Asking for a Raise Reading Answers

Jan 20, 2023

Asking for a Raise Reading Answers is an academic reading topic which discusses about the raise in salary. The given IELTS topic has originated from the book named “IELTS Masterclass Student's book Volume 1”. The topic named Asking for a Raise Reading Answers comes with 6 questions. There are only one type of questions included in this topic which is choose the correct option. The candidates should thoroughly read the IELTS reading passage to recognize the synonyms and identify the keywords and answer the questions below. The topic: Asking for a Raise Reading Answers is a part of IELTS reading general section. IELTS reading practice papers can be taken into consideration by the candidates in order to score a good score in the reading section.

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Section 1

Read the passage to answer the following questions

Asking for a Raise Reading Answers

If you are thinking about asking for a raise in salary, there are several things to keep in mind. First, consider whether you deserve a higher salary. You probably do, but you should be able to explain exactly why to your boss. Sit down and make a list of your job accomplishments. Be as specific as possible. For example, think about important projects you have worked on, things you have done to improve the organization1 of work in your department, or how your efforts have brought more money to the company.

Also include any professional development opportunities you have taken advantage of recently and be ready to explain how they have improved your performance on the job. By going through the process of listing your accomplishments, not only will you be better prepared when you meet with your boss, you will also feel more confident that you deserve what you are asking for.

Bear in mind that salary levels are based not only on performance but also on the market for your particular skills. Before you ask for a raise, you will need to do some research. You should investigate the industry standards for salaries for people in similar positions with similar levels of experience. This will help you determine what would be a reasonable amount of money to ask for. Your initial request should actually be slightly higher than the amount you want in order to leave some room for negotiation. Then, if you have to go lower than this amount, you still end up with something close to what you want. A crucial point is the timing of your request.

If you have recently been given new responsibilities, it makes sense to ask for a higher level of compensation. On the other hand, if the company is going through financial difficulties, a request for more money will probably not be met with a favorable2 response. It would be better to wait until the company is in a better financial position. Finally, there is one thing you should never do: Never give personal reasons for wanting a higher salary. Your need to pay your child's college tuition or buy a bigger house is of no concern to your boss. Your salary level should be based on professional considerations alone, and that is where you need to keep the conversation.

Section 2

Solution and Explanation

Questions 15-20

Choose the correct answer.

Before asking for a salary increase, you should

send your boss a list of your accomplishments.
take some professional development courses.
write down all the reasons you deserve a raise.

Answer: C
Supporting Sentence: Sit down and make a list of your job accomplishments.
Keyword : list of, job, accomplishments
Keyword Location: 1st paragraph, 4th sentence
Explanation: The author says that before you ask for a raise, you should know why you deserve a raise. Hence, making a list of accomplishments is necessary. So one must sit down and write all the list of accomplishments which shows the reasons. Hence, C is the correct answer.

Preparing yourself before talking with your boss will help you

get the highest raise possible.
feel more self-assured.
improve your job performance.

Answer: B
Supporting Sentence: By going through the process of listing your accomplishments, not only will you be better prepared when you meet with your boss, you will also feel more confident that you deserve what you are
asking for
Keyword : boss, feel, confident
Keyword Location: 2nd paragraph, last sentence
Explanation: The author mentions that

You should find out

salaries of other people in your field.
how much money your boss can offer you.
what job openings are available in your company.

Answer: A
Supporting Sentence: You should investigate the industry standards for salaries for people in similar positions with similar levels of experience.
Keyword : standard, positions, salaries
Keyword Location: 3rd paragraph, 3rd sentence
Explanation: The author clearly states that the one should do a market research of the salary. The person should check the industry standard of the people in similar positions and same levels of experience. Hence, A is the correct answer.

You should ask for

slightly more money than you want.
the exact amount of money that you want.
a little less money than you want.

Answer: A
Supporting Sentence: Your initial request should actually be slightly higher than the amount you want in order to leave some room for negotiation.
Keyword : initial request, higher, negotiation
Keyword Location: 3rd paragraph, 5th sentence
Explanation: The author states that the initial request for salary should be higher than the amount one wants. This always leaves a place for negotiation. Hence, A is the correct answer.

A good time to ask for a salary raise is

when your boss is in a favorable mood.
before discussing financial records.
soon after you have taken on new duties.

Answer: C
Supporting Sentence: If you have recently been given new responsibilities, it makes sense to ask for a higher level of compensation.
Keyword : compensation, new responsibilities
Keyword Location: Last paragraph, 1st sentence
Explanation: The passage says that if you are given new responsibilities, it is the best time to ask for compensation. Compensation here means a raise in salary or monetary benefits. Hence, C is the correct answer.

While negotiating a salary raise, it is a good idea to

discuss professional topics only.
mention your financial needs.
ask your boss about his or her family.

Answer: A
Supporting Sentence: Your salary level should be based on professional considerations alone, and that is where you need to keep the conversation.
Keyword : professional, personal
Keyword Location: last sentence of the last paragraph
Explanation: As power the author one should never give personal reasons for salary increase. The author also gives examples like tuition fees of children or any other family issues. The discussion should be professional and what one have done professionally.