ZNO B1+ Reading Five women who changed their jobs

For questions 1-15 write A, B, C,D, or D . Read the texts .Which woman (A, B, C,D, or E)  

___ reduced her working hours in order to study? 

A Amanda, 33

I had been working in sales for six years when I suffered an ankle injury that was to change my whole life. It didn't heal and someone suggested acupuncture, a traditional Chinese treatment for pain. I was so impressed by the treatment that I found out about classes. I had reached a point in my life where things had to change. In many ways I had it all: a company car, foreign business trips, my own house, a secure job. But at 29, I felt increasingly dissatisfied and wanted to be more adventurous. So I persuaded my boss to let me work a four-day week and did classes on the remaining day. It took four difficult years to qualify, as I was studying 25 hours a week on top of my job. It's been worth it though, and I get on well with the people I work for now. As for the BMW, I don't miss it at all!

 B Dani, 30

I trained as a doctor but I knew all along it wasn't right for me and I found working in a hospital exhausting. My parents had run their dairy farm for thirty years and needed a long holiday, so we decided that I'd look after things for six months while they visited my brother in Australia. It gave me the career break I'd been looking for, except that I never went back. Mum and Dad have emigrated, so now I'm in charge for good, which is fine by me. At the beginning, I was quite inexperienced, though it felt natural to be back on the farm and didn't take me long to master everything. I've learned to be flexible - to fit in with the weather! Being in the open air is the best thing of all. I've just started selling my own cheese and by this time next year, I'll have launched my own ice cream.

 C Sue, 34

I'd never seen myself as academic. Hairdressing seemed glamorous and I wanted a car, so I went to work in a salon as an apprentice. I wasn't concerned about the poor pay - I had fun! Then, all of a sudden, my husband’s job moved to London. This forced me to reconsider my own life and I decided to take English and Law at night school there. I was spending 45 hours a week cutting hair and working for exams as well. I lost ten kilos in weight, but for all the stress of studying, I knew I was doing the right thing. After leaving college I went into market research. My confidence has always been low and it was three years before I felt I could cope effectively in the role. But it was worth it - my present earnings would have been unimaginable back in the salon.

 D Rachel, 28

I worked for three investment banks in London, earning £60,000 a year in my last job. If I'd added up the hours I spent at my desk, it would have been huge - sometimes I was there until midnight. To begin with, I had lots of energy and I got a real buzz from the work, helped by the fact that everyone was willing to give me so much responsibility. Eventually, third time around, it got to me. At the time, the bank needed to reduce its staff and was offering a good leaving package, so I jumped at it. I spent six months getting to know Latin America, where I'd never been. Now I'm working freelance, editing articles for financial magazines. I've set up the spare room as an office and I hope to pick up enough work. People who need certainty and structure would find my new life difficult, but all in all, I feel I've made the right decision.

   E     Eleanor, 25

I'd always loved skating and what I wanted above all was to be an ice dancer. Mum and Dad found classes for me but the rink was in another town so it took up a lot of their time driving me there. I'm so grateful to them for that, not to mention the huge sums they've invested in my training. I started competing at 14 and turned professional at 16. I've done a lot of great shows, but I chose to hang up my skates long before most ice-dancers do. For the last six months. I've been working for a sportswear firm to gain experience in business and marketing and my dream is to . set up a company before long, producing boots, skates and costumes for the ice.

For questions 1-15 write A, B, C,D, or D . Read the texts .Which woman (A, B, C,D, or E)  

___ took part in competitions in her early teens? 

A Amanda, 33

I had been working in sales for six years when I suffered an ankle injury that was to change my whole life. It didn't heal and someone suggested acupuncture, a traditional Chinese treatment for pain. I was so impressed by the treatment that I found out about classes. I had reached a point in my life where things had to change. In many ways I had it all: a company car, foreign business trips, my own house, a secure job. But at 29, I felt increasingly dissatisfied and wanted to be more adventurous. So I persuaded my boss to let me work a four-day week and did classes on the remaining day. It took four difficult years to qualify, as I was studying 25 hours a week on top of my job. It's been worth it though, and I get on well with the people I work for now. As for the BMW, I don't miss it at all!

 B Dani, 30

I trained as a doctor but I knew all along it wasn't right for me and I found working in a hospital exhausting. My parents had run their dairy farm for thirty years and needed a long holiday, so we decided that I'd look after things for six months while they visited my brother in Australia. It gave me the career break I'd been looking for, except that I never went back. Mum and Dad have emigrated, so now I'm in charge for good, which is fine by me. At the beginning, I was quite inexperienced, though it felt natural to be back on the farm and didn't take me long to master everything. I've learned to be flexible - to fit in with the weather! Being in the open air is the best thing of all. I've just started selling my own cheese and by this time next year, I'll have launched my own ice cream.

 C Sue, 34

I'd never seen myself as academic. Hairdressing seemed glamorous and I wanted a car, so I went to work in a salon as an apprentice. I wasn't concerned about the poor pay - I had fun! Then, all of a sudden, my husband’s job moved to London. This forced me to reconsider my own life and I decided to take English and Law at night school there. I was spending 45 hours a week cutting hair and working for exams as well. I lost ten kilos in weight, but for all the stress of studying, I knew I was doing the right thing. After leaving college I went into market research. My confidence has always been low and it was three years before I felt I could cope effectively in the role. But it was worth it - my present earnings would have been unimaginable back in the salon.

 D Rachel, 28

I worked for three investment banks in London, earning £60,000 a year in my last job. If I'd added up the hours I spent at my desk, it would have been huge - sometimes I was there until midnight. To begin with, I had lots of energy and I got a real buzz from the work, helped by the fact that everyone was willing to give me so much responsibility. Eventually, third time around, it got to me. At the time, the bank needed to reduce its staff and was offering a good leaving package, so I jumped at it. I spent six months getting to know Latin America, where I'd never been. Now I'm working freelance, editing articles for financial magazines. I've set up the spare room as an office and I hope to pick up enough work. People who need certainty and structure would find my new life difficult, but all in all, I feel I've made the right decision.

