托福閱讀背景知識——無限假期unlimited vacation

在備考托福的過程中，了解一些相關的背景知識可以幫助考生提升閱讀理解能力,。本文將介紹“無限假期”這一概念及其對職場的影響,，希望能為考生提供有價值的信息,。

Unlimited Vacation

Unlimited vacation, often referred to as "discretionary time off," is a policy that allows employees to take as much time off as they wish. LinkedIn recently announced this policy for its approximately 6,000 US employees, starting November 1. However, the reality of unlimited vacation may not be as appealing as it sounds.

According to Pat Wadors, LinkedIn's Chief Human Resource Officer, this policy aims to empower both managers and employees. She emphasizes that workers are adults who do not require micromanagement or need to wait for vacation days to accrue.

However, there are limitations to this policy. Employees cannot create alternative work schedules or take extended leaves. Wadors clarifies that taking six months off would be considered a leave of absence, not a vacation. Employees must coordinate their time off with their managers.

This means that while the vacation is technically "unlimited," it requires careful planning to avoid overloading work schedules and to maintain a positive perception among supervisors. Managers at LinkedIn are encouraged to provide feedback to help employees feel secure about their vacation choices.

Many companies, including General Electric, Netflix, and Virgin Group, have adopted similar policies. However, critics argue that unlimited vacation may lead to employees taking less time off. For instance, Kickstarter recently reverted to a traditional vacation policy after finding that employees were hesitant to use their unlimited time off.

Matt Yglesias suggested in a Slate article that this policy could be a method for employers to subtly encourage employees to work more. He argues that employees may feel insecure about taking time off, which could hinder their ability to enjoy vacations.

Employers who implement unlimited vacation policies assert that they trust their workforce. However, for these policies to be effective, employees must also trust their managers. Generally, Americans tend to underutilize their vacation days, with a 2014 survey indicating that around 40% of available vacation time goes unused.

To combat this trend, some companies are getting creative. For example, one startup offers $7,500 to employees who take vacation. Others send reminders to encourage time off, and Evernote provides a $1,000 bonus to those who take at least a week off each year.

Despite its appeal, unlimited vacation remains a rare benefit, with only about 1% of employers offering it. Furthermore, approximately 20% of private sector workers do not receive any paid vacation at all.

Vocabulary

• Discretionary: 自由決定的
• Accrue: 獲得;積累

通過了解無限假期的背景知識，托?？忌梢愿玫貞獙ο嚓P閱讀材料,。這不僅有助于提高閱讀速度，也能增強對職場文化的理解,，為考試做好準備,。

托福閱讀背景知識——無限假期unlimited vacation。在復習備考的過程中,，掌握這些信息能夠幫助考生在閱讀部分取得更好的成績,。

托福閱讀背景知識的重要性

在準備托福考試的過程中,，閱讀部分常常是考生們最為關注的領域之一,。為了在托福閱讀中取得好成績，掌握背景知識是非常關鍵的,。通過了解不同的學科知識,，考生可以更好地理解文章內(nèi)容，提高解題效率,。

什么是背景知識,？

背景知識指的是與文章主題相關的知識和信息。這些知識可以來自于歷史,、科學,、文化等多個領域。例如,，如果你在閱讀一篇關于climate change（氣候變化）的文章時,，了解一些基本的氣候科學知識將有助于你更快地理解文章的核心思想。

如何提升背景知識,？

以下是一些提升背景知識的方法：

• 廣泛閱讀：多讀不同類型的文章,，包括科技,、歷史、藝術(shù)等,，幫助你建立一個多元化的知識庫,。
• 關注時事：了解當前熱點話題，尤其是與環(huán)境,、科技,、經(jīng)濟等相關的新聞，這些內(nèi)容常常出現(xiàn)在托福閱讀中,。
• 利用學習資源：可以使用托福備考書籍,、在線課程和模擬測試來提高自己的閱讀能力和背景知識。

常見的閱讀話題

托福閱讀通常涉及多個主題,，以下是一些常見的話題：

• Environmental Science（環(huán)境科學）
• History of Art（藝術(shù)史）
• Psychology（心理學）
• Technology and Society（科技與社會）

閱讀策略

在面對托福閱讀時,，考生可以采用以下策略：

• 快速瀏覽：先快速瀏覽文章，抓住大意和結(jié)構(gòu),，再進行細讀,。
• 做筆記：在閱讀過程中做簡要筆記，幫助記憶重要信息,。
• 理解題目：認真閱讀每個問題,，確保理解題目要求后再回到文章尋找答案。

范文示例

以下是一篇典型的托福閱讀文章示例：

Title: The Effects of Global Warming on Marine Life

Text: As global temperatures rise, marine ecosystems are facing unprecedented changes. Coral reefs, which are vital for biodiversity, are bleaching due to increased water temperatures. Fish populations are also shifting their habitats in search of cooler waters, leading to disruptions in fishing industries worldwide.

