Question

Martha had been working for Miller Laboratories for two years, but she was not happy there. Nothing significant had happened in the way of promotions or salary increases. Martha felt that her supervisor, a younger and less experienced person than she, did not like her. In fact, the supervisor often said unpleasant things to her.

One day, while talking with her friend Maria, she mentioned how discouraged she was. Maria gave her the name of a cousin of hers who was director of Human Resources Department for a large chemical company. Martha called him the next day and set up an interview on her lunch hour.

During the interview, Mr. Petri said, “You’re just the kind of person we need here. You’re being wasted in your other job. Give me a call in a day or two. I’m sure we can find a place for you in our organization.” Martha was so happy she almost danced out of the building.

That afternoon, Ruth Kenny, her supervisor, saw that Martha had come in ten minutes late from her lunch hour and she said, “Oh, so you finally decided to come back to work today?”

This was the last straw. She could not take another insult. Besides, Mr. Petri was right: she was being wasted in this job.

“Look,” she said angrily, “if you don’t like the way I work, I don’t need to stay here. I’ll go where I’m appreciated! Good-bye!” She took up her things and stormed out of the office.

That night she called Maria and told her what had happened and then asked Maria, “What do you think?”

“Well,” said Maria carefully, “are you sure about the other job?”

“Well, not exactly, but…”

Maria continued, “Will you be able to get a recommendation from Mrs. Kenny if you need one?”

“A recommendation?…from Mrs. Kenny?” hesitated Martha, in a worried tone.

“Martha, I hope you didn’t burn your bridges.” Maria said. “I think I would have handled it differently.”

 

1.     Martha is unhappy in her job because _____.

A. she has not advanced

B. the work is not significant

C. her supervisor is younger than she

D. there is too much work with little payment

2.     Which of the following statement is NOT true?

A. At her supervisor’s criticism, Martha lost her temper.

B. Mr. Petri felt Martha was not valued in her present job.

C. Martha’s interview with the director was on her lunch hour.

D. Martha got the name of the director through her cousin.

3.     The phrase “the last straw” probably refers to _____.

A. the last opportunity   

B. the straw that saves Martha’s life

C. the last reminder

D. the final unpleasant thing

4.     What does Maria think of Martha’s decision?

A. Martha has handled the matter properly.

B. Martha shouldn’t have set the bridge on fire.

C. Martha should have found a new job before leaving.

D. Martha shouldn’t have lost her temper with her supervisor

Answer 1

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