Our Teen Talk magazine has recently received a lot of questions from secondary school students asking about things they should consider when choosing their careers. We've talked to our career experts, and here is their advice.

A. Follow your passion and interests

First, learn about yourself and discover your personality type, beliefs, soft skills, and interests. For example, if you are passionate about working with people and helping them develop, you may consider becoming a social worker or a teacher. If you are interested in learning languages, history, art, and architecture, you might look at jobs in the tourist industry. Spend time thinking about what you want to do, and list what you are good at. This can help you come up with a career path that matches your personality.

B. ………………..

Next, you should take into account any career qualifications you may need. Many jobs require formal education at a university or college. In order to work as a doctor, for example, you will need to study at a medical school for some years of general medical training, followed by several years of specialty training. But there are also jobs that don't require any formal qualifications. You can be hired as a server or a barista in a coffee shop, for instance, and you will be given on-the-job training.

C. Think about employment opportunities

You should also consider your chances of being hired. Some fields of work may offer very few positions. With technology developing at a fast pace, some jobs such as cashiers and travel agents may become automated or obsolete. However, other jobs are on the rise. Doctors, nurses, and pharmacists, for instance, are in great demand because of ageing populations and increased life expectancy. That is why before you make a decision, you should carefully examine the opportunities that a career path may provide.

Question 26. The word them in paragraph A refers to        ?

A. soft skills        B. people        C. interests        D. beliefs

Question 27. According to paragraph 1, if a person is keen on learning languages, history, art and architecture, they should consider        .

A. becoming a social worker        B. pursuing a teaching career

C. working in the tourist industry        D. improving their soft skills

Question 28. Which best serves as the title for paragraph B?

A. The importance of formal qualifications B. Jobs that don’t require experience

C. Jobs that provide on-the-job training        D. Understand education requirements

Question 29. The word obsolete in paragraph C is closest in meaning to        .

A. extinct        B. updated        C. compulsory        D. popular

Question 30. All of the advice is mentioned in the article EXCEPT        .

1. considering career qualifications you may need
2. understanding yourself by exploring your interests
3. examining opportunities offered by a career path
4. seeking advice from a qualified career consultant

   UNIT 9: CAREER PATHS