Career Paths in the 21st Century
Career Paths in the 21st Century
PART I. VOCABULARY
a. Vocabulary
Word Part of Pronunciation Meaning
speech
1. adviser n /ədˈvaɪzə(r)/ cố vấn
2. career n /kəˈrɪə(r)/ nghề, sự nghiệp
3. pursue v /pəˈsjuː/ theo đuổi
4. applicant n /ˈæplɪkənt/ người nộp đơn xin việc
5. school-leaver n /ˈskuːl liːvə(r)/ học sinh đã tốt nghiệp
6. automated adj /ˈɔːtəmeɪtɪd/ tự động hoá
7. critical thinking n /ˌkrɪtɪkl ˈθɪŋkɪŋ/ tư duy phản biện
8. decision-making n /dɪˈsɪʒn meɪkɪŋ/ đưa ra quyết định
9. soft skills n /ˈsɒft skɪlz/ kỹ năng mềm
10. adapt v /əˈdæpt/ thay đổi cho phù hợp, thích nghi
11. gain v /ɡeɪn/ có được
12. passion n /ˈpæʃn/ niềm đam mê
13. personality n /ˌpɜːsəˈnæləti/ tính cách
14. passionate adj /ˈpæʃənət/ có niềm đam mê với/ dành cho
15. career path n.p /kəˈrɪə(r) pɑːθ/ con đường sự nghiệp
16. match v /mætʃ/ phù hợp với
17. specialty n /ˈspeʃəlti/ chuyên ngành
18. barista n /bəˈriːstə/, /bəˈrɪstə/ nhân viên pha chế
19. position n /pəˈzɪʃn/ vị trí
20. obsolete adj /ˈɒbsəliːt/ lỗi thời
21. fascinating adj /ˈfæsɪneɪtɪŋ/ rất thú vị, hấp dẫn
22. tutor n /ˈtjuːtə(r)/ gia sư
23. character n /ˈkærəktə(r)/ tính cách, phẩm chất
24. CV /ˌsiː ˈviː/ /kəˌrɪkjələm sơ yếu lý lịch
n
25. (curriculum vitae) ˈviːtaɪ/
26. childminder n /ˈtʃaɪldmaɪndə(r)/ người trông trẻ
b. Collocations/ phrases
Collocations/ phrases Meaning
1. keep up with something theo kịp, bắt kịp với cái gì
2. look down on somebody coi thường ai
3. take over đảm nhiệm, thay thế
4. be in demand có nhu cầu, được mọi người mong muốn
5. come up with something nảy ra (ý tưởng, giải pháp)
6. deal with something đối phó, giải quyết thứ gì
7. take into account xem xét, cân nhắc
9. Being a _______ requires patience, compassion, and a love for working with children.
A. decision B. childminder C. adviser D. applicant
10. Some individuals choose to _______ their career focus, specializing in a specific area of expertise.
A. narrow B. automate C. contribute D. instruct
11. In today's rapidly changing world, the ability to _______ to new situations is essential for career
success.
A. pursue B. socialise C. network D. adapt
12. Career _______ provide guidance and support to individuals exploring different career options.
A. specialties B. demands C. advisers D. paths
13. Landing a leadership _______ often requires a combination of experience, skills, and ambition.
A. position B. pursuit C. passion D. specialty
14. _______, such as communication and teamwork, are increasingly valued by employers in various
industries.
A. Passion B. Position C. Soft skills D. Work experience
15. Some individuals choose to pursue multiple career _______ throughout their lives, exploring
different interests and passions.
A. positions B. tutors C. specialties D. paths
16. Strong _______ skills are crucial for building relationships with colleagues, clients, and customers.
A. obsolete B. interpersonal C. passionate D. automated
17. Having a positive _______ can help individuals overcome challenges and setbacks in their careers.
A. entrepreneur B. role C. tutor D. mentality
18. Building a professional _______ can open doors to new opportunities and career advancements.
A. automate B. adapt C. network D. narrow
19. Customer service representatives must be skilled at _______ challenging situations and difficult
customers.
