U5

The Future for S5 Graduates Contents

5.1

Introducing vocabulary to do with work, training, and study courses More practice with proof-reading – tense and missing word mistakes More practice with cloze exercises Introducing a rewriting exercise Writing a job application letter Writing a diary entry

Pre-reading

You are going to read an article about the options available to S5 graduates. Which of the following are you planning to do? Discuss your plans with your partner. z Leave school and start work (What sort of work?) z Study ‘A’ Levels at your school (Which ‘A’ Levels?) z Study ‘A’ Levels somewhere else (Where?) z Start a vocational training course (What course? Where?) z Do something else (What?)

5.2

Reading practice (1)

Read the following article and then answer the questions.

Prospects for S5 graduates

5

10

15

20

Although the economy has been improving in the last two years, the job outlook for S6 graduates is still not too promising, according to Ms. Lily Chan of the Easy Job Centre (a privately-run employment agency). “Most S5 leavers look for jobs in clerical work and sales.” she said. “The problem is, there are not many suitable jobs available. And starting salaries are low, at $5,000 to $6,000 per year. So, many students are wisely planning to further their studies rather than enter the job market.” Another factor affecting the chances of S5 school-leavers finding work is competition from university graduates who are also looking for a job. “In recent years, even university graduates have found it difficult to get appropriate work, and so some are applying for jobs that only require an S5 level of education. Additionally, employers are raising their requirements for the available jobs, including demanding relevant work experience, which S5 graduates generally do not have,” Ms Chan explained. Five years ago, the government was so concerned about the problem of inexperienced school leavers being unable to find work that it set up the Youth Pre-employment Training Programme. The scheme provides training places for 12,000 young job-seekers. It is targeted at school leavers aged 15 to 19 and provides a six-month course aimed at making them more employable. Training in job-hunting techniques, general communication skills and job-specific skills are all covered by the course. More than 25 organisations, including voluntary agencies, government departments and the discipline services (such as the police and the prison service) support the scheme.

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25

30

35

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An increasing number of S5 students are choosing to continue studying rather than start work. For most students wishing to further their studies, ‘A’ level courses in Secondary 6 are the first option. For those without the necessary 14 points in the HKCEE, vocational diploma courses are an alternative way to continue studying. Last year, 35,000 HKCEE students applied for diploma courses offered by the Institute of Vocational Education (IVE), the City University and the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Every year there is a rush on the last two days of enrolment for diploma courses, as unsuccessful HKCEE candidates hurry to enrol on a diploma course. Students have to make difficult decisions in order to be sure of getting a place. For some, this means giving up the hope of studying their favourite subjects, as Rocky explained, “I’ve applied for a Hotel and Catering course, but this wasn’t actually my first choice. I really wanted to do Building Studies, but I probably wouldn’t have been accepted because I haven’t studied any related subjects.” Another student, Ka-ho, said he had given up his dream of studying Pharmaceutical Technology because there were so few places on the course and he didn’t think he would get one. Teachers feel very sympathetic towards the students because of the difficult decisions they have to make under stress. “Students who do not get the grades they need naturally feel terribly disappointed,” said one teacher. “Yet while they are still feeling very disappointed, they have to make quick and very important decisions about what they are going to do instead. They have to rush around Hong Kong trying to get a place for further study. Sometimes they have to give up their dreams of a particular career. It can be a tough time, and they need all the support of their teachers, family and friends.”

1. According to Ms Lily Chan in paragraph 1, what are the two reasons that more S5 graduates are choosing to continue studying rather than go out to work? a) b) 2. According to paragraph 2, job prospects for university graduates have improved in recent years. (Tick the appropriate box). True

False

Not stated

3. What does ‘some’ in line 9 refer to? 4. What does ‘which’ in line 11 refer to? 5. What does ‘employable’ in line 17 mean? 6. What word in paragraph 4 means ‘work-related’?

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7. In paragraph 5, Rocky and Ka-ho are two students who decided not to apply for their first choice of diploma course, because they thought they would not be accepted. What are the different reasons they give for this? a) Rocky: b) Ka-ho: 8. In paragraph 6, which word means ‘sorry’?

