Table of Contents
BEST IELTS General Reading Test 505
IELTS GENERAL READING TEST 505 – PASSAGE – 2
IELTS GENERAL READING TEST – 505
READING PASSAGE – 2
STAFF TRAINING
Staff training is very beneficial for companies but some staff still remain unconvinced. This is a difference in beliefs between departments about the general effectiveness of training. Our company goal has always been to integrate consistent training into all our departments because it creates a more favourable environment in which to work. In fact, we have been rated as the industry’s number five work place solely on the basis of our positive and encouraging company culture, much of which is connected to staff development.
Motivation is a common reason for providing training. Our board of directors have always believed that job satisfaction and happy staff who enjoy their job should work better and more efficiently than unsatisfied employees. Problems of unmotivated or even demotivated staff are common in the current economic climate as many fear redundancy or have no hope of promotion. Therefore, we continue to invest in growth opportunities and internal promotion.
IELTS General Reading Test
Technology represents another rational behind our staff training. New computers, networks and evolving working habits all need to be explained to new and existing staff alike. Nevertheless, time for training seems scarce and as a result certified online courses are being introduced at all levels due to their flexibility. Online language courses have increased in popularity with employees who can study online at lunch or after work. Mobile internet access also means we can now offer employee training 24 hours a day.
Not all employers support staff training. There are valid reasons for a lack of staff training departments. HR company Guptar associates revealed that a substantial percentage of both in-house and out-house training is actually unproductive. As an alternative they propose more effective training with specific measurable goals as opposed to more qualitative and hard to assess personal improvement aims. They additionally point to the need for whole team involvement from the top of the department all the way down to the shop floor. We have taken this onboard and are devising new courses to be offered on a larger scale.
IELTS General Reading Test
Training has become a large market as greater numbers of companies outsource to training ‘experts’. One important fact that remains is that it is still on the bottom of most manager’s priorities, possibly in fear of highly trained employees who have received expensive training resigning and taking their expensive skills with them.
To tackle both these issues we have started a mentoring system for new staff which brings larger benefits than external trainers and coupled with our online training provides a more effective solution with lower costs. As a result, we no longer need to tie employees to the company with set contracts to recover training costs.
IELTS General Reading Test
Questions 15-21
Choose the correct letter, A, B or C.
15. Why does the company incorporate training?
A. Because it makes the company better.
B. Because it makes a better working environment.
C. Because it is good for the environment.
16. How does the company deal with the effects of the economic climate?
A. They continue developing.
B. They invest more money in the company.
C. They expand and promote existing staff.
IELTS General Reading Test
17. What is the main benefit of online courses?
A. Their flexibility.
B. They are certified.
C. They are popular with staff.
18. What do mobile phones offer employees?
A. 24 hours of training.
B. Access to training all day.
C. Mobile phone training
IELTS General Reading Test
19. What do Guptar associates suggest?
A. Training for every employee which can be measured.
B. Personal training.
C. New courses on a bigger scale.
20. Why is training unpopular with managers?
A. Because training is expensive.
B. Because some staff leave after receiving training.
C. Because staff do not enjoy training.
21. What are the benefits of the mentoring system?
A. It is effective and cheap.
B. It uses external trainers.
C. It does not recover costs.
IELTS General Reading Test
Read the text below and answer questions 22-27.
Recruitment process for a personal assistant for the marketing manager
Applicants for the post of personal assistant to the marketing manager are encouraged to note the following procedural steps.
The job application form and job-related information can be accessed from the company website at http://www.telcon.com. For an informal discussion about the post please email Sarah Paul at S.Paul@telcon.com. Applicants should complete the form in full online before the 26 September deadline.
1) Candidates must read the job description which includes relevant responsibilities associated with the post. Linked to this is the job specification which is a list of all the necessary skills, experience and qualifications the required employee must hold in order to carry out the job satisfactorily. Candidates should check they meet all these criteria before proceeding with the application process.
IELTS General Reading Test
2) The 4 page application form should be thoroughly completed with all requested personal details, qualifications and experience. Neither CVs nor cover letters should be attached to the application form. However, 3 references are required but these will not be contacted prior to interview. The application form can then be submitted and applicants will receive a confirmation email immediately.
3) On receipt of all applications dossiers will be compiled and a short-list of potential candidates drawn up. This is based on who meets the criteria stated in the advertisement. Candidates will receive an email informing them of their success or failure to secure an interview. Unsuccessful candidates may request a more detailed explanation to aid them in their future job search.
IELTS General Reading Test
4) Interviews are then to be scheduled and arranged over 2 consecutive days from 10-11 November. There will be a panel consisting of a member of HR, the line manager and the marketing manager. The company’s interview procedure involves 3 steps. The first being 10 a minute questioning period with each candidate, the second is a 5 minute individual presentation on a set topic and finally a group problem solving task related to the job is to be observed and recorded.
5) Following a selection meeting the successful candidate will be notified and an in-depth criminal disclosure check carried out. Once the necessary checks are completed a formal job offer will be issued to which the candidate should reply with a formal acceptance. At this point related issues such as relocation assistance and induction training can be finalised and the contract will be drawn up and signed.
IELTS General Reading Test
Questions 22-27
Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the text for each answer.
Candidates make sure they are suitable for the position by reading the job description and job 22____________
The candidates complete the 23____________ form in full.
Short-listed candidates will receive notice via 24____________.
A 25____________ of 3 people will conduct the interviews.
The chosen candidate will only receive an official 26____________ when he/she passes the background checks.
The contract will be 27____________ after discussions about the candidate moving location and carrying out initial training are discussed.
IELTS General Reading Test
IELTS General Reading Test
ANSWERS
15. B
16. C
17. A
18. B
19. A
20. B
21. A
22. SPECIFICATION
23. APPLICATION
24. EMAIL
25. PANEL
26. JOB OFFER
27. SIGNED
IELTS General Reading Test