- Share some ideas on how to ask for and receive an increase in pay?
- Have you ever tried any of them? Did they work?
The Right Way to a Raise
By Arrica Elin SanSone
As anyone who has worked a job knows, a salary increase doesn’t always come along just because an employee deserves one. Sometimes you have to ask, and if it’s been a while since your last raise, or if you’ve recently gotten positive feedback from management, now is a good time. However, says Larney R. Gump, D.Ed., a licensed psychologist and career counselor in Washington, D.C., broaching the subject in the wrong way could weaken your chances. Avoid lines like these: “But so-and-so got a raise.” Responsibilities are rarely the same, so comparing yourself to another employees isn’t useful. Instead, point out your most recent accomplishments.
“If I don’t get a raise, I’ll quit.” Don’t give your boss an ultimatum. Instead, offer her a chance to problem-solve by saying something like, “It’s been a year since my last raise. What can you do to help me?” “I need the money.” Your finances are not your boss’s problem. Instead of telling her a sob story, ask how you can earn more.
http://www.lhj.com/relationships/work/salary/the-right-way-to-a-raise/
Taken and adapted from Ladies’ Home Journal
- Based on the advice given in the article what should be done to get an increase in pay? And what shouldn’t?
1. Look at the words written in italics. Match them with their definitions. http://www.thefreedictionary.com
a. raise (a sensitive or difficult subject) for discussion
b. something that has been achieved successfully
c. Leave (a place), usually permanently
d. an increase in salary
e. obtain (money) in return for labour or services
f. a story or piece of information that someone tells you or writes about themselves that is intended to make you feel sympathy for them
g. make or become weaker in power, resolve, or physical strength
h. do something or have or show qualities worthy (reward or punishment)
2. In the article find the synonym for an increase in salary. Do you know its British equivalent?
Can you find more words from the article which are normally used in American rather than British English?
Do you know the British equivalents for the following words? Complete the table.
|
American English |
British English |
| Apartment buildingCandyCookieFallFirst floorFrench friesLorry
Movies Pants Parking lot Subway Vacation
|
- What other differences between American and British English?
3. In the article find examples of the Present Perfect tense and underline them.
When is it used in English? Complete the following sentences using the verbs given in Present Perfect.
1. He knows New York quite well – he ……………. there three times. (to be)
2. How long ……………. you ……………. each other? (to know)
3. I ……………. this man before but I can’t remember where. (to see)
4. Laura is on holiday at the moment. She ……………. to Spain. (to go)
5. I can’t find my key anywhere. I think I …………… them. (to lose)
6. Sue isn’t here. She …………… out. (to go)
7. …………… we …………… before? (to meet)
8. …………… you …………… a new job yet? (to start)
4. Now write about yourself. How often have you done the following things?
1. (Abroad) I ……………………………………………………………………………………….
2. (Play/piano) ………………………………………………………………………………………
3. (be/late for work) ………………………………………………………………………………
4. (eat/caviar) ……………………………………………………………………………………….
Answer
1.
a. ‘raise (a sensitive or difficult subject) for discussion’ – broach
b. ‘something that has been achieved successfully’ – accomplishment
c.’ leave (a place), usually permanently’ – quit
d. ‘an increase in salary’ – raise
e. ‘obtain (money) in return for labour or services’ – earn
f. ‘a story or piece of information that someone tells you or writes about themselves that is intended to make you feel sympathy for them’ – a sob story
g.’ make or become weaker in power, resolve, or physical strength’ – weaken
h. ‘do something or have or show qualities worthy (reward or punishment)’ – deserve
2.
There is some confusion between raise and rise when talking about pay pr salary. British English a (pay) rise is an increase in pay, while in American English the word is a (pay) raise.
- Have you got a 10% pay rise this year? (BrE)
- My boss promised to give me a pay raise next month. (AmE)
|
American English |
British English |
| Apartment buildingCandyCookieFall
First floor French fries Truck Movies Pants Parking lot Subway Vacation
|
A block of flatsSweetBiscuitAutumn
ground floor chips Lorry Cinema Trousers Car park Underground Holiday |
3.
1. He knows New York quite well – he has been there three times. (to be)
2. How long have you known each other? (to know)
3. I have seen this man before but I can’t remember where. (to see)
4. Laura is on holiday at the moment. She has gone to Spain. (to go)
5. I can’t find my key anywhere. I think I have lost them. (to lose)
6. Sue isn’t here. She has gone out. (to go)
7. Have we met before? (to meet)
8. Have you started a new job yet? (to start)
Offbeat English 