   E     Eleanor, 25

I'd always loved skating and what I wanted above all was to be an ice dancer. Mum and Dad found classes for me but the rink was in another town so it took up a lot of their time driving me there. I'm so grateful to them for that, not to mention the huge sums they've invested in my training. I started competing at 14 and turned professional at 16. I've done a lot of great shows, but I chose to hang up my skates long before most ice-dancers do. For the last six months. I've been working for a sportswear firm to gain experience in business and marketing and my dream is to . set up a company before long, producing boots, skates and costumes for the ice.

For questions 1-15 write A, B, C,D, or D . Read the texts .Which woman (A, B, C,D, or E)  

___ spends a lot of time outdoors

A Amanda, 33

I had been working in sales for six years when I suffered an ankle injury that was to change my whole life. It didn't heal and someone suggested acupuncture, a traditional Chinese treatment for pain. I was so impressed by the treatment that I found out about classes. I had reached a point in my life where things had to change. In many ways I had it all: a company car, foreign business trips, my own house, a secure job. But at 29, I felt increasingly dissatisfied and wanted to be more adventurous. So I persuaded my boss to let me work a four-day week and did classes on the remaining day. It took four difficult years to qualify, as I was studying 25 hours a week on top of my job. It's been worth it though, and I get on well with the people I work for now. As for the BMW, I don't miss it at all!

 B Dani, 30

I trained as a doctor but I knew all along it wasn't right for me and I found working in a hospital exhausting. My parents had run their dairy farm for thirty years and needed a long holiday, so we decided that I'd look after things for six months while they visited my brother in Australia. It gave me the career break I'd been looking for, except that I never went back. Mum and Dad have emigrated, so now I'm in charge for good, which is fine by me. At the beginning, I was quite inexperienced, though it felt natural to be back on the farm and didn't take me long to master everything. I've learned to be flexible - to fit in with the weather! Being in the open air is the best thing of all. I've just started selling my own cheese and by this time next year, I'll have launched my own ice cream.

 C Sue, 34

I'd never seen myself as academic. Hairdressing seemed glamorous and I wanted a car, so I went to work in a salon as an apprentice. I wasn't concerned about the poor pay - I had fun! Then, all of a sudden, my husband’s job moved to London. This forced me to reconsider my own life and I decided to take English and Law at night school there. I was spending 45 hours a week cutting hair and working for exams as well. I lost ten kilos in weight, but for all the stress of studying, I knew I was doing the right thing. After leaving college I went into market research. My confidence has always been low and it was three years before I felt I could cope effectively in the role. But it was worth it - my present earnings would have been unimaginable back in the salon.

 D Rachel, 28

I worked for three investment banks in London, earning £60,000 a year in my last job. If I'd added up the hours I spent at my desk, it would have been huge - sometimes I was there until midnight. To begin with, I had lots of energy and I got a real buzz from the work, helped by the fact that everyone was willing to give me so much responsibility. Eventually, third time around, it got to me. At the time, the bank needed to reduce its staff and was offering a good leaving package, so I jumped at it. I spent six months getting to know Latin America, where I'd never been. Now I'm working freelance, editing articles for financial magazines. I've set up the spare room as an office and I hope to pick up enough work. People who need certainty and structure would find my new life difficult, but all in all, I feel I've made the right decision.

   E     Eleanor, 25

I'd always loved skating and what I wanted above all was to be an ice dancer. Mum and Dad found classes for me but the rink was in another town so it took up a lot of their time driving me there. I'm so grateful to them for that, not to mention the huge sums they've invested in my training. I started competing at 14 and turned professional at 16. I've done a lot of great shows, but I chose to hang up my skates long before most ice-dancers do. For the last six months. I've been working for a sportswear firm to gain experience in business and marketing and my dream is to . set up a company before long, producing boots, skates and costumes for the ice.

For questions 1-15 write A, B, C,D, or D . Read the texts .Which woman (A, B, C,D, or E)  

___ felt grateful that her employers trusted her?

A Amanda, 33

I had been working in sales for six years when I suffered an ankle injury that was to change my whole life. It didn't heal and someone suggested acupuncture, a traditional Chinese treatment for pain. I was so impressed by the treatment that I found out about classes. I had reached a point in my life where things had to change. In many ways I had it all: a company car, foreign business trips, my own house, a secure job. But at 29, I felt increasingly dissatisfied and wanted to be more adventurous. So I persuaded my boss to let me work a four-day week and did classes on the remaining day. It took four difficult years to qualify, as I was studying 25 hours a week on top of my job. It's been worth it though, and I get on well with the people I work for now. As for the BMW, I don't miss it at all!

 B Dani, 30

I trained as a doctor but I knew all along it wasn't right for me and I found working in a hospital exhausting. My parents had run their dairy farm for thirty years and needed a long holiday, so we decided that I'd look after things for six months while they visited my brother in Australia. It gave me the career break I'd been looking for, except that I never went back. Mum and Dad have emigrated, so now I'm in charge for good, which is fine by me. At the beginning, I was quite inexperienced, though it felt natural to be back on the farm and didn't take me long to master everything. I've learned to be flexible - to fit in with the weather! Being in the open air is the best thing of all. I've just started selling my own cheese and by this time next year, I'll have launched my own ice cream.

 C Sue, 34

I'd never seen myself as academic. Hairdressing seemed glamorous and I wanted a car, so I went to work in a salon as an apprentice. I wasn't concerned about the poor pay - I had fun! Then, all of a sudden, my husband’s job moved to London. This forced me to reconsider my own life and I decided to take English and Law at night school there. I was spending 45 hours a week cutting hair and working for exams as well. I lost ten kilos in weight, but for all the stress of studying, I knew I was doing the right thing. After leaving college I went into market research. My confidence has always been low and it was three years before I felt I could cope effectively in the role. But it was worth it - my present earnings would have been unimaginable back in the salon.

