This Sample belongs to the Workplace Survival Category/Section of the IELTS exam. This category contains passages for reading that are meant to test basic English language skills required in a professional environment. The passages may include job descriptions, appointment letters, training materials, on-the-job technical course handouts, company statutory documents and so on.

• These documents are usually more elaborate and come with a huge amount of information/instructions.

• The tone is generally formal and sometimes the language may be legal.

• Readers are expected to read carefully and note important points while understanding the context.

• It is a useful practice to systematically stack or group the information sets and remember where they appear in the document since these passages will require re-reading while writing answers.

The passage here is an appointment letter offered by University XYZ for the position of Research Assistantship in the department of Biotechnology.

The key points in the Appointment Letter are:

1. Jordan Washington has been offered the position of Research Assistant on the basis of his application and under various conditions.

2. Key benefits that he will receive include a stipend of USD3000 split and paid bi-weekly, affordable boarding and lodging at the university campus, and individual health insurance.

3. Key responsibilities for the position include developing expertise in the field, maintaining sincerity and following laboratory protocols, and actively participating in departmental educational initiatives--within the university and also in case of collaborative projects involving other universities and corporate stakeholders.

4. Mandatory conditions for final appointment are: accepting the offer, submitting all necessary documents for scrutiny, carrying valid work authorisation and a positive background report by university appointed agency.

Q1. Complete the following statement on the basis of the information available in the above passage:

Jordan Washington has been _______________a position of ______________ in the _______________ of the _____________.

C) offered, Research Assistant, Centre of Biotechnology, University of XYZ

Q2. Evaluate the following statements and respond with “True” or “False”:

1. Jordan Washington has to accept the offer of research assistantship to be eligible for appointment.

2. The grant for the position is USD3000 a month, to be paid bi-weekly.

3. Apart from research grant, Jordan is also entitled to individual health insurance.

4. The total period of the project is four years.

A) All statements are True

Q3. Complete the following sentence using appropriate words:

The day-to-day engagements of a Research Assistant will include:

____________ assigned experimental activities, _____________ detailed, well drafted laboratory notebook, __________ all safety protocols of the laboratory.

B) performing, maintaining, following

Q4. What are the preconditions associated to a successful appointment for the position?

C) Proof of valid work visa, Positive background report, Verification of documents by University representative

Q5. A word that means “official rules,” “conventions,” “designated procedures” is_________________

D) Protocol

Q6. Synonyms for “interfacing” are:

B) Interacting, Collaborating

Q7. Complete the following information:

The stipend offered by the University for the position is to fund: __________, ____________, and _____________.

A) Tuition Fees, Accommodation and Boarding

Q8. The University has requested Jordan to ‘endorse and return’ the appointment letter as soon as possible. What does this mean?

D) Jordan must send an ‘acceptance and acknowledgement’ of the letter.