翻译考试口译中级笔试真题_第6页

Questions 11~15
In the information technology industry, it is widely acknowledged that how well IT departments of the future can fulfil their business goals will depend not on the regular updating of technology, which is essential for them to do, but on how well they can hold on to the people skilled at manipulating the newest technology. This is becoming more difficult. Best estimates of the current shortfall in IT staff in the UK are between 30,000 and 50,000, and growing.
And there is no end to the problem in sight. A severe industry-wide lack of investment in training means the long-term skills base is both ageing and shrinking. Employers are chasing experienced staff in ever-decreasing circles, and, according to a recent government report, 250,000 new IT jobs will be created over the next decade.
Most employers are confining themselves to dealing with the immediate problems. There is little evidence, for example, that they are stepping up their intake of raw recruits for in-house training, or retraining existing staff from other functions. This is the course of action recommended by the Computer Software Services Association, but research shows its members are adopting the short-term measure of bringing in more and more consultants on a contract basis.
With IT professionals increasingly attracted to the financial rewards and flexibility of consultancy work, average staff turnover rates are estimated to be around 15%. While many companies in the financial services sector are managing to contain their losses by offering skilled IT staff "golden handcuffs"—deferred loyalty bonuses that tie them in until a certain date—other organisations, like local governments, are unable to match the competitive salaries and perks on offer in the private sector and contractor market, and are suffering turnover rates of up to 60% a year.
But while loyalty bonuses have grabbed the headlines, there are other means of holding on to staff. Some companies are doing additional IT pay reviews in the year and paying market premiums. But such measures can create serious employee relations problems among those excluded, both within and outside IT departments. Many industry experts advise employers to link bonuses to performance wherever possible. However, employers are realising that bonuses will only succeed if they are accompanied by other incentives such as attractive career prospects, training, and challenging work that meets the individual's long-term ambitions.

11. According to the passage, the success of IT departments will depend on ______.
 (A) their success at retaining their skilled staff
 (B) the extent to which they invest in new technology
 (C) their attempts to recruit staff with the necessary skills
 (D) the ability of employees to keep up with the latest developments
12. The problem referred to in the second paragraph is that ______.
 (A) the government needs to create thousands of new IT posts
 (B) the pool of skilled IT people will get even smaller in the future
 (C) company budgets for IT training have been decreasing steadily
 (D) older IT professionals have no adequate training
13. What is the possible solution to the long-term problems in the IT industry?
 (A) To offer top rates to attract the best specialist consultants.
 (B) To expand company training programs for new and old employees.
 (C) To conduct more research into the reasons for staff leaving.
 (D) To ensure that permanent staff earn the same as contract staff.
14. In some businesses in the financial services sector, the IT staffing problem has led to _____.
 (A) additional benefits for skilled staff after a specified period of time
 (B) more employees seeking alternative employment in the public sector
 (C) the loss of customers to rival organizations
 (D) more flexible conditions of work for their staff
15. Employers accept that IT professionals are more likely to stay in their present post if they ______.
 (A) are set more realistic performance targets
 (B) have a good working relationship with staff in other departments
 (C) are provided with opportunities for professional development
 (D) receive a remuneration package at top market rates