Reading Passage

The Role of Technology in Daily Life

Technology has become an important part of daily life. People use smartphones, computers, and the internet for communication, work, and entertainment. These tools make life easier and faster in many ways.

One of the main benefits of technology is communication. People can send messages, make video calls, and share information instantly, even if they are far away. Technology also helps students learn through online resources and educational apps.

However, technology also has some negative effects. Spending too much time on devices can reduce physical activity and affect health. In addition, some people become too dependent on technology and find it difficult to live without it.

In conclusion, technology plays a major role in modern life. While it offers many benefits, people should use it wisely and maintain a healthy balance.

Unit 6 — At Work: Job Satisfaction

1– job satisfaction (noun) – a feeling that your job is worth doing and fulfils you
Example: Job satisfaction is more important to me than a high salary.

2– workplace (noun) – the place where you work
Example: A pleasant workplace improves productivity.

3– run-of-the-mill (adjective) – ordinary, not special or exciting
Example: Even a run-of-the-mill job can be satisfying.

4– put up with (phrasal verb) – tolerate something unpleasant
Example: Some people put up with stress for financial reward.

5– short-term (adjective) – immediate; opposite of long-term
Example: He accepted the job for short-term financial gain.

6– financial reward (noun phrase) – money gained
Example: She works hard for financial reward.

7– staff morale (noun) – amount of confidence felt by a group
Example: Staff morale was low after the pay freeze.

8– freeze (on pay rises) (noun) – stopping salary increases
Example: The company announced a freeze on pay rises.

9– teamwork (noun) – working together for a common purpose
Example: Good teamwork helps solve problems quickly.

10– job stability (noun) – a job that is not likely to change
Example: Many people prefer job stability over excitement.

11– fast-moving (adjective) – developing or changing very quickly
Example: She works in the fast-moving tech industry.

12– work-life balance (noun) – time spent working compared to time for personal life
Example: He left his job to improve his work-life balance.

13– dynamic (adjective) – continuously developing and energetic
Example: It’s a dynamic company with big plans.

14– challenging (adjective) – testing your ability
Example: The job is challenging but rewarding.

15– demotivated (adjective) – feeling less enthusiastic about work
Example: Employees felt demotivated after the changes.

16– seek a career in (verb phrase) – look to work in (consider or plan)
Example: She is seeking a career in marketing.

17– maternity leave (noun) – time away from work for a mother after having a baby
Example: She is on maternity leave for six months.

18– paternity leave (noun) – time away from work for a father after a baby is born
Example: He took two weeks of paternity leave.

19– adoption leave (noun) – time off work after adopting a child
Example: They were entitled to adoption leave.

20– perks / benefits (noun) – extra things apart from salary
Example: Company perks include a car and health insurance.

21– holiday entitlement (noun) – number of paid holiday days you have the right to take
Example: My holiday entitlement is four weeks per year.

22– salary increments (noun) – increases/rises in salary
Example: Employees receive regular salary increments.

23– performance-related pay (noun phrase) – pay rises depending on how well you do your job
Example: The company offers performance-related pay.

24– annual bonus (noun) – extra money paid once a year based on performance
Example: Staff receive an annual bonus in December.

25– overworked and underpaid (expression) – working too much and not paid enough
Example: Many nurses feel overworked and underpaid.

Past Perfect Tense

1- What is Past Perfect?

The past perfect tense is used to talk about an action that happened before another action in the past.

2- Structure / Form

Affirmative Positive
Subject + had + past participle PP.

Examples:
I had finished my homework.
She had left before I arrived.
They had seen the movie.

Negative
Subject + had not + PP.

Examples:
I had not finished my homework.
He had not called me.

Interrogative Questions
Had + subject + PP?

Examples:
Had you finished your work?
Had she arrived?

3- Uses

a) Earlier action before another past action

Examples:
I had eaten before I went to school.
She had left when I arrived.

b) In stories to give background

Examples:
She was sad because she had lost her phone.

c) With time expressions

Examples:
By the time we arrived, they had left.
After he had finished, he went home.

4- Time Expressions
before, after, by the time, already, just.

Examples:
They had already finished.
She had just left.

5- Past Perfect vs Past Simple

Past Perfect = earlier action.

Past Simple = later action.

Examples:
I had finished my work before I went out.

She left after she had called me.

6- Important Notes

Use past participle V3: done, gone, eaten, seen.
Sometimes Past Perfect is not necessary if order is clear.

After he finished, he went home.

After he had finished, he went home.

7- Common Mistakes

I had seen him yesterday. ❌
I saw him yesterday. ✅

She had went. ❌
She had gone. ✅