Study Buddy (Explorer): Cambridge graduate gives up biotech job to become zookeeper in Shanghai
Each week, this page presents a light article with questions to test your comprehension
A Chinese woman with a degree from the University of Cambridge has declined a biotech job to become a zookeeper in Shanghai. Photo: SCMP composite/Shutterstock/ The PaperContent provided by British Council
Read the following text, and answer questions 1-9 below:
[1] A Chinese graduate from the University of Cambridge in England, United Kingdom, has made a career choice that left many awestruck. Ma Yu, 25, is from eastern China’s Jiangsu Province. She made the bold decision to give up her high-paying job at a biopharmaceutical company to become a zookeeper at the renowned Shanghai Zoo in China, stating it was better for her health.
[2] The average monthly salary for a new researcher at a biopharmaceutical company is around 10,000 yuan (HK$10,735). A zookeeper’s pay is about half. Many found Ma’s decision surprising and unconventional, especially given her impressive educational background, which includes a bachelor’s degree in biological science from Imperial College London and a master’s degree in veterinary science from the University of Cambridge.
[3] However, Ma expressed that her role at the zoo has made her “healthier”, as she enjoys a more active lifestyle and no longer feels confined to an office environment. She emphasised that this position allows her to observe the lives of animals up close, providing crucial hands-on experience that significantly benefits her research in animal nutrition and the treatment of various animal diseases.
[4] Ma officially became a full-time employee at the zoo in February last year. She works from 8am to 5pm and has had the privilege of caring for a diverse array of animals, including elephants, hippos, monkeys, tigers, and red pandas. She is currently responsible for taking care of deer and goats.
[5] Ma noted that animals continuously surprise her with their behaviour. For instance, a research team conducted an observational study on the red panda she was feeding. The team made a hole in a feeding box to observe which paw the red panda would use to grab the food inside. To Ma’s astonishment, the red panda did not use either paw; instead, it stuck its head into the box and grabbed the food with its mouth. “Animals have many magical behaviours, which unfold in front of me in day-to-day interactions,” Ma shared with the Chinese media outlet Hongxing News.
[6] Ma’s position in the zoo – a public institution – is considered one of the most desirable jobs in the country due to its stability. However, she mentioned that job security was not her primary concern. “Apart from feeding the animals, I have the opportunity to engage in comprehensive research on animal nutrition and the treatment of illnesses. I also aspire to refine my practical veterinary skills, enhancing the theoretical knowledge I gained during my studies,” she said.
[7] Ma shared that the animals in the zoo have taught her invaluable lessons about forging bonds while respecting their wild nature and instincts. Ma also revealed that her parents have been supportive of her unconventional career choice.
Source: South China Morning Post, February 27
Questions
1. In paragraph 1, many people are … that Ma decided to become a zookeeper.
A. concerned
B. shocked
C. confused
D. impressed
2. What qualifications does Ma have, according to paragraph 2?
3. Ma did not get … at her previous workplace, according to paragraph 3.
A. much physical activity
B. a high salary
C. many holidays
D. much interaction with colleagues
4. According to paragraph 3, what are Ma’s two research areas? (2 marks)
5. Based on paragraph 4, what time does Ma start work every day?
6. Decide whether the following statements according to paragraphs 4 and 5 are True, False or the information is Not Given. Fill in ONE circle only for each statement. (4 marks)(i) Right now, Ma takes care of deer and goats.
(ii) The red panda surprised everyone by using its paw to get its food.
(iii) One of the first animals Ma took care of was an elephant.
(iv) Ma currently works part-time at the zoo.
7. Find a word in paragraph 5 that means to “watch something carefully to learn more about it”.
8. Based on your understanding of paragraph 6, why do many people in China want to do Ma’s job?
9. In paragraph 7, Ma’s parents … her job choice.
A. disagree with
B. agree with
C. are not aware of
D. none of the above
Answers
1. D
2. a bachelor’s degree in biological science from Imperial College London and a master’s degree in veterinary science from the University of Cambridge
3. A
4. animal nutrition and the treatment of various animal diseases
5. 8am, eight in the morning
6. (i) T; (ii) F; (iii) NG; (iv) F
7. observe
8. because of its stability / the job security (any one)
9. B