UNIT 12: MY FUTURE CAREER
A. PHONETICS
I.

Sarah and Ann are discussing their jobs. Draw arrows to illustrate Ann's tone.

1.

Sarah: Our manager is friendly.
Ann:

2.

Sarah: The salary is quite appealing.
Ann:

3.

Convenient? It's very ideal.

Sarah: The provided lunch is good.
Ann:

6.

OK? He is brilliant!

Sarah: The location of our company is convenient.
Ann:

5.

Appealing? It is extremely appealing.

Sarah: The colleague sitting next to me is OK.
Ann:

4.

Friendly? She is perfectly friendly.

Good? It's wonderful!

Sarah: The chance to get promoted is fair.
Ann:

Fair? It's absolutely great!

II. The response to the pairs of sentences are the same but the speakers have opposite attitudes. Draw
arrows to show the tones.
1a - I can recommend the chicken in
mushroom sauce.
- Delicious.
2a - Our retail sales fell 8% in May.
- Excellent.
3a - I've passed my driving test.
- Fantastic!
4a - I'll lend you the car if you like.
- Great! Thank you.
5a - She'd like her bedroom painted
grey and brown.
- It's gorgeous.
6a - Daddy! I came second in maths.
- Well done, sweetheart!

1b

2b
3b
4b
5b

6b

- The tomato juice wasn't fresh and the oyster
was still somewhat raw.
- Delicious.
- Our sales are up for the third year in a row.
- Excellent.
- I quitted my new job.
- Fantastic!
- Your car won't be ready until next week.
- Oh, great. I need it tomorrow.
- The weather is warm and with a lot of sun.
- It's gorgeous.
- I dropped out of school last week.
- Well done, John!

B. VOCABULARY AND GRAMMAR
I.

Match the words with their definitions.

1.

academic

a. a qualification obtained after a course of study or an exam

2.

vocational

b. used in a practical way

3.

approach

c. continuing to exist or develop, or still happening

4.

flexitime

d. connected with studying from books

5.

ongoing

e. having a lot of energy and a strong personality

6.

applied

f. able to understand how somebody else feels

7.

certificate

g. showing a high level of skill or training

8.

empathetic

h. a method of doing something

9.

dynamic

i. relating to the skills you need to do a particular job

10. professional

j. a system of working that allows employees to vary the time they start
or finish work

II. Complete the sentences with the words from part I.
1.

The school offers _______ programs in welding, electrical work, and building maintenance.

2.

His personal history makes him especially _______ to workers' need for a fair wage.

3.

Career is an _______ process and so it needs to be assessed on continuous basis.

4.

Children who are not good at _______ subjects may excel in music or sport.

5.

She is working on her GED _______ so she can attend art school.

6.

_______ is also beneficial to workers pursuing an education.

7.

The modern _______ to grammar teaching should make it easier to learn.

8.

Seek advice from a _______ beautician who specializes in bridal makeup.

9.

I'm going to take a course in _______ mathematics this semester.

10. We're looking for a _______ , caring and positive teacher who wants to make a difference.
III. Fill in each blank with a suitable job from the box. Modify it if necessary.
housekeeper
mechanic

lodging manager
craftsman

biologist
pharmacist

event planner
fashion designer

architect
tour guide

1.

Charles Darwin, one of the most famous _______ to hail from Britain, is best known for his theory of
evolution.

2.

The Yale University Art Gallery was designed by the renowned _______ , Louis Kahn.

3.

A hotel _______ is responsible for ensuring rooms and other areas of a hotel are kept clean every day.

4.

_______ are responsible for helping people to visit unfamiliar areas.

5.

I applied for a job as a _______ in a local garage, but I was rejected.

6.

Working as a _______ , he is responsible for the overall operations of the hotel.

7.

After they have an initial idea, _______ try out various fabrics and produce a prototype.

8.

Local _______ sell handmade souvenirs from leather at an annual Lithuanian folk arts and crafts.

9.

An _______ is responsible for coordinating and organizing all aspects of a client's event.

