Table of Contents
BEST IELTS General Reading Test 250
IELTS GENERAL READING TEST – PASSAGE – 2
IELTS GENERAL READING TEST
READING PASSAGE – 2
Asking for a Raise
If you are thinking about asking for a raise in salary, there are several things to keep in mind. First, consider whether you deserve a higher salary. You probably do, but you should be able to explain exactly why to your boss. Sit down and make a list of your job accomplishments. Be as specific as possible. For example, think about important projects you have worked on, things you have done to improve the organization of work in your department, or how your efforts have brought more money to the company.
Also include any professional development opportunities you have taken advantage of recently and be ready to explain how they have improved your performance on the job. By going through the process of listing your accomplishments, not only will you be better prepared when you meet with your boss, you will also feel more confident that you deserve what you are asking for.
IELTS General Reading Test
Bear in mind that salary levels are based not only on performance but also on the market for your particular skills. Before you ask for a raise, you will need to do some research. You should investigate the industry standards for salaries for people in similar positions with similar levels of experience. This will help you determine what would be a reasonable amount of money to ask for. Your initial request should actually be slightly higher than the amount you want in order to leave some room for negotiation. Then, if you have to go lower than this amount, you still end up with something close to what you want.
A crucial point is the timing of your request. If you have recently been given new responsibilities, it makes sense to ask for a higher level of compensation. On the other hand, if the company is going through financial difficulties, a request for more money will probably not be met with a favorable response. It would be better to wait until the company is in a better financial position.
Finally, there is one thing you should never do: Never give personal reasons for wanting a higher salary. Your need to pay your child’s college tuition or buy a bigger house is of no concern to your boss. Your salary level should be based on professional considerations alone, and that is where you need to keep the conversation.
IELTS General Reading Test
QUESTIONS 15- 20
Choose the correct answer.
15. Before asking for a salary increase, you should
A send your boss a list of your accomplishments.
B take some professional development courses.
C write down all the reasons you deserve a raise.
16. Preparing yourself before talking with your boss will help you
A get the highest raise possible.
B feel more self-assured.
C improve your job performance.
17. You should find out
A salaries of other people in your field.
B how much money your boss can offer you.
C what job openings are available in your company.
IELTS General Reading Test
18. You should ask for
A slightly more money than you want.
B the exact amount of money that you want.
C a little less money than you want.
19. A good time to ask for a salary raise is
A when your boss is in a favorable mood.
B before discussing financial records.
C soon after you have taken on new duties.
20. While negotiating a salary raise, it is a good idea to
A discuss professional topics only.
B mention your financial needs.
C ask your boss about his or her family.
IELTS General Reading Test
Questions 21—27
Read the text below and answer Questions 21—27.
Hanson, Inc. Employee Manual
Chapter V: Employee Benefits
Leave
All full-time employees are entitled to a minimum of two weeks of annual leave time. Employees who have completed five years at Hanson are entitled to three weeks of annual leave. After completing ten years at Hanson, employees may have four weeks of annual leave. In order to take advantage of annual leave time, the employee must complete the Request for Annual Leave Form and submit it to his or her supervisor a minimum of thirty days in advance. The supervisor has the final decision about whether to grant the leave as requested. Any annual leave days not used in a calendar year may be rolled over and added to the leave days for the following year.
In addition to annual leave, all full-time employees are entitled to ten personal leave days per year. Personal leave days must be used within the calendar year, or they will be forfeited. Part-time employees are entitled to five personal leave days per year.
Health Insurance
Employees may choose to sign up for a company-sponsored health plan. Complete information on the available plans can be requested from the Human Resources Department. Health benefits are also provided for the employee’s spouse and children. The company pays 50 percent of the monthly premiums, with the other 50 percent being deducted from each paycheck. Part-time employees are also eligible for the company-sponsored health plans; the company pays 25 percent of the premiums.
IELTS General Reading Test
Retirement
Employees may determine how much they wish to contribute to the company retirement fund, up to 5 percent of their salary. Contributions will be deducted from each paycheck. The company will contribute an equal amount to each employee’s retirement fund. This benefit is available to both full-time and part-time employees.
QUESTIONS 21-27
Do the following statements agree with the information given in the text about employee benefits?
TRUE if the statement agrees with the information
FALSE if the statement contradicts the information
NOT GIVEN if there is no information on this
21. All full-time employees are entitled to three weeks of annual leave.
22. Annual leave must be requested a month in advance.
23. Annual leave for part-time employees is half that of full-time employees.
24. Personal leave days not used before the end of the year will be lost.
25. The company pays half the monthly insurance charges for full-time employees.
26. Part-time employees do not receive health benefits.
27. Employees must contribute 5 percent of their salary to the retirement fund.
IELTS General Reading Test
ANSWERS ARE BELOWE
IELTS General Reading Test
ANSWERS
15. C
16. B
17. A
18. A
19. C
20. A
21. FALSE
22. TRUE
23. NOT GIVEN
24. TRUE
25. TRUE
26. FALSE
27. FALSE
IELTS General Reading Test