills that seekers need? Give reasons.

A  Working collaboratively in a team

B  Communication skills

C  Time-management skills

D  Problem-solving skills

E  Applying new knowledge and skills

2 Present your group’s ideas to the class.

Trình bày ý tưởng của nhóm bạn đến lớp.

Gợi ý:

In our group we think people should start looking for a job after leaving school at the age of 18. This can be a part-time job or a voluntary one, not necessarily a permanent job. When people start working, they become more responsible for their lives and contribute more to society.
We all believe that the three most important qualities are reliability, responsibility, and flexibility. Employers really want to find the people who they can rely on. Also, they want their employees to be flexible to adapt well to the ever changing working environment.
All of the members of my group agree that the necessary skillsforjobseekersare communication, problemsolving,andcollaboration.Whenemployees can communicate with each other, it is easier for them to work together to solve problems.

Culture

My name is Harry and I live in Bath, a small beautiful city in the south-west of England. I left school when I was 18, after taking my A levels.

My results were not great, but probably high enough for university.

However, I am not very academic so I decided not to study fora degree.

I thought there would be lots of companies looking for bright school leavers who want to head straight into the world of work through an apprenticeship. Money was also a problem. Although there are tuition loans available and my parents were willing to help me financially,

I didn’t want to borrow money and then graduate from university with a huge debt.

I started looking for an apprenticeship and it took me several months to get my first interview. My application was not successful; there were more than 4,000 applicants and only 20 were selected. I realised that apprenticeships were very competitive so I started to look for other jobs. I worked as a barista at coffee shops, I interviewed people on the street, I sold tickets for events, and I was even a human statue at different theme parks and festivals. I was not only enjoying myself, but managed to save more than £2,000.

Then while I was working at one of the music festivals, I had an idea. Why not start up a mobile catering business? Buying a small trailer didn’t require a large investment and finding someone to cook was easy. Now I have a team of 15 people, travel to fantastic events around the country, sell delicious food, and then watch people enjoy it. Although I didn’t get my ideal apprenticeship in software development or accountancy, I am a successful young entrepreneur.

1  Read the text about the job seeking experiences of Harry, an English school leaver, and decide whether the following statements about it are true (T), false (F), or not given (NG). Tick the correct box.

Đọc văn bản về kinh nghiệm tìm kiếm công việc  của Harry, một người Anh vừa ra trường, và quyết định xem các nhận định sau đây về nó là đúng (T), sai (F), hoặc không xác định (NG). Đánh dấu vào ô thích hợp.

1. Harry wanted to go to university, but his A level results were too low.

2. Harry believed that it would be easy to find an apprenticeship because many companies want to recruit bright school graduates.

3. Harry was not successful at his first interview because he didn’t prepare well for it.

4. He stopped applying for apprenticeships when he was offered part-time jobs.

5. His parents gave him £200 to buy a trailer to start his mobile catering business.

6. He now employs 15 people who travel with him to different events in the UK.

Đáp án:

1.F    2.T    3.NG    4.F     5.NG    6.T

2   Discuss the following questions with a partner.

Do you think you can become successful without a university degree? Do you know any young people who have followed a similar career path in Viet Nam? What can you learn from Harry’s job: seeking experience?

Thảo luận các câu hỏi sau đây với một người bạn.

Bạn có nghĩ rằng bạn có thể thành công mà không có một bằng đại học? Bạn có biết bất kỳ người trẻ, những người đã đi theo một con đường sự nghiệp tương tự tại Việt Nam? Những gì bạn có thể học hỏi từ công việc của Harry: tìm kiếm kinh nghiệm?

READING

Are you qualified for the job?

1 Below are some skills and qualities required for the position of an apprentice administrator. Tick the ones that you have. Do you think you are qualified for this job?

Dưới đây là một số kỹ năng và phẩm chất cần thiết cho vị trí của một quản trị viên tập sự. Đánh dấu vào những cái mà bạn có. Bạn có nghĩ rằng bạn có đủ điều kiện cho công việc này?