10. The _______ carefully measured out a dose of herbal medicine and told me how to brew it.
IV. Fill in each blank with a phrase or idiom from the box. Modify it if necessary.
earn a living
make a bundle

do a nine-to-five job

take a course

burn the midnight oil

behind the scenes

make good progress

get a promotion

work flexitime
take into account

1.

He bought a few stocks and _______ in just a few years.

2.

Some people don't like _______ as they find it so boring to work in a job with a regular routine.

3.

Gallatin tried _______ by teaching French in Harvard College.

4.

She was always toadying to the boss, but she didn't _______ out of it!

5.

I've _______ in both English speaking and writing since I started this course.

6.

Susan decided _______ in art and design because it's a good way to progress her career.

7.

My boss never _______ my extra hours of work, that's why I need to change my job now.

8.

I'd like _______ so I can spend more time taking care of my elderly mother.

9.

Although he had retired, Brown remained active: _______ for years.

10. I have a big exam tomorrow so I'll be _______ tonight.
V. Choose the correct answer a, b, c or d to complete each sentence.
1.

She started her _______ as an EFL teacher in Egypt in 1996.
a. work

2.

6.

c. Architects

b. empathetic

c. adaptable
b. event planner

c. fashion designer

d. lodging manager

d. manage
d. Biologists
d. professional

We're all working _______ to get the job finished on time.
b. timeout

c. time after time

d. overtime

Many of my friends are _______. They are fashion designers, painters and musicians.
b. patient

c. skillful

d. artistic

During the middle and high school years, American students do much less well in mathematics than
their Japansese _______.
a. acquaintances

9.

b. Physicists

a. customer service representative

a. technical
8.

c. promote

The _______ has to meet with clients to understand the purpose of the event they are about to organize.

a. flexitime
7.

b. take

Older workers are more _______ to change than their younger counterparts.
a. dynamic

5.

d. occupation

_______ study the ways in which matter and energy interact.
a. Sociologists

4.

c. career

He intends to _______ in medical school to qualify as a doctor and specialise in health care,
a. enrol

3.

b. profession

b. peers

c. partners

d. counterparts

_______ training is focused on building skills specific to an occupation or career field.
a. Academic

b. Educational

c. Vocational

d. Theoretical

10. After leaving university, I wasn't sure which career _______ to choose.
a. road

b. track

c. path

d. route

VI. Complete the second sentence so that it has the same meaning as the first.
1.

Although I was late, I didn't miss the bus.

→ In spite of_____________________________________________________________________
2.

Although I was in a hurry, I didn't forget to lock the door.

→ Despite_______________________________________________________________________
3.

Even though it was raining heavily, they went to the football match.

→ In spite of _____________________________________________________________________
4.

She didn't get the job, even though she had all the necessary qualifications.

→ In spite of_____________________________________________________________________
5.

Though she hates rock music, she went to the performance.

→ Despite_______________________________________________________________________
6.

Even though they were very successful, they never made much money.

→ In spite of_____________________________________________________________________
7.

Although she knew the answer, she refused to tell him.

→ Despite_______________________________________________________________________
8.

Although she has a lot of money, she doesn't help the homeless.

→ Despite_______________________________________________________________________
9.

Even though I had planned very carefully, we ended up staying in a really bad hotel.

→ Despite_______________________________________________________________________
10. Though I wasn't keen on the film, I thought the music was beautiful.
→ In spite of_____________________________________________________________________
VII. Rewrite the sentences, using the words given.
1.

I like Joseph, but I sometimes find him very irritating. (although)
____________________________________________________________________________

2.

The weather was rough. They still set sail. (despite)
____________________________________________________________________________

3.

We sell almost a hundred machines a month. We are a small company. (though)
____________________________________________________________________________

4.

He lacked experience, but he became a successful businessman. (in spite of)
____________________________________________________________________________

5.

Susan had lived in Norway for ten years. She never got used to the cold. (despite)
____________________________________________________________________________

6.

You still play loud music. I've asked you not to several times. (even though)
____________________________________________________________________________

7.

They said construction was complete. However, there were builders working on the hotel when we
arrived. (although)
____________________________________________________________________________

8.

I was very hungry. I had eaten a big breakfast two hours earlier. (in spite of)
____________________________________________________________________________

9.

