UNIT 9.

CAREER PATHS
EX 1. Match the words on the left with their meanings on the right.
1. reference a. a written description of your education, achievements, etc. to
show someone who may employ you in a new job
2. school-leaver b. a person who persuades people to work for a company
3. position c. a job
4. diploma d. the unique qualities that make someone or something
different from others.
5. CV (curriculum vitae) e. a young person who is about to leave or has just finished high
school
6. passion f. someone whose job is to give advice about something
7. character g. a letter that is written by someone who knows you, to
describe you and say if you are suitable for a job
8. recruiter h. a person who works for the social services or for a private
organisation providing help and support for people who need it
9. adviser i. an extreme interest in or wish for doing something
10. social worker j. a document given by a college or university to show that you
have passed a particular exam or finished your studies

Ex 2. Complete each sentence with a suitable word/phrase from Task 2.

1. Teaching was her _____________________, so she decided to pursue a career in
education.
2. He dedicated his life to helping others as a _____________________.
3. The _____________________ reviewed the resumes to shortlist candidates for the
interview.
4. She seeked advice from her career _____________________ before making a decision.
5. She updated her ___________________ with her recent work experience. She is
looking for a new job.
6. As a _____________________, he was eager to start his first job.
7. She applied for this ___________________ in the marketing department. She thought
she was suitable for it.
8. His strong _____________________ helped him excel in his leadership role. Everyone
admired him.
9. He finished the study program and was given a _____________________.
10. I needed a _____________________ from my teacher to show that I am suitable for
this job.

Ex 3. Complete each sentence with a suitable word from the box.

customer agency certificate season specialty
population vacancy coding experience detective

1. She excels as a data _____________________, uncovering hidden trends in the

company’s records.
2. His friendly character makes him perfect for jobs in _____________________ service.
3. She found her dream job through an employment _____________________.
4. He pursues _____________________ training to advance in his field.
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5. The ageing _____________________ poses challenges for healthcare professionals.
6. I’m so busy as a tour guide during the high _____________________.
7. She obtained her teaching _____________________ to become a qualified educator.
8. His _____________________ skill helps him secure a job at a tech startup.
9. The company announced a new job _____________________ in the marketing
department.
10. She gained valuable work _____________________ through internships during
college.

Ex 4. Choose the correct word to complete each sentence.

1. She’s determined to detect / pursue her passion for environmental conservation.
2. The company decided to automate / misuse their production process to increase
efficiency. Therefore, many workers will be laid off.
3. Employees need to assure / adapt to new technologies in the workplace so that they can
increase efficiency.
4. It’s essential to take / develop soft skills like communication and teamwork. They will
be helpful when you have a job later.
5. Internships offer valuable opportunities to gain / deal work experience.
6. Sales representatives need to have / get an outgoing personality to connect with
customers.
7. When making decisions about your career, it’s important for you to take / make into
account various factors.
8. He learned most of his skills at / on the job rather than through formal education.

EX 5. Match each word on the left with the word that has OPPOSITE meaning on
the right.

1. outgoing a. unimportant
2. fascinating b. informal
3. formal c. indifferent
4. in-demand d. introverted
5. obsolete e. common
6. outstanding f. boring
7. passionate h. slow
8. rapid i. trendy

Ex 6. Complete each sentence with a suitable word from Task 6.

1. He is __________________ about environmental conservation and is seeking a career
in sustainability.
2. Nursing is an ________________ profession in many healthcare facilities due to the
ageing population.
3. The company experienced ______________________ growth, leading to the need for
more employees.
4. She showed the recruiter that she was an ____________________ candidate.
5. Typewriter repair is now considered an ________________________ skill because
people do not use typewriters anymore.

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6. The career advice from him was so ____________________ that it helped many
students with their career choices.
7. You do not need ____________________ education to have a well-paid job in the
future.
8. Because she has an ____________________ personality, she does really well in sales
jobs where her ability to easily connect with clients helps her succeed.

