Learning English with CBC Edmonton Monthly …Skim and scan to answer true false questions about a reading Using information in a text to answer multiple choice and short answer questions

© CBC 2012 Permission is granted reproduction of these pages for educational purposes only. For more information on copyright please see http://www.cbc.ca/permissions/

1

Learning English with CBC

Edmonton

Monthly feature story:

Workplace appreciation

February 2013 Lesson plans created by Justine Light

http://www.cbc.ca/edmonton/learning‐english/ www.alberta.ca


2

Feature Story Objectives

Workplace appreciation

CLB competency outcomes Listening: Reading: Speaking: Writing:

L: Recognise main ideas and subordinate ideas and infer unstated information R: Identify purpose, main ideas and key details in an extended text S: (knowledge and strategies) Produce intelligible and communicatively effective pronunciation W: Develop ability to reproduce and summarize information when taking notes

Language skills Vocabulary: Use vocabulary words in context

Grammar: Understand word forms and word families

Pronunciation: Identify correct patterns of pronunciation – syllable stress

Language Activities (in order of appearance in materials)

Answering discussion questions about a short background text on Dragons’ Den Completing pre‐listening activities to build vocabulary and prepare learners for audio Listening to audio to identify facts and details Listening to audio to develop listening strategies to identify which speaker made which comments Identifying different syllable stress Analysing word families Skim and scan to answer true false questions about a reading

Using information in a text to answer multiple choice and short answer questions & understand implied meaning Taking notes from a written text


3

Introduction

Background Reading: In her interview, Margot Ross Graham mentions the Canadian TV show, Dragons’ Den. Here is some background information on the show. Visit the CBC website below to find out more about the show.

Dragons’ Den ‐ CBC TV (Taken from http://www.cbc.ca/dragonsden/about.html )

Launching a business is no small task. No matter how big an idea you think you have, it still takes a lot of work and a ton of cash. Enter the Dragons' Den, where hopeful business people describe their business concepts and products to a group of Canadian business moguls who have the cash and the know‐how make it happen. They've all been there themselves, so you better not walk into the Den unprepared. It takes more than passion to convince these boardroom giants that your idea is worth their attention. The Dragons are ruthless and rightly so ‐ it's their own personal money on the line.

Frequently asked questions about Dragon’s Den (Taken from the CBC website: http://www.cbc.ca/dragonsden/faq.html )

When does Dragons' Den air? Dragons' Den airs Wednesday at 8 PM on CBC Television. I missed the show, where can I watch it? If you missed an episode of Dragons' Den, you can watch full episodes online or download Dragons' Den from iTunes. How do I apply to be on Dragons' Den? Applications are currently closed. If Dragons' Den returns for another season, applications will open in early 2013. Please watch our website for more information. How do I pitch to the Dragons? You have to apply for the show. As applications are currently closed, this opportunity is unavailable for the time being.

Is Dragons' Den on Facebook? Yes! Click here to become a fan of Dragons' Den on Facebook. This is the official fan page set up by CBC and we post information about our series there. Food for thought

Have you ever seen the show, Dragon’s Den? If so, who is your favourite Dragon? Do you have a

good idea for making money?


4

The Audio

In this audio, you will hear CBC journalist Rick Harp in conversation with Human Resources expert, Margot Ross Graham, discussing the importance of showing appreciation in the workplace.

CBC file photo

Before you listen:

Can you remember a time when your boss or co‐worker showed you appreciation for your work? How did this make you feel?

WORKPLACE APPRECIATION 0:00 Rick It’s time for our workplace column and this week Margot Ross Graham our workplace

columnist is going to offer us a crash course in hug‐a‐nomics – a bit of a mixed metaphor there. She’s here to tell us how supporting your co‐workers isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s a potent recipe for greater productivity. Good Morning, Margot.


5


6

Pre‐listening vocabulary

The words below are from the audio. The definitions are next to the words. Read the definitions then complete the sentences.