9. The students in paragraph 6 feel stressed because .... 1. they get no support from their families 2. they have to make important decisions 3. they have to decide quickly 4. the student placement system was badly organised 5. they are disappointed A. 1, 2 and 3. B. 2, 3 and 4. C. 2, 3 and 5. D. 3, 4 and 5.

9.

The sentences below are possible headings for paragraphs 3, 4, and 5. From the eight headings (A–H) below, choose the most suitable heading for each paragraph and write the letter in the space provided. 10. Paragraph 3 11. Paragraph 4 12. Paragraph 5 A. Starting salaries for S5 graduates B. Teachers’ responses to the students’ problems C. The effect of the economy on unemployment D. Competition with university graduates for jobs E. The government’s response to the problem of youth unemployment F. The effect of low salaries on S5 students’ decision-making G. Difficult decisions faced by prospective diploma students H. Students’ options when choosing to further their studies Complete this paragraph, which summarises the decisions that students must take if they do not do well enough in HKCEE to continue studying in their school’s sixth form. they expected must make

S6 graduates whose scores at HKCEE are lower 13.

diploma courses offered

quick and important decisions. Most decide to enrol 14.

by the IVE, City University or the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Sometimes students decide to 15.

up their first choice of course. Instead, they apply for a place on a course which

is 16.

popular or which 17.

more places. They do this in order

to 18.

their studies, rather than have to look for a job.

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5.3

Reading practice (2)

Read these job advertisements and answer the questions that follow. 1. Wanted — trainee chef preparing western food in major international hotel. Full-time position. Low starting salary, but professional on-the-job training offered. Very good long-term career prospects. Interest in food essential. Only 18-year-olds willing to work hard need apply. Write an application letter in English, enclosing a cv, to Wendy Lam, Human Resources Officer, Emperor Hotels, 2 Gloucester Rd., Hong Kong

2. Sai Kung Vet’s Surgery — assistant required. We are a busy vets’ practice urgently in need of an assistant to help out every weekday evening (5–7pm) and Saturday morning (9–12). The job mainly involves greeting clients, updating computer records, and some dirty work cleaning up after animals. Applicants must be 16+ and have a love of animals. Phone 2719 9654 and ask for Bonnie Chau.

3. If you are sixteen or over and are looking for a fun career in fashion, come and join us! We are a chain of boutiques selling the latest clothes to Hong Kong’s most trendy young people. You will join a lively young team of shop assistants. And you can buy clothes from us at a 50% discount!! Phone Reptile Clothes: 2334 5678.

4. Trading company requires office clerk. Full-time position in modern office in Kwun Tong. Duties include: processing orders, photocopying, talking to suppliers on the phone. Basic rate $5,500. Good written English and Chinese required. Clerks with good spoken English and Mandarin will receive a higher rate of pay. Phone 9327 0878.

5. Tiny Tots Nursery, Shatin, requires a full-time helper. You must be an S6 graduate with previous experience of looking after young children, either in the family situation or as a job. You must be able to work a very long day — 8.00am to 6.00pm — with an hour off for lunch. Good pay offered for the right candidate. Call Nancy on 9076 5432.

6. Are you keen on sports? We need an assistant to help on our summer camp programme. This is a temporary summer holiday job for an S6 graduate. You will have the chance to work with young people, playing as much sport as you like! Accommodation and meals are provided. One day off per week. Phone Lantau Camps; 2109 4538.

1. Which job provides training? 2. Which job would suit someone who is interested in clothes? 3. With which job requires language skills? 4. Which job requires previous experience? 5. Which job provides you with somewhere to live? 6. Which two advertisements are written in an advertising style of language? True

7. 8. 9. 10.

False

Not stated

The job at Tiny Tots Nursery is quite well paid. The sales assistant job at Reptile Clothes is badly paid. The summer camp job gives you lots of free time. The job at the Sai Kung Vet’s Surgery is part-time.

