Reading Task (YF)
Reading a text that is new to you and having a conversation about its content can be a good way to test your language competence. The text will be quite short, and it will have some relevance to topics you have worked on in class.
The texts you read here are general examples, so not all of them will suit the vocational course you are taking.
Text 1. Choosing the right path
Sarah felt on top of the world. She had attended her first week of carpentry classes, and she was completely sure she had made the right choice. Building homes for people was her dream. Her best friend, Andrew, was less happy. He hadn't known what to choose, so he had chosen carpentry to stay with Sarah. They had been friends since kindergarten, so surely what was right for her had to be right for him? Now, he was not so sure.
Sarah had been worried about Andrew's choice. Andrew liked books and reading. He loved being on his computer for hours, dreaming up intricate programs. He had even made his own computer game. He hated being outside, hated noise, hated getting his hands dirty.
Sarah felt guilty for encouraging Andrew to choose carpentry. If he had followed his interest and chosen computer studies, he would be at a different school right now. She had wanted him to join her because it felt so safe to have him around.
"Maybe he will grow to love carpentry", she told herself. "Maybe he will find a clever way to combine computers and carpentry to build even better houses?" But she had her doubts.
"Oh well, if he really is unhappy, he can change his mind later", Sarah told herself. "I am not a bad friend for wanting my best friend to go to school with me." But she still felt guilty that she hadn't pushed him to choose computer studies.
Text 2. Getting along with your co-workers
When you think of a good co-worker, who do you think of? Is it someone who is always on time; someone who does their work without complaint; someone who never leaves early and never calls in sick unless they absolutely have to; someone who is honest, careful, and cooperative? Or do you think of someone who is kind, helpful, and fun to be around? Fortunately, there are many different types of people who make up a workplace. If everyone were the same, it would get very dull. Every now and then, you are going to meet people you do not get along with so well. They won’t like you, or you won’t like them. Maybe you like each other at first, but then something happens to change your relationship? It is hard to say just what will happen, but unless you work completely alone, you will eventually encounter conflicts in the workplace.
Having a conflict is not the end of the world. The important thing is how it is dealt with. First, you should try to stay professional. Even if you have a disagreement with someone at work, you should still try to get the work done as well as you can. Second, you should face the problem. Nothing good can come from running away from it or sweeping it under the carpet. Start by talking to the person with whom you have a conflict. If that does not help, involve a supervisor. This is especially important if you feel bullied or unfairly treated –carrying that around by yourself can become harmful to your mental health.
If the person with whom you have the conflict is your boss, it may seem impossible to find help or a solution. If talking to your boss about the problem does not work, try talking to a union representative or the health and safety representative at your workplace. Just because someone is the boss, it does not mean that they can behave any way they like.
Text 3. Plans for the future
"My dream car has not been been made yet, because I am going to invent and design it myself." These words are spoken by Alex Harris (17), a young man with big plans. "I know it is possible to make a car that runs on water," Alex says. "My grandfather developed a prototype, which, I admit, did not work when he scaled it up to full size, but he proved the principle." Alex is excited when he talks about his plans. "A car that runs on water would change the world, no CO2 emissions!" We realise that if Alex succeeds, it will be an important step towards limiting climate change.
We gently ask the aspiring inventor, "If it were possible, wouldn’t someone have done it by now?" He laughs. "If everyone thought like that, we would have none of the things we have today." We nod and realize he is right. "Recently, people said AI was science fiction; now it controls our phones." Alex smiles. "When Jules Verne wrote A Journey to the Moon in 1865, there was no space travel. Just over 100 years later, we went to the moon. Anything is possible; it is just a question of working out how."
Alex plans to study engineering once he finishes high school. "I am studying design and creation at the moment, and it is very interesting.Any job I take in the future will have to be creative, that is just who I am and where I thrive."
Text 4. Safety gear is important
Charles was late for work. He rushed in and threw on his protective suit, grabbed his goggles, and ran into the production hall. The noise was overwhelming. "My hearing protection!" Charles exclaimed. He realised he had left them and his hardhat on the breakroom table the day before.
"You’re already late’, the supervisor called out, "get to work!" Charles hesitated. "I’m just going to get my hardhat and hearing protection", he called out and rushed to the breakroom. His supervisor shook his head angrily.
Charles found his safety gear, put it on and ran back to the production hall. "Oh, no, my gloves!" Charles thought, "where are they? They were not on the hanger with the protective suit. Did I bring them home yesterday?"
Charles did not dare say anything to his supervisor. Instead he went to his work station. His colleague, Henry stopped him. "Where are your gloves", Henry asked. "I think I left them at home", Charles replied. "Well, go to the stock room and get new ones", Henry said, "you cannot work in here without gloves."
Charles nodded; he felt foolish. He realised that he could have been really hurt if he had tried to work without wearing gloves.
Text 5. Dealing with an angry customer
"This is all wrong!" The customer was furious. "Do you even know what you are doing?" He was so angry that his face was puffy and red. James took a step back. He was a little afraid. "I'm sorry to hear you are not satisfied, sir, but perhaps you could explain to me what has gone wrong?"
"Who are you?" The man was yelling. "I want to talk to your boss". James nodded. "Of course, as soon as he gets here, you can talk to him. Would you like something to drink in the meantime – coffee, water?" James tried to be helpful, but this only seemed to make the man more furious. He took a step towards James, who took a step back. "I think it would be best if we end the conversation for now. Why don't you sit down, or go outside for a breath of air?" James tried to sound calm and collected, but his heart was pounding. He put his hands up, palms facing out in a protective gesture. The man suddenly turned and stormed out. James could see him pacing back and forth outside.
James called his boss and explained the situation. "I don't think we'll call the police this time," the boss decided. "But if you ever feel that a situation is getting out of hand, you should do that. The customer is not always right, and they absolutely do not have the right to shout at you."