A. carrying out B. dealing with C. figuring out D. filling out
20. Some people may _______ certain professions, but it's important to respect all types of work.
A. keep up with B. look down on C. live up D. go in for
21. It can be challenging to _______ high expectations in a demanding career, but perseverance is key.
A. cut down on B. get through to C. put up with D. live up to
22. To succeed in a team environment, it's important to _______ colleagues and build positive
relationships.
A. get on with B. get through to C. live up to D. put up with
23. Many people _______ retirement, envisioning a time of relaxation and leisure.
A. cut down on B. got on with C. looked forward to D. went in for
24. To maintain a healthy work-life balance, it's important to _______ excessive overtime and prioritize
personal time.
A. live up to B. go in for C. cut down on D. get on with
25. In the fast-paced world of technology, it's important to _______ the latest trends and developments.
A. keep up with B. get through to C. put up with D. look forward to
26. In some work environments, employees may have to _______ difficult colleagues or demanding
bosses.
A. put up with B. look forward to C. live up to D. go in for
27. It's important for a mentor to be able to ______ their mentee and inspire them to achieve their
career goals.
A. get on with B. get through to C. live up to D. put up with
28. Many young people are not afraid to ______ challenging career paths that require dedication and
perseverance.
A. put up with B. look forward to C. live up to D. go in for
29. It's beneficial for employees to ______ their managers and learn from their leadership skills and
experience.
A. look up to B. go in for C. cut down on D. get on with
30. Taking responsibility and ______ mistakes is crucial for professional growth and development in
any career.
A. cutting down on B. getting on with C. looking forward to D. owning up to
Exercise 2: Read the following advertisement and mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your
answer sheet to indicate the option that best fits each of the numbered blanks from 1 to 6.
Feeling lost about your future? Unsure which path to take after
graduation? The Career Exploration Workshop is here to help you
discover your passions and unlock your potential!
Designed for young adults (1) ______ direction, this workshop provides
the tools and knowledge needed (2) ______ today's competitive job
market. Learn how to identify your strengths, explore different
industries, and (3) ______ work experience through internships and
volunteering.
Our experienced career counselors will teach you how to keep up (4) ______ the latest industry trends
and (5) ______ by employers. We'll also help you build a strong resume and cover letter, practice (6)
_____ interviewing techniques, and master the art of networking.
Don't wait – invest in your future today! Sign up for the Career Exploration Workshop and take the
first step towards a fulfilling career.
1. A. seeking B. which seeked C. seeked D. seek
2. A. navigate B. navigating C. to navigate D. to navigating
3. A. follow B. cause C. gain D. take
4. A. on B. for C. to D. with
5. A. essential skills develop valued B. skills develop essential valued
C. skills essential develop valued D. develop essential skills valued
6. A. effectiveness B. effect C. effective D. effectively
Is your current job fulfilling? Do you feel like you're living up
(1) _____ your full potential? If not, it might be time for a career
change!
At Career Compass, we help individuals (2) ______ their true
calling find the perfect career path. Our (3) ______ provide the
guidance and support needed (4) ______ a successful transition.
We'll help you identify your skills and interests, explore different
career options, and (5) _______ your passion for a fulfilling career.
Our experienced coaches will work with you to develop a
personalized action plan, build your (6) ______, and achieve your
career goals.
Stop dreaming about a better future and start creating it! Contact Career Compass today and take the
first step towards a more rewarding career.
1. A. on B. for C. to D. with
2. A. discovering B. discovered C. which discovered D. discover
3. A. coaching personalized programs B. coaching programs
personalized
C. personalized coaching programs D. personalized programs coaching
4. A. to making B. to make C. making D. make
5. A. misuse B. detect C. assure D. pursue
6. A. confidently B. confide C. confidence D. confident
Exercise 3: Read the following leaflet and mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet
to indicate the option that best fits each of the numbered blanks from 1 to 6.
Find Your Path!
Choosing a career can be tough. With (1) ______ options out there, how do you decide what's right for
you?
Think about what you enjoy and what you're good at. Do you (2) ______ people and enjoy teamwork?
Or are you more independent and prefer working alone?
(3) ______ jumping straight into a job, consider further education or training. A university (4) _____,
apprenticeship, or vocational course can open doors to exciting opportunities.
Think about the kind of lifestyle you want. Do you value a high salary or a good work-life balance?
