UNIT 4: MYSELF AND MY AMBITIONSMYSELF AND MY AMBITIONS
UNIT 4: MYSELF AND MY AMBITIONS
Key Unit Competence:
Language use in the context of myself and my ambitions
Introductory activity:
Observing and interpreting pictures
Observe the above picture and do the following1. Explain how academic life may determine our ambitions.4.1. Describing Hobbies and Leisure Time
2. Using suitable examples, show how role models can help in shaping our
future.
3. Discuss the benefits of Internet when visited during leisure time.
4.1.1. Reading and Writing: Hobbies and Enjoyment
A hobby is an activity that a person does during free time. People have hobbies for
pleasure. A person’s hobby is usually connected to what they enjoy. A person who
likes to create things with their hands, for example, may want to knit or do hand
work. Collecting, making things and sports are all hobbies.
Hobbies often lead to skill, knowledge and experience. Leisure time is not spent on
things that you have to do, like a job, studying, errands, housework, etc. A leisure
activity can be a hobby: gardening, sewing, painting, knitting, exercising, fishing,
etc. Leisure time can also be used to relax. Sleeping, watching TV, lounging, etc.
Leisure activities may change according to what is going on in your life. Listening to
stories about what other people did or do as hobby can help you to choose the right
one for yourself. Now read about Darlene’s hobby.
Darlene McCormick has a lot of beagles, 2786 of them to be exact. Luckily, for
Darlene, these are not the face-licking, tail-chasing kind. Instead of fur, these dogs
are made of porcelain, ceramic, stone, and just about any materials you can think of.
What started out as a gift when she was ten years old, has quickly become Darlene’s
life –long passion. I started with just one”. Says Darlene holding up her very first
beagle, a cute little figurine made out of probably carved wood.
“My mother gave this to me when I was just a little girl and I loved it right away. Our
family has always been great lovers of dogs and so I am. Before I knew it, I had 50 of
these little guys. Then I had a 100, and then 1000. Last time I checked, I was closing
in on 3000. It was wonderful hobby. Everywhere I go I look for the little guys. I even
have beagles from Mexico and Italy!”
What advice does Darlene have for other avid collectors?
“Make sure you have an understanding spouse,” she laughs. “But seriously, do what
you love. That’s the best piece of advice anyone can give you. Anything can be a
hobby as long as it’s something that matters to you. For me, it’s beagles, but it can
be about anything you can imagine. Some people like to collect stamps, other like
antiques. It’s all about what appeals to you. If you love it, that’s all matters.”
But can a hobby become too much” therapist, Doctor Brenda Hogan explains that “it
can go too far, but that rarely happens. For the most part, hobbies, such as collecting,
are wonderful pastimes that not only make people happy, but more active as well.”
Each of Darlene’s beagles has its own story. Darlene appears happy and proud as she
shares the history of her collection. Judging by Darlene’s smile, one has and start a
hobby that reflects who we are and what we love.
Adapted from:http://www.learnquebec.ca/documents/20181/135109/unit18.pdf/d066bf4c-c145-43cba16c-bcddae5ba894 retrieved on March 24, 2018
Read the above text and answer the questions below
1. How does the writer define the term hobby?2. What are the examples of hobbies listed in the passage?
3. Explain the uniqueness of Darlene’s McCormick’s hobby.
4. Referring to Dr Brenda Hogan can a hobby be too much?
5. In your exercise book, match the words in Column A with their meanings in
Column B
4.1.2. Application Activities
I. Composition writingIn not less than 250 words, discuss at least two of your hobbies by fully
pointing out how they are your source of enjoyment.• Refer to the notes in Unit One on the techniques of composition writing.II. Summary writing
In fifty words, summarise the nature of Darlene’s hobby.• Refer to the notes in Unit three on the techniques of summary writing4.2. Recounting Activities
4.2.1. Reading and Writing
In one interview, they asked a candidate to describe herself and her experience. Her
unfocused response was not what they were looking for.
“I’ve had a few experiences when it comes to like communications in a little different
field I would say between film and politics. I’m from Los Angeles and I moved to
Washington D.C.,” she said. “I was looking for a ‘normal job,’ nothing to do with
government, nothing to do with entertainment industry or anything,” she added.