They offered him a place at the university. He was only 15. (though)
____________________________________________________________________________

10. I had been ill all day. I handed my report in on time. (despite the fact that)
____________________________________________________________________________
VIII. Underline the correct form.
1.

She agreed not to tell/ not telling anyone about what had happened.

2.

He disliked to work/ working with committees and avoided it whenever possible.

3.

In court, she admitted to receive/ receiving almost $1 million as “consulting fees”.

4.

They chose to stay/ staying in a cheap hotel but spend more money on meals.

5.

I regretted not to learn / not learning to play the piano when I was younger.

6.

Never rely on someone else's memory. Learn to trust/ trusting your own.

7.

Please, avoid to touch / touching the wires with wet hands.

8.

Gina tried to open/ opening the door, but it seemed to be/ being stuck.

9.

After finishing his studies, John intends to enrol / enrolling in a vocational course.

10. She postponed to make / making a decision on opening the new shop.
11. The police refuse to comment/ commenting on whether anyone has been arrested.
12. In spite of the traffic, we managed to get / getting to the airport in time.
13. Sometimes she would stop to cry / crying for a while, and it seemed that she was gaining control.
14. We started to learn! learning English in third year junior middle school.
15. This book is definitely worth to read/ reading and you will learn some useful leadership skills from it.
IX. Complete the sentences with words from the box, using Verb + to-infinitive or Verb + V-ing.
meet

go

switch off

take

buy

listen

type

spend

change

sign be

ban

earn

1.

Have you tried _______ the batteries? That might work.

2.

She has decided _______ travelling for a year before starting university.

3.

Did I mention _______ our clients on Monday?

4.

Katherine appears _______ the most qualified person for the job.

5.

On the way to the station, I stopped _______ a paper.

6.

Do you remember _______ the lights before we came out?

7.

You can't expect _______ $3,000 per month as a fresh graduate.

8.

I had finished _______ the report just minutes before it was due.

9.

The council is considering _______ vehicles from the town centre to relieve congestion.

10. Don't forget _______ the document as soon as you are finished.
11. If you are planning _______ classes in a summer term, remember that fewer courses are offered.
12. I always enjoy _______ to classical music whenever I'm feeling stressed.
13. Mom would love _______ time in the garden, taking care of her flowers and plants.
X. Supply the correct form of the verbs in brackets.
1.

Having bought the house, they couldn't afford _______ (furnish) it.

2.

I could hardly imagine _______ (live) in such a remote and desolate spot.

3.

He promised _______ (send) me a recommendation letter two days ago.

4.

My boyfriend keeps _______ (change) his mind because he doesn't truly know what he wants.

5.

Both children deny _______ (break) the window, but I'm sure they did.

6.

I must remember _______ (go) shopping later - we have no food!

7.

Our memories are filled with things we never even meant _______ (remember).

8.

Excuse me, would you mind _______ (clean) the table, please!

9.

Peter pretended _______ (have) a stomachache and left work early.

10. I regret _______ (inform) that you have failed the application round for the teaching position.
11. I forgot _______ (mail) my check, so I paid the rent twice this month.

12. Clare offered _______ (take) me to the airport, which was very kind of her.
13. I continued _______ (work) till Sally came in and then we had supper.
14. I can't stand _______ (stay) at home for long periods of time.
15. I'm glad it's almost summertime - I just can't wait _______ (go) swimming!
XI. Choose the correct answers, a, b, c, or d to complete the sentences.
1.

Do you mind _______ in here? Speaking is not allowed in the library.
a. no talking

2.

c. in spite of

d. however

b. because of

c. despite

d. for

b. recovering

c. to recover

d. to be recovered

b. to do

c. do

d. in doing

b. Because

c. If

d. Although

I expect to get high marks in this exam _______ I put in a lot of work for it.
a. even though

9.

b. since

_______ riding a bicycle is a good leg exercise, it does not use up a lot of calories.
a. As

8.

d. because of

I always put off _______ my homework until the last possible moment.
a. doing

7.

c. because

I hope _______ in time for my trip to Australia next month.
a. recover

6.

