Unit 5: Working 9 to 5

A. Match the job titles with the job descriptions.

1. c zoologist
2. e race car driver
3. b screen writer
4. f social worker
5. a surgeon
6. d veterinarian

B. Read the conversation between a college student and a career advisor. Write the missing words from the box.

Mr. Canon: So, Khaled, what kind of job are you interested in getting after college?
Khaled: Actually, I’m not sure. That’s why I’m here. I know I want to have a lot of job (1) satisfaction.
Mr. Canon: Yes, well, it is important to like your job. What kind of (2) income do you hope to earn?
Khaled: Well, I mostly just want to be sure that I have enough money to live on. What’s more important to me is that I feel (3) appreciated . I need to know that people are grateful for what I do.
Mr. Canon: I see. And what about working with others? Do any of your classes (4) entail groupwork?
Khaled: Oh, yes, a lot of them do. In fact, my (5) entire senior seminar grade is based on a group project.
Mr. Canon: Wow—the whole thing?
Khaled: Yeah, but I don’t mind. I (6) cooperate well with others when I’m in a group.
We always get along well. I try to be (7) respectful when working with other people.
Mr. Canon: Well, it’s important to be polite and show consideration. Oh, one more thing…
Khaled: Sure.
Mr. Canon: What’s your current employment (8) status?
Khaled: Well, I have a part-time job at the library.
Mr. Canon: OK, that’s great. I’m going to have you take a test now that will tell us about what types of careers might be good for you.
Khaled: That sounds great! Thanks!

C. What advice would people in these professions give? Finish the sentences.

1. Veterinarian: “It is important that your cat take this medicine every day.”
2. Teacher: “I want you to do your homework.”
3. Police officer: “I recommend that you stay out of the street.”
4. Photographer: “I’d like you to stay still.”
5. Politician: “It is essential that the people of our country vote for me.”
6. Firefighter: “It is imperative that kids not play with matches.”
7. Postal worker: “I suggest that you send his first-class mail.”
8. Pilot: “It is important that everybody wear a seatbelt.”

D. Read the advice on interviewing. Rewrite the sentences in the subjunctive.

1. Bring your résumé.

I recommend that you bring your résumé.

2. Dress nicely.

It is important that you dress nicely.

3. Make eye contact.

It is imperative that you make eye contact.

4. Shake the interviewer’s hand.

It is essential that you shake the interviewer’s hand.

5. Sit up straight.

It is important that you sit up straight.

6. Use a confident voice.

I suggest that you use a confident voice.

7. Answer all of the questions.

It is recommended that you answer all of the questions.

8. Ask them questions, too.

I recommend that you ask them questions, too.

9. Write a thank-you note afterwards.

I suggest that you write a thank-you note afterwards.

E. Correct the error in each sentence.

1. I recommend you that put your educational background on it. that you put
2. It is necessary to gives your phone number. give
3. I suggest you to give your email address, too. that you give
4. It is essential that list your work experience. that you list
5. It is imperative that you are clear and concise. that you be clear
6. I recommend that you talk about your skills. talk
7. It is important you include a list of references at the end. that you include
8. I want that you call me if you have any questions. want you to call

F. Look at the job titles. Write subjunctive sentences about the qualifications and qualities people need to have for each job.

1. Tailor: It is important that they know how to swe.
2. Doctor: it is necessary that they go to medical school.
3. Chef: It is essential that they like to cook.
4. Hairdresser: I recommend that they like talking to people.
5. Accountant: It is important that they are good at math.
6. Farmer: It is important that they like working outside.
7. Babysitter: It is essential that they be good with children.
8. Firefighter: it is necessary that they be healthy and strong.

G. Write four common sentences that people in each profession say. Be sure to use the subjunctive or I’d like you + infinitive or I want you + infinitive.

2. a. I want you to clean your teeth.

b. It is important that you don't eat sweets.

3. a. It is necessary to wear a seatbelt.

b. It is important that you not use a phone.

H. Complete the conversations with the words from the box.

1. A: Could you keep it to yourself?

B: Absolutely. I never talk about people’s private business.

2. A: Did you hear that Tom jumped ship?

B: He did? Where is he going to work now?

3. A: I’m going to take off now.

B: OK. See you later!

4. A: What’s wrong?

B: I’m in a bind.

5. A: Now make sure you call me when you get there.

B: will do.

6. A: Do you want to go out on Saturday?

B: Well, I’m supposed to work, but I can try to get someone to cover for me.

7. A: Did you hear? I got a job!

B: No kidding? Congratulations!

I. READING

Read the article. Then answer true or false.

1. F There is a general consensus on the definition of success.
2. T A lot of people think that you are successful if you are rich and famous.
3. T Successful people choose careers that match their skills.
4. F Successful people don’t plan their lives.
5. T Doing what comes naturally to you helps make you successful.
6. F Raising a happy family is not enough to be considered successful.

