[originaltext] W: Hey, Tom, where’ve you been lately? M: Oh, I’ve been doi

W: Hey, Tom, where’ve you been lately?
   M: Oh, I’ve been doing loads of job interviews. You know I’m graduating soon. I’ve just got to work out what to do next.
   W: So is everything going well?
   M: Mostly yes. I have got several options up to now. The thing is, I’m torn between a big company and a small company.
   W: Really? Personally I would choose the small company. What are you thinking?
   M: Well, I’m going to go with the big company because if it is bigger, it’s got a bigger financial base, it’s more secure, and it’s not likely to fold in a couple of months. And also as a big company with a high profile, they’ve got to follow the law, you know, toe the line on looking after their employees. So things like pensions and insurance are all going to be sorted out.
   W: Well, all sounds reasonable. But I actually get a different opinion.
   M: Really? I would like to hear that.
   W: Hmm. Well, I prefer a small company for almost all different reasons— it’s a lot more exciting, and most importantly, you’re going to be treated like a person, not just a cog in the wheel. And you know, you’re young, so you don’t need to worry about your pension just yet. You’re not that old, you know, so you can get by.
   M: I see what you mean here. What’s more?
   W: And it would be nice to have good relationships with your co-workers— a human relationship instead of just one that you’re not feeling like a human there, and especially with your boss. I think that’s always important to get the recognition that you deserve.
   M: I know that you’ve got a good point about personal relationships but that can also work against you, I think. If someone who’s not as good as you has a good, tight relationship with the boss, then he or she is going to get the promotion and you’re going to get passed over. That kind of closeness doesn’t really seem fair.
   W: Well, that is a good point, but if you choose a small company that most of the people working there share the same ideal with you, you’re going to have a better time of integrating yourself with them and I think it’s going to be fairer by and large.
   M: Anyway, that’s a point. And thanks a lot for your advice. I think I’m going to consider it more carefully.
   W: Take your time and make the best choice.
   M: Thanks a lot. I will.
   Questions 1 to 5 are based on Conversation One.
   1. What do we know about the man?
   2. What does the man say about a big company?
   3. Why does the woman prefer a small company?
   4. What does the woman say about pensions?
   5. What does the man worry about working in a small company?