Part Three Reading

How to Work Efficiently

If you want to get promoted at work, thereare several ways to go about it. 

 Plan ahead. 

Some people work better on a strict schedule than others, so find a system that works best for you. What's important is to anticipate your required activities for theweek or month and figure out how you can get everything accomplished. If you'rehaving trouble fitting it all in, be realistic about the how much time each task requires. Until you're operating more efficiently, note in detail how longactivities take so you don't overestimate what you can finish.

Adjust the plan as necessary 

Make sure that whenever you are completing a task, whether it'sresearching data for a report or running errands around the office, you don't repeat steps. For example, if you need to retrieve something from the officeprinter and it's in the same room as the copier, line up as many copies youneed of items so you can make them during your trip to the printer.

Focus on the task at hand. 

Although multitasking has its place in efficiency, try to concentrate on a single task at a time. Juggling too many tasks at once can lead to mistakes and require you tocorrect things, or worse yet, cause irreversible damage. Be alert and, whenpossible, complete one activity before moving on to the next.

Resist participating in office drama.

Socialization is an important part of work but when the fun turns to crisis,it's better to separate work from personal life. Be polite but steer clear ofanyone who can't seem to draw that line. Be careful not to gossip about others inthe office and take the high road when necessary.

Take time to relax. It helps yourefficiency to make sure you are well-rested . Constantly working or neverleaving your desk may cause you to get more done in the short-term, but hurtsyou in the long run. Fit in breaks and take a walk around the office or outsideto clear your mind so you can start tasks with a fresh mind and attitude.

Task 1 Multiple Choice :

1.     Which is not a way to get promoted?___________

a.      Increaseskill base

b.     Adaptto bosses management style

c.      Gossipall the time

d.     Tootyour own horn.

2.     Whichis not a main theme?___________

a.      Taketime to relax

b.     Focuson the task at hand

c.      Don’tbacktrack

d.     Runtowards the light

3.     What helps your efficiency?___________

a.      Beingwell rested

b.     Participatingin office drama

c.      BeAlert

d.     Neverrepeat steps

4.     What is the key to a promotion?______________

a.      Workinghard

b.     Workinglong hours

c.      Increasingefficiency

d.     Gossipingall the time

5.     Thisis written to help Fenglin become____________

a.      Acopying master

b.     herbosses favorite

c.      morebeautiful

d.     Morenoticeable for a promotion

Task 2 Matchthe following synonyms from the article.

Task 3 Matchthe following phrases from the article (sometimes more than one combination is possible).