Having time management skills

Having communication skills

Well-spoken and articulate

Responsible and self-motivated

Flexible and eager to learn

Friendly and approachable

Well-organised

Able to work to deadlines and prioritise tasks

2      Read the job advertisement. Match the highlighted words in the advertisement with the following meanings. Write the words in the space provided. (Đọc quảng cáo tuyển dụng. Khớp các từ được nhấn mạnh trong quảng cáo với ý nghĩa như sau. Ghi các từ vào chỗ trống được cung cấp.)

a person whose job is to manage and organise the public or business affairs of a company or an institution
becoming an expert in a particular area of work or business
put tasks or problems in order of importance so that _ you can deal with the most important first
selected for final consideration”
friendly and easy to understand and to talk to

Đáp án:

1. administrator

2. specialising

3. priortise

4. shortlisted

5. approachable

3 Read the job advertisement in 2 again and decide whether the statements below are true (T), false (F), or not given (NG). (Đọc quảng cáo tuyển dụng trong 2 lần nữa và quyết định xem các nhận định dưới đây là đúng (T), sai (F), hoặc không xác định (NG).)

1. Job applicants must have the relevant working experience to apply for this job.

2. The job involves office work such as typing reports and taking minutes at meetings.

3. The job applicant is expected to be good at time management and communication.

4. Being flexible is the most important quality required for the job.

5. After finishing the apprenticeship, the person will be recruited on a long-term contract.

Đáp án:

1. F    2. T   3. T

4. NG (flexibility is one valuable quality, but may or may not be the most important)

5. NG (long-term prospects are only a possibility after the apprenticeship)

4      Read the final part of the advertisement carefully. Answer the following questions.

What benefits will you be offered if you get the apprenticeship?
How can you apply for the apprenticeship?
How can you get additional information about the apprenticeship?
Who will be contacted and invited to an interview?

Hướng dẫn:

Đọc phần cuối cùng của quảng cáo một cách cẩn thận. Trả lời các câu hỏi sau đây.

Competitive pay, ongoing training, 12 days of annual leave, and long-term job prospects in the company after completing the apprenticeship.
I need to send my CV and a covering letter to hr@hungphamcarsales.com.
For additional information, I can call Ms Kim Thanh at 0123975648.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and invited to an interview.

5      Discuss the questions with a partner.

Which benefits of the apprenticeship mentioned in the advertisement are the most important to you? Why?

Thảo luận các câu hỏi với một người bạn.

Những lợi ích nào của việc học nghề được đề cập trong quảng cáo là quan trọng nhất đối với bạn? Tại sao?

SPEAKING

Skills and qualities

1 Look at the lists of skills and qualities. Can add more of them? Choose a job in the box and decide on the skills and qualities needec the job. Tell your partner about the job. (Nhìn vào danh sách các kỹ năng và phẩm chất. bạn có thể thêm nhiều hơn không? Chọn một công việc trong hộp và quyết định về các kỹ năng và phẩm chất cần thiết trong công việc. Nói với bạn về công việc.)

Ví dụ: 

I think a chef needs to be self-motivated, he working, and creative. He/She also needs to good at planning menus and instructing cooks.

I think the job of a doctor is very challenging. She has to work under a lot of pressure. The also involves a lot of interaction with patients, very important for a doctor to be kind, caring, and compassionate.

2    Complete the conversation between Lan and Nam using the information in the box. Then practise the conversation in pairs. (Hoàn thành cuộc trò chuyện giữa Lan và Nam sử dụng thông tin trong hộp. Sau đó, thực hành các cuộc trò chuyện theo cặp.)

Gợi ý:

as a chef
the qualities needed to be a chef
hard-working, creative, and self-motivated
planning menus
give clear instructions
to be a teacher
science subjects
friendly
communicate my ideas very clearly to other people

3     Work in pairs. Make a similar conversation to the one in 2. Use the words and phrases in 1 and your own information. 

 Làm việc theo cặp. Thực hiện một cuộc trò chuyện tương tự như trong 2. Sử dụng từ và cụm từ trong 1 và thông tin riêng của bạn.

LISTENING

What makes a good CV?

1      Work in pairs. Ask and answer the following questions.

What is a CV?
How important is your CV in applying for a job’
What makes a successful CV

Hướng dẫn:

Làm việc theo cặp. Hỏi và trả lời câu hỏi sau đây.

CV là gì?
CV quan trọng thế nào trong việc xin một công việc
Điều gì làm cho một CV thành công

2     Match the words with their meanings. (Nối từ với nghĩa của chúng)

Đáp án:

1.b    2.d    3. a    4.e   5. c

3  Mr Le, an invited speaker, is talking to grade 12 students about how to write a good CV. Listen to his talk and check your answers to the questions in 1. (Ông Lê, một diễn giả được mời, đang nói chuyện với học sinh lớp 12 về làm thế nào để viết một CV tốt. Nghe buổi nói chuyện và kiểm tra câu trả lời của bạn cho câu hỏi trong 1.)

