Reading Comprehension

I.1

Meet Daniel: Deputy Sergeant Footman

Read the article about Daniel’s work.

HAVING WORKED part-time in a local restaurant while studying for his A-

Levels, Daniel found his way to the Royal Household when his mum saw the

role of Trainee Footman advertised. He'd enjoyed his taste of the hospitality

world, had chosen not to go to university, and so was open to ideas.

“I would never have thought of this as a potential career, and didn’t expect

to receive a response from my application”.

But having shone at the assessment day, Daniel joined as Trainee

Footman and completed Butlering Vocational Qualification. After two years he

was promoted to Senior Footman, and then again to his current role.

Working as part of the Master of the Household’s Department, Daniel

supervises the team responsible for front-of-house service at Buckingham

Palace, and at other Royal residences. Overseeing operational activities, he

manages team schedules, travel logistics and daily tasks, and ensures

exceptional service is provided, whether for a small lunch or a state banquet.

“Working for the Royal Household is very much what you make of it.

There are brilliant opportunities to develop and gain experience. The functions¹

and locations you work at inspire you to meet their magnificence by providing

the best service that you can.” […]

Daniel says he had plenty of support to develop his career.

“Alongside on-the-job training in the technical aspects of the role, such as

valeting, knowledge of wines, and of caring for glass and china², I have also

developed my teamwork, leadership and event supervision skills.”

The people he works with have also played a big part in Daniel’s enjoyment

of the role.

“My first impression at the assessment day was how down-to-earth and

reassuring everyone was. The whole team are a fantastic mix of people from all

backgrounds. Everyone contributes different skills, but it’s having the right

attitude that is most important.”

¹ “functions” refers to social gatherings

² “china” refers to porcelain

(adapted from: https://www.royal.uk/meet-our-people-daniel, Zugriff 16.09.2025)

First decide if the statements (1 – 6) are true or false and mark the correct box. Then find the sentence in the text which supports your answer and write down the line numbers.

Statements		True	False	Justi- fication
1	A parent made Daniel aware of a job opportunity.			line(s)
2	He advanced to a higher position within a couple of years on the job.			line(s)
3	Daniel has to direct staff of only one building.			line(s)
4	The cir-cumstances of his job motivate Daniel to perform at the highest level.			line(s)
5	His job includes mixing alcoholic beverages.			line(s)
6	During his evaluation session, Daniel felt dis-couraged.			line(s)

Statements		True	False	Justification
1	A parent made Daniel aware of a job opportunity.			line(s)
2	He advanced to a higher position within a couple of years on the job.			line(s)
3	Daniel has to direct staff of only one building.			line(s)
4	The circumstances of his job motivate Daniel to perform at the highest level.			line(s)
5	His job includes mixing alcoholic beverages.			line(s)
6	During his evaluation session, Daniel felt discouraged.			line(s)

6 BE

I.2

Airline pilot

Read a newspaper article about David Ferrel’s career.

Lächelnder Pilot in Uniform im Cockpit, Instrumente und Steuerhörner sichtbar.

(Bildquelle: Spotlight, 9/2023, S. 20)

MY NAME is David Ferrel. I’m a pilot with United Airlines, based in Los Angeles,

California. I knew from an early age that I wanted to be a pilot, and I feel lucky

to have had the opportunity to become one. Beyond flying the plane, I enjoy

meeting passengers, to hear why they’re traveling – whether they’re starting

their vacation or reuniting with family. Connecting people across the globe is so

rewarding.

I got started by earning my private pilot’s license during my senior year

of high school. I then attended Purdue University’s professional pilot program,

where I completed a master’s degree and commercial pilot’s license.

Unfortunately, there were few pilot jobs available at the time, so I took an airline

office job. Several years later, I finally got a job as a regional airline pilot, which

is a common first step in the profession. I spent four years flying a regional jet

aircraft and, in early 2022, I joined United Airlines, where I now fly a Boeing 737.

When I leave home, I’m typically away for four days, but it can be as long

as six, or as short as one day. The routes I fly vary as well. I may fly as far east

as New York, as far south as Ecuador, as far west as Hawaii, or as far north as

Alaska. It’s not a typical nine-to-five job, obviously!

To be a successful airline pilot, you must have a few key characteristics.

Most obvious is having the mental stamina and motor skills needed to operate

complex aircraft.

Importantly, too: You must be a team player. Operating large aircraft

requires a crew and there’s never room on the flight deck for “solo” pilots. Pilots

must also wear many hats at work: team leader, meteorologist, flight computer

manager, aeronautical expert, and sometimes customer service agent. This all

comes with significant sacrifice, as you and your family must accept that you’ll

be away from home nearly half of your working life.

But there are so many highlights. My favorite has been flying in Alaska.

There are lots of challenges there – harsh winters, limited airport infrastructure,

and rocky mountain ranges, among others – which all require special training.

Alaska has some of the world’s most majestic landscapes, including the tallest

mountain in North America, Denali (also known as Mount McKinley). When the

weather was nice, we’d take a slight detour to fly our passengers directly over

the mountain. A rare view! […]

(shortened from: Spotlight, 9/2023, S. 20f.)

Answer the questions below. You do not need to write complete sentences.

1	What does David like about his job besides piloting an airplane? (Name two.) _______________________________ _______________________________
2	When did David receive his first flying qualification? _______________________________
3	Where did David work before he got hired as a pilot? _______________________________
4	What is the maximum amount of time David is at work? _______________________________
5	What are requirements for pilots according to David? (Name one.) _______________________________
6	What is a downside of being a pilot? _______________________________
7	What are difficulties piloting in the northernmost part of the USA? (Name two.) _______________________________ _______________________________

1	What does David like about his job besides piloting an airplane? (Name two.) ____________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________
2	When did David receive his first flying qualification? ____________________________________________________________________________________________
3	Where did David work before he got hired as a pilot? ____________________________________________________________________________________________
4	What is the maximum amount of time David is at work? ____________________________________________________________________________________________
5	What are requirements for pilots according to David? (Name one.) ____________________________________________________________________________________________
6	What is a downside of being a pilot? ____________________________________________________________________________________________
7	What are difficulties piloting in the northernmost part of the USA? (Name two.) ____________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________

9 BE

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I.1

Meet Daniel: Deputy Sergeant Footman

Statements	True	False	Justification
1			line(s) 1-3
2			line(s) 8-9
3			line(s) 10-12
4			line(s) 16-18
5			line(s) 20-22
6			line(s) 25-26

I.2

Airline pilot

1	Two of the following: meeting passengers to hear why they’re traveling (whether they’re starting their vacation or reuniting with family) connecting people
2	(my) senior year of high school
3	(airline) office
4	six days
5	One of the following: mental stamina (be a) team player motor skills
6	(be) away from home (nearly half of your working life)
7	Two of the following: harsh winters limited airport infrastructure rocky mountain ranges

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