11. Some of the job advertisements mention a negative side to the job. Write down the negative points mentioned about two of the jobs. One has been done for you as an example. Emperor Hotels

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low starting salary (example)

12. You are an S6 graduate who hasn’t done very well in your HKCEEs. (Your best subjects were English and Chinese.) You want to start work in some kind of business. Which job should you apply for? Give reasons for your answer.

5.4

More practice with passage completion

Choose one of the half-sentences from the list below (A–J) to complete each blank in the passage. Write the letters in the spaces provided. You can use each letter ONCE only. One has been done for you as an example.

School principals give tips for Secondary Six admission interviews Students should try to keep calm and always give an honest answer at schooladmission interviews, a principal says. United Christian College principal Dr. David To said students should prepare themselves well. They should think about (a) . Students who looked nervous and were not prepared were not likely to leave a good impression. “An interviewer may ask a student why he or she wants to study a particular subject. If you do not have enough points to study other subjects, you should say so. In other words, (1) ,” Dr. To said. “Tell the interviewer what your favourite subjects are, even if you did not perform well in those subjects at the exam. The interviewers know that exam results (2) San Wui Commercial Society Chan Pak Sha School vice-principal Liu Tak-him said interviewers might ask students to compare different schools. They may ask a question like: (3) When answering questions about schools, students should take care not to be critical of other schools. Nor should they exaggerate (4) He recommends a neutral answer, such as: “ Your school offers the subjects I prefer, while other schools do not.” Dr. To said students who do not get good exam results should tell the interviewer that their applications were not accepted by the better-known schools. “The interviewers know that the popular schools (5) . Students applying for vocational training schools should be ready to talk about their career plans. “You shoud be clear in your mind about what career you would like,” Mr. Liu said. For instance, some students may want only a basic training at a vocational institute, and then work for a professional qualification later. They should tell the interviewer (6) ” Mr. Liu continued, “Some teachers may ask difficult questions about current affairs. If you do not know the answer to a question, do not get flustered. “Be frank, and tell the interviewer that (7) I feel that such difficult questions are asked to see how you tackle the question, rather than to test your knowledge. However, if you do know the answer, do not talk (8) . Too much confidence does not give a good impression either.”

a.

D

1.

2.

3. 4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

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One final piece of advice, “When looking for a Secondary Six place, (9) . “If you keep looking at different schools, you may not get a place at all! Schools fill their vacancies very fast.”

9.

[Adapted from an article in the ‘Student Standard’ by Teddy Ng] A. do not accept students who have not scored highly. B. choose a school as early as you can. C. you should be honest. D. the questions they might be asked. E. the good points of the school they have applied to,” Mr. Liu said. F. you are not familiar with that topic. G. “Why do you prefer our school to the others? H. that this is what they want to do. I. like an expert on a subject. J. don’t always reflect a student’s abilities,” he said.

5.5

The cloze exercise — more practice rewriting sentences

In Unit 4 we looked at some ways that pairs of sentences can express the same meaning though different grammatical forms. Here are some other common ways. Complete the second sentence so it has the same meaning as the first. 1. Adjectives having opposite meanings with too much and not … enough a. This computer is too old. b. This computer is not modern

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2. Comparative adjectives having opposite meanings, one with a negative verb a. This is more difficult than I thought. b. This is not

easy

I thought.

3. So + adjective and such a + a noun a This job is taking so long. b. This job is taking time. 4. Determiners which can have the same meaning but having different structures (each, every all) a. The teacher spoke to each student. b. The teacher spoke to the individually. 5. Sentences with if not and unless a. I won’t be able to finish this unless you help me. b. you 6. Sentences with for and ago a. I’ve been here for three hours. b. I got here three

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help me, I won’t be able to finish this.

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7. Sentences with for and since a. I’ve been taking guitar lessons for 9 months. b. I’ve been taking guitar lessons

last January.