 D Rachel, 28

I worked for three investment banks in London, earning £60,000 a year in my last job. If I'd added up the hours I spent at my desk, it would have been huge - sometimes I was there until midnight. To begin with, I had lots of energy and I got a real buzz from the work, helped by the fact that everyone was willing to give me so much responsibility. Eventually, third time around, it got to me. At the time, the bank needed to reduce its staff and was offering a good leaving package, so I jumped at it. I spent six months getting to know Latin America, where I'd never been. Now I'm working freelance, editing articles for financial magazines. I've set up the spare room as an office and I hope to pick up enough work. People who need certainty and structure would find my new life difficult, but all in all, I feel I've made the right decision.

   E     Eleanor, 25

I'd always loved skating and what I wanted above all was to be an ice dancer. Mum and Dad found classes for me but the rink was in another town so it took up a lot of their time driving me there. I'm so grateful to them for that, not to mention the huge sums they've invested in my training. I started competing at 14 and turned professional at 16. I've done a lot of great shows, but I chose to hang up my skates long before most ice-dancers do. For the last six months. I've been working for a sportswear firm to gain experience in business and marketing and my dream is to . set up a company before long, producing boots, skates and costumes for the ice.

For questions 1-15 write A, B, C,D, or D . Read the texts .Which woman (A, B, C,D, or E)  

___ would like to start her own business? 

A Amanda, 33

I had been working in sales for six years when I suffered an ankle injury that was to change my whole life. It didn't heal and someone suggested acupuncture, a traditional Chinese treatment for pain. I was so impressed by the treatment that I found out about classes. I had reached a point in my life where things had to change. In many ways I had it all: a company car, foreign business trips, my own house, a secure job. But at 29, I felt increasingly dissatisfied and wanted to be more adventurous. So I persuaded my boss to let me work a four-day week and did classes on the remaining day. It took four difficult years to qualify, as I was studying 25 hours a week on top of my job. It's been worth it though, and I get on well with the people I work for now. As for the BMW, I don't miss it at all!

 B Dani, 30

I trained as a doctor but I knew all along it wasn't right for me and I found working in a hospital exhausting. My parents had run their dairy farm for thirty years and needed a long holiday, so we decided that I'd look after things for six months while they visited my brother in Australia. It gave me the career break I'd been looking for, except that I never went back. Mum and Dad have emigrated, so now I'm in charge for good, which is fine by me. At the beginning, I was quite inexperienced, though it felt natural to be back on the farm and didn't take me long to master everything. I've learned to be flexible - to fit in with the weather! Being in the open air is the best thing of all. I've just started selling my own cheese and by this time next year, I'll have launched my own ice cream.

 C Sue, 34

I'd never seen myself as academic. Hairdressing seemed glamorous and I wanted a car, so I went to work in a salon as an apprentice. I wasn't concerned about the poor pay - I had fun! Then, all of a sudden, my husband’s job moved to London. This forced me to reconsider my own life and I decided to take English and Law at night school there. I was spending 45 hours a week cutting hair and working for exams as well. I lost ten kilos in weight, but for all the stress of studying, I knew I was doing the right thing. After leaving college I went into market research. My confidence has always been low and it was three years before I felt I could cope effectively in the role. But it was worth it - my present earnings would have been unimaginable back in the salon.

 D Rachel, 28

I worked for three investment banks in London, earning £60,000 a year in my last job. If I'd added up the hours I spent at my desk, it would have been huge - sometimes I was there until midnight. To begin with, I had lots of energy and I got a real buzz from the work, helped by the fact that everyone was willing to give me so much responsibility. Eventually, third time around, it got to me. At the time, the bank needed to reduce its staff and was offering a good leaving package, so I jumped at it. I spent six months getting to know Latin America, where I'd never been. Now I'm working freelance, editing articles for financial magazines. I've set up the spare room as an office and I hope to pick up enough work. People who need certainty and structure would find my new life difficult, but all in all, I feel I've made the right decision.

   E     Eleanor, 25

I'd always loved skating and what I wanted above all was to be an ice dancer. Mum and Dad found classes for me but the rink was in another town so it took up a lot of their time driving me there. I'm so grateful to them for that, not to mention the huge sums they've invested in my training. I started competing at 14 and turned professional at 16. I've done a lot of great shows, but I chose to hang up my skates long before most ice-dancers do. For the last six months. I've been working for a sportswear firm to gain experience in business and marketing and my dream is to . set up a company before long, producing boots, skates and costumes for the ice.

For questions 1-15 write A, B, C,D, or D . Read the texts .Which woman (A, B, C,D, or E)  

___ began her studies in a new location? 

A Amanda, 33

I had been working in sales for six years when I suffered an ankle injury that was to change my whole life. It didn't heal and someone suggested acupuncture, a traditional Chinese treatment for pain. I was so impressed by the treatment that I found out about classes. I had reached a point in my life where things had to change. In many ways I had it all: a company car, foreign business trips, my own house, a secure job. But at 29, I felt increasingly dissatisfied and wanted to be more adventurous. So I persuaded my boss to let me work a four-day week and did classes on the remaining day. It took four difficult years to qualify, as I was studying 25 hours a week on top of my job. It's been worth it though, and I get on well with the people I work for now. As for the BMW, I don't miss it at all!

 B Dani, 30

I trained as a doctor but I knew all along it wasn't right for me and I found working in a hospital exhausting. My parents had run their dairy farm for thirty years and needed a long holiday, so we decided that I'd look after things for six months while they visited my brother in Australia. It gave me the career break I'd been looking for, except that I never went back. Mum and Dad have emigrated, so now I'm in charge for good, which is fine by me. At the beginning, I was quite inexperienced, though it felt natural to be back on the farm and didn't take me long to master everything. I've learned to be flexible - to fit in with the weather! Being in the open air is the best thing of all. I've just started selling my own cheese and by this time next year, I'll have launched my own ice cream.

 C Sue, 34

I'd never seen myself as academic. Hairdressing seemed glamorous and I wanted a car, so I went to work in a salon as an apprentice. I wasn't concerned about the poor pay - I had fun! Then, all of a sudden, my husband’s job moved to London. This forced me to reconsider my own life and I decided to take English and Law at night school there. I was spending 45 hours a week cutting hair and working for exams as well. I lost ten kilos in weight, but for all the stress of studying, I knew I was doing the right thing. After leaving college I went into market research. My confidence has always been low and it was three years before I felt I could cope effectively in the role. But it was worth it - my present earnings would have been unimaginable back in the salon.