Consider the (5) _______ of time you're willing to (6) ______ to your career and the kind of environment
you thrive in.
Remember, there's no single right answer! Explore your options, seek advice from career counsellors
or mentors, and consider different occupations, professions, and vocations before making your
decision.
a. First, create a budget to track your income and expenses, ensuring you spend less than you earn.
b. In conclusion, taking proactive steps toward financial stability can provide peace of mind and a
brighter future.
c. Achieving financial stability is a common goal for many individuals.
d. Next, consider increasing your income through various means like asking for a raise, seeking a
higher-paying job, or starting a side hustle.
e. Additionally, invest in your financial literacy by reading books, attending workshops, or seeking
advice from financial experts.
f. However, unforeseen circumstances can arise, so it's important to have an emergency fund for
unexpected expenses.
A. f – d – c – a – b – e B. c – f – a – b – e – d
C. c – a – d – e – f – b D. b – a – c – f – e – d
Exercise 5: Mark the letter A, B, C, or D on your answer sheet to indicate the correct option
that best fits each of the numbered blanks from 1 to 5.
Our Teen Talk magazine has recently received a lot of questions from secondary school students
asking about things they should consider (1) _______. We've talked to our career experts, and here is
(2) _______. First, learn about yourself and (3) _______ beliefs, soft skills, and interests. For example, if
you are passionate about working with people and (4) _______ you may consider becoming a social
worker or a teacher. If you are interested in learning languages, history, art, and architecture, you
might look for jobs in the tourist industry. Spend time thinking about what you want to do, and list
what you are good at. (5) _______Next, you should take into account any career qualifications you may
need and want to pursue. Many jobs require formal education at a university or college. In order to
work as a doctor, for example, you will need to study at medical school for some years of general
medical training, followed by several years of specialty training.
1. A. choosing their careers B. when having chosen
their careers
C. when choosing their careers D. to choose their careers
2. A. this advice B. our advice C. its advice D. their advice
3. A. discovering your personality type B. discover your personality type
C. discovered your personality type D. to discover your personality type
4. A. to help them develop B. helping develop
them
C. to help develop them D. helping them
develop
5. A. This helps you find out a career path matching your personality.
B. Which helps you find out a career path matching your personality.
C. It helps you find out a career path matching your personality.
D. Helping you find out a career path matching your personality.
As we look for jobs we love, we find many choices. Some are old-fashioned, like teaching or
engineering, (1) ______, like managing social media or helping the environment. By thinking about
what we enjoy, what we're good at, and what we want to do, we can pick the right job for us. This
helps us feel more sure about our decisions and (2) ______.
For example, starting a business lets us be creative, and teaching (3) ______. Doing community
work helps us tackle important problems and make a positive impact. (4) ______, we can pick from lots
of different jobs more easily. The jobs we choose shape our careers and (5) ______ as we move
forward.
1. A. as others are new B. while others are new
C. because others are new D. however others are new
2. A. finds jobs that match our interests. B. find jobs that matches our interests.
C. finds jobs that matches our interests. D. find jobs that match our interests.
3. A. allows us to help kids learn and grow B. allow us help kids learn and grow
C. allows us help kids learn and grow D. allow us to help kids learn and grow
4. A. Having used their strengths and interests B. If they use their strengths and interests
C. When we use our strengths and interests D. That we we use our strengths and interests
5. A. to make us happy and successful B. make us happy and successful
C. make us happily and successfully D. to make us happily and successfully
Youth unemployment, (1) _______, poses significant challenges for young people worldwide. The
lack of job opportunities not only affects their financial stability (2) _______. Many young individuals
face difficulties in securing employment due to factors such as limited experience, inadequate skills,
and fierce competition in the job market.
Additionally, economic downturns and technological advancements further worsen the situation.