WORD DEFINITION

1. metaphor (noun) a way of describing something by comparing it with something else which is similar

2. potent (adjective) having a strong effect

3. karma (noun) the Buddhist belief that everything you do will come back to you

4. driving (verb) to push something forward or to a higher level

5. sucking up (verb) to try to please someone by agreeing with them or doing things to please them

6. engagement (noun) holding someone’s attention or focus

7. rating (noun) a measurement of how good, difficult, valuable something or someone is

8. prevailing (adjective) a common, popular belief or set of ideas

9. bottom line (noun) A company’s profits or losses

10. perception (noun) What you think or believe about someone or something

11. ticked off (phrasal verb, informal)

To make someone angry

12. count on (phrasal verb) To trust or rely on someone

13. chip in (phrasal verb, informal)

To give something, such as money or time, to help a person or a group

14. clichéd (adjective) a comment that is very often made and is therefore not original and not interesting

15. authenticity The quality of being real or true


7

Use the vocabulary words on the previous page to complete the following sentences.

(Answers can be found in the appendix.)

1. ____________________ is very important to me; I can tell when someone is faking their

appreciation.

2. I believe in ____________________ so I always try to be a good person.

3. I can always ____________________my friend to take care of my cat when I go on vacation.

4. I used a ____________________ in my English paper when I wrote that, “friendship is a gift

that you can enjoy every day.”

5. No‐one likes a student who ____________________ to the teacher.

6. Over the phone we gave a ____________________ for how satisfied we were with the

customer service given by the furniture store.

7. She is the team member who is ____________________ us to give better customer service.

8. Some people have a ____________________ that winters are becoming milder these days.

9. That medicine is very ____________________ so be careful to take the correct dose.

10. The ____________________ belief among students is that the final exams are too difficult in

her course.

11. The company is concerned about the____________________ because their sales have

dropped this year.

12. The woman was really ____________________ when the bus did not wait for her as she ran

towards the stop.

13. There is always a high level of student ____________________ in her classes because the

activities are so interesting.

14. To say “time is money” is really ____________________ and doesn't explain workplace

relationships these days.

15. We all ____________________to get our friend a wedding gift.


8

Listening for meaning

Read the following statements about workplace appreciation. Circle whether statements are

true or false, according to the audio.

1. There is a connection between treating employees with respect and increased profits.

True or False

2. A hug is never appropriate in the workplace.

True or False

3. Some people believe that in the workplace all that matters is profits and showing

appreciation is not relevant.

True or False

4. Employees who are frustrated with co‐workers are likely to work harder.

True or False

5. Co‐workers will be able to recognise if your appreciation is fake.

True or False

6. If employers show that they care about employees, those employees will likely take on extra

duties to return their appreciation to employers.

True or False



9

Listening strategies – Who said what?

Listen to the podcast again

The goal of the listening strategies section of the monthly feature lesson is to help you to improve your listening skills for all listening situations– not just this audio.

Can you keep track of who said what? What did journalist, Rick Harp say, and what did Human Resources expert, Margot Ross Graham, say? Put a check mark in the column for what Rick said, in the column for what Margot said, and a check mark in both columns for what they both said.

Comment Rick Harp – Journalist Human Resources

expert – Margot Ross

Graham

There is a link between profits and showing

employees that they are appreciated.

Nice guys finish last in the workplace.

Research shows that if employees feel like

someone cares about them the companies

they work for will be more profitable.

A hug can be an appropriate way to show

appreciation in the workplace.

Showing appreciation is not part of the

culture of profits in the workplace.

Appreciating your employees is as

important as providing good customer

service.

If team members help you out on

challenging projects, you will be likely to

look for ways to help others.

It is important to remember that people will

notice if your appreciation seems fake.


10

Building Speaking Skills:

Syllable Stress in Words

If you are trying to improve your pronunciation, one of the most important things to focus on is stress

in words with more than one syllable.

Listen to the clip below. Pay attention to the words that are underlined.

MARGOT I’m not sure if it’s a barrier but what I think would help them get to that place is

authenticity. And so be authentic with your caring and be authentic, people can see

through crap. You caught me this morning when I told you, you were such a nice guy,

that’s why you are where you are today, but they can see through weak words or

flowered up. What they want to know is that you do care for the people that you

work with. And so, the barrier I would have is don’t fake it; be honest, be open and it

comes to you. You will know when is the right time to recognize somebody and it will

be the right thing and they’ll know and feel good about it.

4:07


11

Now try to put the underlined words into the proper category based on how many syllables each word has. There are some examples words from the audio to help you.