The candidate missed a key opportunity to highlight relevant skills and experiences
she gained from her different prior positions. And from the hiring managers’ body
language such as shifting in their chairs and looking around, it became clear that her
response couldn’t give chance for the job.
According to Joan Kuhl, author and founder and CEO of career consulting firm “Why
Millennials Matter”, the most important thing is to tailor your response to the specific
hiring manager. Instead of rambling or restating what’s on your resume, highlight a
few key experiences you’ve had and describe how they make you a great fit for the
role you’re applying for. It will help you make a great impression.
List the job’s required skills and match your skills to the list, “Whether they were
professionally learned skills or those you developed through extracurricularactivities, volunteer work, class, everything counts.
“Then choose a few of your experiences that touch on these skills to discuss in your
job interview. Some examples of leading a project, learning more about a technical
skill or even finding a solution to a difficult problem are great anecdotes. You could
even do a practice interview with a friend or family member”, Kuhl says.
And don’t worry if these experiences came from working in a different sector or
industry. As long as you present them in a succinct and clear way, you’ll be making
a strong case for yourself. “Do not feel like your experiences are not ‘good enough,’’
says Kuhl. “Every experience can teach you valuable lessons and transferable skills. It
is all about how you sell yourself.
In other words, figure out how you will show that your previous experience has
prepared you for the opportunity in front of you. Use body language tricks, such as
having a straight posture and smiling to exude confidence.
Adapted form:https://www.cnbc.com/2017/11/30/how-to-describe-your-past-work-experience-in-a-jobinterview.html retrieved on March 23rd, 2018.
Read the above text and answer the questions below.
1. How did the Hiring Manager express his disapproval of the interviewee’s
response to the first question?
2. In two sentences, paraphrase the interviewee’s response to the first question
by the Interview panel.
3. Referring to the author, what should have the interviewee included in the
answer about her experience?
4. Briefly explain the following words as used in the above passagea. … entertainment industry … (paragraph 1)b. … hiring manager … (paragraph 2)
c. … rambling … (paragraph 4)
d. … extra-curricular activities … (paragraph 5)
e. … counts … (paragraph 5)
f. … anecdotes … (paragraph 6)
g. … succinct … (paragraph 7)
h. … transferable … (paragraph 7)
i. … posture … (paragraph 8)j. … exude … (paragraph 8)
4.2.2. Sounds and Spelling
Practice the pronunciation of the following words and make the phonological form
of words such as turn, come, success, hobby, choice, etc.
Examplessurgery: /ˈsɜːʤəri/
company: /kʌmpəni/ˈ
interviewee: /ɪntəvju(‘iː)/
experience:/ɪksˈpɪərɪəns/
anecdotes:/ˈænɪkdəʊts/
succinct:/səkˈsɪŋkt/
posture:/ˈpɒsʧə/
4.3. Describing Internet4.3.1. Picture Observation and Interpretation
Observe the picture above and list the internet applications shown.
4.3.2. Reading and Writing
Read the following passage and carry out the following tasks:
Productive ways of using the Internet
Surprisingly, for us Internet savvy generation, it is pretty easy to get myopic with
the medium. Given the sheer scale of the Internet, there is so much to see, do and
learn and yet most of us find ourselves going back to the same humdrum over
and over again. In this post, I will talk about how you can work on re-directing that
passive, Facebook consumed energy into something more productive. So turn off
that Facebook window and consider these following recommendations to make the
best use of Internet and feel productive. Trust me, there is a lot more to the Internet
than narcissistic indulgences.
One is never too old to learn a new skill. And no skill ever goes wasted. Websites like
Coursera and MIT Open Course Ware are excellent sources of knowledge, providing
free courses on a multitude of topics and skill areas.
If not for a course, check out websites like Quora (a fun discussions community), Life
Hacker (a well of tips on how to get things done), Stumble Upon (provides good
recommendations on websites tallying your interests), How Stuff Works (just to
become a little bit wiser about the things around you), Duolingo (a fun web app
to learn the basics of a new language) or even Wikipedia, for that matter, to boost
(perhaps) up your IQ or for the sake of knowing something more than you did
yesterday. I have, through personal experience, found that learning something newkeeps the mind excited and energized. And all this, for free!