 D Rachel, 28

I worked for three investment banks in London, earning £60,000 a year in my last job. If I'd added up the hours I spent at my desk, it would have been huge - sometimes I was there until midnight. To begin with, I had lots of energy and I got a real buzz from the work, helped by the fact that everyone was willing to give me so much responsibility. Eventually, third time around, it got to me. At the time, the bank needed to reduce its staff and was offering a good leaving package, so I jumped at it. I spent six months getting to know Latin America, where I'd never been. Now I'm working freelance, editing articles for financial magazines. I've set up the spare room as an office and I hope to pick up enough work. People who need certainty and structure would find my new life difficult, but all in all, I feel I've made the right decision.

   E     Eleanor, 25

I'd always loved skating and what I wanted above all was to be an ice dancer. Mum and Dad found classes for me but the rink was in another town so it took up a lot of their time driving me there. I'm so grateful to them for that, not to mention the huge sums they've invested in my training. I started competing at 14 and turned professional at 16. I've done a lot of great shows, but I chose to hang up my skates long before most ice-dancers do. For the last six months. I've been working for a sportswear firm to gain experience in business and marketing and my dream is to . set up a company before long, producing boots, skates and costumes for the ice.

For questions 1-15 write A, B, C,D, or D . Read the texts .Which woman (A, B, C,D, or E)  

___ had a medical background originally? 

A Amanda, 33

I had been working in sales for six years when I suffered an ankle injury that was to change my whole life. It didn't heal and someone suggested acupuncture, a traditional Chinese treatment for pain. I was so impressed by the treatment that I found out about classes. I had reached a point in my life where things had to change. In many ways I had it all: a company car, foreign business trips, my own house, a secure job. But at 29, I felt increasingly dissatisfied and wanted to be more adventurous. So I persuaded my boss to let me work a four-day week and did classes on the remaining day. It took four difficult years to qualify, as I was studying 25 hours a week on top of my job. It's been worth it though, and I get on well with the people I work for now. As for the BMW, I don't miss it at all!

 B Dani, 30

I trained as a doctor but I knew all along it wasn't right for me and I found working in a hospital exhausting. My parents had run their dairy farm for thirty years and needed a long holiday, so we decided that I'd look after things for six months while they visited my brother in Australia. It gave me the career break I'd been looking for, except that I never went back. Mum and Dad have emigrated, so now I'm in charge for good, which is fine by me. At the beginning, I was quite inexperienced, though it felt natural to be back on the farm and didn't take me long to master everything. I've learned to be flexible - to fit in with the weather! Being in the open air is the best thing of all. I've just started selling my own cheese and by this time next year, I'll have launched my own ice cream.

 C Sue, 34

I'd never seen myself as academic. Hairdressing seemed glamorous and I wanted a car, so I went to work in a salon as an apprentice. I wasn't concerned about the poor pay - I had fun! Then, all of a sudden, my husband’s job moved to London. This forced me to reconsider my own life and I decided to take English and Law at night school there. I was spending 45 hours a week cutting hair and working for exams as well. I lost ten kilos in weight, but for all the stress of studying, I knew I was doing the right thing. After leaving college I went into market research. My confidence has always been low and it was three years before I felt I could cope effectively in the role. But it was worth it - my present earnings would have been unimaginable back in the salon.

 D Rachel, 28

I worked for three investment banks in London, earning £60,000 a year in my last job. If I'd added up the hours I spent at my desk, it would have been huge - sometimes I was there until midnight. To begin with, I had lots of energy and I got a real buzz from the work, helped by the fact that everyone was willing to give me so much responsibility. Eventually, third time around, it got to me. At the time, the bank needed to reduce its staff and was offering a good leaving package, so I jumped at it. I spent six months getting to know Latin America, where I'd never been. Now I'm working freelance, editing articles for financial magazines. I've set up the spare room as an office and I hope to pick up enough work. People who need certainty and structure would find my new life difficult, but all in all, I feel I've made the right decision.

   E     Eleanor, 25

I'd always loved skating and what I wanted above all was to be an ice dancer. Mum and Dad found classes for me but the rink was in another town so it took up a lot of their time driving me there. I'm so grateful to them for that, not to mention the huge sums they've invested in my training. I started competing at 14 and turned professional at 16. I've done a lot of great shows, but I chose to hang up my skates long before most ice-dancers do. For the last six months. I've been working for a sportswear firm to gain experience in business and marketing and my dream is to . set up a company before long, producing boots, skates and costumes for the ice.

For questions 1-15 write A, B, C,D, or D . Read the texts .Which woman (A, B, C,D, or E)  

___ travelled in her previous job

A Amanda, 33

I had been working in sales for six years when I suffered an ankle injury that was to change my whole life. It didn't heal and someone suggested acupuncture, a traditional Chinese treatment for pain. I was so impressed by the treatment that I found out about classes. I had reached a point in my life where things had to change. In many ways I had it all: a company car, foreign business trips, my own house, a secure job. But at 29, I felt increasingly dissatisfied and wanted to be more adventurous. So I persuaded my boss to let me work a four-day week and did classes on the remaining day. It took four difficult years to qualify, as I was studying 25 hours a week on top of my job. It's been worth it though, and I get on well with the people I work for now. As for the BMW, I don't miss it at all!

 B Dani, 30

I trained as a doctor but I knew all along it wasn't right for me and I found working in a hospital exhausting. My parents had run their dairy farm for thirty years and needed a long holiday, so we decided that I'd look after things for six months while they visited my brother in Australia. It gave me the career break I'd been looking for, except that I never went back. Mum and Dad have emigrated, so now I'm in charge for good, which is fine by me. At the beginning, I was quite inexperienced, though it felt natural to be back on the farm and didn't take me long to master everything. I've learned to be flexible - to fit in with the weather! Being in the open air is the best thing of all. I've just started selling my own cheese and by this time next year, I'll have launched my own ice cream.