Now, listen to the passage again. Decide which syllable in each word receives the most stress. The stressed syllable will sound longer and louder than the other syllables. You may need to listen to the audio several times, and pause it in places to give you time to write down the answer.

Look at the chart on the previous again and underline the syllable in each word that receives the most stress.

Now practice saying the words with the correct stress. It sometimes helps to tap the syllables with your finger. When you feel ready, play the introduction again, and speak along with announcer. Try to sound as much like him as possible.

2 Syllables 3 Syllables 4/5 Syllables

pro/cess

met/a/phor

ac/tu/al/ly


12

Grammar Activity – Word families The Oxford Dictionary recently noted that the English language has more words than any other

modern language.1 However, many of these words belong to related families of words, for

example, quick, quickly, quicker, quickest, quickness.

Understanding how one word ‘meaning’ can be seen in many word forms from the same family

can really help expand your vocabulary.

The suffix –ly usually shows an adverb, the suffixes –ness, & ‐ance usually show a noun, ‐ful, ‐ant

usually show an adjective. Do you know any other word parts?

If not, do you know how to use the dictionary to find the related words?

In a dictionary, the word is followed by the part of speech it represents:

• Quick/ adj./ ‐er/‐est

• Quickly/adv/

The following words are taken from the audio. Do you know the other commonly used word

forms from the same family?

Can you figure it out without using a dictionary?

1. productivity (noun) adjective ________________

2. expressed (verb pp) adjective ________________ noun ________________

3. profitability (noun) adjective ________________ noun ________________

4. recognize (verb) noun ________________ adverb ________________

5. perception (noun) verb ________________ adjective ________________

6. organization (noun) verb ________________

7. respectfully (adverb) adjective ________________ verb ________________

8. frustrated (adjective) verb ________________ adjective ________________

9. authenticity (noun) adjective ________________ adverb ________________

10. caring (adjective) verb ________________ noun ________________

11. honest (adjective) adverb ________________ noun ________________

(Answers can be found in the appendix)

1 http://oxforddictionaries.com/page/englishmostwords


13

Reading Activity

Pre‐reading vocabulary

The following vocabulary activity will help you to understand the reading below. Match each word

to its correct definition. The first one is done for you. (Answers can be found in the appendix.)

1. generation B A. to think something is true without knowing if it is

2. acurately B. people in society who are approximately the same age

3. ring true C. the employer is flexible about working hours, as long as the work is done.

4. tends D. correctly or exactly

5. pursue E. to often to do something

6. resent F. to seem to be the truth

7. flex (time) G. to question something you believe

8. challenge H. work hard over a long period of time to achieve a goal

9. assume I. feelings of strong support for someone or something

10. loyalty J. to feel angry or upset about what someone has done

11. dedication K. feelings of strong support for someone or something

12. diversity L. Having people who are from difference cultures, generations etc.


14

Reading Activity ‐ Alberta Learning Information Service ‐ Tip Sheets

Bridging the Generation Gap at Work

If you look around your workplace, chances are you’ll see people of many different ages representing several generations. Sometimes, when co‐workers have trouble getting along, the gaps or differences between their generations may be contributing to the problem. See if you can spot the generation gaps in the following stories:

Matt, 36, is a manager of a home building company. George, 68, is a construction foreman who supervises several projects. Matt has tried everything he can think of to get George to send in his daily progress reports electronically. Most recently, he’s given George a smart phone. George feels he can write his reports faster and more accurately by hand. He drives them over to the main office by 5:30 p.m. each afternoon. “That’s great,” says Matt, “except I have to pick my kids up at daycare by 6 p.m.” “Back in my day, the boss was the last to leave,” says George.

Deb, 51, and Brittany, 24, are co-workers whose supervisor has asked them to apply for the same promotion. Deb is surprised that Brittany is even being considered for the job. “She’s almost never in on time and she’s always leaving early,” complains Deb. “She missed the last team-building weekend because she was performing in a play.” “I do a lot of work from home. If I get the job done, should it matter when or where I do it?” asks Brittany. “Deb wants that promotion way too much. It’s like work is her whole life.”

