Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C, or D to indicate the correct answer to each of the questions from 33 to 40. A letter...

Read the following passage and mark the letter A, B, C, or D to indicate the correct answer to each of the questions from 33 to 40.

A letter of application is a sales letter in which you are both salesperson and product, for the purpose of an application is to attract an employer’s attention and persuade him or her to grant you an interview. To do this, the letter presents what you can offer the employer, rather than what you want from the job.

Like a résumé, the letter of application is a sample of your work and an opportunity to demonstrate your skills and personality. If it is written with flair and understanding and prepared with professional care, it is likely to be very effective. While the résumé must be factual, objective, and brief, the letter is your chance to interpret and expand. It should state explicitly how your background relates to the specific job, and it should emphasise your strongest and most relevant characteristics. The letter should demonstrate that you know both yourself and the company.

The letter of application must communicate your ambition and enthusiasm. Yet it must be modest. It should be neither aggressive nor compliant: neither pat yourself on the back nor ask for sympathy. It should never express dissatisfaction with the present or former job or employer. And you should avoid discussing your reasons for leaving your last job.

Finally, it is best that you do not broach the subject on salary. Indeed, even if a job advertisement requires that you mention your salary requirements, it is advisable simply to call them “negotiable”. However, when you go on an interview, you should be prepared to mention a salary range. For this reason, you should investigate both your field and, if possible, the particular company. You don't want to ask for less than you deserve or more than is reasonable.

Question 33. The word “broach” in paragraph 4 could be best replaced by ____________.

        A. investigate                B. avoid                        C. understand                        D. introduce

Question 34. Which of the following best paraphrases the underlined sentence in paragraph 3?

        A. It is advisable to express your feelings about former employers in a critical way.

        B. One should consider before sharing experiences in past or current positions.

        C. You should refrain from voicing negative opinions about your previous and current jobs or bosses.

        D. It is important to address any grievances you may have about your current job or employer.

Question 35. In which paragraph does the writer mention the importance of presenting what you can offer an employer?

        A. Paragraph 3        B. Paragraph 4                        C. Paragraph 1                        D. Paragraph 2

Question 36. The word “explicitly” in paragraph 2 is OPPOSITE in meaning to ____________.

        A. directly                B. obviously                        C. ambiguously                D. quickly

Question 37. The word “it” in paragraph 2 refers to ____________.

        A. the résumé                                                B. the letter of application

        C. an opportunity                                        D. your work

Question 38. In which paragraph does the writer advise against discussing salary requirements?

        A. Paragraph 2        B. Paragraph 4                        C. Paragraph 1                        D. Paragraph 3

Question 39. According to the passage, all of the following are characteristics of a letter of application EXCEPT ____________.

        A. It should be brief and factual                        B. It should connect your background to the job

        C. It should highlight relevant traits                        D. It should reflect your skills and personality

Question 40. Which of the following is TRUE about a letter of application according to the passage?

        A. It should express the applicant's dissatisfaction with his/her former employer.

        B. It should expand upon the information contained in the applicant's résumé.

        C. It should be written very briefly, but in a formal style.

        D. It should refer to the applicant's reasons for leaving his/her previous job.