8. Verb clauses having the same meaning but different structures a. Stop now. You’ve run out of time. b. Stop now. There’s time

5.6

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Rewriting a passage so that it has the same meaning — practice

Here is an advertisement for a job that Chris Wong is interested in. Read the advertisement, and then look at the two versions of the job application letter that Chris is planning to send. Version 1 is more formal than Version 2. Version 2 has some missing words. Read Version 1 and then fill in the blanks to make Version 2 have the SAME meaning. You should make sure that your answers are grammatically correct. Use only ONE word for each blank. Job advertisement

Teen Focus Magazine We are looking for a part-time reporter on school affairs, to start in September. Applicants should be starting S6 and should have a strong interest in making journalism a career. z Write a letter, giving details of your education and your career hopes. Outline any journalistic experience you have had, and mention any relevant positions of responsibility. z List topics that you would be interested in writing about. z If possible, enclose copies of work that you have had published. z Supply the name of someone, such as a teacher, who can be contacted for a reference. Apply to: Mr J. Lau, Teen Focus Magazine, York House 6/F, 275 King’s Road, Quarry Bay, Hong Kong. z

Application letter Version 1

Version 2

Dear Sir

Dear Mr. Lau

With reference to your advertisement in this week’s ‘Teen Focus’ magazine for a part-time reporter on school affairs for your magazine, I would be interested in applying for the job.

your advertisement in I (1) this week’s ‘Teen Focus’ magazine for a part-time reporter on school affairs for your magazine, and for the job. I would like to (2)

I am attending Shatin Commercial Secondary School, and am in Form Five, studying Humanities subjects for my HKCEE. My intention next year is to further my studies in Form Six, doing ‘A’ Levels in English, Chinese Language and Economics.

I am in Form Five (3) Shatin Commercial Secondary School studying Humanities subjects for my HKCEE. Next year to further my studies in I (4) Form Six, doing ‘A’ Levels in English, Chinese Language and Economics.

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I have been interested in journalism for as long as I can remember and I hope to make it my career. I have already had some experience of writing about school affairs. I have contributed to our school magazine on a regular basis for the past three years, and have produced a number of articles for it. These have included an article about the School Sports Day and another about a Form Four camping weekend. This year I also wrote a fictional short story which was published in the magazine.

I have (5) been interested in journalism and hope to make it my career. I have already had some experience of writing about school affairs. I have been a regular to our school magazine (6) for the past three years, and have produced a number of articles for it, (7) one about the School Sports Day and another about a Form Four camping weekend. This year the school magazine also published a fictional . short story of (8)

I’m enclosing copies of my work which have been published. This year I have also been acting as an assistant editor for the magazine. I found this fascinating and hope to continue with it next year. In fact, it is my ambition to be appointed editor of the magazine in my final year.

I’m enclosing copies of the work that I have published. This year I (9) have also been involved 10) some of the editing work for the magazine. I fo u n d t h i s f as c i n a t i n g an d h o p e t o on with it next year. In (11) to be appointed fact, I (12) editor of the magazine in my final year!

I am very interested in contributing to ‘Teen Focus’. I read the magazine every week and enjoy it very much. I particularly like the articles on contemporary music and the interviews with show business personalities. One of my main interests outside school is film, especially films from the mainland, and I would enjoying writing reviews of such films if I had the opportunity. In my opinion, most Hong Kong teenagers do not appreciate the high standard of many of the mainland films, and I would very much like the chance to bring the latest releases to the attention of the ‘Teen Focus’ readership. I hope you will consider my application favourably, and I look forward to hearing from you. My English teacher, Mrs Ann Chan, has kindly agreed to act as my referee. Yours faithfully,

Chris Wong

I would very much like to (13) a contributor to ‘Teen Focus’. I read the magazine every week and enjoy it very much. articles are the My (14) ones on contemporary music, and the interviews with show business personalities. I spend a great of my free time (15) watching films, especially films from the mainland, and I would love to write reviews of . I think them if I (16) most Hong Kong teenagers do not appreciate good many of the (17) mainland films are, and I would really like to be to introduce the latest (18) releases to ‘Teen Focus’ readers.

I hope you find my application interesting. I am forward to hearing (19) from you. My English teacher, Mrs Ann Chan, has kindly agreed to write a reference for me.