The people in these stories represent the four distinct generations that make up today’s Canadian workforce—Matt is a Generation Xer, George is a Veteran, Deb is a Baby Boomer and Brittany is a Millennial. Each generation has been shaped by a different set of experiences and, as a result, has a certain set of values. One generation may not understand why another’s values seem to be so different.

Whether you’re young or old, it’s worth making the effort to understand your co‐workers. Figuring out which generation you belong to is a good place to start. Look at the following table to see where you fit in. How many of the descriptions ring true for you and for your co‐workers of different ages? Keep in mind that every description may not apply to each individual.

Who are you?

You’re a… Veteran, Traditionalist, Silent Generation

Baby Boomer, Boomer

Generation X Millennial, Generation Y, Gen Why? Echo Boomer

If you were born… before 1945 between 1946 and 1964

between 1964 and 1980

since 1980

You’re shaped by… World War II, the Depression,

television, the Cold War, student activism,

the energy crisis, technology’s first wave,

explosion of technology and media,


15

traditional family youth culture, FLQ crisis, feminism, space travel, stay‐at‐home moms

fall of the Berlin Wall, music videos, AIDS, working mothers (latchkey kids), rising divorce rates

9‐11, Columbine shootings, multiculturalism, variety of family structures

You value… respect, loyalty, experience

standing out, recognition, competition, independence, hard work

flexibility, honesty, feedback, work‐life balance

strong leadership, concern for community, structure, fair play, diversity

On the job you are… a disciplined, hard worker who appreciates order and a job well done

a driven, service‐oriented team player who doesn’t want to be micromanaged. You live to work.

independent, self‐reliant, unimpressed by authority and focused on self‐development. You work to live.

self‐confident, competent, optimistic, out‐spoken and collaborative

Your career motto is… Seek job security. Education plus hard work equals success.

Invest in portable career skills.

Multi‐track or die!

Looking at the gaps

How do the differences between generations show up in the workplace? Check out the following examples.

Hours of work Each generation tends to have a different approach to hours of work:

• If you’re a Veteran, you turn up when the boss says you should and work until the project is finished. • If you’re a Boomer, you tend to work all the time. You come in early and stay late. • If you’re a Gen Xer, you work hard to complete projects but when you’re not needed, you want to be free to

pursue your life outside of work. • If you’re a Millennial, you see your job as something you do between weekends or between your other jobs.

Recognition and rewards Each generation tends to value different kinds of recognition and rewards:

• If you’re a Veteran, you tend to prefer security, pensions, bonuses and recognition for a job well done. • If you’re a Boomer, chances are you prefer promotion and increased income. • If you’re a Gen Xer, you tend to prefer time off rather than a bonus. • If you’re a Millennial, you’re confident about your own abilities, value visibility and close interaction with

leaders in the organization. You’d like to work on a top‐level team doing a project you believe in


16

Given these differences, it’s not surprising that Veterans and Boomers might resent or mistrust Gen Xers and Millennials who flex their hours or seem to be away from the workplace a lot. On the other hand, Gen Xers and Millennials may think Veterans and Boomers are inflexible, “married” to their jobs and unwilling to ask for what they need.

The gaps aren’t just between the older and younger generations—Gen Xers may find Millennials’ desire for meaningful work and close relationship with an organization’s leaders unrealistic. And Millennials may mistake Gen Xers’ casual attitude toward authority as disrespect for the leadership Millennials value.

Closing the gaps

Use the following suggestions to help you get along with co‐workers of different generations:

Be self‐aware.

Think about how people from different generations may view your behaviour and pay attention to your own beliefs and values. For example, Boomers have had to work many long, hard hours in order to stand out among the huge numbers of their generation in the workforce. Gen Xers and Millennials may think that Boomers don’t care about life outside of work because they are focusing on the Boomers’ behaviour rather than the forces that shaped it.

On the other hand, Gen Xers entered the workforce during a time when organizations were downsizing and restructuring. They’ve learned to rely on themselves and to place a high value on their life outside of work. Veterans and Boomers who kept their jobs during the restructuring handled the situation by working harder. To them, Gen Xers may appear too focused on the “life” side of the work‐life balance.

Keep an open mind.

Challenge what you assume. For example, the Veteran who wears a business suit and seems uncomfortable with technology may be highly creative. The Gen Xer who leaves early and files reports from home may not be out partying all night but may be sharing child care with a spouse.