 C Sue, 34

I'd never seen myself as academic. Hairdressing seemed glamorous and I wanted a car, so I went to work in a salon as an apprentice. I wasn't concerned about the poor pay - I had fun! Then, all of a sudden, my husband’s job moved to London. This forced me to reconsider my own life and I decided to take English and Law at night school there. I was spending 45 hours a week cutting hair and working for exams as well. I lost ten kilos in weight, but for all the stress of studying, I knew I was doing the right thing. After leaving college I went into market research. My confidence has always been low and it was three years before I felt I could cope effectively in the role. But it was worth it - my present earnings would have been unimaginable back in the salon.

 D Rachel, 28

I worked for three investment banks in London, earning £60,000 a year in my last job. If I'd added up the hours I spent at my desk, it would have been huge - sometimes I was there until midnight. To begin with, I had lots of energy and I got a real buzz from the work, helped by the fact that everyone was willing to give me so much responsibility. Eventually, third time around, it got to me. At the time, the bank needed to reduce its staff and was offering a good leaving package, so I jumped at it. I spent six months getting to know Latin America, where I'd never been. Now I'm working freelance, editing articles for financial magazines. I've set up the spare room as an office and I hope to pick up enough work. People who need certainty and structure would find my new life difficult, but all in all, I feel I've made the right decision.

   E     Eleanor, 25

I'd always loved skating and what I wanted above all was to be an ice dancer. Mum and Dad found classes for me but the rink was in another town so it took up a lot of their time driving me there. I'm so grateful to them for that, not to mention the huge sums they've invested in my training. I started competing at 14 and turned professional at 16. I've done a lot of great shows, but I chose to hang up my skates long before most ice-dancers do. For the last six months. I've been working for a sportswear firm to gain experience in business and marketing and my dream is to . set up a company before long, producing boots, skates and costumes for the ice.

For questions 1-15 write A, B, C,D, or D . Read the texts .Which woman (A, B, C,D, or E)

___ chose to be made redundant

A Amanda, 33

I had been working in sales for six years when I suffered an ankle injury that was to change my whole life. It didn't heal and someone suggested acupuncture, a traditional Chinese treatment for pain. I was so impressed by the treatment that I found out about classes. I had reached a point in my life where things had to change. In many ways I had it all: a company car, foreign business trips, my own house, a secure job. But at 29, I felt increasingly dissatisfied and wanted to be more adventurous. So I persuaded my boss to let me work a four-day week and did classes on the remaining day. It took four difficult years to qualify, as I was studying 25 hours a week on top of my job. It's been worth it though, and I get on well with the people I work for now. As for the BMW, I don't miss it at all!

 B Dani, 30

I trained as a doctor but I knew all along it wasn't right for me and I found working in a hospital exhausting. My parents had run their dairy farm for thirty years and needed a long holiday, so we decided that I'd look after things for six months while they visited my brother in Australia. It gave me the career break I'd been looking for, except that I never went back. Mum and Dad have emigrated, so now I'm in charge for good, which is fine by me. At the beginning, I was quite inexperienced, though it felt natural to be back on the farm and didn't take me long to master everything. I've learned to be flexible - to fit in with the weather! Being in the open air is the best thing of all. I've just started selling my own cheese and by this time next year, I'll have launched my own ice cream.

 C Sue, 34

I'd never seen myself as academic. Hairdressing seemed glamorous and I wanted a car, so I went to work in a salon as an apprentice. I wasn't concerned about the poor pay - I had fun! Then, all of a sudden, my husband’s job moved to London. This forced me to reconsider my own life and I decided to take English and Law at night school there. I was spending 45 hours a week cutting hair and working for exams as well. I lost ten kilos in weight, but for all the stress of studying, I knew I was doing the right thing. After leaving college I went into market research. My confidence has always been low and it was three years before I felt I could cope effectively in the role. But it was worth it - my present earnings would have been unimaginable back in the salon.

 D Rachel, 28

I worked for three investment banks in London, earning £60,000 a year in my last job. If I'd added up the hours I spent at my desk, it would have been huge - sometimes I was there until midnight. To begin with, I had lots of energy and I got a real buzz from the work, helped by the fact that everyone was willing to give me so much responsibility. Eventually, third time around, it got to me. At the time, the bank needed to reduce its staff and was offering a good leaving package, so I jumped at it. I spent six months getting to know Latin America, where I'd never been. Now I'm working freelance, editing articles for financial magazines. I've set up the spare room as an office and I hope to pick up enough work. People who need certainty and structure would find my new life difficult, but all in all, I feel I've made the right decision.

   E     Eleanor, 25

I'd always loved skating and what I wanted above all was to be an ice dancer. Mum and Dad found classes for me but the rink was in another town so it took up a lot of their time driving me there. I'm so grateful to them for that, not to mention the huge sums they've invested in my training. I started competing at 14 and turned professional at 16. I've done a lot of great shows, but I chose to hang up my skates long before most ice-dancers do. For the last six months. I've been working for a sportswear firm to gain experience in business and marketing and my dream is to . set up a company before long, producing boots, skates and costumes for the ice.

For questions 1-15 write A, B, C,D, or D . Read the texts .Which woman (A, B, C,D, or E)  

__ is satisfied with her new lack of routine?

A Amanda, 33

I had been working in sales for six years when I suffered an ankle injury that was to change my whole life. It didn't heal and someone suggested acupuncture, a traditional Chinese treatment for pain. I was so impressed by the treatment that I found out about classes. I had reached a point in my life where things had to change. In many ways I had it all: a company car, foreign business trips, my own house, a secure job. But at 29, I felt increasingly dissatisfied and wanted to be more adventurous. So I persuaded my boss to let me work a four-day week and did classes on the remaining day. It took four difficult years to qualify, as I was studying 25 hours a week on top of my job. It's been worth it though, and I get on well with the people I work for now. As for the BMW, I don't miss it at all!

 B Dani, 30

I trained as a doctor but I knew all along it wasn't right for me and I found working in a hospital exhausting. My parents had run their dairy farm for thirty years and needed a long holiday, so we decided that I'd look after things for six months while they visited my brother in Australia. It gave me the career break I'd been looking for, except that I never went back. Mum and Dad have emigrated, so now I'm in charge for good, which is fine by me. At the beginning, I was quite inexperienced, though it felt natural to be back on the farm and didn't take me long to master everything. I've learned to be flexible - to fit in with the weather! Being in the open air is the best thing of all. I've just started selling my own cheese and by this time next year, I'll have launched my own ice cream.