Click tại đây để nghe:

Gợi ý trả lời:

A CV is a written record of your education and work experience.
It makes the first impression on your potential employer, and it can be the deciding factor in whether or not you can get an interview.
A successful CV is simple in design, includes key words from the job description, and is tailored to the job you are applying for.

4   Listen again and complete each of the sentences with no more than three words. (Nghe một lần nữa và hoàn thành mỗi câu với không quá ba chữ.)
Click tại đây để nghe:

Đáp án:

1. a job                                          2.  cluttered

3. digital software        4. set of requirements every job

5   Work in groups. Which of the three tips from Mr Le’s talk do you think is the most useful for you? Why?

Làm việc nhóm. Lời khuyên nào trong ba lời khuyên từ buổi nói chuyện của ông Lê bạn nghĩ là hữu ích nhất cho bạn? Tại sao?

WRITING

How to write a CV

1 Look at the following job advertisements. Which of the jobs would you like to apply for. Think about whether you have the necessary skills and qualities. Share with a partner.

Xem quảng cáo việc làm sau đây. Đâu là công việc bạn muốn ứng cử? Hãy nghĩ xem bạn có các kỹ năng và phẩm chất cần thiết không. Chia sẻ với một người bạn.

ZOO VOLUNTEERS

The city zoo is looking for weekend volunteers. Responsibilities include answering general questions from the zoo visitors, assisting educational programmes, and helping feed the animals. Benefits include

COFFEE HOUSE SERVERS

A popular coffee house near the university seeks baristas to make coffee and serve snacks. Outgoing personality and high energy are more important than experience. Free coffee  and meals….

SHOP ASSISTANTS

A trendy clothing store seeks part-time shop assistants. The store is in a convenient location and the working hours are flexible. Previous experience or interest in fashion is preferred. Salary is….

Gới ý trả lời:

I   would like to apply for the position of a zoo volunteer at the city zoo. I love animals and I have read a lot about them, so I think I can help a lot. At home, I often take care of my family’s two dogs. Feeding them and walking them every day are my duties, so I think I have relevant experience.

2    Look at the sample CV. Some pieces of information have been taken out. Where should the writer put them? Match the words and phrases (A-E) with the gaps (1-5) in the CV.

A. Skills              B. Personal details

C. Education and qualifications

D. Achievements    E. Responsibilities

CURRICULUM VITAE

1.________

Name:                    Nguyen Thanh Long

Address:                 1559To Hieu, Ha Dong, Ha Noi

Mobile phone: 09172800000 Home phone: (04) 36668888 Email: thanhlongnguyen@speedymail.com

Personal summary and career objectives I am a self-motivated individual who can work hard, communicates well, and has good interpersonal skills. I have recently completed upper secondary education and received the National Certificate of Secondary Education. I am seeking a starting position in the business field to obtain real-world experience and learn new skills.

2.  ________

2012-  2015:           Quang Trung Upper Secondary School, awarded the National Certificate of Secondary Education

2008-2012: Nguyen Hue Lower Secondary School

2003-2008: Tran QuocToan Primary School

Work experience

2013- 2014:          Shop assistant (part-time), Ha Trang Clothing Company

3.  ________                                 

Greeting and assisting customers

Keeping the store tidy and clean, and making sure all clothing items are on display

Attaching price tags to new clothing

Giving advice and guidance on clothing selection

4. ________

Received the ‘Shop Assistant of the Month’ award

Received the third prize in the English speaking contest in the final school year

5._________

Proficient in computer applications like MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

Interests

Working out at the gym

References

Available upon request

Đáp án:

1. B   2. C   3.E    4.D    5.A

3   Write your own CV to apply for one of the jobs advertised in 1 following the structure of the sample CV in 2. Remember to tailor your CV so that your experience and skills are aligned with the job requirements.

Viết CV của bạn để nộp đơn cho một trong những công việc được quảng cáo trong 1 theo cấu trúc của CV mẫu trong 2. Hãy nhớ điều chỉnh CV của bạn để kinh nghiệm và kỹ năng của bạn phù hợp với yêu cầu công việc.