Ex 7. Complete each sentence using the correct form of the word in brackets.
1. She always dreamed of becoming a _______________________ and solving mysteries.
(DETECT)
2. With technological advancements, some traditional skills become
_________________________. (OBSOLESCENCE)
3. He ____________________ the team that the project would be completed on time.
(ASSURANCE)
4. The factory decided to ____________________ its assembly line to increase efficiency
so workers need to know how to control machines. (AUTOMATIC)
5. He studied medicine at the university and now works as a ____________________.
(PHARMACY)

Ex 8. Match the phrases on the left with the definitions on the right.
1. put up with a. to have a friendly relationship with someone
2. keep up with b. to feel pleased and excited about something that is going to
happen
3. get on with c. to admire and respect someone
4. cut down on d. to do whatever is necessary to stay level or equal with
someone or something
5. look forward to e. to suggest or think of an idea or plan
6. live up to f. to achieve what is expected
7. come up with g. to accept or continue to accept an unpleasant situation or
experience
8. look up to h. to do or use less of something

Ex 9. Mark the letter A, B, C or D to indicate the correct answer to each of the

following questions.
1. Don’t look down _________ anyone at work. You might need their help one day.
A. to B. during C. on D. behind
2. He decided to work extra hours to _________ up for the time when he was off from
work.
A. take B. make C. say D. get
3. Before applying for a job, it’s important to check _________ on the requirements for
the position.
A. up B. down C. from D. for
4. If you don’t plan ahead, you might run out _________ opportunities on your career
path.
A. of B. to C. at D. in
5. He cheated on the exam and he did not get _________ with it. He got zero points.
A. from B. up C. away D. of
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6. She always stands up _________ her colleagues when they are treated badly at work.
A. from B. through C. to D. for
7. He fell _________ with his boss and he quitted his job.
A. in B. out C. down D. from
8. She _________ up with her boyfriend after he cheated on her with someone at his
office.
A. stayed B. dropped C. saw D. broke

Ex 10. Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C or D to indicate the
correct option that best fits each of the numbered blanks.
The (1) _________ point for many people when choosing a career is their
interests. Do you have any hobbies or activities that you’re passionate about? What are the
things you love doing?
For example, if you love animals, working with them could be a great (2)
_________, and numerous careers would allow you (3) _________ this. Alternatively, if
you’re passionate about fashion, a career in design or styling could be perfect for you.
Of course, your interests don’t always have to (4) _________ your future career
directly. However, they can give you ideas of what direction to go. For example, studying
law might not seem like an obvious choice if you’re interested in history. However, both
law and history are about research, critical thinking, and analysing evidence, (5)
_________ they have a lot (6) _________ common.
Your skills and qualifications will play (7) _________ significant role in choosing
your future career. After all, certain positions require specific skills and experience (8)
_________ you might not have yet.
For example, you’ll need to complete an (9) _________ medical degree to be a
doctor. Alternatively, to be an engineer, you’ll need to study mathematics and science (10)
_________ a high level.
Adapted from: https://www.skillstg.co.uk/blog/what-to-consider-when-choosing-a-career-
the-important-factors/
1. A. start B. started C. starting D. being started
2. A. option B. moment C. service D. skill
3. A. doing B. to do C. do D. to doing
4. A. play B. fit C. take D. learn
5. A. because B. yet C. otherwise D. so
6. A. on B. from C. at D. in
7. A. a B. an C. the D. Ø (no article)
8. A. when B. where C. that D. who
9. A. indifferent B. intensive C. abundant D. uncommon
10. A. for B. from C. at D. of

Ex 11. Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C or D to indicate the
correct option that best fits each of the numbered blanks.
In today’s world, there are many career options to choose from (1) __________.
This is because of the availability of better and advanced educational facilities which
provide knowledge along with skills for a particular job. Career guidance helps students in
choosing careers (2) __________. It enhances their confidence and enables them to make
decisions regarding the selection of courses after completion of their school education or

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graduation. (3) __________, career guidance should be provided to students at a young
age i.e., in schools itself so that they can get understanding about what they want to do in
life.
Career guidance is a crucial part of helping students to develop in (4) __________.
It helps students to decide which subjects they should take up, and why they are vital. It
also helps in (5) __________. Career guidance helps to provide enough information about
different careers and opportunities.
It is necessary that students need a clear understanding of career goals at an early
age (6) _______.
The importance of career guidance has been clearly proven by many research
studies. In fact, (7) __________ students who receive career guidance have a greater
likelihood of achieving their goals than those who do not.
One study by the National Center for Education Statistics showed that students who
received career guidance before their senior year of high school were more likely (8)
__________, get a degree, and be employed at the time of graduation than those who did
not.
Adapted from: https://theacademiccity.com/blog/why-should-career-guidance-be-given-at-
a-young-age