b. despite

He has received several scholarships _______ his academic and artistic ability.
a. though

5.

d. not to talk

We've decided to go on a vacation _______ all the financial problems we are going through.
a. although

4.

c. not talk

My parents are never pleased with my grades _______ I get nothing less than a 'B'.
a. even though

3.

b. not talking

b. whereas

c. so that

d. because

_______ working for the company for six months now, he never seems to know what to do.
a. Since

b. Although

c. Despite

d. Because of

10. Are you going to make your daughter _______ part time in the store this summer?
a. work

b. to work

c. working

d. worked

11. _______ he had read the instructions several times, he knew what to do.
a. Whereas

b. Until

c. After

d. Although

12. Patricia encouraged me _______ to Stanford, and I got in.
a. applying

b. to apply

c. apply

d. applied

13. I feel like _______ to the movies this evening - want to come?
a. go

b. to go

c. to going

d. going

14. Our company is surviving _______ the fact that the economy has gone into recession.
a. although

b. because of

c. despite

d. whereas

15. It's no use _______ on the telephone. The line is always busy.
a. try to call

b. trying calling

c. to try calling

XII. Fill in each blank with a suitable preposition.
1.

Janet is responsible _______ the training and orientation of employees.

2.

Don't be too curious _______ things you are not supposed to know.

3.

Coursework is taken _______ account as well as exam results.

d. trying to call

4.

Super's theory focused _______ describing the process of career development.

5.

Many students opt _______ business studies simply because it sounds like a passport to a good job.

6.

Vocational training programs provide you _______ practical skills can be directly applied _______ a
occupation.

7.

My sister decided _______ her future career while she was still at secondary school.

8.

Most students who enrol _______ geology courses do not intend to become geologists.

9.

What made you interested _______ applying for this position?

10. The charity work you've been doing really makes a difference _______ these kids.
C. SPEAKING
I.

Complete the conversation with the sentences from the box. Write the letters of the sentences.
A. Do you have to produce any reports?
B. First of all, what is your current position?
C. Thanks for your information, Peter. It sounds like you have an interesting job.
D. What sort of problems do you deal with on a daily basis?
E. Do you ever attend meetings?
F. What do your responsibilities include?
G. What else does your job involve?
H. Hi, Mr. Peter. Could you tell me some information about your current job?

Jack: (1)_________________________________________________________________________
Peter: Certainly. What would you like to know?
Jack: (2)_________________________________________________________________________
Peter: I work as a software engineer at Schuller's and Co.
Jack: (3)_________________________________________________________________________
Peter: I'm responsible for systems administration and in-house programming.
Jack: (4)_________________________________________________________________________
Peter: Oh, there are always lots of small system glitches. I also provide information on a need-to-know
basis for employees.
Jack: (5)_________________________________________________________________________
Peter: Well, as I said, for part of my job I have to develop in-house programs for special tasks in the
company.
Jack: (6)_________________________________________________________________________
Peter: No, I just have to make sure that everything is in good conditions.
Jack: (7)_________________________________________________________________________
Peter: Yes, I attend monthly meetings at the end of the month.
Jack: (8)_________________________________________________________________________
Peter: Yes, it's very interesting, but stressful, too!
II. Put the dialogue into the correct order.

____Nice to meet you, too.
____So you don't mind working long hours, do you?
____No, I think I have pretty good understanding about the job. I believe I can easily adapt to this new work,
and I hope to have the opportunity to work for you.
____Well, what are your strengths?
____Can you work under pressure?
1 Please take a seat.
____Of course not.
____Thank you.
____I was a student at West Coast University, and I just graduated with a Bachelor degree in Finance. I have
been working part-time as a payroll clerk for the last two years.
____Alright. John, nice to meet you. Thank you for coming.
____Do you have any questions for me?
____I am a hard-working person and a fast learner. I am very eager to learn new things, and I can easily get
along with people.
____John, please tell me a little bit about yourself.
____Yes, I can. When I was at school, I took quite a few courses each semester while working at least
twenty hours a week. I handled that situation very well.
D. READING
I.

