Setting Up A Home Office, A How-to Guide & How To Motivate Your Sales Team: A Guide For Managers - IELTS Reading Answers & Explanations
From IELTS Trainer 2 General Training Reading Test 3 · Part 2 · Questions 15–27
Reading Passage
You should spend about 20 minutes on Questions 15-27, which are based on Reading Passage 2. Read Reading Passage 2 and answer Questions 15-20.
Setting up a home office, a how-to guide
Working from home is now an option in an increasing number of jobs, and many workers enjoy the flexibility this brings. However, not every home is automatically equipped to provide a workspace. Here are some tips for creating a professional home office, whether you are working for an employer or you have your own business:
- Establish the basic needs you have for your office. In most cases, you'll need a desk, adjustable chair and computer at least. Then you'll have an idea of how much space you'll need. You'll need a room away from noise and distractions and, if possible, it will be separate from communal areas with a closing door. Even if you don't share your home with others, it's a good idea to have a physical division between your home and work life.
- Maintaining a professional office means you'll need to be well-organised. Not only will you require space to spread out and work, you should allocate plenty of room for storage of files and supplies. You might have to store files in another room but, bear in mind that anything you use on a regular basis should be accessible.
- Getting the basics right is crucial: quality ergonomic furniture will ultimately save you money on treatment for physical problems caused by bad posture. While it can be tempting to skimp on key pieces and splurge on non-essentials like desk ornaments, it is far more important to have a reliable phone and computer, a fast internet connection and a chair that will support your lower back.
- Don't forget to hang a clock on the wall or put one on your desk where you can see it. It's easy to lose track of time when you're working from home and you might find yourself working for hours on end without a break. Conversely, you might feel it's time for a break before it actually is. You'll find you are far more efficient if you can set hours and stick to them. You'll stay more focused and clients will appreciate knowing when you can be reached.
- It is stipulated in health and safety policies of most workplaces that a first-aid kit should be provided, and this is best practice in the home office too. Ventilation, whether natural or artificial, must be adequate and the work area should be clear of obstructions.
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Read Reading Passage 2 below and answer Questions 21-27.
How to motivate your sales team: a guide for managers
Motivation is one of the most important ingredients of continued sales success over time. As a manager, you need to motivate your people as individuals and also as a team.
The foundation of motivation is trust. If your salespeople don't believe you have their best interests at heart, they won't be driven to put in their best effort at work. Take the time to find out their goals and the challenges they face in pursuing these goals.
The best way to find out what motivates your workers may simply be to ask them. Have them explain to you what management style they respond best to - some people need almost constant guidance while others like to be left to their own devices for most of the time. Ask them about the best times of the day or week to have meetings; although it may not always be possible, accommodate them when you can.
An often-overlooked factor is when and how to give feedback. Some need this - whether positive or negative - on a daily basis, while others would rather it was saved for more formal appraisals.
There are also some very tangible changes that may have an instant effect; these relate to the health and comfort of the workers. Ensure that they have time to recharge on their breaks and, if you can afford it, provide some nutritious, energy-giving snacks in the lunchroom. Some employers offer their workers a free or discounted membership at a gym and report that this pays for itself in healthy, motivated employees.
It's always worth remembering that people are motivated in different ways. The most commonly exploited motivator is money, whether it's a raise, bonus or commission, but that's not the only way of getting the best from your staff. Some thrive on competition, within or between teams. Others need acknowledgement for a job well done. Groups often respond positively to a chance to get out of the work environment, perhaps for social occasions or to attend sports events. Find what works for your sales people.
There are cases when workers are experiencing a slump and are not performing well. They may not rise to the challenge of working towards something they believe to be out of their reach. If this is the case, link their incentive to their improvement, rather than performance as measured against others.
Questions
Questions 15–20 Sentence Completion
Complete the sentences below.
Choose ONE WORD ONLY from the text for each answer.
