C1.2 Blog: 2024

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Ready for C1 p 60. Work. Speaking Sample

Discuss:

1. Going to university or starting work straight after school.

2. Working from home or working in a large office.

3. Having a well-paid but boring job or having a low paid interesting job.

Sample answer:

Anna: So, James, what’s your (1)__________ on going to university versus heading (2)___________ into work? Personally, I believe that getting a degree (3)_________ you at an advantage. What I mean is that it’s to your advantage to gain qualifications before entering the job market, as many careers require a degree.

James: I see what you mean, but I’d argue that going straight into work is by (4)___________ the best option for gaining real-world experience. If employers prioritise skills over qualifications, then spending years at university seems a bit (5)____________.

Anna: That may be true (6)__________ some extent, yet (7)________ I been given the choice, never (8)________ I have skipped university. The critical thinking skills and connections you make come in (9)___________ later on. Besides, not having a degree often puts you at a (10)____________ when applying for jobs, doesn’t it?

James: Fair (11)_____________. Nevertheless, if one (12)__________ to start working immediately, they could gain financial independence (13)___________ earlier. In fact, had I (14)___________ how expensive university life would be, I might have reconsidered! I didn't make good use of my first year at uni—I was too busy enjoying myself. Looking (15)______________, I should have (16)___________ full advantage of the opportunities there.

Anna: That’s a valid concern! But let’s move on—what (17)___________ working from home versus working in a large office? I, for (18)_________, would much (19)___________ work remotely. The flexibility it provides is unparalleled, and you avoid commuting, (20)___________ is an absolute nightmare!

James: Oh, I couldn’t disagree more! If (21)_________ you knew how motivating it is to be surrounded by colleagues! The atmosphere of an office fosters collaboration and creativity. Working from home is nothing (22)__________ as productive as being in an office. Besides, doesn’t it get lonely?

Anna: To a certain extent, yes. However, with technology, staying connected has never been easier. And let’s not forget the luxury of working in your pyjamas—so much the (23)_________!

James: Ha! I must admit, that does sound tempting. Still, I’d rather have face-to-face interactions (24)_________ endless Zoom calls. But let’s tackle the final question—would you rather (25)____________ a high-paying yet boring job or an exciting job that barely pays the bills?

Anna: Ah, the age-old dilemma! There comes a point in life when money simply isn’t enough to keep you motivated. (26)____________ money no object, I’d unquestionably choose a fascinating job. After (27)___________, what’s the point of earning a fortune if you dread getting up in the morning?

James: That’s an idealistic view, but reality often dictates (28)_____________. (29)__________ one struggle to pay rent, passion alone won’t be enough to put food on the (30)__________. I don’t really see the (31)__________ of doing a job you love if it means constantly worrying about money. Financial stability is absolutely crucial.

Anna: True, but if forced to endure a dull job, how long before one loses all motivation? At the very least, an engaging job brings personal fulfilment. A boring job is (32)_____________ near as rewarding as one that excites you.

James: You do have a (33)____________. Perhaps the best option is to find a balance—something reasonably well-paid but still enjoyable. Easier said than (34)__________, though!

Anna: Absolutely! If only life (35)__________ that simple. But hey, great debate—we should do this more often!

James: Agreed! Let’s just (36)_________ we both find that perfect job one day!

KEY

1. view/ take

2. straight

3. puts

4. far

5. pointless/useless

6. to

7. had

8. would

9. useful/handy

10. disadvantage

11. enough

fair enough: used to say that an idea or suggestion seems reasonable.

E.g. ‘We'll meet at 8.’ ‘Fair enough.’

If you don't want to come, fair enough, but let Bill know.

12. were

13. much/ far/ considerably/ way/

significantly/ a lot/ a great deal

14. known

15. back

16. taken

17. about

18. one

for one: used to emphasize that a particular person does something and that you believe other people do too.

Sp. por mi/tu/su parte

E.g.

I, for one, would prefer to postpone the meeting

Well, I for one enjoy classical music, even if none of my friends do.

19. rather/ sooner

20. which

21. only

22. like

23. better

so much the better: that is even better.
E.g.
"we want to hear what you have to say, but if you can make it short, so much the better"

24. than

25. have

26. Were

27. all

28. otherwise (Sp. otra cosa)/ differently

29. Should

30. table

31. point/ use

32. nowhere

33. point

34. done

35. were/ was

36. hope ("wish" is not possible here)

Ready for C1 p 52. Starting Up a Business. Mediation. Word Formation

You recently came across an infographic about the best time in life to start a business. Finding it fascinating, you decide to write a blog post about it.

The Advantages of Start-ups for Young Entrepreneurs

I. Limitations of Regular Jobs

Repetitive tasks, little value for entrepreneurs.

II. Start-up Benefits for Young People

Varied responsibilities: managing accounts, product design, and marketing.
Traditional jobs are a waste of time.

