Words to Note
Find the words in Column A below in the text and try to work out their meanings from the contexts in which they are use. Then match each word with the numberof correct definition in Column B.
Reading-Understanding the Text
Part A: Comprehending the Text
Suppose you are a member of the universityselection panel. To select suitable candidates for the MBA course, you need toknow more about the background of the applicants. A table has been designed forcategorizing the information about the applicants. Based on the informationfrom the texts, complete the table below from 1 to 15.
Part C: Identifying Main Points
Each of the nine statements below contains information given in one of the sections in the text. Each section is marked with a letter, such as A, B, C or D. Identify the section from which the information is derived.
Developing Your Skills
Identifying Problems with Logic and Claims
Many different kinds of texts present arguments and make claims (e.g. adverts, job applications, proposals),but as readers we need to check whether these are logical and supported by evidence. Look at this example:
| Statement | Problems with Logic | New Version | Problems with Claims |
| I am a good candidate for this MBA because I have taken a business studies option at school and I am ready to go into business at any time. | Taking a business course at school does not necessarily prepare you for a postgraduate course. The writer does not mention any courses at university | I am a good candidate for this MBA be-cause I have a background in business — I took a course in Business Studies while I was in school and I have maintained this interest through university | Taking a course in business studies does not provide proof that you are ready “to go into business at any time”. This claim is unsupported |
Now read through Response 1 again and identify the statements which present problems with logic and with claims.Write these statements in the spaces below. Then explain the problems with logic and rewrite the statements with problems, giving new versions. Finally,explain the problems with the claims.
I am very good at talking to people as I was very involved in both school and university life. I won a runner-up prize foressay-writing in form two at my school and I continue to get good marks in thisarea. Also I was secretary of the Chess Club and I continued to play chess atthe university, therefore I am good at communicating with other people. In myuniversity I was a member of the Accounts Society and the External Secretary ofthe Fishing Club. I often had to help other members of the clubs with theirproblems, and I really believe I am good at this. Please give me a chance totake this course, because I am a very hardworking and serious student.
Expanding Your Creativity
Writing a Person Specification for a Job
In groups, read the job advert. Write a person specification for the job, based on the information in the advert. The person specification is written by the manager responsible for employing new staff. It should specify the characteristics ofthe ideal candidate for the job. Based on the advert, discuss and write down six to eight features for the person specification. You should specify whether each characteristic is necessary or simply an advantage. Then, working individually, write a brief paragraph about yourself to apply for the job (assuming that you are about to graduate). Your hope is that you would then be interviewed for the post. Your paragraph should meet the person specificationas far as possible, but do not worry if you cannot meet all of the points. Then in your group, read each paragraph and discuss who would be the most likely person to be offered an interview for the job.
