The IELTS is one of the widely accepted language tests. It is accepted by over 140 countries. The test consists of four sections, which lasts for approximately 2 hrs 44 minutes. The IELTS reading test includes passages. They are meant to test your analysis, reading, and language skills. The test is of 60 minutes duration, comprising 3 modules of 20 minutes each. It has 40 questions. Each module will provide a passage, followed by questions based on it. This blog discusses some important tips to score good bands in the IELTS Reading test.
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Corporate Social Responsibility Reading Passage
Supporters of corporate social responsibility (CSR) have put forward four main justifications. They are reputation, sustainability, moral duty, and operating licence. The main goal of Business for Social Responsibility is to advance the moral argument. It says businesses ought to act ethically and as decent citizens. It is the largest non-profit CSR business organisation in the US. It asks that "business success be achieved in ways that respect people. They must also respect communities and nature”. Sustainability promotes social and environmental responsibility.
Paragraph 2
In the 1980s, the World Business Council for Sustainable Development and Norwegian Prime Minister Gro Harlem Brundtland made a great definition. They defined Sustainability. "Meeting existing demands without sacrificing future generations’ ability to satisfy their own needs." Governments, communities, and many others must agree for any business to operate. They must do so implicitly or explicitly. Lastly, many businesses use their reputation to defend their CSR initiatives. They do this because they improve a company's reputation. It also strengthens its brand, raises employee morale, and boosts its stock price.
Paragraph 2
CSR must be grounded in the strategies and actions of specific organisations. It also needs a deep understanding of the relationship between business and society. It may seem cliché. But, businesses and society being interdependent is a key reality. This truth might help companies escape the crisis. The crisis was caused by their current sense of corporate responsibility. A healthy society is necessary for an economy that prospers. Fair opportunity, health care, and education are essential elements of a productive workforce. Safe products and workplaces attract customers. They also cut internal accident costs. Business productivity can be improved by using natural resources efficiently. These resources include energy, water, and land. The rule of law is essential. So are efficient government and protected property rights. They are key to creativity and efficiency. Strict legal regulations protect against the exploitation of customers and competitors. As needs and wants are met, society will become healthier. This will lead to more demand. Any organisation that wants to accomplish its goals at society's expense will have short, false success. Likewise, successful businesses are necessary for a healthy society. No social effort can match the private sector's ability. It can create jobs, revenue, and new ideas. These improve living standards and social conditions in the long term.
Paragraph 3
A company's influence on society changes with time. It changes as science and norms advance. Scientists in the early 1900s thought that asbestos was not a serious health risk. For over 50 years, evidence has steadily built up on its dangers. It makes any company liable for harm it causes. Many businesses have failed. They could not foresee the effects of the growing amount of information. Businesses can't track the current, obvious implications. Without a system to find the most important future social impacts, companies face great risks.
Paragraph 4
No company has the resources to deal with each issue faced by society or to cover the expenses associated. Rather, every company needs to choose issues that are related to its industry. Other social goals should be left to firms in other industries, NGOs, or governments. They have a greater ability to address them. The main criteria for corporate social responsibility are not if a cause is worthy. They are if it creates shared value. That is, a big benefit for society that also helps the corporation. But, companies can't fix all the world's problems. They are not accountable or competent to do so. Each organisation may identify a specific set of societal concerns. It is best suited to help with them and gain the most advantage. To solve societal issues, creating shared value will make solutions that can stand alone. They won't need help from the government or companies. A corporation challenges understanding with its vast resources, expertise, and management. This may impact society more than any charity or other institution.
Paragraph 5
The best corporate citizenship initiatives need more than just writing cheques. They set clear, measurable goals and track progress. One such instance is GE's initiative. They adopt underperforming public high schools near its main U.S. companies. Over five years, the corporation gives each school $250,000 to $1,000,000. They give the money as cash and in-kind donations. GE managers and staff assess students' needs. They offer mentoring or tutoring. They are involved in the educational system by collaborating with authorities. An independent analysis of ten schools found that they joined the program from 1989 to 1999. It found that almost all of them had improved. In four of the five worst schools, the graduation rate rose from 30% to 60%. Initiatives like this foster goodwill. They also strengthen relationships with local governments and other key stakeholders. They are effective corporate citizens. Furthermore, GE employees take great pride in their participation. However, their power is limited. The program has benefits. But, it is not key to the business and has a small impact on GE's hiring and retention.
Paragraph 6
The Microsoft and American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) Working Connections relationship is a great example. It shows the value of shared investments. In the United States, there are over 450,000 vacant IT positions. This is a big obstacle to Microsoft's growth. Community colleges might be the key to the issue. About 11.6 million students attend community colleges. They make up 45% of all US undergraduates. Microsoft does admit, though, that community colleges face particular difficulties. They lack regular faculty professional development. IT courses are not standardised, and classroom technology is out of date. Microsoft's $50 million, five-year initiative addressed all three challenges. Apart from giving money and things, Microsoft sent staff volunteers to universities. They went to assess needs. They also helped develop curricula and set up faculty centres. In this case, volunteers and assigned staff could use their core skills to address a social need. This is a big change from the standard for volunteer programs. Microsoft has made achievements. They have directly helped many communities and may have greatly affected the company.