Focus on the goal.

If everyone on the team does their share, it may not matter whether Veterans work at their desks during office hours, whether Boomers work after hours, whether Gen Xers work at home on the weekend or whether Millennials work on smart phones in cafés.

Value diversity.

Accept each generation’s different experiences and ways of seeing things. Veterans and Boomers have the kind of experience that comes from years in the workforce—they really have seen it all. Gen Xers and Millennials can benefit from their experience.

Gen Xers have developed the skills to be independent and self‐directed. Millennials learned their teamwork skills in daycare. Both have grown up working and playing with technology, from touch screen tablets to social networking. Millennials and Gen Xers use all available technology effortlessly to work at any time, from anywhere. What may


17

sometimes look like arrogance is more likely competence and confidence—Veterans and Boomers can benefit by recognizing the difference.

Support and learn from each other.

Co‐workers from each generation have a lot to offer each other. For example, Gen Xers and Millennials can share their technology skills with Boomers and Veterans. The older generations can mentor the younger.

Each generation has something to contribute:

Veterans’ loyalty

Boomers’ dedication to a goal

Gen X‐ers’ work‐life balance

Millennials’ comfort with diversity

Discover common interests.

Sports, hobbies, films, favourite TV shows, volunteering—people from different generations may share more interests than they realize. What starts out as small talk in the coffee room can develop into an understanding of a different point of view or a chance to explore a new skill.

Veterans, Boomers, Gen Xers and Millennials all bring a wide range of skills, outlooks and experiences to the workplace. When generations recognize and respect their differences, they stay open to the opportunity to learn from each other.

http://alis.alberta.ca/ep/eps/tips/tips.html?EK=7380


18

Reading Strategies

The goal of the reading strategies section of the monthly feature lesson is to help you to become a better

reader of all reading texts – not just this text. Give yourself a maximum of seven minutes to read the West

Bridging the generation gap at work text – you will have to skim over the words quickly and move on even

when you don't quite understand. Look for the main ideas, focus on topic sentences and skip the examples

and concentrate on the content words.

Try to answer these true‐false questions from your speed‐reading of the ALIS tip sheet on the previous

pages.

True False

Four distinct generations make up the

workforce in Canada today.

Each generation has a different set of

values.

Veterans focus on flex time.

Baby boomers work all the time.

Gen –Xers value work‐life balance.

Millennials prefer time off to a bonus.

Veterans can be valued for their loyalty.

Boomers can be valued for their comfort

with diversity.



19

Reading for meaning Answer the following questions about the reading, Bridging the Generation Gap at Work.

Circle the best answer.

1. Veterans were born a. before 1945 b. between 1946 and 1964 c. between 1965 and 1980 d. It isn’t possible to tell from this reading.

2. The most important events that shaped the values of baby boomers include

a. World War II, the Depression. b. the Cold War, stay‐at‐home moms. c. AIDS, working mothers. d. It isn’t possible to tell from this reading..

3. Gen Xers value the following things in the workplace

a. strong leadership, fair play, diversity. b. flexibility, honesty, work‐life balance. c. respect, loyalty, experience. d. It isn’t possible to say from this reading.

4. Which statement is the most accurate, according to the information in the reading

a. In general, people from different generations understand each other’s values. b. In general, people from different generations do not always understand each

other’s values. c. In general, people from different generations appreciate each other’s values. d. None of these statements are accurate.

Write the answer

5. Look at the story of Deb and Brittany at the start of the reading. Using your own words try to explain how the generation gap can help us to understand their challenges working together.


20

Writing Activity – Note taking

Look at the reading text above. Often when you are doing research in college or university, you will need to take notes from a written text. It is important not to copy the text word for word.

Use the table below to guide your note taking from the text. Sometimes you will identify the main idea from the text, or you will find an example from the text that supports the stated main idea.

(Example answer in the appendix)

Main idea Example

There are currently four main

generational groups in the

Canadian workplace.

‐

‐

‐

‐

Characteristics of generation X ‐

‐

‐

‐

‐

Attitudes about hours of work

vary across the different

generational groups.

Veterans –

Boomers –

Gen‐Xers ‐

Millenials ‐

Attitudes about rewards and

recognition vary across the

different generational groups.