Yours (20)

Chris Wong

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,

COMPOSITION 5.7

Task 1 (100 words)

Today was the first day of a new job. It was not what you expected. It is now evening and you are writing your diary, describing the day’s events. You have already written the first paragraph and shown it to a friend, who has suggested some corrections. Correct your diary by writing the correct word next to the mistake (they are all tense mistakes or missing words.) One has been done for you. Then complete the diary entry using the headings as guides. a I have being looking forward to today for

long time. Because today was

first

day of my new job! When I wake up this morning I feel really excited. I wondered what the day will be like. I got up at once and have a shower. While I was clean my teeth I suddenly noticed that it

getting late, so I rushed down to

MTR. When I was on the train I realised that I have left my lunch behind. It is still sitting on

table in the kitchen. This was

beginning of

very surprising day!

What happened when I got to work

Why the job was different from what I expected

How I feel about the job now

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Tips about proof-reading missing words z The missing words are usually: articles determiners (e.g. some, each) auxiliaries (e.g. is, do, did, have, can, would, etc.) parts of the verb to be prepositions z When a missing word is a ‘content’ word (e.g. nouns, verbs, adjectives), be careful to choose the right part of speech, and make sure that it ‘agrees’ with the rest of the sentence (e.g. check singular and plural)

5.8 Task 2 (250 words) Complete ONE of these tasks. Look at the notes and the model answer. Write about 250 words. 1. Write a story which contains this phrase. I was on my way to the interview when suddenly... The phrase can occur at any point in the story. Tips for this composition z Think about the setting — Where are you? Are you with someone? Are you late/early/lost? z Decide what the interview is for? Is it important? Why/Why not? z Describe how you feel about going for this interview (excited? fearful? depressed? not interested?) z Use dialogue to make the story more real. z Think of a good ‘twist’. z Decide where the phrase will come in your story (it could even come at the end!) z Do not forget to include the phrase in your story somewhere! 2. Write a letter responding to the job advertisement below in last week’s ‘Teen Times’ magazine. (Sign your letter Chris Wong — do not use your real name or address.)

Are you young, enthusiastic and interested in travel? If so, we may have the job for you! We are a travel agency which organises tours of Hong Kong for overseas visitors, and also tours for Hong Kong people to China and many other countries in Asia. We are looking for young men and women aged 16-20 to work in our office and learn the travel business. Initially the work will be mainly clerical, but enthusiastic young people will be rapidly promoted. In a year’s time you could be accompanying tourists around Hong Kong, or flying off with a group of tourists to an exciting destination in China, Indonesia, Malaysia or Thailand! Successful applicants will have good basic computer skills, and should be good at communicating with all kinds of people. The ability to work under pressure as a member of a team is very important. A knowledge of tourist locations in Hong Kong and around the region would be useful, but is not essential. If you are interested, write to Maria Chan explaining why you think you can do this job, and giving details of someone who has agreed to act as a referee.

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Tips for this composition z Follow the format of the model application letters in Exercise 5.6 Paragraph 1 — state the job you are applying for, where and when you saw it advertised, and say you wish to apply for it. Paragraph 2 — give relevant details about yourself — age/school year, name of school, subjects being studied. Paragraph 3 — briefly say why you are interested in the job. Describe relevant experience/ knowledge/ opinions that you have. Paragraph 4 — give more details about your skills, and any positions of responsibility you have had, with reference to the skills required for the job (e.g. basic computer skills, good at communicating, ability to work under pressure, member of a team, knowledge of tourist locations in Hong Kong…) Paragraph 5 — close: say you hope they will consider your application favourably, give details of your referee. z

z

z

For this exercise, you can invent some relevant experience and skills, if you do not have them. However, do not make yourself sound too good! Describe yourself in a positive way. Do not say directly how wonderful you are, but list the skills, awards and experience that show that you would be good at the job. Do not mention any negative things about yourself, or any doubts you may have about the job.