The only thing that is worse than being a person without opinions is being someone
with pointless opinions. Rise your social quotient by juicing up on worldviews and
perspectives by subscribing to interesting YouTube channels or catching some
interesting talks on TED Talks (a personal favourite I must say). If you prefer reading
something instead, my top picks would be Fast Company (I regularly read their
articles, case studies and blogs), Entrepreneur (for some inspiring stories) and Goo
dreads (to find recommendations on the next great book to read).
Instead of just whiling away your time on the Internet, make an effort to organise
your life. For starters, try organizing your computer files (you know that pile of
pictures you have been trying to sort out. Start there). You may even want to empty
your inboxes once in a while. Answer all those emails you have been putting on
hold and get those out of the way. It’s a good feeling to wake up to an empty inbox
(or a relatively empty one, too). Another productive thing to do is to use some free
Internet time to get your finances in order, pay your bills, and to look into your
investments. And if this last bit got you particularly interested, look up Investopedia
for some good tips and lessons on personal financing and investments.
Use your free time to get back in touch with your family and friends. Make a Skype
call instead of dropping a text message. Sometimes, a hearty chat with a dear friend
is all it takes to get you feeling productive.
And even if you happen to completely love your job it doesn’t hurt to update your
résumé (or a professional profile on sites like LinkedIn once in a while. It’s a good
personal development check at times. Let this exercise be a reminder to you to get
updated on skills and remain productive.
I am an avid online shopper and find shopping online (especially for high involvement
products) as particularly enabling, given I have a dearth of helpful advisors in my
physical space. A recent discovery, for me, has been the concept of online coupons.
Some of them are actually helpful in getting you some good deals and price-offs on
products across certain websites. I have looked up deals on CupoNation (available
across multiple geographies) and Cupondunia (an Indian couponing portal). Look
for a couponing company working around your community and try to shop smart
online.
And if you are not comfortable turning in your credit card details just yet, online
shopping helps narrow down your choices, at the very least. That’s my idea of
window shopping these days.
In this world of android and iOS, one can always reach out to an app to make their lives
a little bit easier. On most lazy Sundays when I am too bored of browsing someone’s
social status, I like exploring Google Play for latest productivity apps and games. I
have found plenty of apps and chrome extensions that have made my profession aswell as personal life a little bit more organized and informed in so many ways.
Whether you need to remind yourself to answer emails, pick up milk or pay your
bills, having a virtual assistant may not be all that bad an option. To-do lists and
time management apps are a boon, so to say. It’s always good to have someone
remember these small details for you if you are not all that good at micromanaging
your daily calendar.
I found this suggestion on a website recently. Google Street View is a super fun app
to take a quick tour of any place in the world, from literally, the comforts of your
couch. I find that it’s a great tool for looking up vacation destinations or just for
catching a break from the monotony of it all.
I have been an ardent hobbyist all my life and Pinterest has made it all the more
pursuable. On a free day, I am most likely to be found browsing Pinterest looking for
DIY tips and tricks or browsing through recipe pin boards. It’s a great place to look
up information on things you like from food to fashion to fonts, on how you can
improve on them, and even find some new things to like.
I hate to admit it but of all the things I do find time for, I hardly ever find time to
process my own thoughts. That’s one of the main reasons why I took up blogging,
because somehow I found that I think well when I write (and I write better than I
speak). Writing really does help get clarity on thought and at times, that’s the onlyintrospection you need.
Adapted from:https://www.brightpod.com/boost/10-productive-ways-to-spend-timeon-the-Interneta retrieved on March 23th, 2018
Read the text on page 90-91 and carry out the following tasks:
I. Vocabulary
a. … humdrum … (paragraph 1)
b. … websites … (paragraph 2)
c. … social quotient … (paragraph 3)
d. …. Professional profile … (paragraph 7)
e. … online shopper … (paragraph 8)f. … browsing … (paragraph 13)
II. Puzzle
Carefully study the crossword puzzle below and map out words related to
Internet as used in the above passage.
III. Sentence construction
Use the obtained words from crossword puzzle to make your own sentences
like in the example below:
Quora is a fun discussion community website.