(3) _______ governments, businesses, and educational institutions. They can address this issue by
providing training programs, internships, and mentorship opportunities. By investing in their
development, society can empower youth to overcome barriers and achieve (4) _______. Ultimately,
tackling youth unemployment requires concerted efforts and innovative strategies to create (5)
_______.
1. A. which is globally pressing issue B. is a pressing issue globally
C. a pressing issue globally D. global pressing issue
2. A. but also impacts their overall well-being B. and impacts their overall well-being
C. or impacts its overall well-being D. nor impacts their overall well-being
3. A. While it calls for the collaboration of B. Since it calls for the collaboration of
C. It called for the collaboration of D. This calls for the collaboration of
4. A. its full potential B. that full potential C. our full potential D. their full potential
5. A. a future of inclusivity and prosperous for all
B. a more inclusivity and prosperous future for all
C. a more inclusive and prosperous future for all
D. a future of inclusive and prosperous for all
Exercise 6: Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C, or D to indicate the
correct answer to each of the questions from 1 to 8.
The 21st century has witnessed a dramatic shift in the way people work. Traditional nine-to-five
jobs are no longer the only viable career path, and the gig economy is booming. Content creator jobs
have emerged as a unique and exciting category within this evolving landscape.
The internet has made the creation and distribution of content accessible to everyone. Anyone
with a computer or smartphone and an internet connection can now share their ideas, stories, and
talents with a global audience. Social media platforms, videosharing sites, and blogging platforms
have made it easier than ever for individuals to become content creators such as YouTube or TikTok.
One of the driving forces behind the rise of content creator jobs is the influencer phenomenon.
Influencers are individuals who have gathered a large following on social media platforms
and have the power to influence their audience’s purchasing decisions and opinions. Brands
are increasingly partnering with influencers for marketing campaigns, leading to profitable
opportunities for content creators.
Content creator jobs are often part of the gig economy, where individuals work on a project-by-
project basis or as freelancers. This flexibility appeals to many, as it allows for greater control over
one’s work and schedule. As content creation opportunities continue to grow, more people are
choosing to become full-time or part-time content creators.
Adapted from: [Link]
employment-flytant
1. Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a platform for content creators?
A. Social media platforms B. Video-sharing sites
C. Blogging platforms D. Radio broadcasting
2. The word "dramatic" in paragraph 1 is OPPOSITE in meaning to _______.
A. gradual B. sudden C. significant D. remarkable
3. The word "it" in paragraph 2 refers to _______.
A. The internet B. The creation and distribution of content
C. A computer or smartphone D. An internet connection
4. The word "viable" in paragraph 1 could be best replaced by _______.
A. difficult B. feasible C. uncommon D. temporary
5. Which of the following best paraphrases the underlined sentence in paragraph 3?
A. Influencers have a significant impact on consumer behavior.
B. Brands are trying to imitate influencers.
C. Influencers are not interested in working with brands.
D. Brands are reluctant to collaborate with influencers.
6. Which of the following is TRUE according to the passage?
Choosing a career path can feel like a daunting task. With so many options available, it's easy to
feel overwhelmed. However, by taking some time for self-reflection, you can discover a path that
aligns with your interests, skills, and values.
(I) A good starting point is to consider what you enjoy doing. (II) Perhaps you crave helping
others or working with your hands. (III) Identifying your natural strengths and preferences will help
narrow down potential careers. (IV)
Next, research different career options. Talk to professionals in fields that pique your interest.
Job shadowing or volunteering can also provide valuable insights into the day-to-day realities of
various professions. Consider the educational requirements and job outlook for different careers to
ensure a practical fit.
Remember, your career path doesn't have to be a straight line. Your interests and skills may
evolve over time, and that's perfectly okay! Many people change careers at some point in their
lives. The key is to be open to new opportunities and stay curious about the world of work. By taking a
proactive approach and focusing on self-discovery, you can find a career path that is both fulfilling and
rewarding.
(Adapted from
[Link])
1. Where in paragraph 2 does the following sentence best fit?
“Do you find yourself energized by creative tasks, or do you thrive in a more analytical
environment?”
A. [I] B. [II] C. [III] D. [IV]
2. The phrase “pique your interest” in paragraph 3 could be best replaced by _______.
A. reduce your interest B. arouse your curiosity C. confuse you D.
disappoint you
3. The word "their" in paragraph 4 refers to:
A. career paths B. interests and skills C. new opportunities D. people
4. According to paragraph 1, which of the following is NOT a factor to consider when choosing a
career?