Veterans –

Boomers –

Gen‐Xers ‐


21

Millenials ‐

Closing the gap ‐ • Be self‐aware

•

•

•

•

Veterans – loyalty

Boomers – dedication

Gen‐ Xers – work life balance

Millenials – Comfort with diversity


22

Links

Links to the community

For more information about the generation gap in the workplace: http://alis.alberta.ca/ep/eps/tips/tips.html?EK=7380

For information about working in Canada for immigrants from the Government of Canada:

http://www.workingincanada.gc.ca/home‐eng.do?lang=eng

For access to the Canadian Government Job Bank:

http://www.jobbank.gc.ca/intro‐eng.aspx

Links for language learning

Various exercises developed with Carleton University Applied Linguistics. Choose clips based

on your interest in a topic or on the level of difficulty. The lessons in this website are aimed

at a range of English second language learners, so look at the levels indicated in each lesson.

http://www.cbc.ca/ottawa/esl/lessons.html

For more information about programs and materials at the Edmonton Public Library to help

ESL learners:

http://www.epl.ca/interests/multicultural/ell

For more information about programs and materials at the Calgary Public Library to help

new Canadians:

http://calgarypubliclibrary.com/services/new‐canadians


23

Appendix ‐ Answer Keys

Pre‐listening vocabulary

1. Authenticity is very important to me; I can tell when someone is faking their

appreciation.

2. I believe in karma so I always try to be a good person.

3. I can always count on my friend to take care of my cat when I go on vacation.

4. I used a metaphor in my English paper when I wrote that, “friendship is a gift that you

can enjoy every day.”

5. No‐one likes a student who sucks up to the teacher.

6. Over the phone we gave a rating for how satisfied we were with the customer service

given by the furniture store.

7. She is the team member who is driving us to give better customer service.

8. Some people have a perception that winters are becoming milder these days.

9. That medicine is very potent so be careful to take the correct dose.

10. The prevailing belief among students is that the final exams are too difficult in her

course.

11. The company is concerned about the bottom line because their sales have dropped this

year.

12. The woman was really ticked off when the bus did not wait for her as she ran towards

the stop.

13. There is always a high level of student engagement in her classes because the activities

are so interesting.

14. To say “time is money” is really clichéd and doesn't explain workplace relationships

these days.

15. We all chipped in to get our friend a wedding gift.

Listening for meaning

1. There is a connection between treating employees with respect and increased profits.

True


24

2. A hug is never appropriate in the workplace.

False

3. Some people believe that in the workplace all that matters is profits and showing

appreciation is not relevant.

True

4. Employees who are frustrated with co‐workers are likely to work harder.

False

5. Co‐workers will be able to recognise if your appreciation is fake.

True

6. If employers show that they care about employees, those employees will likely take on

extra duties to return their appreciation to employers.

True

Listening strategies –

Comment Rick Harp – Journalist Human Resources

expert – Margot Ross

Graham

There is a link between profits and showing

employees that they are appreciated.

✔

Nice guys finish last in the workplace. ✔

Research shows that if employees feel like

someone cares about them the companies

✔


25

they work for will be more profitable.

A hug can be an appropriate way to show

appreciation in the workplace.

✔

Showing appreciation is not part of the

culture of profits in the workplace.

✔

Appreciating your employees is as

important as providing good customer

service.

✔

If team members help you out on

challenging projects, you will be likely to

look for ways to help others.

✔

It is important to remember that people will

notice if your appreciation seems fake.

✔

Building Speaking Skills:

2 Syllables 3 Syllables 4/5 Syllables

pro/cess

car/ing

mor/ning

met/a/phor

ba/rri/er

au/then/tic

re/cog/nize

some/bo/dy

ac/tu/al/ly

au/then/ti/ci/ty


26

Grammar Activity –

1. productivity (noun) adjective productive

2. expressed (verb pp) adjective expressive noun expression

3. profitability (noun) adjective profitable noun profit

4. recognize (verb) noun recognition adverb recognizably

5. perception (noun) verb perceive adjective perceptive

6. organization (noun) verb organize

7. respectfully (adverb) adjective respectful verb respect

8. frustrated (adjective) verb frustrate adjective frustrating

9. authenticity (noun) adjective authentic adverb authentically

10. caring (adjective) verb care noun care

11. honest (adjective) adverb honestly noun honesty

(Answers can be found in the appendix)

