Summary of Intermediate English Skills Test

## Introduction This StudyFi learning resource addresses the topic of "Work" from the perspective of vocabulary, communication, and practical situations relevant to university students. This material covers explanations of job types, common phrases for job interviews, listening and speaking exercises, and employment-related vocabulary. ### What You'll Learn - Understanding types of employment contracts and work arrangements - Using key phrases in job interviews - Practical exercises for simulating work situations > Definition: Work — an activity performed to earn a salary or other benefit, which can be carried out under various contractual types. ## Types of Employment Relationships and Work Arrangements Let's break down the basic concepts and look at some examples. ### Main Types of Contracts | Type | Description | Example | |---|---|---| | Permanent | Long-term contract, stability | Indefinite-term employment contract in an office | | Fixed-term (temporary) | Contract with a defined end date | 1-year project, semester-long teaching | | Self-employed | Individual operates their own business | Consultant, freelance web development | | Part-time | Fewer hours than full-time employment | Student job 20 hrs/week | > Definition: Hours of Work — the number of working hours; typically full-time = 40 hours/week (may vary by country). ### Work Arrangements and Working Hours - Night shifts — work performed at night, often in industry or healthcare - Regular/Irregular working hours — having or not having a fixed schedule - Overtime — work beyond the standard number of hours; can be paid or compensated with time off Fun fact: In some countries, employees are entitled to so-called "flexible working hours," which allows them to adjust the start and end times of shifts without changing the total number of hours. ## Vocabulary and Phrases for Job Interviews Here are important phrases we will practice and use in conversations. - I was promoted / I’ve been promoted — Byl(a) jsem povýšen(a) - I was sacked / I’ve been sacked — Byl(a) jsem propuštěn(a) - I set up a website — Založil(a) jsem web - I work night shifts — Pracuji na noční směny - I’m self-employed — Jsem OSVČ / pracuji na volné noze - I’m in charge of — Mám na starosti / vedu oddělení - Full-time / Part-time — Plný úvazek / Částečný úvazek - Redundant — Nadbytečný (propuštěn z organizačních důvodů) > Definition: Redundant — a term for an employee who loses their job due to reorganization or a reduction in the scope of work. ### Practical Usage Examples 1. „My current job is permanent; it’s a one-year contract.“ — a sentence to describe the current situation (note: „permanent“ and „one-year contract" are contradictory terms; state the correct option according to your situation). 2. „I’ve been promoted! I’m now in charge of the training department.“ — announcing a promotion. 3. „I set up a website to sell my paintings; they’re selling well.“ — explaining how you started a business or began selling. ## Listening and Comprehension Practice (Adapted) Below are tasks inspired by the original text, adapted for independent practice. 1) Match the short descriptions (A–E) to the conversations (1–5) based on their content (practice with recordings or a partner): - A: Explaining why overtime isn't possible - B: Suggesting how to simplify someone's work - C: Describing an experience solving work problems - D: Explaining the process for applying for a job - E: Asking for money for a business idea 2) Another variation: match the situations to these short statements: - Looking for temporary work - Asking for overtime - Describing problems at work ## Grammar and Conversation Practice (Speaking) These exercises are designed for pair work. 1. Asking your partner questions — situations like "What would you do if..." - Here are some questions you can use: - What would you do if you could do any job? - What would you do if you wanted to get a good deal? - Where would you go shopping?