[originaltext] M: Hello, Lucy. I heard that you are running classes for recr

M: Hello, Lucy. I heard that you are running classes for recruits for your company.
    W: Yes. That is what troubles me these days.
    M: Anything bad?
    W: I hate to say this but many graduates and school leavers nowadays lack the mindset and skills required to thrive in the workplace.
    M: I can’t agree more. There are also worries about the literacy and numeracy skills of young employees in my corporation.
    W: Some of the graduates have trouble with attitudes and behaviour of self-management and determination and many others lack customer awareness.
    M: And my boss is especially unhappy with the literacy of our young applicants, whose numeracy isn’t up to the standard.
    W: That is why I am so busy with doing remedial training for school or college leavers these days.
    M: I bet schools should make adjustments to meet the needs of job markets and stretching academic standards should not be the sole focus for them.
    W: You can say that again. A broader personal development should be more emphasized at schools.
    M: Personal attitudes, aptitude, readiness to learn, effective communication skills and a sufficient capacity to cope with numerical data are the key enablers. These qualities are badly needed in workplace.
    W: Yes. Schools should take the responsibility to help young people develop as fully as possible in these areas.
    M: Quality of teaching, learning and career inspiration defines the life chances of young people.
    W: But with savage cuts to further education funding since 2009, it is unsurprising that businesses are struggling to find enough skilled staff.
    M: It is so sad to see this, but it is time we made some changes on campus which better reflect the importance of “attitude and aptitude for work.” Otherwise, more recruit classes have to be set.
    Questions 5 to 8 are based on the conversation you have just heard.
    5. What can we learn about the young graduates these days?
    6. What is the woman busy with these days?
    7. What is the speakers’ suggestion for schools nowadays?
    8. What makes it difficult for businesses to find enough skilled staff according to the woman?