©AP Illustration / Peter Hamlin
Pre-reading Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- What skills do you think are important for getting a good job?
- If you had an interview tomorrow, how would you prepare for it?
Vocabulary:
I will read the words, meanings, and sample sentences. Then, repeat after me.
- resilience /ri-ZIL-yuhns/
[noun] – the ability to be happy, successful, etc. again after something difficult or bad has happened
The village showed resilience after the flood destroyed many houses. - strategic /struh-TEE-jik/
[adjective] – helping to achieve a plan, usually in war, politics, or business
The team made a strategic plan to win the competition. - versatile /VUR-suh-tl/
[adjective] – able to change easily from one activity to another, or able to be used for many different purposes
A smartphone is versatile because it can take photos and send messages. - determined /dih-TUR-mind/
[adjective] – wanting to do something very much and not letting anyone stop you
She was determined to finish the race despite the rain. - resourceful /ri-SAWRS-fuhl/
[adjective] – able to find quick and clever ways to deal with problems or difficult situations
She was resourceful and repaired her bike with simple tools she found at home.
Article Reading:
Please read the whole article. Then, I will check your pronunciation and intonation.
A growing number of college graduates in the United States are struggling to enter the professional job market. Since the coronavirus pandemic, the unemployment rate among graduates aged 22 to 27 has stayed higher than the national average. Reports showed that many applicants sent hundreds of resumes but did not receive replies. Analysts explained that employers often favor experienced candidates because of fewer openings in a slow economy. One case is Stacey Watson, who completed internships and part-time roles but still failed to obtain a full-time position in publishing. Experts stated that this challenge reflects a wider employment problem, with economic uncertainty stopping companies from expanding.
Career advisors recommended steps that may increase opportunities for job seekers. Networking was identified as highly valuable, especially because artificial intelligence programs are now filtering applications. Graduates who used alumni groups, spreadsheets, and online platforms to connect with professionals eventually gained roles in advertising and music. Specialists also suggested virtual internships, which now simulate real tasks and strengthen applications. Experts stressed the importance of patience and flexibility, noting that job seekers must show resilience, apply strategic approaches, and remain versatile in different fields. They added that qualities like being determined and resourceful are crucial in today’s competitive market.
Career advisors recommended steps that may increase opportunities for job seekers. Networking was identified as highly valuable, especially because artificial intelligence programs are now filtering applications. Graduates who used alumni groups, spreadsheets, and online platforms to connect with professionals eventually gained roles in advertising and music. Specialists also suggested virtual internships, which now simulate real tasks and strengthen applications. Experts stressed the importance of patience and flexibility, noting that job seekers must show resilience, apply strategic approaches, and remain versatile in different fields. They added that qualities like being determined and resourceful are crucial in today’s competitive market.
Comprehension Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them based on the article.
- What group of people in the U.S. are having trouble finding jobs?
- Since when has the unemployment rate for graduates stayed higher than the national average?
- How many resumes did some applicants send without replies?
- Why do employers often favor experienced candidates?
- Who is Stacey Watson, and what job did she try to get?
Discussion Questions:
I will read each question. Then, please answer them.
- Have you ever applied for a job? If so, what job was it? If not, what job would you like?
- Have you ever asked someone for help in finding opportunities? If so, what happened? If not, who could you ask for help?
- Do you agree that networking is more important than sending many resumes?
- Why do you think companies prefer people with work experience instead of new graduates?
- How can artificial intelligence make it harder for graduates to get jobs?