A. Your interests B. Your skills C. Your salary expectations D. Your values
5. Which of the following best summarizes paragraph 2?
A. The importance of identifying your strengths and weaknesses.
B. The different types of work environments available.
C. How to find a job that matches your personality.
D. The importance of setting realistic career goals.
6. The word "pique" in paragraph 3 is OPPOSITE in meaning to:
A. diminish B. provoke C. burn up D. increase
7. Which of the following is TRUE according to the passage?
A. Choosing a career is a simple process.
B. It's important to ignore your interests when choosing a career.
C. Volunteering can help you gain valuable career insights.
D. You should only consider careers that offer high salaries.
8. Which of the following best paraphrases the underlined sentence in paragraph 4?
A. It's unusual for people to change their career paths.
B. It's acceptable if your career goals change over time.
C. You should avoid changing careers if possible.
D. It's crucial to stick to your chosen career path.
9. Which of the following can be inferred from the passage?
A. Self-reflection is an important step in the career decision-making process.
B. Most people find it easy to choose a career path.
C. It is important to ignore your interests when choosing a career.
D. All careers require the same skills and qualifications.
10. Which of the following best summarizes the passage?
A. The importance of finding a high-paying job.
B. The challenges of the modern job market.
C. Tips for choosing a fulfilling career path.
D. The benefits of pursuing a higher education.
During your last years of high school, it’s likely you’ll be confronted with two choices in regards
to further education: vocational education and higher education. While higher education, also known
as tertiary education, is the more common path to go down, vocational education and training is a
good alternative if you find that academia isn’t your strong suit.
Some people believe that those who choose vocational training will mean that you’re less likely to
find a high-paying job. This is incorrect. For students, vocational training is a way to find a job that
can offer an income just as high as any university graduate position - sometimes ever higher.
However, this obviously depends on which area you decide to go in. In fact, the labour market shows
that there is a high demand for technicians and people in the trade, since most high school graduates
go towards higher education institutions. In contrast, the number of people who go into vocational
training has remained steady for the past twenty years.
The courses in vocational training are generally shorter than university courses. Typically,
associate degrees take about two years full-time. It can even take as little as a year to complete.
Because of this, vocational students spend less money on their education than university students,
who spend four years on a bachelor’s degree on average.
(I) These courses also provide you with onsite training, which will give you the experience
employers crave. (II) A common complaint among university graduates is that they can’t find
jobs because they don’t have any experience yet. (III) With vocational training, you don’t have to
worry about that! In fact, you can get started right away as soon as you get your job. (IV) Because of
this, students who complete a vocational course have higher chances of getting a job compared to
university graduates.
Adapted from: [Link]
1. Where in paragraph 1 does the following sentence best fit?
“No on-the-job training required.”
A. [I] B. [II] C. [III] D. [IV]
2. The phrase “confronted with” in paragraph 1 could be best replaced by _______.
A. ignored B. faced with C. avoided D. dismissed
3. The word “this” in paragraph 2 refers to _______.
A. The belief that vocational training leads to low-paying jobs
B. The choice between vocational and higher education
C. Going to university
D. Finding a high-paying job
4. According to paragraph 2, which of the following is NOT a benefit of vocational training?
A. Higher earning potential compared to some university graduates
B. Lower tuition fees compared to university
C. Increased job security
D. A wider range of career options
5. Which of the following best summarizes paragraph 3?
A. The benefits of studying at a university.
B. The different types of vocational training courses available.
C. The cost and duration of vocational training programs.
D. The importance of choosing the right vocational course.
6. The word “crave” in paragraph 4 is OPPOSITE in meaning to _____.
A. desire B. need C. dislike D. want
7. Which of the following is TRUE according to the passage?
A. Vocational training is only suitable for students who are not academically inclined.
B. University graduates always have higher earning potential than vocational graduates.
C. Vocational training can lead to successful and fulfilling careers.
D. Most high school graduates choose vocational training over university.
8. Which of the following best paraphrases the underlined sentence in paragraph 4?
A. University graduates often lack practical work experience.
B. On-the-job training is not necessary for university graduates.
C. University graduates have more job opportunities than vocational graduates.
D. Most companies prefer to hire university graduates.
9. Which of the following can be inferred from the passage?
A. Vocational training is becoming increasingly popular.
B. The labor market has a high demand for university graduates.