1. A. like compared with the past B. as compared with the past

C. as compared to the past D. like compared to the past
2. A. that suit their interests and abilities B. when suit their interests and abilities
C. where suit their interests and abilities D. who suit their interests and
abilities
3. A. Considered this fact B. Considering this fact
C. Consider this fact D. To consider this fact
4. A. his academic career B. an academic career
C. its academic career D. their academic careers
5. A. taking the right choice of subject in higher studies
B. making the right choice of subject in higher studies
C. taking higher studies in the right choice of subject
D. making higher studies in the right choice of subject
6. A. but they can make the right decision for their future
B. despite making the right decision for their future
C. although they can make the right decision for their future
D. so that they can make the right decision for their future
7. A. it has been shown that B. it shows that
C. showing that D. to show that
8. A. going on to college B. to go on to college
C. go on to college D. being gone to college

Ex 12. Read the following passage and choose the correct answer to each of the
following questions.
If you’re asking yourself, “what are employability skills?” STEMNET (Science,
Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Network) defines this term as “transferable
skills needed by an individual to make them employable.” Employability relates to your

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knowledge, skills, and attitudes, how you use those assets, and how you present them to
employers in today’s context.
Today, your education and experience may only be enough to qualify for a job, but
to be successful in most roles in the field of emerging technologies, you will need soft
skills like communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. These soft skills that will
equip you to carry out your role in the company to the best of your ability are also referred
to as employability skills.
The building blocks of any career, these skills are what make you employable
across various roles, sectors, and industries. Employers usually want to see that you
already have these soft skills before hiring, because they are much harder to teach.
Personal characteristics, habits, and attitudes influence how you interact with others.
Employers value employability skills because they regard these as indications of how you
get on with other team members and customers, and how efficiently you are likely to
handle your job performance and career success.
Employers value these unique qualities in their potential employees because they
have always been necessary for an effective and smoothly functioning workforce.
Enterprises spend a large amount of time and money developing these foundational and
work-readiness skills. But in today’s world, where jobs are limited, employers enjoy more
options and would like to hire a technical expert who also displays well- rounded
employability skills.
Adapted from: https://www.simplilearn.com/why-are-employability-skills-important-
article
1. What would be the best title for the passage?
A. The Importance of STEM Education
B. Enhancing Employability Skills in Today’s Job Market
C. The Role of Skills in Career Development
D. The Evolution of Employment Criteria
2. What is the significance of soft skills in the field of emerging technologies?
A. They are not necessary. B. They are required for job
qualification.
C. They ensure success in most roles. D. They hinder career growth.
3. The word “emerging” in paragraph 2 is CLOSEST in meaning to __________.
A. inevitable B. stable C. falling D. developing
4. The word “they” in paragraph 3 refers to __________.
A. blocks B. employers C. skills D. roles
5. Why do employers value employability skills according to the passage?
A. They are easy to teach.
B. They indicate how you get along with others.
C. They are irrelevant to job performance.
D. They hinder career success.
6. The word “they” in paragraph 4 refers to __________.
A. employers B. others C. skills D. habits
7. The word “foundational” in paragraph 5 refers to __________.
A. positive B. ignored C. secondary D. essential
8. What is the current trend in hiring practices mentioned in the passage?
A. Employers focus solely on technical expertise.
B. Enterprises invest less in soft skills development.

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 C. Jobs are abundant, leading to fewer options for employers.
D. Employers prefer candidates with both technical and employability skills.

Ex 13. Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C or D to indicate the
correct arrangement of the sentences to make a meaningful paragraph/letter in each of
the following questions.
Question 16:
a. Furthermore, vocational training may not always provide opportunities for advancement
or career growth beyond a certain point, especially in rapidly evolving industries where
new skills are constantly in demand.
b. Firstly, it can sometimes be considered as limiting, as it focuses primarily on specific
skill sets related to certain trades or professions, potentially narrowing future career
options.
c. Secondly, vocational programs may not always offer the same level of theoretical
knowledge as traditional higher education, which could be a disadvantage in certain
industries that prioritise academic knowledge.
d. Vocational education, while valuable for many, also comes with its drawbacks.
e. Lastly, the practical nature of vocational education might not suit everyone’s learning
style, as some individuals may thrive in more traditional classroom settings.
A. d-c-e-a-b B. d-b-c-a-e C. c-d-a-e-b D. b-d-c-e-a
Question 17:
a. I would appreciate it if we could schedule a meeting to discuss my interests, strengths,
and potential career options.
b. Dear Ms. Chi,
I hope this letter finds you well. As I approach the end of my high school journey, I find
myself uncertain about my future career path.
c. Yours sincerely,
d. I value your guidance and expertise, which is why I’m reaching out to seek your advice
on what steps I should take next.
e. Your insights would greatly help me make informed decisions about my future.
f. Thank you for your time and support.
A. b-d-a-e-f-c B. b-d-e-f-a-c C. b-a-d-f-e-c D. b-f-
e-d-a-c

