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


Ready for C1 p 41. Wishes and Regrets. Extra Grammar and Exercises

Wishes and Regrets. Grammar

 

Unreal Past. Extra Key Word Transformation.