AT WORK

Well, Philip is my opposite number in the companys New York office. He and I have a good working relationship. Last month we got a new boss, who quickly established a good rapport with everyone in the office. I do socialise with my workmates but we try not to talk shop. The company is generally very hierarchical; theres a pecking-order for everything. I do a job-share with a woman called Rosemary. It suits us both as we each have children to look after.

Most of the day I do routine tasks, but occasionally theres a crisis or I have to meet a deadline. At certain times of the year I have a very heavy workload but at other times it can be quite light.

I start work at my machine at seven oclock when Im on the day shift. The jobs very mechanical and repetitive. All I ever think about is knocking off at three. The shift I hate most is the night shift. I start at ten and work all night till six in the morning. The jobs a bit monotonous.

I have a glamorous job. Im a pilot. The hours are irregular and antisocial, but Im not stuck behind a desk and theres a lot of variety. The stress levels can be quite high when you know peoples lives depend on you. I feel sorry for people who are stuck in a rut or working in dead-end jobs.

1. Underline the most suitable word or phrase

1. The building workers were paid their income/salary/wages every Friday 2. Shes only here three weeks Its a/an overtime / temporary job 3. Apparently she earns / gains / wins over 60,000 a year 4. While the boss is away, Sue will be in charge / in control / in place of the office. 5. Could I have two days away / off / out next week to visit my mother? 6. Paul was always arriving late, and in the end he was pushed / sacked / thrown 7. When I left the job, I had to hand in my application / dismissal / notice three weeks
beforehand

8. 9.
needs.

How much exactly do you do / make / take in your new job? If you have to travel on company business, we will pay your costs / expenses /

10.

Were busy this week. Can you work extra time / supplementary time / overtime / double time? 11. Jane succeeded in her job through sheer hard work / labour / industry / effort 12. Catherine works for a main / forefront / principal / leading advertising agency 13. Toms employment prospects / opportunities / odds / likelihood would be better if he had a clean driving licence. 14. Bill has a real career / post / inspiration / vocation for caring the elderly 15. Ruth is looking for a new vacancy / position / work / employment at the moment. 16. I have a/an lesson / course / qualification / examination in computer aided design and three years experience. 17. In some companies there is little inspiration / advantage / gain / motivation to work hard. 18. Its not a very interesting work, but at least its a constant / continuous / nonstop / steady job 19. After the takeover, the Managing Director was forced to hand in his resignation / notification / retirement / dismissal 2. Complete the text by writing one word from each box to form a collocation in each space. Working, sick, promotion, pension, covering, trial, career, job, claims, travel Description, letter, conditions, scheme, path, pay, prospects, expenses, form, period.

Dear David, Youll never guess whats happened Ive only got a job! I saw an advert in the press of an administrative assistant at London insurance, and sent in my CV and a covering letter, more out of curiosity than anything else. Well, to my surprise, I got an interview , and I managed to convince them that insurance is the I intend to pursue. Apparently, they were impressed with my ambition, especially when I said I was looking for a job with good .. and a week later I was offered the job. They seem to look after you well for example I was told to send in a .. so that I could reimburse my . to the interview. Its little things like that which make all the difference. I was also impressed by the at the office when I went for the interview. So Im actually starting work on Monday! Ive received my .. now, and it all seems very favourable. After a .of one month, Ill be on a permanent contract with .and paid holiday. Theres even a company ..which I can join. David, why dont you apply? They take on 20 new graduates each year. It would be right up your street. Best wishes, Fiona 3. Complete the second sentence so that it is more formal. 1. You can join the company pension scheme You are eligible for the companys pension scheme

2. You get 25 days paid holiday 3.

4. 5. 6. You are .. 25 days holiday The salary is fixed. The salary is not .. You must wear smart clothes. All employees must be smartly . The hours are 9 to 5 The . day will commence at 9 and finish at 5 You dont get paid for any extra work in the evening or at weekends No . payments are made in respect of this position If youre sick for more than three days, get something written by a doctors Any of more than 3 days must be explained by a doctors . Tell us one month in advance if you want to end your employment with us. This contract may be at any time by you, but one months .. must be given in writing of your intention to do so

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