Complete the passage with words from the box.
success

profession

career

purposely

successful

living

likely

definite

decisions

well-chosen

It is very important for everybody to make the right choice of (1) _______ . And it is no wonder
because there are a lot of honourable professions at your disposal to obtain, for example, the profession of a
teacher, a doctor, a computer-operator, an engineer, a journalist, etc. It is difficult for the young people to
give a (2) _______ answer. There are lots of people who take (3) _______ about their professions and their
career very easily. It is a matter of fact that only few of them become successful in their careers and their
lives. Most of such people don't gain much (4) _______ in their professions and their careers. The next point
is that there is a big difference between job and career. Job is just a place to work in and to earn your (5)
_______ while career involves planning out the journey, picking up the necessary skills along the way to be
successful, and (6) _______ deciding what your interests, skills and work values are.
Some people never pick a (7) _______. They continue drifting from job to job, without considering
where the drifting will lead. Teens may change their career interests or goals over time, but a (8) _______
career usually leads to more advanced and challenging opportunities. And let's face it - you're (9) _______
to be working most of your life, so why not enjoy what you're doing. Finally, try to choose your career
carefully and then you will be happy and (10) _______ in your future life.
II. Read the article carefully, then do the tasks.
The Right Job for Your Personality
Choosing a career is an important life decision, yet many people settle on one based on the opinions of
friends and family. It's very difficult to find something you really enjoy doing, but scientists have devised

tests to help people come closer to finding their dream job. Take a look at the six personality types below
and see which jobs might be right for you. Most people are a combination of two or three types.
Realistic
Realistic people like to work with things they can see or touch. They are inclined to solve problems by
doing them, rather than thinking or talking about them. They generally like to work outside and are good
with tools, machines, plants, and animals. Job matches: carpenter, chef, nurse, pilot
Investigative
People of this personality type value ideas and are strong at tasks that allow them to investigate facts
and figure out complex problems. They are better at individual work like research and study, rather than
leading groups of people or working in teams. Job matches: computer programmer, historian, psychologist,
surgeon
Artistic
Artists are creative people. They don't work well with structure and rules, and thrive instead in
environments that allow communication and a free flow of ideas. They enjoy tasks that allow them to
express themselves and mix with people. Job matches: actor, art therapist, graphic designer, writer
Social
Social personalities love to work with people. They get the most satisfaction out of teaching and helping
others, and are driven to serve the community as opposed to making money. Job matches: coach, counselor,
social worker, teacher
Enterprising
Many great leaders and business people have enterprising personalities. These are persuasive people
who are good at making decisions and leading teams. They tend to value money, power, and status, and will
work toward achieving them. Job matches: business owner, event manager, lawyer, salesperson
Conventional
Conventional people appreciate rules and regulations, and like having structure to their lives. They are
logical thinkers and have a lot of self-control, making them the perfect people to work with data and details.
Job matches: accountant, analyst, editor, librarian
Nowadays, anyone can take a Holland Code personality test online to find what jobs might be right for
them. Why not try it today?
A. Match the personality type with the description.
1.

realistic

a. likes to lead and influence other people

2.

investigative

b. likes to organize things and check details

3.

artistic

c. likes to create new things and express their ideas

4.

social

d. likes to work with their bodies and do practical things

5.

enterprising

e. likes to work with ideas and problems

6.

conventional

f. likes to work with and help other people

B. Decide whether the following statements are true (T) or false (F).
1.

Your personality types make you better suited for some occupations than others.

2.

Most people consider their personality types before choosing a job.

3.

Realistic people prefer thought rather than action.

4.

People with artistic personality like self-expression in their work.

5.

Enterprising people are frequently concerned with money, power and status.

6.

Social people are interested in serving the community as well as making money.

7.

Investigative people often work independently and do not seek leadership roles.

8.

Both social and investigative types like working with other people.

9.

You need to see an expert to take a Holland Code test.

C. Answer the questions.
1.

What do realistic people like to work with?
____________________________________________________________________________

2.

Are investigative people well suited in the fields of computer science and technology?
____________________________________________________________________________

3.

What are conventional people good at?
____________________________________________________________________________

4.

