Table of Contents
BEST IELTS General Reading Test 459
IELTS GENERAL READING TEST 459 – PASSAGE – 2
IELTS GENERAL READING TEST – 459
READING PASSAGE – 2
Setting up a home office, a how-to guide
Working from home is now an option in an increasing number of jobs, and many workers enjoy the flexibility this brings. However, not every home is automatically equipped to provide a workspace. Here are some tips for creating a professional home office, whether you are working for an employer or you have your own business:
• Establish the basic needs you have for your office. In most cases, you’ll need a desk, adjustable chair and computer at least. Then you’ll have an idea of how much space you’ll need. You’ll need a room away from noise and distractions and, if possible, it will be separate from communal areas with a closing door. Even if you don’t share your home with others, it’s a good idea to have a physical division between your home and work life.
IELTS General Reading Test
• Maintaining a professional office means you’ll need to be well-organised. Not only will you require space to spread out and work, you should allocate plenty of room for storage of files and supplies. You might have to store files in another room but, bear in mind that anything you use on a regular basis should be accessible.
• Getting the basics right is crucial: quality ergonomic furniture will ultimately save you money on treatment for physical problems caused by bad posture. While it can be tempting to skimp on key pieces and splurge on non-essentials like desk ornaments, it is far more important to have a reliable phone and computer, a fast internet connection and a chair that will support your lower back.
IELTS General Reading Test
• Don’t forget to hang a clock on the wall or put one on your desk where you can see it. It’s easy to lose track of time when you’re working from home and you might find yourself working for hours on end without a break. Conversely, you might feel it’s time for a break before it actually is. You’ll find you are far more efficient if you can set hours and stick to them. You’ll stay more focused and clients will appreciate knowing when you can be reached.
• It is stipulated in health and safety policies of most workplaces that a first-aid kit should be provided, and this is best practice in the home office too. Ventilation, whether natural or artificial, must be adequate and the work area should be clear of obstructions.
IELTS General Reading Test
Questions 15-20
Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the text for each answer.
15. Ideally, the office space in your home should be in a …………………. room.
16. Consider the need for…………………. well as workspace.
17. Spend your budget on good equipment rather than unnecessary items, such as …………………. .
18. Ensure …………………. visible from where you will be working.
19. Having regular office hours will be helpful for you ………………….
20. In terms of health and safety, it is important that there is enough ………………….
IELTS General Reading Test
Read Reading Passage 2 below and answer Questions 21-27.
How to motivate your sales team: a guide for managers
Motivation is one of the most important ingredients of continued sales success over time. As a manager, you need to motivate your people as individuals and also as a team.
The foundation of motivation is trust. If your salespeople don’t believe you have their best interests at heart, they won’t be driven to put in their best effort at work. Take the time to find out their goals and the challenges they face in pursuing these goals.
The best way to find out what motivates your workers may simply be to ask them. Have them explain to you what management style they respond best to some people need almost constant guidance while others like to be left to their own devices for most of the time. Ask them about the best times of the day or week to have meetings; although it may not always be possible, accommodate them when you can.
IELTS General Reading Test
An often-overlooked factor is when and how to give feedback. Some need this – whether positive or negative – on a daily basis, while others would rather it was saved for more formal appraisals.
There are also some very tangible changes that may have an instant effect; these relate to the health and comfort of the workers. Ensure that they have time to recharge on their breaks and, if you can afford it, provide some nutritious, energy-giving snacks in the lunchroom. Some employers offer their workers a free or discounted membership at a gym and report that this pays for itself in healthy, motivated employees.
IELTS General Reading Test
It’s always worth remembering that people are motivated in different ways. The most commonly exploited motivator is money, whether it’s a raise, bonus or commission, but that’s not the only way of getting the best from your staff. Some thrive on competition, within or between teams. Others need acknowledgement for a job well done. Groups often respond positively to a chance to get out of the work environment, perhaps for social occasions or to attend sports events. Find what works for your sales people.
There are cases when workers are experiencing a slump and are not performing well. They may not rise to the challenge of working towards something they believe to be out of their reach. If this is the case, link their incentive to their improvement, rather than performance as measured against others.
IELTS General Reading Test
Questions 21-27
Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the text for each answer.
Motivating staff
General principles:
– motivation can’t exist without 21………………..
– manager must understand workers’ goals, challenges
Ask workers:
– what 22……………….. they prefer
– when they want meetings
– how often they need 23………………..
Meet physical needs:
– adequate breaks
– healthy food
– access to a 24…………………
IELTS General Reading Test
Examples of motivators:
– money
– 25……………….. with colleagues
– praise/recognition
– outings such as parties and 26………………..
Poor performers:
– offer rewards based on 27………………..
IELTS General Reading Test
IELTS General Reading Test
ANSWERS
15. SEPARATE
16. STORAGE
17. ORNAMENTS
18. CLOCK
19. CLIENTS
20. VENTILATION
21. TRUST
22. MANAGEMENT STYLE
23. FEEDBACK
24. GYM
25. COMPETITION
26. SPORTS (EVENTS)
27. IMPROVEMENT
IELTS General Reading Test