Reading – Pre‐ reading vocabulary

1. generation B A. to think something is true without knowing if it is

2. accurately D B. people in society who are approximately the same age

3. ring true F C. choosing time to start and finish work

4. tends E D. correct or exact

5. pursue H E. to often to do something

6. resent J F. to seem to be the truth

7. flex (time) C G. to question something you believe

8. challenge G H. do something over a long period of time

9. assume A I. feelings of strong support for someone or something

10. loyalty I/K J. to feel angry or upset about what someone has done

11. dedication I/K K. feelings of strong support for someone or


27

something 12. diversity L L. Having people who are from difference

cultures, generations etc.

Reading Strategies

True False

Four distinct generations make up the

workforce in Canada today. ✔

Each generation has a different set of

values. ✔

Veterans prefer to work with flex time. ✔

Baby boomers work all the time. ✔

Gen –Xers value work‐life balance. ✔

Millennials prefer time off to a bonus. ✔

Veterans can be valued for their loyalty. ✔

Boomers can be valued for their comfort

with diversity. ✔

Reading for meaning

1. Veterans were born a. before 1945 b. between 1946 and 1964 c. between 1965 and 1980 d. It isn’t possible to tell from this reading.

2. The most important events that shaped the values of baby boomers include

a. World War II, the Depression. b. the Cold War, stay‐at‐home moms. c. AIDS, working mothers.


28

d. It isn’t possible to tell from this reading..

3. Gen Xers value the following things in the workplace a. strong leadership, fair play, diversity. b. flexibility, honesty, work‐life balance. c. respect, loyalty, experience. d. It isn’t possible to say from this reading.

4. Which statement is the most accurate, according to the information in the reading

a. In general, people from different generations understand each other’s values. b. In general, people from different generations do not always understand each

other’s values. c. In general, people from different generations appreciate each other’s values. d. None of these statements are accurate.

Write the answer

5. Look at the story of Deb and Brittany at the start of the reading. Using your own words try to explain how the generation gap can help us to understand their challenges working together.

Deb cannot understand how the work approach of Brittany is appreciated by their bosses. She interprets the way that Brittany comes and goes from the workplace as a lack of commitment to getting the job done. Brittany is a Millennial who believes that it is not important where she works as long as the job is done well. Also, Brittany cannot understand how Deb, a boomer is so committed to her career.

Writing activity

Main idea Example

There are currently four main

generational groups in the

Canadian workplace.

‐ veterans

‐boomers

‐gen xers

‐millenials

Characteristics of generation X ‐ Born 1964 ‐ 1980

‐Shaped by energy crisis/fall of Berlin Wall/AIDS/ working

mothers/divorce


29

‐Value‐ flexibility/honesty/feedback/work life balance

‐At work = independent/self reliant/work to live

‐Career motto – want a portable skill set

Attitudes about hours of work

vary across the different

generational groups.

Veterans – turn up when boss says & work until project done

Boomers –work all the time

Gen‐Xers – work to complete projects but after that want to

be free

Millenials – work comes between weekends

Attitudes about rewards and

recognition vary across the

different generational groups.

Veterans – prefer security/pensions/ bonus/recognition

Boomers – prefer promotion and increased income

Gen‐Xers – prefer time off to a bonus

Millenials – close interaction with leaders & top level team

Closing the gap ‐ • Be self‐aware

• Keep an open mind

• Focus on the goal

• Value diversity

• Support & learn from each other

• Discover common interests

Each generation contributes

something important to the

workplace

Veterans – loyalty

Boomers – dedication

Gen‐ Xers – work life balance

Millenials – Comfort with diversity


30

SPEAKER TITLE: WORKPLACE APPRECIATION

0:00 Rick It’s time for our workplace column and this week Margot Ross Graham our workplace columnist is going to offer us a crash course in hug‐a‐no‐mics – a bit of a mixed metaphor there. She’s here to tell us how supporting your co‐workers isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s a potent recipe for greater productivity. Good Morning, Margot.

0:21 Margot Good Morning, Rick. 0:22 Rick Where did you get the idea for today’s topic?

