APIEVocabulary and Pronunciation: Work and Careers
Work and careers
Answers and an explanation for each question appear once you add this activity to your own library.
Essential Workplace Vocabulary
Master 10 key professional words for hiring, career growth, and workplace balance.
How to Use This Lesson
Run this 20-minute flow in pairs or solo, guiding learners through table to speaking.
Check answers together with the instant reveal keys after each practice section.
First, read the word table and say each example aloud to link meaning and sound.
Next, complete the 16 practice puzzles and record your voice in the final shadowing stage.
📖 Target Vocabulary Bank (10 Words)
Study the three themes carefully before moving on to the practice exercises.
| Word | Meaning | Common Collocations | Word Forms | Example Sentence | Memory Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| vacancy (n) | An unoccupied job or post available for hire | advertise a vacancy, fill a vacancy | vacant (adj) | "The company posted an urgent vacancy for a lead accountant." | Think of a "vacant" hotel room ready for someone new. |
| applicant (n) | A person who formally applies for something, especially a job | successful applicant, external applicant | apply (v), application (n) | "Over fifty applicants sent their resumes before the deadline." | The person who fills out the application. |
| qualification (n) | An official record or skill showing you can do a job | gain qualifications, formal qualification | qualify (v), qualified (adj) | "Her teaching qualification opened doors to international schools." | Proof that you "qualify" for the task. |
| recruit (v) | To actively seek out and hire new employees | recruit new staff, recruit actively | recruitment (n) | "The technology firm aims to recruit twenty coders this summer." | Similar to bringing new members into a sports squad. |
| Word | Meaning | Common Collocations | Word Forms | Example Sentence | Memory Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| promotion (n) | A move up to a more senior, higher-paid position | win a promotion, earn a promotion | promote (v) | "His dedication earned him a rapid promotion to branch manager." | Moving "forward" (pro-) up the workplace ladder. |
| career (n) | A profession or life's work followed through many years | build a career, pursue a career | – | "She built a remarkable career in renewable energy research." | A long road or vehicle track across your working life. |
| overtime (n) | Time worked beyond one's regular contract hours | do overtime, work overtime | – | "He put in ten hours of overtime to ensure the release was ready." | Working "over" your normal clock time. |
| Word | Meaning | Common Collocations | Word Forms | Example Sentence | Memory Tip |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| workload (n) | The total amount of work allocated to a person or team | heavy workload, manageable workload | – | "The team struggled because their daily workload was unbearable." | Imagine a literal heavy backpack full of tasks. |
| flexible (adj) | Able to adapt easily to different times or requirements | flexible hours, flexible working | flexibility (n), flexibly (adv) | "Offering flexible hours improved morale and cut down on burnout." | Bends easily like a ruler without snapping. |
| resign (v) | To voluntarily announce that you are leaving your job | hand in one's resignation, resign from | resignation (n) | "She chose to resign to start her own independent agency." | Sign your departure letter and say goodbye. |
✏️ Practice Exercises (16 Items)
Complete each activity below to test your understanding of collocations, definitions, nuances, and word grammar.
Which verb pairs naturally with each noun phrase?
Select the one verb column that fits the given workplace phrase.
Office Conversation Fill-in
Choose the correct word from the word bank to complete each sentence.
5. "Our company allows ____ hours, so parents can start earlier or later in the day."
6. "He stayed late at the office all week and was compensated well for working ____."
7. "The manager brought in freelance contractors to ease the heavy ____ on the engineering staff."
8. "Choosing to obtain an MBA helped him build a distinguished international ____."
Select the Best Word
All options may look similar, but only one is the standard, natural professional fit.
9. Following disagreement over corporate strategy, the director formally decided to ___ from her post.
10. The hospital announced an immediate ___ for a pediatric nurse on their job board.
11. Her strong sales record resulted in a fast ___ to head of customer operations.
12. Each job ___ was required to submit a portfolio alongside three references.
Transform the Word in Brackets
Write the exact grammatical form needed for the context (noun, adjective, etc.).
13. The corner office remained ___ for two months before a new partner arrived. (VACANCY)
14. She is fully ___ to manage international compliance audits. (QUALIFICATION)
15. The remote work policy provides greater ___ for busy parents. (FLEXIBLE)
16. The CEO accepted his letter of ___ with deep regret. (RESIGN)
🎙️ Shadowing & Speech Recording (12 Items)
Listen to each prompt using the audio icon, then tap the record button to speak it clearly.
A Key Workplace Collocations
"fill a vacancy"
[Bài tập luyện nói]
____"earn a promotion"
[Bài tập luyện nói]
____"heavy workload"
[Bài tập luyện nói]
____"flexible hours"
[Bài tập luyện nói]
____B Target Sentence Practice
"We need to recruit three experienced designers for the autumn project."
[Bài tập luyện nói]
____"Working overtime every single weekend is not a healthy routine."
[Bài tập luyện nói]
____"He decided to change his career path and pursue data analysis."
[Bài tập luyện nói]
____"She planned to resign from her position."
[Bài tập luyện nói]
____C Complex Sentence Rhythm
"Flexible hours help employees manage their heavy workload."
[Bài tập luyện nói]
____"Continuous learning helps you secure a future promotion."
[Bài tập luyện nói]
____D Target Syllable Focus
qual-i-fi-CA-tion
Focus on the primary stress on the fourth syllable.
[Bài tập luyện nói]
____AP-pli-cant
Pronounce the final /t/ cleanly without dropping it.
[Bài tập luyện nói]
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