This General Training lesson focuses on gap-fill summaries.
Learn more about how to do gap-fill summaries in IELTS Reading.
Remember:
- The gaps are words taken from the text – so even if you don’t know what all the words mean, you can find them.
- The gaps are in the same order as they appear in the original text.
- The sentences surrounding the gaps use SYNONYMS to summarise the paragraph, and these synonyms will lead you to the right answer.
Tips
- Look at the questions before you read the text. Underline key words. Try to guess the types of word that goes in the gap (verb, noun, adjective)
- Use the grammar surrounding the word to help you e.g. Q15 has an article ‘a’, so you know the gap is a noun beginning with a consonant (not a vowel, which would have ‘an’ before it)
- Use synonyms surrounding the gap e.g. Q16 ‘must be____’ (gapfill) = ‘should be’ (text)
- Check the number of words you’re allowed
- Check your spelling when you complete the answer sheet
- Don’t forget the plural ‘s’ when you copy your answers
- Don’t leave any gaps on the answer sheet – if you can’t find the answer, just guess
Your grammar knowledge will help you e.g.
Q17: accessories are encouraged provided they are tasteful.
‘provided’ = ‘as long as’ = ‘only if’
(see my Conditionals lesson and Conditionals Course)
Questions often switch from the passive tense to the active tense e.g.
Q21
- [Active] the employee will receive a verbal warning
- [Passive] If advice is repeatedly ignored, a 21 …………………. is given
Do my quick quiz (better on a desktop) or read the full text below.
FORMAL DRESS CODE FOR COMPANY EMPLOYEES
Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the text for each answer.
At JLP, the company’s objective in establishing a formal dress code is to enable our employees to project the professional image that is in keeping with the needs of our clients and customers who seek our guidance, input, and professional services. Because our industry requires the appearance of trusted business professionals and we serve clients at our site on a daily basis, a more formal dress code is necessary for our employees.
Aim of formal dress code: to present a 15 …………………. to clients
Formal Dress Code Guidelines
In a formal business environment, the standard of dressing for men and women is a suit. Alternatively a jacket may be worn with appropriate accessories. Torn, dirty, or frayed clothing is unacceptable. Clothing should be pressed and never wrinkled. No dress code can cover all contingencies so employees must exert a certain amount of judgement in their choice of clothing to wear to work. If you experience uncertainty, please ask your supervisor for advice.
Acceptable types of formal clothing: jacket or suit
State of clothes: they must be 16 …………………. and in good condition
Shoes and Footwear
Conservative walking shoes, dress shoes, loafers, boots, flats, dress heels, and backless shoes are acceptable for work. Not wearing stockings or socks is inappropriate. Tennis shoes and any shoe with an open toe are not acceptable in the office.
Footwear: tennis shoes and open toe shoes are not allowed
Accessories and Jewellery
The wearing of ties, scarves, belts, and jewellery is encouraged, provided they are tasteful. Items which are flashy should be avoided.
Accessories: ties, scarves, belts and jewellery may be worn
– these must be 17 …………………. and not brightly coloured
Makeup, Perfume, and Cologne
A professional appearance is encouraged and excessive makeup is unprofessional. Remember that some employees may have allergic reactions to the chemicals in perfumes and makeup, so wear these substances in moderation.
Makeup: avoid wearing too much makeup and perfume
– these sometimes cause 18 ……………….. ..
Hats and Head Covering
Hats are not appropriate in the office. Head covers that are required for reasons of faith or to honour cultural tradition are permitted.
Hats: hats should not be worn
– head covers in line with religious reasons or 19 …………………. are allowed.
Dress Down Days
Certain days can be declared dress down days, generally Fridays. On these days, business casual clothing is allowed. Clothing that has our company logo is strongly encouraged. Sports team, university, and fashion brand names on clothing are generally acceptable. However, you may wish to keep a jacket in your office in case a client unexpectedly appears.
Dressing down: casual clothing is allowed on some Fridays
– clothing with the 20 …………………. on it is recommended.
Violation of Dress Code
If clothing fails to meet these standards, as determined by the employee’s supervisor, the employee will be asked not to wear the inappropriate item to work again. If the problem persists, the employee will receive a verbal warning and may be sent home to change clothes.
Breaking the dress code: if advice is repeatedly ignored, a 21 …………………. is given
Listen to the podcast explanations here:
Aim of formal dress code: to present a 15 professional image to clients
At JLP, the company’s objective in establishing a formal dress code is to enable our employees to project the professional image that is in keeping with the needs of our clients and customers who seek our guidance, input, and professional services.
Acceptable types of formal clothing: jacket or suit
State of clothes: they must be 16 pressed and in good condition
Torn, dirty, or frayed clothing is unacceptable. Clothing should be pressed and never wrinkled.
Footwear: tennis shoes and open toe shoes are not allowed
Accessories: ties, scarves, belts and jewellery may be worn
– these must be 17 tasteful and not brightly coloured
The wearing of ties, scarves, belts, and jewellery is encouraged, provided they are tasteful. Items which are flashy should be avoided.
Makeup: avoid wearing too much makeup and perfume
– these sometimes cause 18 allergic reactions.
Remember that some employees may have allergic reactions to the chemicals in perfumes and makeup, so wear these substances in moderation.
Hats: hats should not be worn
– head covers in line with religious reasons or 19 cultural tradition are allowed
Hats are not appropriate in the office. Head covers that are required for reasons of faith or to honour cultural tradition are permitted.
Dressing down: casual clothing is allowed on some Fridays
– clothing with the 20 company logo on it is recommended
Certain days can be declared dress down days, generally Fridays. On these days, business casual clothing is allowed. Clothing that has our company logo is strongly encouraged.
Breaking the dress code: if advice is repeatedly ignored, a 21 verbal warning is given
If clothing fails to meet these standards, as determined by the employee’s supervisor, the employee will be asked not to wear the inappropriate item to work again. If the problem persists, the employee will receive a verbal warning and may be sent home to change clothes.
Read more about Dress Codes for Writing Task 2 here.
Get more General Training practice here.
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