©AP Illustration / Peter Hamlin
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- indispensable /in-di-SPEN-suh-buhl/
[adjective] – something or someone that is indispensable is so good or important that you could not manage without it, him, or her
Teamwork is indispensable for success in a big project. - tenacious /tuh-NEY-shuhs/
[adjective] – holding tightly onto something, or keeping an opinion in a determined way
She is tenacious and never gives up on her goals. - efficacious /ef-i-KEY-shuhs/
[adjective] – able to produce the intended result
The new medicine was efficacious in reducing pain. - discernment /dih-SURN-muhnt/
[noun] – the ability to judge people and things well
Her discernment helped her choose the best option. - fortitude /FAWR-ti-tood/
[noun] – courage over a long period of time, especially in dealing with pain or difficulty
The soldier showed fortitude in facing danger calmly.
Article Reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
A growing number of young graduates in the United States are struggling to enter the professional labor market. Since the coronavirus pandemic, the unemployment rate for college graduates aged 22 to 27 has exceeded the overall national rate. Many degree holders have reported sending hundreds of applications without receiving positive replies. Economic specialists have explained that companies prefer experienced candidates because job openings remain limited in a stagnant market. For example, 28-year-old Stacey Watson has completed several internships and part-time roles but still remains without a full-time position in publishing. Experts emphasized that this situation reflects a broader structural problem rather than individual failure, with economic uncertainty discouraging employers from adding staff.
Career advisors recommend strategies that can improve opportunities for job seekers. Networking has been identified as a valuable approach, especially as artificial intelligence is increasingly used to filter resumes. Building professional relationships through internships, alumni groups, or part-time jobs can create access to interviews. Successful examples include candidates who used spreadsheets and social platforms to maintain contacts, eventually securing roles in industries such as music and advertising. Specialists also encouraged adaptability, noting that virtual internships now simulate workplace tasks and help candidates gain experience. While the process is demanding, experts believe persistence is vital. The ability to adjust to technological change and to cast a wider net across industries may lead to future opportunities. For many young graduates, the search requires resilience, patience, and confidence that their skills remain indispensable, tenacious, and efficacious. Analysts added that a capacity for discernment and fortitude will remain essential qualities in navigating the present employment landscape.
Career advisors recommend strategies that can improve opportunities for job seekers. Networking has been identified as a valuable approach, especially as artificial intelligence is increasingly used to filter resumes. Building professional relationships through internships, alumni groups, or part-time jobs can create access to interviews. Successful examples include candidates who used spreadsheets and social platforms to maintain contacts, eventually securing roles in industries such as music and advertising. Specialists also encouraged adaptability, noting that virtual internships now simulate workplace tasks and help candidates gain experience. While the process is demanding, experts believe persistence is vital. The ability to adjust to technological change and to cast a wider net across industries may lead to future opportunities. For many young graduates, the search requires resilience, patience, and confidence that their skills remain indispensable, tenacious, and efficacious. Analysts added that a capacity for discernment and fortitude will remain essential qualities in navigating the present employment landscape.
Discussion Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever applied for many jobs before? If so, how did you feel? If not, how do you think it feels?
- Have you joined an internship or part-time job? If so, what did you learn? If not, what kind of job would you try?
- Do you agree that technology makes finding jobs more difficult for new graduates?
- What are the advantages and disadvantages of companies preferring experienced workers?
- How can young graduates show that their skills are indispensable in a competitive market?
Summarization:
Please summarize the whole article using your own words and expressions. You will have one minute to prepare before you answer.
Describe:
Please explain the definition of each word listed below based on your understanding. You can provide example sentences if needed.
- graduate
- overall
- situation
- job seeker
- internship