8 Reading

Before you read

Discuss these questions to prepare for the reading:

1. Look at the title of the reading text that follows. What do you think this reading will be about?

2. Look at the headings. What information do you think you will read about in this text?

Read

Read this newsletter from CDN Malls.

After you read

Comprehension

8. What is the date of the Safewalk review?

a) 12

b) 6

c) 9–13

Vocabulary

Meaning

1. Refer to the text. Guess what these words mean. Use your own words to describe them. Talk about their meanings in the reading.

a) punctually (Paragraph 2)

b) continuously (Paragraph 4)

c) accountable (Paragraph 5)

2. Fill in the blanks with suitable words or phrases from the list in the box.

a) She always found a way to make things work, no matter how hard it was, because she had a                    .

b) He received an appreciation award because he was a                 member of the team.

c) If you look at life               , your future looks positive.

d) She demonstrated excellent                       skills, so everyone enjoyed working on her team.

e) He was very                      , so he always looked for ways to improve issues.

3. Match the Personal Management Skill on the left to an example on the right.

Form

Some words in English are used as both nouns (person, place, or thing) and verbs (action or state words). The spelling is the same, but the meanings are different, depending on how they are used in a sentence. Read the words and their definitions below:

Address

Noun:      the location of a building, including the number and street

Verb:       to deal with a problem

Challenge

Noun:      something that is difficult to do

Verb:       to disagree with someone’s ideas, rules, or authority

Report

Noun:      a written document about a subject

Verb:       to tell someone about something that has happened

Break

Noun:      a short period when you stop what you are doing

Verb:       to damage something

Notice

Noun:      a sign that gives information about something

Verb:     to see or be aware of something

Contact

Noun:      a person you know at a particular place who could help with a job or position

Verb:       to phone, email, or communicate with someone

Value

Noun:      the amount that something is worth

Verb:       to feel that someone or something is important to you

Fill in the blanks in the sentences with the correct words from the box below. Each word will appear once as a noun and once as a verb.

a) She had to            the accident to Security right away so that they could call Maintenance.

b) Who should I            to sign up for training?

c) What is the            of the Canadian dollar?

d) That project is very complicated. It will be a           .

e) Your            for lunch is from noon until 1:00 p.m. every day.

f) Please            the problem with the entire

g) Did you            the new schedule posted in the staff room?

h) I have to submit my weekly            on the progress of this project.

i) If you are looking for a job, I have a            at the gas company.

j) Remember to fill in your            on the top of the form.

k) I read the            reminding us about the meeting

l) Boss to employee: “You are very smart and work very hard. I            your contributions to the team.”

m) She does not agree with the information presented, so she will            it.

n) Don’t drop the laptop, you might              it.

Discussion

Refer to the CDN Malls newsletter. Do the following:

• Notice the kind of information that is included in this workplace newsletter.
• Think about what other kinds of information can be included in workplace newsletters.

Discuss how newsletters are useful in the workplace.

Reading progress check

Complete the following:

This is a completed Employee of the Month nomination form. One of Sima’s co-workers has nominated her for this award. First, read the questions in the Comprehension section so you know what information to look for. Then read the form and answer the comprehension questions that follow.

Comprehension

Answer the following questions:

1. What is this document for?

a) To submit hours for pay

b) To recognize employees for their good work

c) To recognize management for their good work

2. Who can be nominated for Employee of the Month?

a) All employees and management at CDN Malls

b) Employees and management who have been working for at least six months

c) Employees who have been working for at least six months, but not management

3. What day must the nominations be submitted by?

a) The first day of each month

b) The last day of each month

c) The 15th day of each month

4. Which of the following people should be nominated for this award?

a) The maintenance worker who started last month, gets things done on time, and is very courteous to customers

b) The security person who always greets customers with a smile, has never been late in 10 years of working at the company, and is always willing to help others

c) The customer service manager who encourages her team to do their best, supports them in everything she can, and is always trying to improve her skills

5. What are three reasons why Sima’s co-worker has nominated her for Employee of the Month?

a) She provides great customer service, helps new employees, and makes the mall a positive place.

b) She has been working at the mall for a long time, carpools, and organizes the Information Desk.

c) She is always on time, helps new employees, and does a lot of training.

Vocabulary

What do the following words mean? Match each word with the correct meaning.