 C Sue, 34

I'd never seen myself as academic. Hairdressing seemed glamorous and I wanted a car, so I went to work in a salon as an apprentice. I wasn't concerned about the poor pay - I had fun! Then, all of a sudden, my husband’s job moved to London. This forced me to reconsider my own life and I decided to take English and Law at night school there. I was spending 45 hours a week cutting hair and working for exams as well. I lost ten kilos in weight, but for all the stress of studying, I knew I was doing the right thing. After leaving college I went into market research. My confidence has always been low and it was three years before I felt I could cope effectively in the role. But it was worth it - my present earnings would have been unimaginable back in the salon.

 D Rachel, 28

I worked for three investment banks in London, earning £60,000 a year in my last job. If I'd added up the hours I spent at my desk, it would have been huge - sometimes I was there until midnight. To begin with, I had lots of energy and I got a real buzz from the work, helped by the fact that everyone was willing to give me so much responsibility. Eventually, third time around, it got to me. At the time, the bank needed to reduce its staff and was offering a good leaving package, so I jumped at it. I spent six months getting to know Latin America, where I'd never been. Now I'm working freelance, editing articles for financial magazines. I've set up the spare room as an office and I hope to pick up enough work. People who need certainty and structure would find my new life difficult, but all in all, I feel I've made the right decision.

   E     Eleanor, 25

I'd always loved skating and what I wanted above all was to be an ice dancer. Mum and Dad found classes for me but the rink was in another town so it took up a lot of their time driving me there. I'm so grateful to them for that, not to mention the huge sums they've invested in my training. I started competing at 14 and turned professional at 16. I've done a lot of great shows, but I chose to hang up my skates long before most ice-dancers do. For the last six months. I've been working for a sportswear firm to gain experience in business and marketing and my dream is to . set up a company before long, producing boots, skates and costumes for the ice.

_

For questions 1-15 write A, B, C,D, or D . Read the texts .Which woman (A, B, C,D, or E)  

___ took a long time to get on top of the job?  

A Amanda, 33

I had been working in sales for six years when I suffered an ankle injury that was to change my whole life. It didn't heal and someone suggested acupuncture, a traditional Chinese treatment for pain. I was so impressed by the treatment that I found out about classes. I had reached a point in my life where things had to change. In many ways I had it all: a company car, foreign business trips, my own house, a secure job. But at 29, I felt increasingly dissatisfied and wanted to be more adventurous. So I persuaded my boss to let me work a four-day week and did classes on the remaining day. It took four difficult years to qualify, as I was studying 25 hours a week on top of my job. It's been worth it though, and I get on well with the people I work for now. As for the BMW, I don't miss it at all!

 B Dani, 30

I trained as a doctor but I knew all along it wasn't right for me and I found working in a hospital exhausting. My parents had run their dairy farm for thirty years and needed a long holiday, so we decided that I'd look after things for six months while they visited my brother in Australia. It gave me the career break I'd been looking for, except that I never went back. Mum and Dad have emigrated, so now I'm in charge for good, which is fine by me. At the beginning, I was quite inexperienced, though it felt natural to be back on the farm and didn't take me long to master everything. I've learned to be flexible - to fit in with the weather! Being in the open air is the best thing of all. I've just started selling my own cheese and by this time next year, I'll have launched my own ice cream.

 C Sue, 34

I'd never seen myself as academic. Hairdressing seemed glamorous and I wanted a car, so I went to work in a salon as an apprentice. I wasn't concerned about the poor pay - I had fun! Then, all of a sudden, my husband’s job moved to London. This forced me to reconsider my own life and I decided to take English and Law at night school there. I was spending 45 hours a week cutting hair and working for exams as well. I lost ten kilos in weight, but for all the stress of studying, I knew I was doing the right thing. After leaving college I went into market research. My confidence has always been low and it was three years before I felt I could cope effectively in the role. But it was worth it - my present earnings would have been unimaginable back in the salon.

 D Rachel, 28

I worked for three investment banks in London, earning £60,000 a year in my last job. If I'd added up the hours I spent at my desk, it would have been huge - sometimes I was there until midnight. To begin with, I had lots of energy and I got a real buzz from the work, helped by the fact that everyone was willing to give me so much responsibility. Eventually, third time around, it got to me. At the time, the bank needed to reduce its staff and was offering a good leaving package, so I jumped at it. I spent six months getting to know Latin America, where I'd never been. Now I'm working freelance, editing articles for financial magazines. I've set up the spare room as an office and I hope to pick up enough work. People who need certainty and structure would find my new life difficult, but all in all, I feel I've made the right decision.

   E     Eleanor, 25

I'd always loved skating and what I wanted above all was to be an ice dancer. Mum and Dad found classes for me but the rink was in another town so it took up a lot of their time driving me there. I'm so grateful to them for that, not to mention the huge sums they've invested in my training. I started competing at 14 and turned professional at 16. I've done a lot of great shows, but I chose to hang up my skates long before most ice-dancers do. For the last six months. I've been working for a sportswear firm to gain experience in business and marketing and my dream is to . set up a company before long, producing boots, skates and costumes for the ice.

For questions 1-15 write A, B, C,D, or D . Read the texts .Which woman (A, B, C,D, or E)  

___ visited another continent during a career break?

A Amanda, 33

I had been working in sales for six years when I suffered an ankle injury that was to change my whole life. It didn't heal and someone suggested acupuncture, a traditional Chinese treatment for pain. I was so impressed by the treatment that I found out about classes. I had reached a point in my life where things had to change. In many ways I had it all: a company car, foreign business trips, my own house, a secure job. But at 29, I felt increasingly dissatisfied and wanted to be more adventurous. So I persuaded my boss to let me work a four-day week and did classes on the remaining day. It took four difficult years to qualify, as I was studying 25 hours a week on top of my job. It's been worth it though, and I get on well with the people I work for now. As for the BMW, I don't miss it at all!