4.3.3. Reading comprehension
Text: Essential equipment for nurses
Read the following text and answer questions below:
Nurses provide care to patients, assess their needs and maintain their health
records. They might also counsel patients on how to manage a health condition
or supervise a staff of licensed practical nurses, nursing assistants/associate
nurses and clerks. Registered nurses work in a variety of settings, and different
settings or specialties can require different tools. However, certain nursing tools
are commonly used.
One of a registered nurse’s job duties is to measure and record a patient’s vital
signs. To accomplish this, nurses use stethoscopes, blood pressure cuffs and a
variety of thermometers, ranging from rectal thermometers to digital versions
that are inserted in the ear. A watch with a clearly visible dial and second handis a valuable tool used primarily when taking a patient’s pulse.
Nurses must sometimes administer injections or secure blood samples from their
patients. Syringes are used for both purposes. At times, only a small sample is
needed for testing. Lancets can be used to make heel sticks or fingertip pricks tosecure a few drops of blood for a laboratory slide.
Nurses working in a hospital setting might need to place catheters in bed-ridden
or unconscious patients. If the patient cannot take or tolerate food, a nurse might
need to insert a feeding tube so the patient can receive nourishment.
Nurses might start an intravenous drip, commonly called an IV, to supply fluids
to the patient and expedite the administration of injectable medications, which
can be introduced via the IV line. Regardless of setting, nurses sometimes need to
use suctioning tools to clear a patient’s trachea, ears or nasal passages. Manual
resuscitators can be used to force air into a patient’s lungs if the patient stops
breathing on his own.
Depending on the setting and duties, nurses might control a variety of technology
tools to monitor patients. In the labor room, many nurses attach a fetal monitor
to track the unborn baby’s heart rate. Defibrillators are used in emergencies to
restore normal cardiac function in patients by introducing an electrical shock.
Nurses must also possess computer skills to update patient records, prepareschedules or perform timekeeping duties for the staff they supervise.
Some protective gear is for the patient’s benefit, some is for the nurse’s and
some serves both purposes. Disposable gloves help prevent the transmission ofcommunicable diseases between patients and between a patient and his nurse.
Disposable protective masks serve the same purpose. In some settings, a nurse
might need a protective mask, typically made of transparent plastic, that covers
the entire face and shields the wearer from potentially contaminated fluids.
Depending on duties, nurses sometimes wear disposable shoe covers, gownsand hair covers.
Every nurse must have a pen light. This handy item lets you easily assess a patient’s
pupils. And at night, they can help you see in a patient’s darkened room, so you
don’t have to turn on the light and disturb them.
Nursing scissors are a vital part of the nursing equipment. Nursing scissors cut
through virtually anything-dressings, tape, gauze, tubing, gown strings that are
knotted too tight and just cannot be untied. You name it. They are so versatile and
useful that most nurses have multiple pairs to use at home as well as at work.
Whether you’re working in home care or doing facility-based nursing, you need
footwear that will give you reliable support. Studies show that wearing the right
shoes can reduce the incidence of painful problems such as back pain and foot
problems such as bunions and ingrown toenails.
Stethoscope: There are so many elements to consider when choosing the right
stethoscope. Some are personal preference, while others can affect performance
and durability.
Comprehension
a. List all the essentials tools and equipment mentioned in the text above.
b. Give different levels of nurses as mentioned in the text.
c. Explain the use of the following tools in nursing:
i. stethoscopes
ii. blood pressure cuffs
iii. thermometer
iv. resuscitators
v. pen lightvi. nursing scissors
Vocabulary
Use the following words and expressions in sentences
a. clerks
b. catheters
c. feeding tube
d. nourishment
e. fetal monitor
f. handy
g. pupils
h. you name it
i. bunions
j. ingrown toenailsApplication activity
Match the functions in column A with their roles/duties in column B
4.3.4. Application Activities
I. Summary Writing
In not more than fifty words, write a summary explaining the best techniques
of using the internet.
II. Letter Writing Activity
Supposing you are a Human Resource Manager of any company, write a
letter sensitizing all the employees on the importance of taking a short
course on internet use.• Refer to the notes in Unit one on the Techniques of writing an official letter.
