Step 2 - Reading

Sara and Sean’s jobs

You are going to read two texts about Sara and Sean’s jobs.

Assignment 1

Download the worksheet and fill in the grid (on your own) and discuss the answers in your group.
Make a copy of the worksheet in your own account (File - Make a copy ...) or download the worksheet (File - Download as).

Text: Sara and Sean’s jobs

Text 1

Text 2

911 operator

Sara Lewis is a 911 operator.

She is responsible for answering the phone when people call 911.

People call 911 when there is an emergency, which can be a fire, a traffic accident, or a medical emergency.

People who are 911 operators, like Sara, have to work hard and carefully, because sometimes people’s lives depend on their help.

Processing 911 calls is more complicated than you might think.

When you call the number, the operator asks your name, your telephone number, and your address.

As an operator you therefore need to be very precise and quick.

The operator listens to your problem.

Then he or she reads the information back to you.

Next, the operator calls the emergency worker who is able to help you; if you are reporting a crime, such as a burglary, the operator will call the police department; if you report a fire the operator will call the nearest fire department; if you report a medical emergency the operator will call an ambulance service.

Depending on the emergency, the police, a team of firefighters, or an emergency medical team will then be on their way to the scene.

One Man, 52 Jobs

After graduating from college, Sean Aiken knew he would need to find a job soon. The problem was that he wasn't sure what kind of work he wanted to do. One night at the dinner table, his father encouraged him to do what he liked most. His father said he had worked his whole life doing a job he didn’t really enjoy. Aiken wanted a different future. That night, he promised himself that he would find something that he was  passionate about.

Aiken set a goal to work a new job each week for a year. That’s 52 occupations in one year. And he did it! One week, as a dairy farmer, he milked cows every  morning. Then, in another week, he was an astronomer studying the night sky. Aiken’s favorite job, though, was teaching. He learned he was happiest when he was helping others. Aiken also learned that it’s OK to not know what you want to do right away. He wrote a book about his experiences, and today he tells his story to  college and university students. His message? You’ll find your perfect job one day. After all, Aiken found his.