Useful words and phrases With reference to your advertisement in (date of newspaper/magazine) for a (name of job)… I saw your advertisement in (date of newspaper/magazine) for a (name of job)… I would like to apply for the job/post I am interested in applying for the job I am attending (name of school) I am studying (Humanities, Sciences, etc) for my HKCEE Next year I plan to/intend to… I have been interested in (area of job) for/since… I have done (experience) I am currently/ Last year I was (position of responsibility, e.g. class monitor, class representative, secretary of a school club, etc.) I am enclosing copies of (documents/your work requested by the advertisement) I hope you will consider my application favourably. I look forward/I am looking forward to hearing from you. (Name and role of person) has kindly agreed to act as my referee. (Name and role of person) has kindly agreed to write a reference for me.

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3. What do you plan to do when you have graduated from Secondary 5? Describe your hopes and plans for the future, and explain what you have decided to do. Model answer

My plans after I graduate from Secondary 5 What I will do after I graduate from Secondary 5 depends entirely on my HKCEE results. If I get the results I need, I want to stay on in my school sixth form and study ‘A’ Levels in Economics, Geography and Computer Studies. I want to study these subjects because I am very interested in them. These subjects will also be a useful foundation as I hope to do a degree in Economics after I have completed my ‘A’ levels. However, at the moment I’m not sure if I will obtain enough HKCEE points to stay on in my own school. I’m particularly worried about the Mathematics and Chinese Language papers. I’m going to evening classes to revise these subjects but I’m finding them quite difficult. If I am not accepted by my own school’s sixth form, I intend to apply at the last minute to study ‘A’ Levels at another school. My older brother had to do this two years ago and it was a very stressful time for him. He had to rush from one school to another, and in the end he was unsuccessful. He was very disappointed because he had to give up his dream of becoming an engineer. Eventually he decided to do a vocational course at City University, leading to a diploma qualification as a Laboratory Technician. If I am also not accepted to do ‘A’ Levels at another school, I will not follow my brother’s example and take a diploma course. Instead, I will repeat S5 and retake my HKCEE examinations again next summer. I do not mind spending another year in school, if it allows me to take the ‘A’ Levels I want.

Tips for this composition z Follow the plan of the model composition Paragraph 1 — say what you intend to do next year; say how that fits into your long-term plans; give reasons for your decisions. Paragraph 2 — say what the problems with your plan might be. Paragraphs 3, 4 — say what your options would be if you can’t do what you want. Mention the options you wouldn’t choose as well as the one you would. Give reasons for your decisions. z

z

z

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Use will to express intentions and doubts, e.g. I will repeat S5… I’m not sure what I will do… Use First Conditional sentences to express possible future outcomes, e.g. If I get the results I need … I want to stay on.., or If I am not accepted at another school, I will not follow… Use the verbs want to, intend to, plan to, hope to as synonyms in order to provide variety.

Useful phrases (My future) depends on (my exam results) do well/badly in an exam be successful/unsuccessful be a useful foundation apply for a course/apply to do a course be accepted for a course/be accepted to do something repeat S5 retake HKCEE do a degree in (a subject) a vocational course a course leading to a degree/a diploma follow a dream/give up a dream of (becoming an engineer) follow someone’s example Instead,..

5.9

Vocabulary checklist

Check that you understand these new words and phrases in this unit. Words to do with study be accepted on a course/by a school degree (from a university) diploma do well/badly in an exam enrol on (a course) enrolment highly-qualified humanities subjects qualification repeat a year retake an exam vocational training course

Words to do with work apply for job-hunting applicant job-specific skills application on-the-job training be promoted position of responsibility clerk recruit clerical referee (sponsor) cv (curriculum vitae) reference (written by a referee) inexperienced starting salary internship trainee (un)employable work experience (un)employed work under pressure employment agency work as a member of a team unemployment workload

General vocabulary accommodation ambition career catering challenging coincide with current affairs discard dissatisfied the economy enclose (sth with a letter)

enthusiastic jump the queue mutual benefit neutral answer outlet (e.g. shop, restaurant) outlook (prospects) peak time promising (improving) stock (supplies) tactful youngster

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