 

Vocabulary

1  The words in the left column are from the conversation in GETTING STARTED. Match them with the appropriate definitions in the right column. (Những từ trong cột bên trái là từ cuộc trò chuyện trong GETTING STARTED. Nối chúng với các định nghĩa thích hợp trong cột bên phải)

Đáp án:

1.d   2.a   3.b   4.e   5.c

 2   Complete the text with the correct form of the words in 1. (Hoàn thành văn bản với hình thức đúng của từ trong 1.)

Applying for a job is a process of several stages. First, when a new job is advertised, people (1)                             by sending their CVs and covering letters. All these CVs and covering letters are then screened, and only the (2) applicants with suitable experience and (3)___________ are shortlisted and invited for a job interview. If the candidates can perform well and impress the interviewers during the interview, they can be (4)______________ . Next, the new recruits often go through a (5) period that may last from several months to a year, depending on the policy of the company or organisation.

Đáp án:

1. apply                                            2. relevant

3. qualifications                      4. recruited

5. probation

Pronunciation

Stressed words: exceptions

   Listen and repeat the sentences, paying attention to the stressed words. (Nghe và lặp lại các câu, chú ý đến những từ nhấn mạnh.)

Click tại đây để nghe:

I’ll help you to write the CV if I can.
We would send you the application if we could.
Her mother can’t help her with the job application letter, but her sister can.
He isn’t interested in that job, but she is.
She has the right skills to do the job, and he does too.
A: You can’t work under time pressure.

B: I can work undertime pressure.
I couldn’t write a CV two years ago, but I can write  one now.

Grammar

Reported speech: reporting orders, requests, offers, advice, instructions,..

1      Rewrite the sentences in reported speech, using the appropriate verbs from the box in the correct tense.

Viết lại câu ở dạng gián tiếp, bằng cách sử dụng động từ thích hợp từ hộp vào đúng thì.

Gợi ý:

Our teacher told us to study hard for the final exams.
The job applicant asked if the company provided computers for all employees.
The career adviser advised us to develop our communication and planning skills.
My mother offered to find information about short courses on organisational skills for me.

2  Complete the sentences, reporting what was said. 

Hoàn thiện các câu, tường thuật những điều được nói đến.

Gợi ý:

The monitor invited me to see him play in a football match.
The applicant asked the head of the human resources department to tell him what skills he needed in order to get that job.
My friend offered to find more information about the company that I was applying to.
His father encouraged him to apply for the job.
He complained to his friends about the terrible working conditions at that factory.
She refused to tell me what the director’s salary was because that information was confidential.

Pronunciation

Listen to the following exchanges and underline the stressed words. Then practise them with a partner, using the correct sentence stress.

Nghe trao đổi sau đây và gạch dưới những từ nhấn mạnh. Sau đó luyện tập chúng với một người bạn, sử dụng nhấn mạnh câu đúng.

Click tại đây để nghe:

1. A: Do you think communication skills are really important?

B: Well, some people think they aren’t important, but, in fact, they are.

2. A: Can people without a university degree apply for this job?

B: Yes, they can.

3. A: Should I ask my brother to help me to write the CV?

B: Yes, certainly you should.

4. A: You haven’t been shortlisted for the interview.

B: I have been shortlisted for it.

Vocabulary

Underline the correct word in each sentence. (Gạch dưới từ đúng trong mỗi câu)

If you want to get a job, you should look for job (adverts/CVs).
Don’t forget to read the information about the required skills and qualities to see if you have the [relevant/reliable) job experience.
If you (change/tailor) your CV to suit the job requirements, you can increase your chances of getting an interview.
After the CV screening process, only a small number of (interviewers/candidates) are invited for a job interview.
The new [employee/employer) is usually confirmed after a period of probation.

Đáp án:

1. adverts    2. relevant    3. tailor

4.candidates    5. employee

Grammar

Turn the following sentences into repor speech, using the reporting verbs in the box. (Chuyển các câu sau đây sang câu tường thuật, sử dụng các động từ tường thuật trong hộp.)

Gới ý:

Mike asked Mira how long it would take her to finish writing her CV.
Mira informed him that she would need another two hours.
Mike encouraged/urged her to try and finish it by 4 p.m. so that she could come and watch the football match.
Mira exclaimed that that would give her only an hour.
Mike urged her to write it quickly.
Mira refused to leave the house before 4 p.m. because she wanted to write a very impressive CV.
Mike complained that she never came and saw him play.
Mira promised to come to his match/that she would come to his next match.