 B Dani, 30

I trained as a doctor but I knew all along it wasn't right for me and I found working in a hospital exhausting. My parents had run their dairy farm for thirty years and needed a long holiday, so we decided that I'd look after things for six months while they visited my brother in Australia. It gave me the career break I'd been looking for, except that I never went back. Mum and Dad have emigrated, so now I'm in charge for good, which is fine by me. At the beginning, I was quite inexperienced, though it felt natural to be back on the farm and didn't take me long to master everything. I've learned to be flexible - to fit in with the weather! Being in the open air is the best thing of all. I've just started selling my own cheese and by this time next year, I'll have launched my own ice cream.

 C Sue, 34

I'd never seen myself as academic. Hairdressing seemed glamorous and I wanted a car, so I went to work in a salon as an apprentice. I wasn't concerned about the poor pay - I had fun! Then, all of a sudden, my husband’s job moved to London. This forced me to reconsider my own life and I decided to take English and Law at night school there. I was spending 45 hours a week cutting hair and working for exams as well. I lost ten kilos in weight, but for all the stress of studying, I knew I was doing the right thing. After leaving college I went into market research. My confidence has always been low and it was three years before I felt I could cope effectively in the role. But it was worth it - my present earnings would have been unimaginable back in the salon.

 D Rachel, 28

I worked for three investment banks in London, earning £60,000 a year in my last job. If I'd added up the hours I spent at my desk, it would have been huge - sometimes I was there until midnight. To begin with, I had lots of energy and I got a real buzz from the work, helped by the fact that everyone was willing to give me so much responsibility. Eventually, third time around, it got to me. At the time, the bank needed to reduce its staff and was offering a good leaving package, so I jumped at it. I spent six months getting to know Latin America, where I'd never been. Now I'm working freelance, editing articles for financial magazines. I've set up the spare room as an office and I hope to pick up enough work. People who need certainty and structure would find my new life difficult, but all in all, I feel I've made the right decision.

   E     Eleanor, 25

I'd always loved skating and what I wanted above all was to be an ice dancer. Mum and Dad found classes for me but the rink was in another town so it took up a lot of their time driving me there. I'm so grateful to them for that, not to mention the huge sums they've invested in my training. I started competing at 14 and turned professional at 16. I've done a lot of great shows, but I chose to hang up my skates long before most ice-dancers do. For the last six months. I've been working for a sportswear firm to gain experience in business and marketing and my dream is to . set up a company before long, producing boots, skates and costumes for the ice.

For questions 1-15 write A, B, C,D, or D . Read the texts .Which woman (A, B, C,D, or E)  

___ found her first job very tiring?  

A Amanda, 33

I had been working in sales for six years when I suffered an ankle injury that was to change my whole life. It didn't heal and someone suggested acupuncture, a traditional Chinese treatment for pain. I was so impressed by the treatment that I found out about classes. I had reached a point in my life where things had to change. In many ways I had it all: a company car, foreign business trips, my own house, a secure job. But at 29, I felt increasingly dissatisfied and wanted to be more adventurous. So I persuaded my boss to let me work a four-day week and did classes on the remaining day. It took four difficult years to qualify, as I was studying 25 hours a week on top of my job. It's been worth it though, and I get on well with the people I work for now. As for the BMW, I don't miss it at all!

 B Dani, 30

I trained as a doctor but I knew all along it wasn't right for me and I found working in a hospital exhausting. My parents had run their dairy farm for thirty years and needed a long holiday, so we decided that I'd look after things for six months while they visited my brother in Australia. It gave me the career break I'd been looking for, except that I never went back. Mum and Dad have emigrated, so now I'm in charge for good, which is fine by me. At the beginning, I was quite inexperienced, though it felt natural to be back on the farm and didn't take me long to master everything. I've learned to be flexible - to fit in with the weather! Being in the open air is the best thing of all. I've just started selling my own cheese and by this time next year, I'll have launched my own ice cream.

 C Sue, 34

I'd never seen myself as academic. Hairdressing seemed glamorous and I wanted a car, so I went to work in a salon as an apprentice. I wasn't concerned about the poor pay - I had fun! Then, all of a sudden, my husband’s job moved to London. This forced me to reconsider my own life and I decided to take English and Law at night school there. I was spending 45 hours a week cutting hair and working for exams as well. I lost ten kilos in weight, but for all the stress of studying, I knew I was doing the right thing. After leaving college I went into market research. My confidence has always been low and it was three years before I felt I could cope effectively in the role. But it was worth it - my present earnings would have been unimaginable back in the salon.

 D Rachel, 28

I worked for three investment banks in London, earning £60,000 a year in my last job. If I'd added up the hours I spent at my desk, it would have been huge - sometimes I was there until midnight. To begin with, I had lots of energy and I got a real buzz from the work, helped by the fact that everyone was willing to give me so much responsibility. Eventually, third time around, it got to me. At the time, the bank needed to reduce its staff and was offering a good leaving package, so I jumped at it. I spent six months getting to know Latin America, where I'd never been. Now I'm working freelance, editing articles for financial magazines. I've set up the spare room as an office and I hope to pick up enough work. People who need certainty and structure would find my new life difficult, but all in all, I feel I've made the right decision.

   E     Eleanor, 25

I'd always loved skating and what I wanted above all was to be an ice dancer. Mum and Dad found classes for me but the rink was in another town so it took up a lot of their time driving me there. I'm so grateful to them for that, not to mention the huge sums they've invested in my training. I started competing at 14 and turned professional at 16. I've done a lot of great shows, but I chose to hang up my skates long before most ice-dancers do. For the last six months. I've been working for a sportswear firm to gain experience in business and marketing and my dream is to . set up a company before long, producing boots, skates and costumes for the ice.