In which environments do artistic people work well?
____________________________________________________________________________

5.

What are examples of enterprising jobs?
____________________________________________________________________________

E. WRITING
I. Write sentences, using the clues given.
1.

it/ important/ school leavers/ gain/ skills/ improve/ their employment opportunities.
____________________________________________________________________________

2.

Brenda/ plan/ spend/ a month/ do/ work experience/ a law firm/ this summer.
____________________________________________________________________________

3.

in spite/ meet/ all job requirements/ he/ not offer/ a job/ the CNN.
____________________________________________________________________________

4.

Nick/ just decide/ turn down/ the job offer/ because/ the salary/ not meet/ his need.
____________________________________________________________________________

5.

career planning/ be/ ongoing process/ can help/ you/ manage/ learning and development.
____________________________________________________________________________

6.

You/ should/ take/ your values/ account/ when/ make/ any decision/ your career.
____________________________________________________________________________

7.

My vocational teacher/ from/ I've learnt most/ advise/ me/ choose/ different career.
____________________________________________________________________________

8.

Vocational programs/ provide/ students/ practical learning opportunities/ hands-on experiences/ prepare/
them/ a career.
____________________________________________________________________________

II. Complete the second sentence so that it has the same meaning as the first.
1.

Despite knowing she was wrong, Sarah refused to admit it.

→ Although _____________________________________________________________________
2.

No film this year was as good as Alien Descent.

→ Alien Descent was by ____________________________________________________________

3.

It wasn't unusual for George to turn up late.

→ George turned _________________________________________________________________
4.

People are buying thousands of gadgets on Black Friday all around the world.

→ Thousands ____________________________________________________________________
5.

“It was Jim who broke my kitchen window!”

→ Mrs James accused Jim __________________________________________________________
6.

Our plane arrived on time although there was a delay during take off.

→ In spite of _____________________________________________________________________
7.

I can't play professional football because I'm not tall enough.

→ I could _______________________________________________________________________
8.

Hoa tried to get an intern position in that international company.

→ Hoa attempted _________________________________________________________________
9.

I feel nervous when I think about starting my new job.

→ It makes ______________________________________________________________________
10. Very few people succeed in losing weight and keeping it off.
→ Very few people managed ________________________________________________________

TEST FOR UNIT 12
I.

Choose the word whose underlined part is pronounced differently from the others.

1.

a. lodging

b. contract

c. enroll

d. logic

2.

a. manager

b. mechanic

c. career

d. standard

3.

a. bundle

b. customer

c. cultivation

d. occupation

4.

a. receive

b. efficient

c. physicist

d. process

5.

a. chef

b. mechanic

c. architect

d. chemist

II. Choose the word that has the stress different from the rest.
1.

a. career

b. apply

c. approach

d. progress

2.

a. overtime

b. architect

c. ongoing

d. dynamic

3.

a. flexitime

b. designer

c. housekeeper

d. physicist

4.

a. occupation

b. priority

c. adaptable

d. professional

5.

a. certificate

b. receptionist

c. alternative

d. academic

III. The response to the pairs of sentences are the same but the speakers have opposite attitudes.
Draw arrows to show the tones.
1.a
2.a
3.a
4.a
5.a
6.a

7.a

-

I got an A for History.
1.b
Well done.
My computer was out of order.
2.b
Great.
My boss gave me three days off.
3.b
How awful.
I will get promoted next week.
4.b
Brilliant.
They fired me without any reasons.
5.b
Excellent.
He could persuade his boss to let him 6.b
work at home.
- Wonderful.
- They sent me to a remote area.
7.b

-

I failed my history exam.
Well done.
Mom bought me a new laptop.
Great.
I can't have a day off although I am sick.
How awful.
They are planning to fire me.
Brilliant.
I was offered an accountant position.
Excellent.
He is forced to work 16 hours a day.

- Amazing!

- Wonderful.
- They sent me to Singapore to work as a CEO
secretary.
- Amazing!

IV. Choose the best answer a, b, c or d to complete the sentence.
1.

Graduates are well equipped _______ careers in environmental policy.
a. with

2.

4.

c. for

d. to

Most students see their time at un...