Work in groups of four to six. Choose a profession or career that all members of your group are interested in. Find information about it in Viet Nam and another country.

How popular is the profession of a…?
What are the skills needed to do this profession?
What are the required qualifications to enter the profession or career?
Where can people find jobs related to this career?
What does this profession involve? What are the career options?
What are the benefits or advantages of being a …? What are the drawbacks or disadvantages of being a…?

Display the information on a poster and present it to the class focusing on the similarities and differences in the job requirements between Viet Nam and another country. Invite the rest of the class to ask you questions at the end.

Hướng dẫn:

Làm việc theo nhóm 4-6 người. Chọn một nghề hay nghề nghiệp mà tất cả các thành viên trong nhóm của bạn đang quan tâm. Tìm thông tin về nó tại Việt Nam và các nước khác.

Độ phổ biến của nghề …?

kỹ năng cần thiết để làm nghề này là gì?

trình độ chuyên môn cần thiết để vào nghề hay công việc là gì?

Nơi mọi người có thể tìm thấy công việc liên quan đến nghề nghiệp này?

nghề nghiệp này bao gồm những gì? những lựa chọn của nghề nghiệp là gì?

những lợi ích hay lợi thế là gì? những hạn chế hay bất lợi là gì …?

Trình bày thông tin trên một poster và trình bày cho lớp học tập trung vào những điểm tương đồng và khác biệt trong các yêu cầu công việc giữa Việt Nam và các nước khác. Mời các thành viên còn lại của lớp hỏi bạn những câu hỏi ở cuối.

UNIT 8. THE WORLD OF WORK

Thế giới của làm việc

1. academic /ˌækəˈdemɪk/(a): học thuật, giỏi các môn học thuật

2. administrator/ədˈmɪnɪstreɪtə(r)/ (n): nhân viên hành chính

3. align /əˈlaɪn/(v): tuân theo, phù hợp

4. applicant /ˈæplɪkənt/(n): người nộp đơn xin việc

5. apply /əˈplaɪ/(v): nộp đơn, đệ trình

6. apprentice /əˈprentɪs/(n): thực tập sinh, người học việc

7. approachable /əˈprəʊtʃəbl/(a): dễ gần, dễ tiếp cận

8. articulate /ɑːˈtɪkjuleɪt/(a): hoạt ngôn, nói năng lưu loát

9. barista /bəˈriːstə/ (n): nhân viên làm việc trong quán cà phê

10. candidate /ˈkændɪdət/(n): ứng viên đã qua vòng sơ tuyển

11. cluttered /ˈklʌtəd/(a): lộn xộn, trông rối mắt

12. compassionate /kəmˈpæʃənət/(a): thông cảm, cảm thông

13. colleague /ˈkɒliːɡ/(n): đồng nghiệp

14. covering letter /ˌkʌvərɪŋ ˈletə(r)/: thư xin việc

15. dealership /ˈdiːləʃɪp/(n): doanh nghiệp, kinh doanh

16. demonstrate /ˈdemənstreɪt/ (v): thể hiện

17. entrepreneur /ˌɒntrəprəˈnɜː(r)/ (n): nhà doanh nghiệp, người khởi nghiệp

18. potential/pəˈtenʃl/ (a): tiềm năng

19. prioritise /praɪˈɒrətaɪz/ (v): sắp xếp công việc hợp lý, ưu tiên việc quan trọng trước

20. probation /prəˈbeɪʃn/(n): sự thử việc, thời gian thử việc

21. qualification /ˌkwɒlɪfɪˈkeɪʃn/ (n): trình độ chuyên môn bằng cấp

22. recruit /rɪˈkruːt/(v): tuyển dụng

23. relevant /ˈreləvənt/ (a): thích hợp, phù hợp

24. shortlist /ˈʃɔːtlɪst/ (v): sơ tuyển

25. specialise /ˈspeʃəlaɪz/ (v): chuyên về lĩnh vực nào đó

26. tailor /ˈteɪlə(r)/(v): điều chỉnh cho phù hợp

27. trailer /ˈtreɪlə(r)/(n): xe móc, xe kéo

28. tuition /tjuˈɪʃn/ (n): học phí

29. unique /juˈniːk/(a): đặc biệt, khác biệt, độc nhất

30. well-spoken /ˌwel ˈspəʊkən/(a): nói hay, nói với lời lẽ trau chuốt