Unit Review & Progress Test

Unit review — Workplace Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

Al finalizar esta unidad, deberías ser capaz de utilizar estructuras gramaticales avanzadas para expresar deseos, arrepentimientos o sugerencias de cambio en contextos profesionales. Habrás perfeccionado el uso de estructuras hipotéticas para debatir sobre políticas corporativas y la gestión de equipos.

Asimismo, habrás adquirido el léxico especializado necesario para discutir temas complejos como la equidad, la inclusión y la diversidad en el entorno laboral. Deberías sentirte cómodo utilizando colocaciones de nivel C1 y ajustando el registro para comunicarte de manera profesional y diplomática en situaciones de debate.

Grammar consolidation

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. I regret not applying for the Diversity Officer position last month. WISH I ______ for the Diversity Officer position last month.

2. It is high time the company implemented a more inclusive hiring policy. TIME It ______ a more inclusive hiring policy.

3. I would prefer it if you didn't interrupt colleagues during meetings. RATHER I ______ you didn't interrupt colleagues during meetings.

4. I'm annoyed that my manager keeps micromanaging my team. WOULD My manager ______ micromanaging my team.

5. If only I had known about the unconscious bias training earlier. HAD I ______ about the unconscious bias training.

6. It's better for us to address these grievances now than later. TIME It ______ these grievances now than later.

7. I'd prefer to work in a more diverse environment. RATHER I ______ in a more diverse environment.

8. It's a shame we didn't hire more diverse candidates last year. WISH We ______ more diverse candidates last year.

9. It is necessary that the CEO takes responsibility for the culture shift. TIME It ______ responsibility for the culture shift.

10. I'd prefer you to finish the report before you leave. RATHER I ______ the report before you leave.

Vocabulary activation

A. Word Formation: Complete the sentences using the correct form of the word in brackets.

1. The company is committed to fostering a culture of __ (inclusive).
2. We must address the __ (equal) gap between different demographic groups.
3. The HR department is reviewing its __ (recruit) processes to eliminate bias.
4. Diversity is not just a buzzword; it requires __ (strategy) implementation.

B. Collocations: Match the verbs (1-4) with the nouns (A-D) to form C1-level collocations.

1. To bridge | A. a glass ceiling
2. To shatter | B. the gap
3. To foster | C. systemic bias
4. To tackle | D. an inclusive environment

C. Register Choice: Choose the most professional option to complete the sentence.

5. We need to ___ (fix / rectify) the discrepancies in our pay scales.
6. The board aims to ___ (make / implement) new equity initiatives.
7. It is vital to ___ (get rid of / eliminate) unconscious bias in recruitment.
8. We must ___ (make sure / ensure) that all employees feel a sense of belonging.

Integrated skills task

Reading Text

The concept of "meritocracy" is often cited as the gold standard for corporate recruitment. Proponents argue that talent and hard work should be the only metrics for success. However, critics suggest that a pure meritocracy often ignores the systemic barriers that prevent certain groups from accessing opportunities in the first place. If the playing field is not level, "merit" becomes a subjective measure influenced by privilege rather than raw ability.

To achieve true equity, organisations must move beyond simply hiring diverse talent and focus on inclusion. It is not enough to have a diverse workforce if those individuals do not have the support or the influence to succeed within the corporate hierarchy. True inclusion requires a fundamental shift in company culture, where different perspectives are not just tolerated but actively sought after and valued. Without addressing these underlying structural issues, diversity initiatives remain superficial and fail to create lasting change.

Writing Task

Instrucciones: Basándote en el texto anterior, escribe un ensayo de opinión (180-220 palabras). Debes analizar si la meritocracia es compatible con la equidad en el lugar de trabajo. Utiliza estructuras de hipótesis (wish, would rather, it's time) para expresar tus opiniones sobre cómo las empresas deberían cambiar. Asegúrate de utilizar un registro formal y el vocabulario de la unidad.

Speaking checkpoint

1. Compare: Compare the advantages of a highly diverse workforce versus a homogeneous one.
2. Speculate: If companies were required to meet strict diversity quotas, how might the workplace atmosphere change?
3. Evaluate: To what extent do you think "unconscious bias" training is effective in real-world corporate settings?
4. Justify: Some argue that focusing on diversity undermines meritocracy. Justify your position on this debate.
5. Hypothesize: If you were the CEO of a global firm, what would you rather change about your company's culture?
6. Discuss: It's time we addressed the "glass ceiling." What are the main obstacles preventing women from reaching executive roles?

Self-assessment rubric

Answer key

Grammar consolidation 1. wish I had applied 2. is time the company implemented 3. would rather you didn't 4. would rather my manager didn't / would rather my manager stopped 5. wish I had known 6. is time we addressed 7. would rather work 8. wish we had hired 9. is time the CEO took 10. would rather you finished

Vocabulary activation 1. inclusivity 2. equality 3. recruitment 4. strategic 5. B (Bridge the gap) 6. A (Shatter the glass ceiling) 7. D (Foster an inclusive environment) 8. C (Tackle systemic bias) 5. rectify 6. implement 7. eliminate 8. ensure