III. Fearless Mindset

Youth's fearlessness fosters risk-taking, often leading to business success.
Older individuals often lack the courage.

IV. Key Strengths of Youth

Confidence, ambition, and flexibility.
Age is an advantage, not a barrier.

Sample answer:

Why Start-ups Benefit Young Entrepreneurs

A typical job has little to offer the (1)____________ (WOULD) entrepreneur, as it often requires an employee to repeat a limited number of tasks. In a start-up, however, a young person will, by (2)_____________ (NECESSARY), be engaged in multiple roles per day, such as doing the accounts, (3)____________ (ENHANCEMENT) product design and seeking new marketing opportunities. There is no reason, then, to waste time in regular employment. Furthermore, because the business world is largely (4)_______________ (KNOW), young people tend not to be (5)___________ (HOLD) back by fear. As such, they are more likey to take chances and succeed in getting their business off the ground. This is why people in their thirties or forties may (6)______________ (CONTEMPLATION) the idea of a start-up, but do not often have the stomach for it. Working in young people's favour is their confidence and ambition, and a flexible lifestyle. It is fair to say that age will help, not (7)______________ (HINDRANCE) their efforts.

KEY

1. would-be

2. necessity

3. enhancing

4. unknown

5. held

6. contemplate

7. hinder

Ready for C1 p 49. Job Interviews. True or False Listening

Speaker 1

1. He had been advised to show he had done some research.

2. He mentioned irrelevant information.

Speaker 2

3. She practised the interview with a friend beforehand.

4. The interviewer told her she didn't stand a chance of getting the job due to her tardiness.

Speaker 3

5. He lacked the right qualifications.

6. His mother had nagged him to do something to control his nerves.

Speaker 4

7. Because of the effort she exerted while trying to sit in the right way, she experienced aches and pains.

8. She applied because a friend had persuaded her to do so.

Speaker 5

9. He failed to answer the questions well.

10. He appreciated the careers officer's advice.

KEY

1. T

2. T

3. F (with her dog)

4. F (it was her gut feeling)

5. T

6. T

be/go on at someone: to complain to someone again and again about their behaviour or to ask them to do something. Sp. dar la lata.

E.g.

be/go on at someone about something

My parents are always on at us about having a baby.

be/go on at someone to do something

She's been on at me to get my hair cut.

7. F (trying to smile made her face ache)

8. T

9. T

10. F (so much for the advice from the careers office)

so much for something

used to suggest that something has not been successful or useful.

E.g.

So much for that idea!

Ready for C1 p 40. Changes in Universities. Speaking Sample

How do you think universities might have changed in the last fifty years? Are these changes for the better or the worse?

Over the last fifty years, universities have undergone significant changes, driven (1)____________ advancements in technology, shifts in societal values, and the increasing demand (2)_________ higher education. These changes have both positive and negative aspects, depending (3)___________ one’s perspective.

One major transformation has been the integration of technology (4)____________ teaching and learning. Fifty years ago, education largely depended on physical books and face-to-face lectures. Today, digital tools (5)__________ as online libraries, virtual learning platforms, and video conferencing have revolutionized the way students access knowledge. This has made education more flexible and accessible, allowing people from diverse backgrounds to study remotely. (6)_____________, it has also raised concerns about the loss of traditional classroom interaction and the potential overreliance (7)____________ technology.

Another significant shift is the growing internationalization of universities. Many institutions now attract students and faculty from all over the world, creating diverse academic environments. This not (8)___________ enhances cultural exchange but also prepares students for a globalized workforce. Yet, the high costs of international education and competition for limited spots can create barriers for students from (9)_____________ privileged backgrounds.

Additionally, the purpose of higher education has evolved. Fifty years ago, universities were often seen as institutions primarily for intellectual development and research. (10)_____________ these goals remain important, there is now greater emphasis on employability and career-focused programmes. This has led to a broader range of courses and partnerships with industries, but (11)___________ argue that it risks prioritizing profit (12)___________ academic integrity.

In my view, these changes have been largely for the better, as they reflect progress and adaptability to modern challenges. Nevertheless, it is essential to strike a (13)____________ between embracing innovation and preserving the core values of education, such as critical thinking and equal opportunities for all.

KEY

1. by

2. for

3. on

4. into

5. such

6. However

7. on

8. only

9. less

10. While

11. some

12. over

13. balance

You recently came across an infographic about the best time in life to start a business. Finding it fascinating, you decide to write a blog post about it.

The Advantages of Start-ups for Young Entrepreneurs

I. Limitations of Regular Jobs

II. Start-up Benefits for Young People

III. Fearless Mindset

IV. Key Strengths of Youth

Samples:

Task:

Gerunds and Infinitives. Grammar Exercise 6 (to be done on the screen)