練習題目

根據(jù)上面的范文,，試回答以下問題：

• Question 1: What is causing coral reefs to bleach?
• Question 2: How are fish populations affected by global warming?

參考答案

Answer 1: Increased water temperatures.

Answer 2: They are shifting their habitats in search of cooler waters.

新題預測

根據(jù)目前的趨勢,，未來可能會出現(xiàn)關于renewable energy（可再生能源）和sustainable development（可持續(xù)發(fā)展）的話題。這些主題不僅與全球變暖密切相關,，也是各國政策討論的焦點,。

結(jié)語

背景知識的積累不是一朝一夕的事情，但通過不斷的學習和實踐,，考生們一定能夠在托福閱讀中取得理想的成績,。保持積極的學習態(tài)度，并運用有效的策略,，你會發(fā)現(xiàn)閱讀變得更加輕松,。???

As a TOEFL test taker, you might find yourself wondering about the concept of "unlimited vacation" and its implications. It's a topic that can spark various thoughts and discussions, especially when considering the balance between work and personal life. Let's explore the meaning of unlimited vacation and how it relates to our lives and studies.

Understanding Unlimited Vacation ??

Unlimited vacation is a policy that allows employees to take as much time off as they need, without a specified limit. This concept has gained traction in many companies, particularly in the tech industry. The idea behind it is to promote a healthy work-life balance, allowing employees to recharge and return to work more productive. However, the reality can be quite different.

The Benefits of Unlimited Vacation ??

One of the main advantages of unlimited vacation is the flexibility it offers. Employees can plan their time off based on personal needs, such as family commitments or mental health breaks. This flexibility can lead to increased job satisfaction and loyalty. Moreover, it encourages individuals to take responsibility for their own time management, which can foster a sense of ownership over their work.

Challenges of Unlimited Vacation ??

On the flip side, unlimited vacation can also present challenges. Some employees may feel pressured to not take time off, fearing it could reflect poorly on their commitment to the job. This can lead to burnout, as individuals may end up working longer hours without adequate breaks. Additionally, the lack of a clear policy can create confusion among employees regarding what is acceptable, leading to potential conflicts within teams.

How It Relates to TOEFL Preparation ??

For TOEFL test takers, the notion of unlimited vacation can serve as a metaphor for how you approach your study schedule. Just like in a workplace, it's essential to find a balance between intensive study sessions and necessary breaks. Overloading yourself with study materials without taking time to relax can hinder your performance on the test.

Creating a Balanced Study Schedule ???

When preparing for the TOEFL, consider implementing a study schedule that mimics the idea of unlimited vacation. Allow yourself to take breaks when needed. For instance, after a focused study session, reward yourself with some leisure activities or time to unwind. This approach can help maintain your motivation and prevent burnout.

Practical Tips for Effective Study ??

1. Set Clear Goals: Define what you want to achieve in each study session. This will give you a sense of direction and accomplishment.

2. Incorporate Variety: Use different study materials, such as reading texts, listening exercises, and practice tests. This variety can keep your mind engaged.

3. Schedule Breaks: Plan short breaks between study intervals. Research shows that taking breaks can improve focus and retention.

4. Stay Active: Incorporate physical activity into your routine. Exercise can boost your mood and enhance cognitive function.

Conclusion ??

In summary, the concept of unlimited vacation highlights the importance of balance in both professional and personal life. As a TOEFL candidate, embracing this mindset can lead to a more effective and less stressful study experience. By allowing yourself the freedom to take breaks and manage your study time wisely, you can approach the exam with confidence and clarity.

Remember, the journey to mastering the TOEFL is just as important as the destination. Enjoy the process, and good luck! ??