Table of Contents
BEST IELTS General Reading Test 21
GENERAL READING TEST 21 – Passage – 2
GENERAL READING TEST 21
READING PASSAGE – 2
Questions 15-21
The text on the next page has seven sections, A-G. Choose the correct heading for each section from the list of headings below.
Write the correct numbers, i-x, in the boxes 15-21 on your answer sheet.
List of Headings
i. Define bullying and include examples
ii. Ensure the complainant is supported
iii. Have the mindset that no complaint Is too small
iv. Call for ‘active’ managing
v. Provide reporting procedures
vi. Create a zero-tolerance anti-bullying policy
vii. Be attentive to warning signs
viii. Causes of bullying in the workplace
ix. Promote awareness and training
x. Types of bully
15 Section A
16 Section B
17 Section C
18 Section D
19 Section E
20 Section F
21 Section G
HOW TO GUARD AGAINST BULLYING IN THE WORKPLACE
A. _____________ It is essential that everyone in the workplace should be clearly informed as to the organization’s stance on bullying and the disciplinary procedures that will be followed in the event of any incident of bullying. Preferably, this information should be displayed in public places, such as the canteen, visible to all employees.
B. _____________ What actually constitutes bullying, should be spelled out in no uncertain terms so that no-one is left in any doubt as to what constitutes unacceptable behavior in the workplace. Sometimes, quite covert acts, such as taking the credit for another employee’s work is a form of bullying in itself.
C. _____________ Workshops should be undertaken by all employees, focusing on the development of healthy and productive communication skills. Employers should also consider conducting periodic surveys of current employees to assess whether any destructive behavior is impacting morale or creating other problems in the workplace.
D. _____________ Establish an independent contact for employees. Provide details of people within the organization who are available to offer advice, information and support or receive complaints assistance to the employee directly and should not be objective, unbiased and able to provide assistance to the employee directly and should not be directly responsible for actually conducting the investigation.
E. ____________ Improve management’s ability and sensitivity towards dealing with and responding to conflicts. Allowing management to have a more ‘hands on’ approach and greater involvement with the staff, can help managers better detect problems with personnel.
F. ____________ Any report of bullying, however inconsequential it may seem, should be acted upon and treated with as much gravity as an extremely overt action of bullying, such as name-calling or physical abuse. It can be amazing how quickly small, unperceived acts of bullying can escalate into very unpleasant situations, which are then more difficult to contain.
G. _____________ If there is a workplace bully in the organization, it is imperative that management and HR recognize potential red flags. A pattern of resignations, discharges, or requests for transfers might be an indication of workplace bullying. Furthermore, conducting meaningful exit interviews with each individual who leaves the organization will help identify any problems and patterns.
Read the text below and answer Questions 22-28.
There are many different personality types within the workplace. Such a variety of personalities not only make the working environment more interesting, but each has a vital role to fulfil and a unique contribution to make. Below are listed 5 main different personality types that can be found in the workplace. However, this list is by no means comprehensive, as only the most prevalent types are reviewed here.
The Duty Fulfiller
Serious and quiet, interested in security and peaceful living. Extremely thorough, responsible and dependable. Can take any task and define it, organize it, plan it and implement it through to completion. They are very hard workers who do not let obstacles get in the way of performing what task is required of them to complete. They can us for lengthy periods at a time and can put tremendous amounts of energy into doing any task which they see as important to fulfilling an objective. They can usually accomplish any task once they have set their mind to it.
The Mechanic
Quiet and reserved, interested in how and why things work. Excellent skills with mechanical things. Risk-takers who live for the moment. Usually interested in and talented at extreme sports. Uncomplicated in their desires. Loyal to their peers and to their internal value systems, but not overly concerned with respecting laws and rules if they get in the way of getting something done.
The Nurturer
Quiet, kind and methodical. Usually puts the needs of others above theirs needs. Stable and practical, they value security and traditions. Well-developed sense of space and function. Rich inner world of observations and about people. Extremely perceptive of other’s feelings. Interested in serving others.
The Artist
Quiet, serious, sensitive and kind. Does not like conflict, and not likely to do things which may generate conflict. Loyal and faithful. Extremely well-developed senses and aesthetic appreciation for beauty. Not interested in leading or controlling others. Flexible an open-minded. Likely to be original and creative. Enjoys the present moment.
The Inspirer
Enthusiastic, idealistic and creative. Able to do almost anything that interests them. Great people skills. Needs to live life in accordance with their inner values. Excited by new ideas, but bored with details. Open-minded and flexible, with a broad range of interests and abilities.
Questions 22 and 23
Complete the sentences below. Choose NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS from the text for each answer.
Write your answers in boxes 22 and 23 on your answer sheet.
22 Despite the disparity between individuals in the workplace, there is not one individual that cannot make………………………………………… .
23 The types of personality reviewed in this article cannot considered to be a selection that is………………………………… .
Questions 24 – 28
Look at the following descriptions and the list of terms in the box below.
Match each description with the correct term A-E. Write appropriate letter A-E in boxes 24-28 on your answer sheet.
List of Descriptions
24 Conscientious and goal oriented.
25 Not a forward-planner. Very responsive to external stimuli.
26 Rather self-effacing, displaying an altruistic nature.
27 Analytical, but not emotionally complex.
28 Sees the bigger picture. Works best when motivated by personal goals.
List of terms
A The Duty Fulfiller
B The Mechanic
C The Nurturer
D The Artist
E The Inspirer
ANSWER KEY:-
15. vii
16. i
17. ix
18. v
19. iv
20. iii
21. vii
22. a unique contribution
23. comprehensive
24. A
25. D
26. C
27. B
28. E