Ex 14. Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C or D to indicate the
correct option that best fits each of the numbered blanks from 18 to 23.
“Do you know what you want to do in the future?” It’s an all-important question
that you’re likely to hear more often as you near the end of your high school. From
meetings with career advisors to advice from families and relatives, everything seems (18)
__________.
(19) __________, the truth is, it’s completely acceptable to not be one hundred
percent sure. After all, after years of planned lessons, revision, finishing up exams, and
finally receiving your results, you’re making your biggest decision.
Maybe English was always your best subject, and you want to go on to study
literature, but you’re not sure (20) __________. The truth is, you may end up doing
something that doesn’t even exist yet. Taking a look at some of the emerging careers from
the last few years, there are a ton.

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 Social media influencers and YouTubers didn’t exist over 10 years ago, and until a
few years ago, (21) __________. While these careers didn’t exist years ago, they’ve now
caused major shifts in their respective industries. The point is, (22) __________, so does
the job market, and so do the future career opportunities available to you. So, you’ve
finished school. Congratulations are in order - but what now? (23) __________, planning
for the future doesn’t need to be hard.
Adapted from: https://www.futurelearn.com/info/blog/exploring-your-future-career-path-
post-school-options
Question 18: A. revolve on your future career B. to revolve around your
future career
C. revolving around your future career D. to be revolving on your future
career
Question 19: A. As important as that is B. As important than that is
C. As important than is that D. As important as is that
Question 20: A. from career paths and earning potential
B. from career paths and earned potential
C. about career paths and earned potential
D. about career paths and earning potential
Question 21: A. neither AI chatbot engineers and Amazon drone delivery drivers did
B. AI chatbot engineers and Amazon drone delivery drivers did neither
C. neither did AI chatbot engineers and Amazon drone delivery drivers
D. did AI chatbot engineers and Amazon drone delivery drivers neither
Question 22: A. therefore the world develops and changes
B. as the world develops and changes
C. despite the world develops and changes
D. although the world develops and changes
Question 23: A. Whoever your choice B. Whenever your choice
C. However your choice D. Whatever your choice

Ex 15. Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C or D to indicate the
correct option that best fits each of the numbered blanks from 24 to 28.
COVID-19, the sustainable revolutions and technology improvements have
disrupted work and made digital skills critical for people to prepare for the future.
Businesses are forced (24) __________ work remote, digitise, and automate most of the
operations and processes.
Automation, digitization and rapid change will bring with it (25) __________ whole
host of new job roles, particularly around data analysis, process automation and
information security. In contrast, we will see the decline of roles focusing on data entry
and factory work and stock-keeping, many of (26) __________ will be replaced by
automated processes.
While the loss of certain job roles may seem (27) __________, it’s not all doom and
gloom. In fact, if you’re working in a role likely to be affected by the impact of
automation, digitization and the changing world of work, there are plenty of skills you can
work on right now to help you stay (28) __________, ranging from technical skills to
problem solving and soft skills.
Adapted from: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/top-10-in-demand-jobs-watch-out-2025-
myskillsture-com-kefjc

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Question 24: A. making B. make C. to making D. to make
Question 25: A. an B. a C. the D. Ø
(no article)
Question 26: A. what B. whom C. which D. who
Question 27: A. optional B. alarming C. discouraging D.
demanding
Question 28: A. relevant B. active C. sedentary D.
indifferent

Ex 16. Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C or D to indicate the
correct answer to each of the following questions from 29 to 33.
One of the most common options after leaving school is going to college or
university. Both options are a great way to gain knowledge and skills for a specific career
path. It also allows you to fully immerse yourself in the subject and gain valuable
experience.
If you’ve already decided on your career path, pursuing a course you love at a top-
rated university or college can be a great way to explore your interests and discover new
career paths. Even if you haven’t made up your mind, choosing a subject that you are
passionate about and excels in, can be a pathway to opening doors to various career
opportunities. When you study at a top university, you will have access to excellent
resources, experienced lecturers and tutors, and a wide range of industry connections that
can help you build a solid foundation for your future career. So don’t be afraid to throw
yourself into a course you love - it could lead to exciting and fulfilling career paths you
may have never considered before.
Studying at college or university provides students with a broad education in a
variety of subjects, rather than focusing on specific job skills, like vocational courses do.
In college and university, students are encouraged to explore different areas of study,
develop critical thinking skills, and engage in academic research. This makes them a lot
more theory-based and require a higher level of academic rigour, in preparation for
careers that require advanced knowledge and critical thinking skills.
https://www.melioeducation.com/blog/what-to-do-after-school/

