Level5 Unit3 Part1 Listening

Seeking a Change

Sam Malone has been working at Ace Express for the past 6 years. Ace is a shipping company based in Hong Kong. It ships dangerous chemicals to all parts of the world. Last year Sam was promoted to Vice President. Along with the promotion, he was given a beautiful office. He was also given a 20% raise in salary.

Sam is well respected within the company, and he likes his co-workers. However, he wants to take on new challenges and is looking for a change. If he stays at Ace, he doesn't see any chance of another promotion. He is also beginning to worry about the company's future. He thinks there is a high probability that the company will be acquired. If that happens, he may lose his job.

Last month he started looking for a new job. According to his research, about 40% of jobs are found through acquaintances. So the first thing he did was to contact his closest friends. He let them know that he was looking for something new. Many of his friends and acquaintances are in the shipping business, but some have moved into other industries. He also checked out several companies on the Internet and updated his resume.

Preparing for  an interview

This morning Sam got a message from a company based in Japan. It's a medical supply company that wants to expand its business in China. They have a small office in Hong Kong and will be conducting interviews next week. Sam is interested in learning more about the company, so he replied to their message and set up an interview. Even if it doesn't work out, it will be a learning experience for him.

In planning for the interview, Sam has made some notes about what to do at an interview. First, he needs to be well prepared. He needs to know as much as he can about the company, including its history. He also needs to know how to present himself, including his appearance and body language. It has been years since he was last interviewed, so he needs to be prepared to answer some questions about himself. For example, he needs to be able to explain what's on his resume, including his strengths and skills.

In any interview situation, it's important to look right and behave appropriately. He doesn't want to give a bad first impression. For example, he should be careful not to talk too much. That means he should stay focused and keep his comments short. Throughout the interview he should observe their facial expressions and make eye contact. It's going to be important to listen carefully to what they say, and keep things as relaxed as possible.

He needs to remind himself that he is also interviewing them. He may find that their company isn't right for him. Therefore, he should be ready to ask them questions, especially about their expectations. In an interview like this, both sides have the same concern. They don't want to make the wrong choice.

Level5 Unit3 Part1 Vocabulary

Attitudes

Relaxed, to be calm and peace, not anxious or tense. She was trying to relax but then she got a call from her boss. He hasn't relaxed for a long time, so he's exhausted and difficult to be around.

Arrogant, to have an exaggerated sense of one's importance or abilities, the opposite of modest. I wasn't impressed by her arrogant attitude. Sometimes the rich and powerful can be very arrogant and greedy.

Prejudiced, to have negative feelings towards something without good reason or experience. She has a prejudice against people who come from the countryside. As a company, we don't allow prejudice of any kind, including race or religious differences.

Neutral, to be without prejudice and not take sides. We expect the judge at the trial to be neutral and allow both sides to present their evidence to the jury. The referees in a match need to be neutral, so that the game is fair.

Proper or appropriate, the way it is supposed to be. That kind of language isn't appropriate in this situation, because it doesn't show respect. When he came to the interview he wasn't dressed properly, so he made a bad impression.

Analysis Words

Acquaintance, somebody known or met before.

I'm contacting several of my acquaintances, to see if they know of any job opportunities.

I don't know him well, but he is an acquaintance of mine from a long time ago.

Appearance, how something looks, what's something looks like.

He could improve his appearance by buying some new clothes.

He doesn't care about his appearance, so he doesn't make a good impression.

Consequence, an outcome or result.

Many forms of life will become extinct as a consequence of global warming.

One consequence of his drinking has been the poor quality of his work.

Factor, something that affects or influence the end result.

One factor that needs to be considered is his arrogant personality.

Her health is one factor we can't afford to ignore.

Exception, to be unique or treated differently.

Everyone has to be in the office before 9:00, with the exception of the sales department.

I'm sorry, but I can't make an exception and allow you to bring your dog to the office.

Level5 Unit3 Part1 Dialogue

Getting into College

Guess what, I've got some news.

Oh, you mean about Jack?

Yes, have you heard?

Yes, Eliza messaged me a few minutes ago.   

Isn't it wonderful?

He's been accepted to Stanford!

Really, that's not what I heard.

Oh, what have you heard?

I heard he didn't get in.

So it was just a rumor.

If that's what you heard, it isn't true.

He really wanted to get in. But from what I've heard, he'sjust on their waiting list.

Oh, then there's still a chance that he'll get in.

I guess so.

But even if he gets in, how is he going to pay for it?

It's very expensive and his family isn't wealthy.

Well, he can always get a student loan, or maybe he'll get a scholarship. 

If he gets a loan, it'll be for a lot of money.

He would be taking on a lot of debt.

Still, a degree from Stanford is worth a lot, and I've heard they have a lot of money for scholarships.

I wonder what he'll do?

If he gets in, I hope he gets a scholarship.

What will he do if he doesn't get into Stanford.

What are his other choices?

The only other school.......I've heard him mention is Cambridge, in England.

Oh, well that's not a bad choice.

What about you?

Have you heard anything?

Me? I'll tell you if you promise not to tell anyone, ok?

Sure, if it's a secret, you can trust me.

I've been accepted into MIT on a full scholarship.

MIT? you're joking, right?

No, I'm serious.

Why haven't you told anyone?

I don't know.

I think I'll wait until everyone else has heard from their choices.

I really didn't expect to get in.

Yeah, especially with the full scholarship. (这里断句非常突兀)

Some people will be jealous when they hear about it.

But we all know you are smart, so it's something you should be proud of.

Thanks, I'm really excited.