4.4. Professional life and achievements
4.4.1. Reading and Speaking
If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you;
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too:
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or, being lied about, don’t deal in lies,
Or being hated don’t give way to hating,
And yet don’t look too good, nor talk too wise;
If you can dream - and not make dreams your master;
If you can think - and not make thoughts your aim,
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same:.
If you can bear to hear the truth you’ve spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
And stoop and build’em up with worn-out tools;
If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings,
And never breathe a word about your loss:
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: “Hold on!”
If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with Kings - nor lose the common touch,
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you,
, but none too much:
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds’ worth of distance run,
Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it,
And - which is more - you’ll be a Man, my son!
By Rudyard Kipling
Source: https://www.familyfriendpoems.com/poem/if-by-rudyard-kipling ,
Retrieved on March 23rd, 2018
Read the poem on page 93 and answer the questions that follow
1. To whom is this poem addressed and why?
2. Give at least three things that someone can aspire to in order to reach
higher in life.
3. After reading the poem, what do you understand by the following versesa. “… If you can dream, do not make dreams your master …” (stanza 2)4.4.2. Language Structure: Use of First Conditional
b. “ … If you can meet with triumph and disaster, treat those two impostors
just the same...” (stanza 2)
c. “or Being hated, don’t give way to hating …” ( stanza 1)
The first conditional is a form of the verb we use when we want to talk about
possibilities in the present or in the future. We use comma when (if clause) is at thebeginning of the sentence.
Examples:
1. If I want to get a well - paid job, I will have to get qualifications.
2. She will need to pass her examinations if she wants to go to university.3. If I want to get a qualification in IT, I will need to study it at university.
4.4.3. Application Activity
Construct at least 10 sentences with the First Conditional in relationship with
professional life and ambitions that talk about possibility in the future.
Example:
If your CV is properly organised, you have more chances of being short-listed.
4.5. Job Adverts, CV Writing and Qualities of a Good Employee
4.5.1. Reading and writing
Job advertisement
The office of Coordination in Kigali in charge of Partnership between Rhineland-Palatinate
and Rwanda is expanding the team with a post of a Civil Engineer as a Junior Project
Manager.
Attributions and responsibilities:
Under the supervision of the Coordinator of the Construction Department the tasks are:
a. Evaluation of building projects: Leading discussions and interviews, measuring
quantities at site and examination of existing infrastructure, compilation of
reports
b. Compilation and examination of bill of quantities;
c. Carrying out inspections at site
d. Carrying out acceptance of construction work;
e. Follow up of critical building sites
Qualifications and Requirements:
BSc / MSc Civil Engineering
a. Strong analytical skills
b. Ability to calculate/ examine bill of quantities
c. High Flexibility / Fitness especially for field work
d. High motivation / personal responsibility for field work
e. Creativity for development of construction / rehabilitation projects
f. French and English language skills (fluency in one of the languages at least)
g. Comprehension for goals and philosophy of this Partnership based on grassroot level
h. Negotiating skills desirable
The interested candidates should deliver a complete application file to the Director of the
office of Coordination, Partnership Rhineland-Palatinate / Rwanda (“Jumelage”), Kigali, 39
Bld de la Révolution (between Serena Hotel and SONARWA Insurance).
The application file should include:
a. An application letter addressed to the Director of the Office of Coordination
b. One detailed curriculum vitae with photo
c. Photocopies of diploma and work certificate
Application deadline
Until February 25th, 2018Adapted from: http://www.newtimes.co.rw/section/read/16595/, Retrieved on March 24th, 2018.
Read the above Job advert and answer the questions that follow.
1. According to the advert above, what are the main skills required for the job
of A Civil Engineer?
2. What are the core qualities required of a Civil Engineer?
3. State the main attachments should an ideal application letter have.
4. Visit your school library or other public library, borrow newspapers and
scan some job advertisements or visit internet café. Compare them with
the above advert on page 95.
4.5.2. Language structure: The uses of ‘Need to’ and ‘Have to’
The verbial phrases ‘have to’ and ‘need to’ both describe situations where a certain
thing must be done. While they can be used interchangeably in some cases, they do
have distinct meanings and may not be appropriate for all occasions.
‘Need to’ is a verbal phrase that is used to indicate that an action is necessary and
must be performed urgently. It reflects a requirement that has to be met shortly.