Question 29: What would be the best title for the passage?
A. Benefits of College and University Education
B. Making Choices After Leaving School
C. Advantages of Studying for Career Development
D. Learning Skills in Universities and Colleges
Question 30: The word “it” in paragraph 2 refers to __________.
A. career B. course C. foundation D. yourself
Question 31: The word “rigour” in paragraph 3 is CLOSEST in meaning to __________.
A. study B. story C. qualification D. strictness
Question 32: What is the focus of college and university education?
A. developing vocational skills
B. encouraging exploration and critical thinking
C. providing limited subject choices
D. offering job-specific training
Question 33: Which of the following is NOT true according to the passage?

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 A. College and university courses focus on developing broad education in various
subjects.
B. Pursuing a course at a well-ranking university or college can limit career
opportunities.
C. Studying at a top university provides access to excellent resources and industry
connections.
D. Studying in university requires more theory-based knowledge than vocational
courses.

Ex 17. Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C or D to indicate the
correct answer to each of the following questions from 34 to 40.
During your last years of high school, it’s likely you’ll be confronted with two
choices in regards to further education: vocational education and higher education. While
higher education, also known as tertiary education, is the more common path to go down,
vocational education and training is a good alternative if you find that academia isn’t your
strong suit.
Some people believe that those who choose vocational training will mean that
you’re less likely to find a high-paying job. This is incorrect. For students, vocational
training is a way to find a job that can offer an income just as high as any university
graduate position - sometimes ever higher. However, this obviously depends on which
area you decide to go in. In fact, the labour market shows that there is a high demand for
technicians and people in the trade, since most high school graduates go towards higher
education institutions. In contrast, the number of people who go into vocational training
has remained steady for the past twenty years.
The courses in vocational training are generally shorter than university courses.
Typically, associate degrees take about two years full-time. It can even take as little as a
year to complete. Because of this, vocational students spend less money on their education
than university students, who spend four years on a bachelor’s degree on average.
These courses also provide you with onsite training, which will give you the
experience employers crave. A common complaint among university graduates is that they
can’t find jobs because they don’t have any experience yet. With vocational training, you
don’t have to worry about that! In fact, you can get started right away as soon as you get
your job. No on-the-job training required. Because of this, students who complete a
vocational course have higher chances of getting a job compared to university graduates.
Adapted from: https://www.training.com.au/ed/pros-and-cons-vocational-education/
Question 34: What would be the best title for the passage?
A. The Global Impact of Vocational Education
B. The Advantages of Vocational Training
C. The Misconceptions Surrounding Vocational Education
D. How to Apply for Vocational Courses
Question 35: The word “confronted” in paragraph 1 is CLOSEST in meaning to
__________.
A. seen B. defined C. ignored D. encountered
Question 36: What misconception about vocational training is addressed in the passage?
A. Vocational training offers lower quality education than higher education.
B. Vocational graduates are less likely to find high-paying jobs.

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 C. Vocational training programs are longer and more expensive than university
courses.
D. Vocational training does not lead to any career opportunities.
Question 37: The word “they” in paragraph 4 refers to __________.
A. jobs B. graduates C. employers D. courses
Question 38: What advantage do vocational courses offer in terms of job readiness?
A. They provide more theoretical knowledge than university courses.
B. They require extensive on-the-job training.
C. They offer lower employability rates compared to university courses.
D. They provide onsite training, reducing the need for on-the-job training.
Question 39: Why does the passage suggest that vocational graduates have a higher
employability rate?
A. because they receive higher salaries than university graduates
B. because they have more academic qualifications than university graduates
C. because they can start working immediately without additional training
D. because they are more experienced than university graduates
Question 40: Which can be inferred from the passage?
A. People commonly choose to pursue higher education.
B. People who choose vocational training cannot earn as much as university
graduates.
C. The number of people who go into vocational training has declined for the past
two decades.
D. University graduates can find jobs immediately even though they do not have
experience.

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