1. Read the text and do the exercises that follow it.

If you want a raise

You want a raise. You deserve a raise. But how do you ask for a it? Experts say there are several ways to make the interchange less stressful and more successful and to enhance your prospects for success.

Adding value

The golden rule is to offer value, based on qualifications and achievements. Forget about your years of hard work, your experience, your personal needs and expenses, your mortgage, your ailing grandmother. The dumbest case you can possibly present is one based on pity.

In the private sector, your contribution probably falls within certain categories. You may be a key person who attracts new customers or one who is skilled at retaining the present relationships. You may be a cost-cutter, who improves the company’s bottom line. Less quantifiable, but no less important, your reputation might enhance that of your employer or you could be one of those sunny personalities who boosts the morale of all around them, enhancing productivity.

R&D

It stands for research and documentation, which is your responsibility. You must pinpoint your worth in the marketplace before entering into any salary negotiation. Although specific salaries are a taboo topic and rarely discussed among co-workers, you can find comparative information on career- related websites and through professional organizations.

Taking the plunge

Now it is time to prepare yourself mentally for the big day. Few people enjoy the idea of confronting their bosses and risking refusal (which is one reason so many companies have built in a structured system of regular reviews and promotions), but it is important to remain calm. Lastly, even if your palms are sweating, don’t forget to smile.

2. Find expressions in the text that mean

1. colleagues,

2. a gathering of people for buying and selling things,

3. sickly; ill

4. net profit

5. to meet face to face,

6. the quality of a thing or a person according to which it or he is thought of as being more or less desirable, useful, etc..

3. Match the verbs in1-8 with the expressions a)-h).

1. offer a) your experience

2. forget b) your employer’s reputation

3. present c) value

4.attract d) present relationships

5. retain e) new customers

6. improve f) morale

7. enhance g) the company’s bottom line

8. boost h) a dumb case

4. Look at the expressions below and say whether they are true or false.

1. R&D here means ‘Research and Development.

2. If you pinpoint something, you identify it.

3. It is usually acceptable to talk about taboo topics.

4. Most employees are afraid of confronting their bosses for the reason of refusal.

5. You needn’t make emphasis on your worth in the market place.