0:25 Margot I actually got the idea as I was driving last week and there was a talk on the Dragons’ Den. And, one of the candidates on the Dragons’ Den expressed how he got a hug from Kevin O’Leary which of course nobody expects to get and someone came on the radio and said, ‘Well how does a hug have anything to do with making money?’ And it dawned on me that a hug or treating people respectfully, a real karma in the workplace, has a lot to do with driving profitability, and that’s where I got the idea that you know there is a link and it would be really important to talk about that link.

0:54 Rick There is such a thing as workplace karma? I thought nice guys finished last in the workplace.

0:59 Margot Well then you wouldn’t be where you are today because you are a nice guy too, Rick. 1:03 Rick Sucking up to the host will not help here, Margot. I see through your little plan. 1:08 Margot You know there actually is, you probably heard and we may have talked about the Gallup

12 questions on employee engagement. And one of those questions actually is, ‘Does somebody care about me at work?’ And there has been all kinds of research that shows that, if an organization has a high rating on that particular measure they tend to have higher results and better profitability.

1:30 Rick Well, how is care expressed, like what are the manifestations of that? 1:33 Margot Well it could be a hug. It could be a friendly hello in the workplace, it’s where people

come to work every day and they feel like, I am valued here, I am worthy here, people recognize my efforts, people appreciate what I do in the work day and I am more likely to give back to that organization and to my team.

1:51 Rick But the prevailing mythos around the work place is that it’s hard nosed, tough edged you know this kind of thing. Hugs and saying sweetness and light feels kind of fuzzy, feels kind of intangible, and it doesn't seem to, you know Kevin O Leary right he’s all about the bottom line and so… can you make this all come together somehow?

2:13 Margot Yes, absolutely. I do think there is a perception that that is what the workplace is like but in reality is that in most workplaces it’s really not like that. And I mean it is about the bottom line, organizations have to make money but sometimes you have to look at what are the processes that you go through in order to be profitable. And of course, following due process and giving great customer service, but you need to take care of the people that are actually doing the work for you. And I believe that that is where that line can be shown. That employees need to feel like I am giving to the organization and my organization is giving back to me, by treating me respectfully and making me feel good about coming to work every day. And it makes sense, if you came to work frustrated and


31

angry and really ticked off at your co‐workers, are you really going to give your best? Or are you just going to barely be there. But if you come to work and your environment is such that you know you can count on your team member, if you’re working on a difficult project that someone is going to chip in and give you a hand, if you’re walking through the office and that you notice that it’s messy and you’re going to pick up after that, you really care about the place you go to every day and you’re more likely to give to that place, the way they give to you. And so, it isn’t really about I am going to jump into the office every morning and give everybody a hug, which would probably just make other people frustrated…

3:31 Rick It goes a little too far. 3:32 Margot It goes too far but what it would be about is I am going to come to work and I am going

to recognize the efforts of my co‐workers and I am going to get that recognition back. And it’s a happier place to be. And so it maybe sounds a bit clichéd, but that whole golden rule of life does apply to your whole life, including your workplace, which is treat others the way you like to be treated. And I’m pretty sure that most people come to work every day get up every day feeling like, I’d like to be treated well so I’m going to treat people well.

4:00 Rick Quickly, are there any barriers to this that people should be thinking more consciously about that can help them get to the place you’re talking about?

4:07 Margot I’m not sure if it’s a barrier but what I think would help them get to that place is authenticity. And so be authentic with your caring and be authentic… people can see through crap. You caught me this morning when I told you that you were such a nice guy, that’s why you are where you are today, but they can see through weak words or flowered up… What they want to know is that you authentically do care for the people that you work with. And so, the barrier I would have is don’t fake it; be honest, be open and it comes to you. You will know when is the right time to recognize somebody and it will be the right thing and they’ll feel good about it.

4:41 Rick Alright Margot, thank you. 4:43 Margot Have a great week. 4:44 Rick I will, Margot Ross Graham, you too! Vice President at Williams Engineering where

Human Resources is among her portfolios. Oh are you giving me a hug? Ohh look at that, if only people at home or on the road could see it. It was lovely.

Documents

Learning English with CBC Edmonton Monthly …Skim and scan to answer true false questions about a reading Using information in a text to answer multiple choice and short answer questions