Vocabulary

5. Complete the definitions with the highlighted words from the advert and the advice

1. ____means very unusual.

2. An ___ helps you do better than other people.

3. ___means very important or necessary.

4. A ___ is a short description of something, with no detail.

5. ___means serious and businesslike.

6. Hard-working and enthusiastic are two personal qualities. Find and underline some others in the advert and letter. Use the Glossary or a dictionary to find the words in your language.

Writing

7. You want to apply for the job in the advert below. Make a list of your personal qualities. Invent experience that would be useful for the job, then write a letter applying for the job.

Holiday helpers for disabled children

We are looking for enthusiastic people aged 16-18 to work as helpers on activity holidays for disabled children. The children we work with are aged between 8 and 11, and these holidays give them the chance for new experiences, such as horse-riding, sailing and swimming. You need to have lots of energy and enjoy working in a team. Experience of working with children would be an advantage, but is not essential.

We offer a weekly allowance, free accommodation and the chance to do something really important.

Apply in writing, with your CV, to:

alison@summerkids,com.

Practice file Problems

How old is too old?

Before you read

1. Choose the correct words in italics to make true sentences.

if you retire, you stop working / get a better job.

a vehicle is something you travel in on a road / in the air.

if you are fit, you are healthy / sick.

2. Answer these questions.

At what age do most people retire in your country?

Do you think it's a good idea to have a fixed age for retirement?

Reading

3. Read this article adapted from the Financial Times and answer the questions.

Employees who do not want to retire

People live longer today, but most people stop working when they are 65 years old. However, not everyone retires at 65.

Some companies have employees who are in their 70s, 80s and even 90s. Britain's oldest employee, Buster Martin, cleans vans part-time for Pimlico Plumbers. He is 101 years old next month. The company also employs a 78-year-old driver and a personal assistant who is 66. Charlie Mullins, Managing Director and owner, says: 'We don't have a retirement age. If they can do the job and want to stay on, they can. It's their choice.' Why do people work if they do not have to? Some people just like being busy and useful. Companies employ older workers because they have experience, are polite and work hard. Reed Boardall is another company that employs older people. Keith Boardall, Managing Director, is 72, but works from nine to six every day. His oldest employee is 88 and looks after the vehicles.

The Co-operative Group also employs older people. Edwin Boxall, one of the Co-op's older employees, works part-time as a post-office manager: 'I'm 75 on my next birthday and I might retire then. But I'm quite fit and I enjoy work, so why can't I continue?'

Financial Times

4. Complete this table.

Name	Job	Company	Age
Buster Martin
Charlie Mullins
Keith Boardell
Edwin Boxall

5. Complete the sentences below with the following verbs.

employ employees employers employs

The company …. people.

The company has 70 … .

Some …. are happy to keep staff after retirement age.

Companies …. older staff because they have experience.

Discussion

Do you think there are any problems employing older people?

When would you like to retire?

Do you think everyone should retire at the same age