For questions 1-15 write A, B, C,D, or D . Read the texts .Which woman (A, B, C,D, or E)  

___ had financial support from her parents? 

A Amanda, 33

I had been working in sales for six years when I suffered an ankle injury that was to change my whole life. It didn't heal and someone suggested acupuncture, a traditional Chinese treatment for pain. I was so impressed by the treatment that I found out about classes. I had reached a point in my life where things had to change. In many ways I had it all: a company car, foreign business trips, my own house, a secure job. But at 29, I felt increasingly dissatisfied and wanted to be more adventurous. So I persuaded my boss to let me work a four-day week and did classes on the remaining day. It took four difficult years to qualify, as I was studying 25 hours a week on top of my job. It's been worth it though, and I get on well with the people I work for now. As for the BMW, I don't miss it at all!

 B Dani, 30

I trained as a doctor but I knew all along it wasn't right for me and I found working in a hospital exhausting. My parents had run their dairy farm for thirty years and needed a long holiday, so we decided that I'd look after things for six months while they visited my brother in Australia. It gave me the career break I'd been looking for, except that I never went back. Mum and Dad have emigrated, so now I'm in charge for good, which is fine by me. At the beginning, I was quite inexperienced, though it felt natural to be back on the farm and didn't take me long to master everything. I've learned to be flexible - to fit in with the weather! Being in the open air is the best thing of all. I've just started selling my own cheese and by this time next year, I'll have launched my own ice cream.

 C Sue, 34

I'd never seen myself as academic. Hairdressing seemed glamorous and I wanted a car, so I went to work in a salon as an apprentice. I wasn't concerned about the poor pay - I had fun! Then, all of a sudden, my husband’s job moved to London. This forced me to reconsider my own life and I decided to take English and Law at night school there. I was spending 45 hours a week cutting hair and working for exams as well. I lost ten kilos in weight, but for all the stress of studying, I knew I was doing the right thing. After leaving college I went into market research. My confidence has always been low and it was three years before I felt I could cope effectively in the role. But it was worth it - my present earnings would have been unimaginable back in the salon.

 D Rachel, 28

I worked for three investment banks in London, earning £60,000 a year in my last job. If I'd added up the hours I spent at my desk, it would have been huge - sometimes I was there until midnight. To begin with, I had lots of energy and I got a real buzz from the work, helped by the fact that everyone was willing to give me so much responsibility. Eventually, third time around, it got to me. At the time, the bank needed to reduce its staff and was offering a good leaving package, so I jumped at it. I spent six months getting to know Latin America, where I'd never been. Now I'm working freelance, editing articles for financial magazines. I've set up the spare room as an office and I hope to pick up enough work. People who need certainty and structure would find my new life difficult, but all in all, I feel I've made the right decision.

   E     Eleanor, 25

I'd always loved skating and what I wanted above all was to be an ice dancer. Mum and Dad found classes for me but the rink was in another town so it took up a lot of their time driving me there. I'm so grateful to them for that, not to mention the huge sums they've invested in my training. I started competing at 14 and turned professional at 16. I've done a lot of great shows, but I chose to hang up my skates long before most ice-dancers do. For the last six months. I've been working for a sportswear firm to gain experience in business and marketing and my dream is to . set up a company before long, producing boots, skates and costumes for the ice.

For questions 1-15 write A, B, C,D, or D . Read the texts .Which woman (A, B, C,D, or E)  

___ intends to expand her range of products?

A Amanda, 33

I had been working in sales for six years when I suffered an ankle injury that was to change my whole life. It didn't heal and someone suggested acupuncture, a traditional Chinese treatment for pain. I was so impressed by the treatment that I found out about classes. I had reached a point in my life where things had to change. In many ways I had it all: a company car, foreign business trips, my own house, a secure job. But at 29, I felt increasingly dissatisfied and wanted to be more adventurous. So I persuaded my boss to let me work a four-day week and did classes on the remaining day. It took four difficult years to qualify, as I was studying 25 hours a week on top of my job. It's been worth it though, and I get on well with the people I work for now. As for the BMW, I don't miss it at all!

 B Dani, 30

I trained as a doctor but I knew all along it wasn't right for me and I found working in a hospital exhausting. My parents had run their dairy farm for thirty years and needed a long holiday, so we decided that I'd look after things for six months while they visited my brother in Australia. It gave me the career break I'd been looking for, except that I never went back. Mum and Dad have emigrated, so now I'm in charge for good, which is fine by me. At the beginning, I was quite inexperienced, though it felt natural to be back on the farm and didn't take me long to master everything. I've learned to be flexible - to fit in with the weather! Being in the open air is the best thing of all. I've just started selling my own cheese and by this time next year, I'll have launched my own ice cream.

 C Sue, 34

I'd never seen myself as academic. Hairdressing seemed glamorous and I wanted a car, so I went to work in a salon as an apprentice. I wasn't concerned about the poor pay - I had fun! Then, all of a sudden, my husband’s job moved to London. This forced me to reconsider my own life and I decided to take English and Law at night school there. I was spending 45 hours a week cutting hair and working for exams as well. I lost ten kilos in weight, but for all the stress of studying, I knew I was doing the right thing. After leaving college I went into market research. My confidence has always been low and it was three years before I felt I could cope effectively in the role. But it was worth it - my present earnings would have been unimaginable back in the salon.

 D Rachel, 28

I worked for three investment banks in London, earning £60,000 a year in my last job. If I'd added up the hours I spent at my desk, it would have been huge - sometimes I was there until midnight. To begin with, I had lots of energy and I got a real buzz from the work, helped by the fact that everyone was willing to give me so much responsibility. Eventually, third time around, it got to me. At the time, the bank needed to reduce its staff and was offering a good leaving package, so I jumped at it. I spent six months getting to know Latin America, where I'd never been. Now I'm working freelance, editing articles for financial magazines. I've set up the spare room as an office and I hope to pick up enough work. People who need certainty and structure would find my new life difficult, but all in all, I feel I've made the right decision.

   E     Eleanor, 25

I'd always loved skating and what I wanted above all was to be an ice dancer. Mum and Dad found classes for me but the rink was in another town so it took up a lot of their time driving me there. I'm so grateful to them for that, not to mention the huge sums they've invested in my training. I started competing at 14 and turned professional at 16. I've done a lot of great shows, but I chose to hang up my skates long before most ice-dancers do. For the last six months. I've been working for a sportswear firm to gain experience in business and marketing and my dream is to . set up a company before long, producing boots, skates and costumes for the ice.