Unit Review & Progress Test

Unit review — Career Development & Professional Networking

Al finalizar esta unidad, deberías ser capaz de navegar entornos profesionales complejos utilizando un lenguaje sofisticado y preciso. Esto incluye el uso de collocations avanzadas para describir trayectorias laborales, la capacidad de redactar correos y propuestas con el registro adecuado, y el dominio de estructuras gramaticales que permitan matizar opiniones durante entrevistas o reuniones de networking.

Además, habrás perfeccionado el uso de unidades léxicas complejas (lexical bundles) para dar cohesión a tus argumentos. Deberías sentirte cómodo/a al hablar de ascensos, transiciones de carrera y gestión de ambiciones, evitando términos genéricos y empleando vocabulario de nivel C1 que demuestre autoridad y profesionalismo.

Grammar consolidation

Instructions: Complete the following tasks using lexical bundles and multi-word units. Focus on professional precision.

Part 1: Sentence Transformation Rewrite the sentences so they have a similar meaning, using the word in CAPITALS. Do not change the word given.

1. It is very likely that the merger will happen next month. (PROBABILITY) There is a ________ that the merger will take place next month.
2. I am writing to tell you that I have accepted the job. (WRITING) I am writing ________ that I have accepted the position.
3. We need to think about the long-term effects of this strategy. (CONSIDERATION) We need to ________ the long-term implications of this strategy.

Part 2: Error Correction Identify and correct the error in each sentence to make it sound like natural C1 professional English.

4. In light of the fact of the recent budget cuts, we must downsize.
5. I am looking forward to meet you at the conference next week.
6. With regard to the matter of the promotion, I would like to discuss it. (Identify if this is redundant or correct).

Part 3: Controlled Rewriting Rewrite the following sentences using the suggested professional phrase.

7. (In the event of) If the candidate fails the probation period, we will terminate the contract.

8. (With a view to) We are expanding our team because we want to enter the Asian market.

9. (To take into account) We must remember the previous experience of the applicants.

10. (In terms of) Regarding the salary, the offer is quite competitive. _______________

Vocabulary activation

Part 1: C1 Collocations Complete the sentences with the correct word to form a high-level collocation.

1. After years of hard work, she finally managed to climb the corporate _____.
2. He decided to resign from his position to pursue new career _____.
3. It is essential to maintain a professional _____ when networking with executives.
4. The company is looking for someone who can take _____ of the new department.

Part 2: Word Formation Use the word in CAPITALS to form a word that fits in the gap.

5. The _____ of the new CEO led to a complete change in company culture. (APPOINT)
6. She has shown great _____ in managing such a diverse team. (LEADER)
7. We need to ensure the _____ of our recruitment process. (FAIR)
8. His _____ to succeed is what drives his professional growth. (WILLING)

Part 3: Register Choice Replace the underlined informal words with a more professional C1-level synonym.

9. We need to fix the issues in the department. $\rightarrow$ ____
10. I want to get more responsibilities. $\rightarrow$ ____
11. The meeting was called off because of the strike. $\rightarrow$ ____
12. He got a promotion after the merger. $\rightarrow$ ____

Integrated skills task

Source Text: The Myth of the Linear Career

In the modern professional landscape, the traditional concept of a "career ladder"—where one climbs steadily within a single organisation—is becoming increasingly obsolete. Today, professionals are more likely to follow a "lattice" pattern, moving laterally to acquire new skills or shifting industries entirely to find better work-life balance. While this fluidity offers greater autonomy and diverse experience, it also presents significant challenges regarding financial stability and professional identity. Networking is no longer just about finding a job; it is about building a portable reputation that follows you from one sector to another. Success in this environment requires constant upskilling and the ability to pivot quickly when market demands shift.

Task Instructions

Instrucciones: Lee el texto anterior y redacta una respuesta de entre 180 y 220 palabras. En tu respuesta, debes: 1. Resumir los puntos principales del texto utilizando tu propio vocabulario. 2. Evaluar si estás de acuerdo con la idea de que la carrera lineal es obsoleta, justificando tu opinión con ejemplos de la vida real o de tu propia experiencia profesional. 3. Utilizar al menos tres colocaciones de nivel C1 aprendidas en esta unidad.

Speaking checkpoint

Instructions: Prepare a response for each of the following prompts. Aim for 1-2 minutes of continuous speech per prompt.

1. Compare: Compare the advantages of being a specialist in one field versus being a "generalist" who moves between different industries.
2. Speculate: How might the concept of "career stability" change in the next twenty years due to the rise of Artificial Intelligence?
3. Evaluate: Evaluate the importance of networking versus formal qualifications in securing a high-level executive position.
4. Justify: Some people argue that "job hopping" (changing jobs every two years) ruins a CV. Justify whether this is a valid concern or a strategic move.
5. Compare: Compare the experience of working in a large multinational corporation versus a small startup.
6. Evaluate: To what extent does personal ambition drive professional success? Evaluate the balance between ambition and ethics.

Self-assessment rubric

Answer key

Grammar consolidation 1. There is a high/strong probability 2. I am writing to inform you / to advise you 3. We need to take into consideration / take into account 4. In light of the recent budget cuts (Remove "the fact of") 5. I am looking forward to meeting you (Gerund after 'look forward to') 6. Correct (though "With regard to the matter of" is slightly wordy/redundant, it is grammatically correct). 7. In the event of the candidate failing the probation period... 8. We are expanding our team with a view to entering the Asian market. 9. We must take into account the previous experience... 10. In terms of salary, the offer is quite competitive.

Vocabulary activation 1. ladder 2. opportunities 3. etiquette / conduct 4. charge 5. appointment 6. leadership 7. fairness 8. willingness 9. address / resolve 10. assume / undertake 11. cancelled / postponed 12. attained / secured / received