J. Match jobs and sentences. Some of the sentences can be used for more than one profession. Then write one more sentence about necessary characteristics or qualifications for each job.

2. accountants
It is important that they double-check every figure.
It is necessary that they keep records meticulouslt.

3. medical doctors
They need to invest a lot of time, hard work, and study to succeed.
We expect them to cure us.

4. architects
It is imperative that they be good at designing buildings.
It is essential that they have an eye for style and design.

5. teachers
Parents want them to be creative, friendly, and effective.
It is necessary that they take work home.

6. flight attendants
Passengers expect them to be polite and helpful.
It is imperative that they be courteous and efficient.

7. TV presenters
Viewers want them to be informative and entertaining.
They need to pay attention to the way they look.

8. consultants
It is necessary that they listen to people and help them make decisions.
.It is important that they listen carefully.

9. photographers
It is essential that they have artistic talent and appropriate training.
It is necessary that they have an eye for details.

10. reporters
We expect them to inform us of what is happening in the world.
It is imperative that they check information before using it.

K. Look at the picture. Write the headings and information you will need to give when you apply for a job. Write the questions that you would ask a person applying for a job if you were the boss.

1. Have you ever worked in this kind of area before?
2. Where were you trained?
3. Why did you leave your last job?

L. WRITING

2. Now write an essay about your career and life goals. Answer the following questions:

• What are your natural abilities?

• What are your short-term goals? (next 1–2 years)

• What are your long-term goals? (next 7–10 years)

• My activities in life are related to achieving the main goal gradually, so I keep watching an American movie to improve my English language, I keep using computers and solve the common problems of software and hardware are also one of my interests and my daily activity.
• Actually, I have much confidence in my abilities to speak English, to deal with computers and to build software project and applications, so this proved that my desire and my hobbies are in the field of computer science in the next two years.
• My long-term goals are firstly to graduate from college with a great project that serves the community of Saudi Arabia.
• Then get a job in Aramco company so that I can buy a brand-new car and get married.

M. Write the question tags.

1. It was a part-time job, wasn't it?
2. He works in a bank, doesn't he?
3. You are not going to resign from your job, are you?
4. They took over the company, didn't they?
5. There’s a new manager in charge, isn't there?
6. We won’t have another meeting today, will we?

N. Write requests for the situations. Use can, could or would.

1. You want to apply for a job. You don’t have an application form.

Could I have an application form?

2. You’re tired. You want to have a short break.

Could/Can I take a short break?

3. You don’t know where the manager’s office is?

Excuse me, can you tell me where the manager’s office is?

4. You want to know your customer’s address, and phone number.

Would you mind telling me your address, and phone number?

5. You need to send a text, but you don’t have a cell phone.

Would you be able to lend me your phone to send text?

O. Choose the appropriate sentence or expression for a polite answer.

1. Will you help me with my résumé?

a. Why should I?

b. Certainly.

c. Are you serious?

2. I don’t understand these instructions.

a. So figure it out.

b. Can’t you read?

c. I’ll help you.

3. Would you let me see those files?

a. Not now. I’m busy.

b. They’re mine.

c. Sure.

4. Could you turn off your smartphone?

a. Of course.

b. I’m online.

c. No way!

5. Would you mind telling me where the post office is?

a. No, it’s too far.

b. Yes, I’m busy.

c. Sure. Straight down this road.

6. I’m sorry. I got held up in traffic.

a. Oh, come on!

b. That’s all right.

c. As usual.

7. Can you write down your contact details, please?

a. Get up and get them.

b. No.

c. Here you are.

8. Let me carry that box for you.

a. That’s very kind of you.

b. Not likely.

c. Why?

P. Complete the sentences with the correct form of have to, or must. Sometimes more than one answer is possible.

1. Adel doesn't have to pack grocery bags because the customers pack their own.
2. He mustn't hang out with his friends now.
3. He has to be patient with his customers.
4. The customer must pay for his groceries.
5. He mustn't go shopping without any cash.
6. The people in line will have to wait a long time.
7. The mother has to be responsible for her child.
8. The man with the watch mustn't be late for his appointment.

Q. Complete the sentences. Use had to, didn’t have to, needed to, needn’t, or didn’t need to. Sometimes more than one answer is possible.

1. Look at all those books! Bob didn't have to lift them all at once.
2. Rana had to finish her assignment because it was already overdue.
3. They didn't have to go to work yesterday. It was Friday.
4. You needn't park your car. The attendant will do it.
5. I had to write a report, so I didn’t hang out with my friends yesterday.
6. We needn't take an early flight. Our meeting is at 3 p.m.
7. The children had to eat breakfast quickly to catch the school bus.
8. Mother needn't cook tonight because we’re going out for dinner.
9. I didn't need to wait long for the bus this morning. It was on time today.
10. We needn't pack any towels for the trip. The hotel provided everything.