Unit Review & Progress Test

Unit review — Remote Work & the Future of Offices

Al finalizar esta unidad, deberías ser capaz de discutir con fluidez temas complejos relacionados con el entorno laboral moderno, utilizando un léxico avanzado y preciso. Habrás desarrollado la capacidad de expresar opiniones matizadas sobre la transición hacia modelos híbridos y el impacto de la tecnología en la cultura corporativa.

Asimismo, habrás consolidado el uso de colocaciones de verbo + sustantivo de nivel C1, permitiéndote sonar más natural y profesional en contextos académicos y de negocios. También habrás practicado la capacidad de sintetizar información compleja y producir textos argumentativos coherentes que cumplan con los estándares de Cambridge C1 Advanced.

Grammar consolidation

Part 1: Sentence Transformation Complete the second sentence so that it has a similar meaning to the first sentence, using the word given. Do not change the word given. You must use between three and six words, including the word given.

1. We need to examine our current progress before deciding on the next steps. STOCK We need to ________ our current progress before deciding on the next steps.

2. The company aims to increase people's understanding of environmental issues. AWARENESS The company aims to ________ environmental issues.

3. The manager decided to perform an investigation into the data breach. CONDUCT The manager decided to ________ into the data breach.

Part 2: Error Correction Identify and correct the mistake in each sentence.

4. The board of directors will make a decision regarding the remote work policy next week. (Note: This sentence is actually correct; identify if it is correct or incorrect).
5. We must take the responsibility for the project's failure.
6. It is essential to perform a survey to understand employee needs.

Part 3: Controlled Rewriting Rewrite the sentences using the word in brackets to maintain the same meaning.

7. Someone should bring attention to the mental health issues in the office. (RAISE)
8. The team needs to carry out an investigation into the new software. (CONDUCT)
9. We need to reach a consensus on the new office layout. (STRIKE)
10. The CEO wants to make sure that the company's values are maintained. (UPHOLD)

Vocabulary activation

Part 1: Word Formation Complete the sentences by changing the form of the word in capitals.

1. The sudden shift to remote work led to a period of great ________ within the company. (STABLE)
2. Many employees find the lack of face-to-face interaction ________ to their productivity. (DETRIMENT)
3. The ________ of digital tools has revolutionised the way we work. (EMERGE)
4. We need to find a ________ solution to the hybrid work dilemma. (SUSTAIN)

Part 2: Collocations and Register Choose the most appropriate word to complete the professional collocations.

5. To bridge the ____ between remote and in-office staff. a) gap / b) space / c) hole

6. To foster a sense of ____ among distributed teams. a) belonging / b) togetherness / c) unity

7. To strike a ____ between flexibility and oversight. a) balance / b) weight / c) scale

8. To implement a ____ work policy. a) seamless / b) smooth / c) frictionless

Part 3: Contextual Vocabulary Match the term to its definition.

9. Digital Nomad
10. Co-working space
11. Asynchronous communication
12. Hybrid model

A. A work arrangement where employees split time between an office and a remote location. B. Communication that does not happen in real-time (e.g., email, recorded video). C. A person who uses technology to work remotely while travelling. D. A shared office environment used by people from different companies.

Integrated skills task

Source Text

The traditional concept of the "nine-to-five" office culture is rapidly becoming obsolete. As companies transition towards more flexible arrangements, the physical office is being reimagined not as a place of daily attendance, but as a hub for collaboration and social cohesion. While remote work offers undeniable benefits, such as reduced commuting time and increased autonomy, it also presents significant challenges, including the blurring of boundaries between professional and personal life, and the potential for social isolation. The future of work lies in finding a sustainable equilibrium that leverages technological advancements while maintaining the human connection that is vital for innovation and mental well-being.

Writing Task

Instrucciones: Basándote en el texto anterior, escribe un ensayo de entre 180 y 220 palabras. Debes evaluar si los beneficios del trabajo remoto superan los riesgos de la pérdida de contacto humano. Utiliza un registro formal y emplea vocabulario de nivel C1 (por ejemplo: "mitigate", "detrimental", "equilibrium", "seamlessly").

Speaking checkpoint

1. Compare: Compare the advantages of working in a traditional office versus working from home.
2. Speculate: How do you think the concept of "the office" will change in the next fifty years?
3. Evaluate: Evaluate the impact of digital communication tools on team cohesion.
4. Justify: Some argue that remote work decreases productivity. To what extent do you agree?
5. Compare: Compare the professional atmosphere of a co-working space with that of a private office.
6. Speculate: If companies move entirely to a remote model, what might happen to urban economies?

Self-assessment rubric

Answer key

Grammar consolidation 1. We need to take stock of our current progress... 2. The company aims to raise awareness of environmental issues. 3. The manager decided to conduct an investigation into the data breach. 4. Correct. 5. We must take responsibility for the project's failure. (Note: "take responsibility" is the collocation; "take the responsibility" is less natural in this context). 6. Correct. (Note: "conduct a survey" is a valid collocation). 7. Someone should raise awareness of the mental health issues... 8. The team needs to conduct an investigation into... 9. We need to strike a consensus on... 10. The CEO wants to uphold the company's values.

Vocabulary activation 1. instability 2. detrimental 3. emergence 4. sustainable 5. a) gap 6. a) belonging 7. a) balance 8. a) seamless 9. C 10. D 11. B 12. A