Example:
You need to write and attach a CV on every application letter in order to be
shortlisted.
Have to is a phrase that is also used when there is something necessary to be done
or completed. However, it is something that is compulsory by law and, therefore,
indicates a kind of obligation on your part.
Example:
I have to fill up the forms to be able to take the exam.
4.5.3. Application Activity
Referring to the above example, write 10 sentences using have to and need toin a context of job applications and advertisements.
How to write a CV for job application
A CV is an abbreviation of curriculum vitae. It is a document used to present personal
life details to prospective employers. In the case of a job application, it should tell
about professional history and skills, abilities and achievements. Ultimately, it should
highlight why you’re the best person for the job.
When applying, in addition to the CV, a cover letter and a completed application
form are also required.
What to include in a CV
While the structure of a CV is flexible, there are particular sections that employers
expect to see on a CV. Here below are the sections that must be included in a CV:
Name, professional title and contact details
The first part of a CV, positioned at the top of the page, should contain the name,
professional title and contact details. The title of your CV should be ‘curriculum vitae’.
When it comes to contact details, email address and phone number(s) are essential.
In the past, it was common to include full address on the CV. Today, town and country
are needed.
Experience and employment history
Employment history section provides opportunity to outline previous occupations,
internships and work experience. Experience starts with the most recent. When
writing about experience, for each position held, it is important to state the job title,
employer, the period of that employment and a one-line summary of the duties
assigned, including key responsibilities, skills and achievements. Bolster each
point with active verbs and figures to support each claim to show impact on the
organisations served.
Education and qualifications
Like experience section, the education background should start with the highest
qualification towards the lowest. The name of the institutions and the period of
study are required also.
Hobbies and interests
Depending on the type of job applied for, one can boost his or her CV by inserting
hobbies and interests section at the end, focusing on interests that make them stand
out or are relevant to the job.
References
Referees are needed to confirm the information given in the CV.
Adapted from https://www.ego4u.com/en/cram-up/writing/curriculum-vitae ;retrieved on March 27,2018
4.5.4. Application Activity
On the basis of the notes above, construct your CV as one of the steps before
applying for any job post of your dream.
4.6. UNIT SELF- ASSESSMENT
4.6.1. Reading and Vocabulary
My professional achievements
I could put together a laundry list of projects and implementations and the like.
But I consider my most important professional achievement being the hiring of
a single employee - it’s a story I’ve recalled over the years during conversations
and interviews for different human resources’ roles.
Eric had served in the military before joining my then organization as a warehouse
employee. He was smart, willing to learn, and up to new challenges. Eric had
applied internally for a call center role no less than six times in the two years
preceding my taking on the process - at no point had he ever received a face to-
face interview. He submitted his seventh application a few months into my
tenure and I remember looking at his resume and wondering what the issue was.
I decided to call him.
Eric was friendly and engaging, he had a kind of gee golly charm about him as we
spoke, he had a certain timidity, he also had a stutter.
I suspect as we neared the end of our conversation he anticipated that would
be the end of his latest application. So, when I invited him in for a face-to-face
interview I think it came as a bit of a shock. I put Eric through the same rigors as
every other applicant I brought in - behavioral questions, skills testing, and so on.
I think when he left my office that day he again presumed this latest attempt atmoving up in the organization was over.
But I liked Eric, he was everything we could have wanted out of customer service
reps, and when I called him to make the offer it was clear that he was a bit
overwhelmed.
After accepting the offer, almost immediately, he told me how he’d been
informed both directly and indirectly that he should stop applying to the call
center. He was told that he’d never get an interview because of his stutter. He was
told that customers wouldn’t want to work with him to resolve issues because
it would be distracting. He had been told a lot of things that were discouraging,
unnecessary, and unfortunate.
I told him that I was excited for him to join the call center team.
When I passed that month’s hiring list onto the management team the response
was almost immediate - “What were you thinking? Have you talked to the guy?
He won’t make it through the 6-week training!” I pushed back, I defended my
decision, I fought for what I thought was the right hire. When Eric showed up
on his first day he shook my hand, thanked me profusely as he was smiling from
ear-to-ear. I told him, “Prove them wrong.”