- Ideally, the office space in your home should be in a 15 room.
- Consider the need for 16 as well as workspace.
- Spend your budget on good equipment rather than unnecessary items, such as 17.
- Ensure a 18 is visible from where you will be working.
- Having regular office hours will be helpful for your 19.
- In terms of health and safety, it is important that there is enough 20.
Questions 21–27 Note Completion
Complete the notes below.
Choose NO MORE THAN TWO WORDS from the text for each answer.
Motivating staff
General principles:
- motivation can't exist without 21
- manager must understand workers' goals, challenges
Ask workers:
- what 22 they prefer
- when they want meetings
- how often they need 23
Meet physical needs:
- adequate breaks
- healthy food
- access to a 24
Examples of motivators:
- money
- 25 with colleagues
- praise / recognition
- outings such as parties and 26
Poor performers:
- offer rewards based on 27
Answers & Explanations Summary
| # | Answer | Evidence | Explanation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Q15 | separate | if possible, it will be separate from communal areas with a closing door | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage explains that, if you can, you should have a work room that is not a shared space (like a living room or kitchen) and has a door you can close for privacy. Answer Explanation: The answer means that the room used for work should be a distinct or independent space that is not used for other activities in the house. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is 'separate' because the text advises that, when possible, the office should be kept away from communal or shared areas of the home. The word 'ideally' in the question corresponds to the phrase 'if possible' in the text, indicating the best-case scenario for a workspace: a room that is not shared with others. |
| Q16 | storage | Not only will you require space to spread out and work, you should allocate plenty of room for storage of files and supplies | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage explains that while you need a desk and space to work, you also need to have lots of room to keep your files and office materials organized. Answer Explanation: The answer "storage" means a place or space where you put things away, like folders, paper, and other office items. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is "storage" because the text says that being well-organized is important for a home office. It mentions that besides having a space to work (workspace), you also need to make sure you have enough room to keep your files and office items. The word "storage" describes this extra space needed. |
| Q17 | ornaments | While it can be tempting to skimp on key pieces and splurge on non-essentials like desk ornaments, it is far more important to have a reliable phone and computer, a fast internet connection and a chair that will support your lower back | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage warns that people might want to buy decorative items (ornaments) instead of useful equipment, but it is much better to prioritize tools that help you work properly and stay healthy. Answer Explanation: The answer 'ornaments' refers to small, decorative objects that people put on a desk to make it look nice, but which are not necessary for doing work. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is 'ornaments' because the passage advises against spending money on 'non-essentials' (things that are not needed). It uses 'desk ornaments' as a specific example of items that are less importante than necessary equipment like computers, phones, or ergonomic chairs. |
| Q18 | clock | Don't forget to hang a clock on the wall or put one on your desk where you can see it | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says that you should place a clock in a spot where you can look at it while you are busy. Answer Explanation: The answer 'clock' refers to a tool used for measuring and showing the time. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is 'clock' because the text suggests putting one where it can be seen while working. The passage explains that having a clock helps workers keep track of time and be more efficient with their schedule. Synonyms for 'visible' in the text include 'where you can see it'. |
| Q19 | clients | You'll find you are far more efficient if you can set hours and stick to them. You'll stay more focused and clients will appreciate knowing when you can be reached | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage explains that having a fixed schedule allows you to work better and helps the people you work for know when you are available to talk to them. Answer Explanation: The answer "clients" refers to the people who buy services or products from a business or a person. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is "clients" because the passage mentions that when you set specific working hours and follow them, your clients will be happy because they will know exactly when they can contact you. This makes the work relationship easier and more professional. Keywords to notice are "set hours" (regular office hours) and "appreciate" (it is helpful or good for them). |
| Q20 | ventilation | Ventilation, whether natural or artificial, must be adequate and the work area should be clear of obstructions | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage explains that for a safe and healthy office, it is necessary to have a sufficient amount of fresh air (ventilation) and a workspace that is not blocked by objects. Answer Explanation: The answer is the movement of fresh air in a room, which can come from windows or fans. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is found in the final paragraph, which discusses health and safety rules. It states that ventilation must be 'adequate,' which is another word for having enough of something for a specific purpose. |