Paragraph 7
Every strategy starts with a unique value proposition. It is a set of needs that a company may meet for a certain client. No other business can do the same. CSR is most strategic when a company includes social effects in all its strategies. It gives its value proposition a social part. Think about Whole Foods Market. Its mission is to serve health-conscious consumers with natural, organic, and nutritious food. The organisation's sourcing approach gives priority to local farmers. They do this in each store's buying procedure. Buyers exclude meals with any of the 100+ common additives. The company believes these additives are unhealthy or bad for the environment. The same criteria hold for products made domestically. Whole Foods is committed to natural and environmentally friendly business practices. This commitment goes far beyond sourcing. The least amount of virgin materials is used in the construction of stores. The company is the first Fortune 500 company. It has bought renewable wind energy credits. These credits offset all of the company's power use at its shops and facilities. Produce spoilage and biodegradable waste are sent by truck to local composting facilities. Whole Foods is converting its vehicles to run on biofuels. The cleaning products in the store are also environmentally friendly. Additionally, the company has created the Animal Compassion Foundation through its charity. The goal is to promote more ethical and natural animal farming. Almost every link in the company's value chain boosts its social value. This sets Whole Foods apart from competitors.
Corporate Social Responsibility Reading Questions and Answers
Questions 1-7
The reading passage has seven paragraphs, A - G
Choose the correct heading for paragraphs A - G from the list below.
Write the correct number, i-xi, in boxes 1-7 on your answer sheet.
List of Headings
- How CSR could help in a company's growth
- CSR in many aspects of a business's operations
- A CSR project that has no profit goal
- Lack of state action on social concerns.
- Factors that encourage or compel businesses to engage in CSR
- The past demonstrates businesses' responsibility for future results.
- Companies who engage in CSR should be selective.
- Reasons for the mutual benefits of business and society
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Que. No. |
Paragraph |
Headings |
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1 |
Paragraph 1 |
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2 |
Paragraph 2 |
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3 |
Paragraph 3 |
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4 |
Paragraph 4 |
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5 |
Paragraph 5 |
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6 |
Paragraph 6 |
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7 |
Paragraph 7 |
Questions 8-9
Complete the following summary of the reading passage's paragraphs, using no more than two words from the passage for each response.
Write your answers in boxes 8-9 on your answer sheet.
How is CSR being implemented?
The promotion of CSR requires a knowledge of the relationship between business and society. The productivity of corporate workers requires access to healthcare, education, and 8_____. Both the government and companies apply restrictions to protect customers from unfair treatment. Improving safety standards can prevent 9______ workplace accidents. In the same way, society grows to include a wider range of human needs.
Questions 10-13
Use the information in the passage to match the companies (listed A-C) with opinions or deeds below.
Write the appropriate letters A, B, or C in boxes 10-13 on your answer sheet.
List of companies
- General Electronics
- Microsoft
- Whole Foods Market
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Que. No. |
Opinions |
Companies |
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10 |
The disposable waste |
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11 |
The way a company purchases goods |
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12 |
Helping the undeveloped |
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13 |
ensuring the people have the latest information |
Corporate Social Responsibility Reading Answers and Explanations
- Answer: V. Factors that encourage or compel businesses to engage in CSR
Reference:
Paragraph A: Governments, communities, and many others must agree for any business to operate. They must do so implicitly or explicitly. Lastly, many businesses use their reputation to defend their CSR initiatives. They do this because they improve a company's reputation. It also strengthens its brand, raises employee morale, and boosts its stock price.
Explanation:
The given excerpt explains the significance of corporate social responsibility. The government and other social pressures, as stated above, drive firms to address corporate social responsibility. Addressing CSR has become a matter of reputation and survival for a company. Hence, the title Factors that encourage or compel businesses to engage in CSR matches paragraph A.
- Answer: VIII. Reasons for the mutual benefits of business and society
Reference:
Paragraph B: It may seem cliché. But, businesses and society being interdependent is a key reality. This truth might help companies escape the crisis. The crisis was caused by their current sense of corporate responsibility.
Explanation:
According to the mentioned lines, companies and societies are extremely interdependent. A thriving economy is necessary for any business to succeed, and a healthy society is essential for any economy to expand. So, the title Reasons for the Mutual Benefits of Business and Society matches paragraph B.
- Answer: VI. The past demonstrates businesses' responsibility for future results.
Reference:
Paragraph C: Businesses can't track the current, obvious implications. Without a system to find the most important future social impacts, companies face great risks.
Explanation:
According to the mentioned lines, corporate social responsibility entails more than just emphasizing current social and ethical values. It is also critical to consider the future consequences of firm policy. So, the title The Past Demonstrates Businesses' Responsibility for Future Results matches paragraph C.
- Answer: VII. Companies that engage in CSR should be selective.