And Eric did. He was one of the top employees to come out of his hiring class. He
found himself promoted more than once. He moved onto new organizations, he
took on new challenges, he served as a team leader. Eric found a career path...
over the years, Eric and I would exchange the occasional email as one of us
moved onto a new role or organization. I have an email or two where years after
he took on exciting opportunities, he would write to thank me for giving him
that first opportunity.
Eric Kientzy recently passed away after a tragic motorcycle accident and as I read
the articles, obituary, and posts from friends and family on Facebook and other
such venues, it was clear that he had been happy and loved. I’d like to hope that
I was able to play a small role in helping Eric find success and become the person
that was so clearly admired and now so sorely missed - doing the right thing
by him. Giving a chance to someone who deserved it and watching him take
that opportunity and run with it, is and will probably remain my single greatest
professional achievement no matter how many strategies I devise, systems I
implement, process I redesign, teams I lead. Eric taught me that achievement
(ambition, innovation and being awesome) can’t always be measured in the
what or how or why, sometimes it’s a matter of “why not?”
Adapted from: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/20140612064351-985085-what-is-your-most important-professional-achievement retrieved on March 26, 2018
Read the text on pages 96-97 and answer the questions below:1. Eric Kientzy has attempted to apply for a job many times. Explain why4.6.2. Grammar and Phonology
his applications were not received after his resignation from military
services?
2. Explain how Eric Kientzy’s attitude toward the work has served him.
3. In one paragraph, explain how the passage inspires both sides either
Managers or applicants in recruitment.
4. Why do you think the manager asked Eric Kientzy to ‘Prove them wrong?’
5. Many Managers tend to have bad impression on newly recruited
employees accusing them of lacking experience. According to the
passage, write four complete sentences on how you can redirect them
for better performance.
6. Match the following words in column A with their correspondingmeanings in column B.
Grammar
Complete the following sentences with the following options:
You will need to do practice before, I will have to complete all modules, you
will have to fill in well your CV, if Mary gets that job, if they want to be shortlisted.
1. 1. If I want to be qualified in journalism,………………………………….
2. 2. If you don’t want to fail in the interview, ………………………………..
3. ………………., she will need to find a lodge nearby the working place.
4. They have to fulfill all requirements ……………………………………...5. If you want to apply for that job, …………………………………………
Phonology
Practice the pronunciation of the following words:
• spare • unusual
• athletic • artistic
• fascinating • sociable
4.6.3. Summary Writing
In not more than 70 words, summarise the above passage focusing on the biaswhich influence managers in recruiting of new employees.
4.6.4. Essay Writing/Reporting
In not more than 70 words, summarise the above passage focusing on the biaswhich influence managers in recruiting of new employees.
4.8. Glossary
Internet savvy generation: A generation of persons who know a lot about the
internet, how it works and how to use the internet according to their need other
than just surfing, downloading and sharing.
Myopic: lacking foresight or intellectual insight
Medium: an agency or means of doing something.
Humdrum: lacking excitement or variety; boringly monotonous.
Narcissistic: having or showing an excessive interest in or admiration of one’s
physical appearance
Website: a set of related web pages located under a single domain name
Social quotient: An index of social maturity, based on the ratio definition of the
intelligence quotient or IQ, the social quotient being defined as social age divided
by chronological age, the ratio then being multiplied by 100.
Couponing: the practice of distributing discount coupons to consumers as a form
of product
Ardent: very enthusiastic or passionate.
DIY: is the activity of making or repairing things yourself, especially in your home.
DIY is an abbreviation for do-it-yourself.
Browsing: survey goods for sale in a leisurely and casual way
Blogging: add new material to or regularly update a blog
Introspection: the examination or observation of one’s own mental and emotional
processes.
Industry entertainment: is part of the tertiary sector of the economy and includes
a large number of sub-industries devoted to entertain
Hiring manager: is the person who asks for an employee to fill an open job.
Rambling: lengthy and confused or inconsequential
Extra-curricular activities: are activities for students that are not part of their course
Counts: take into account; include.
Anecdotes: is a brief, revealing account of an individual person or an incident
Succinct: briefly and clearly expressed
Transferable: able to be transferred or made over to the possession of another
person.
Posture: the position in which someone holds their body when standing or sittingExude: display (an emotion or quality) strongly and openly.