| Q21 | trust | The foundation of motivation is trust | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage explains that trust is the base or the most important starting point for motivation. Answer Explanation: The answer 'trust' means believing that someone is honest and good. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is 'trust' because the text describes it as the 'foundation' of motivation. A foundation is the bottom part of something that supports everything else. This means that without trust, you cannot have motivation. The passage explains that if workers do not believe their manager cares about them, they will not work hard. |
| Q22 | management style | Have them explain to you what management style they respond best to | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says that bosses should let their employees describe the specific way they like to be led and supervised. Answer Explanation: The answer "management style" means the way a boss leads, helps, and talks to their workers. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is found in the section about talking to workers to see how they stay motivated. The text suggests that managers should ask their employees to describe the "management style" that works best for them, as everyone has different needs. This matches the part of the notes that says to ask workers what they prefer. |
| Q23 | feedback | An often-overlooked factor is when and how to give feedback. Some need this - whether positive or negative - on a daily basis, while others would rather it was saved for more formal appraisals | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage explains that it is important to decide the timing and method of telling employees about their work performance. It mentions that while some staff members want to hear these comments every day, others prefer to wait for official work reviews. Answer Explanation: The answer "feedback" means information or advice given to workers regarding how well they are doing their jobs. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is "feedback" because the text explains that managers should consider how and when to tell workers about their performance. The passage points out that different people want this information at different times—some daily and some only during official meetings. Therefore, managers should ask workers how often they need this assessment. |
| Q24 | gym | Some employers offer their workers a free or discounted membership at a gym and report that this pays for itself in healthy, motivated employees | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage says that some bosses give their workers a way to use a gym for free or for less money because it makes the employees healthy and more excited to work. Answer Explanation: The answer "gym" refers to a place with exercise equipment where people go to work out and stay fit. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is "gym" because the notes are looking for physical things a manager can provide to help workers. In the text section about health and comfort, the author mentions that some bosses pay for a membership at a gym so that their staff can be healthy and motivated. |
| Q25 | competition | Some thrive on competition, within or between teams | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage explains that while money is a common reason for people to work hard, some workers are instead motivated by 'competition' among their own team members or against other groups in the company. Answer Explanation: The answer 'competition' refers to a situation where staff members try to perform better than their coworkers to earn rewards or recognition. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is 'competition' because the text lists several ways to keep employees interested in their jobs. In the section about different motivators, it specifically mentions that some workers do very well when there is a sense of rivalry or a contest. The word 'competition' from the passage fits the gap in the notes describing an example of a motivator. |
| Q26 | sports events / sports | Groups often respond positively to a chance to get out of the work environment, perhaps for social occasions or to attend sports events | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage explains that staff members often feel motivated when they have the opportunity to leave the office for fun activities, like going to parties or going to watch sports games. Answer Explanation: The answer "sports (events)" refers to athletic games or matches that a team might go to watch together away from the office. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is found in the section about different types of motivators. The text mentions that groups enjoy leaving the work environment for "social occasions" or to "attend sports events." In the notes, "parties" is used to represent social occasions, which leaves "sports events" as the other example of an outing. |
| Q27 | improvement | If this is the case, link their incentive to their improvement, rather than performance as measured against others | Excerpt/Passage Explanation: The passage suggests that for staff who are struggling, rewards should be connected to their personal progress in getting better at their job. Answer Explanation: The answer 'improvement' means the act of getting better or doing better than before. Reason For Correctness: The correct answer is 'improvement' because the text explains that when employees are not doing well (experiencing a slump), managers should connect their rewards (incentives) to how much they get better at their work, rather than comparing them to other people. |