Reference:
Paragraph D: No company has the resources to deal with each issue faced by society or to cover the expenses associated. Rather, every company needs to choose issues that are related to its industry. Other social goals should be left to firms in other industries, NGOs, or government.
Explanation:
company should prioritize the issues that have the greatest impact on its operations. Other businesses and governmental and non-governmental organizations should handle the other issues. So, title companies Companies who engage in CSR should be selective matches paragraph D.
- Answer: III. A CSR project that has no profit goal
Reference:
Paragraph E: Over five years, the corporation gives each school $250,000 to $1,000,000. They give the money as cash and in-kind donations… The program has benefits. But, it is not key to the business and has a small impact on GE's hiring and retention.
Explanation:
According to the passage, GE's initiative to promote underdeveloped public high schools has major implications for increasing educational quality in the institutions. However, the organization does not benefit financially from it significantly. So, the title A CSR project that has no profit goal matches paragraph E.
- Answer: I. How CSR could help in a company's growth
Reference:
Paragraph F: The Microsoft and American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) Working Connections relationship is a great example. It shows the value of shared investments.
Explanation:
The passage states that collaborative efforts among businesses can promote business success. The relationship between Microsoft and the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) is the example given here. So, the title How CSR Could Help in a Company's Growth matches paragraph F.
- Answer: II. CSR in many aspects of a business's operations
Reference:
Paragraph G: Whole Foods is committed to natural and environmentally friendly business practices. This commitment goes far beyond sourcing. The least amount of virgin materials is used in the construction of stores… Almost every link in the company's value chain boosts its social value. This sets Whole Foods apart from competitors.
Explanation:
The passage's last paragraph states that Whole Foods is an excellent example of a corporation that has integrated CSR into numerous aspects of its business. Whole Foods uses renewable energy sources for its use in addition to relying on domestic producers for its stock. So, the title CSR in many aspects of a business's operations matches with paragraph G.
- Answer: Fair Opportunity
Reference:
From paragraph B: A healthy society is necessary for an economy that prospers. Fair opportunity, health care, and education are essential elements of a productive workforce.
Explanation:
The passage emphasizes the importance of providing adequate education, healthcare, and fair opportunities for all individuals in the corporate sector. This has a direct effect on the company's production quality.
- Answer: Internal costs
Reference:
From paragraph B: Safe products and workplaces attract customers. They also cut internal accident costs.
Explanation:
According to the passage, providing safe goods and a safe working environment is essential for any firm to reduce internal accident costs.
- Answer: C – Whole Foods Market
Reference:
From paragraph G: Produce spoilage and biodegradable waste are sent by truck to local composting facilities. Whole Foods is converting its vehicles to run on biofuels.
Explanation:
According to the lines above, Whole Foods Market generates disposable waste. After that, these biodegradable waste materials are sent for composting. Thus, the "disposable waste" option matches with Whole Foods Market.
- Answer: C – Whole Foods Market
Reference:
From paragraph G: Think about Whole Foods Market. Its mission is to serve health-conscious consumers with natural, organic, and nutritious food. The organization's sourcing approach gives priority to local farmers. They do this in each store's buying procedure.
Explanation:
The final paragraph of the passage describes Whole Foods Market's CSR procedures. One of its health initiatives is how it purchases items. It prioritizes local farmers and other producers when purchasing goods.
- Answer: A – General Electronics
Reference:
From paragraph E: One such instance is GE's initiative. They adopt underperforming public high schools near its main U.S. companies. Over five years, the corporation gives each school $250,000 to $1,000,000. They give the money as cash and in-kind donations. GE managers and staff assess students' needs. They offer mentoring or tutoring. They are involved in the educational system by collaborating with authorities.
Explanation:
The passage states that General Electronics helps in identifying and developing students who require guidance. It prioritizes student's needs by collaborating with underperforming high schools.
- Answer: B – Microsoft
Reference:
From paragraph F: The Microsoft and American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) Working Connections relationship is a great example. It shows the value of shared investments… Microsoft has made achievements. They have directly helped many communities and may have greatly affected the company.
Explanation:
The paragraph states that both Microsoft and the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) benefited from their common relationship. Although Microsoft monitors the school's academic standards, it supplies the company with an extensive workforce.
Tips to prepare for IELTS Reading
The IELTS reading test assesses your ability to comprehend and interpret written facts. To score well on the IELTS reading section, you need English proficiency. But, you also need to understand analysing and interpreting texts.
Here are a few guidelines to help you prepare for the IELTS reading section:
- Pay attention to details while reading
- Improve your vocabulary
- Work on analysis
- Focus on keywords
- Practise regularly
Conclusion
The IELTS Reading module is just one of four on the IELTS test. But, it directly affects your final score. Your overall IELTS score is the sum of the individual band scores from each module. Hence, you must prepare thoroughly for the IELTS Reading test. You must practise IELTS Reading by taking practice exams, mocks, and sample papers. You will become more familiar with the texts and questions. You will gain experience in time management by doing extra passages.
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