READING COMPREHENSION

Team Members : .....................................

......................................

Read these following texts. Select the best answer to complete the text.
Passage 1
Read the following memorandum.

MEMORANDUM
TO : All employees
FROM : Bill Jennings
RE : No smoking policy
DATE : September 15
Numerous studies conducted over the last two decades show that smoking can
cause serious respiratory diseases in smokers as well as non-smokers. To protect air
quality in our working environment, contribute to our health and well-being and
comply with new legislation, our company will become entirely smoke-free effective
January 1.
As from that date, the consumption of any tobacco products, including chewing
tobacco, will be banned in all enclosed areas within the company. This includes the
manufacturing facilities, private and open plan offices, meeting and training rooms,
hallways, lunchrooms, stairs, restrooms and parking lots.
The only area where smoking will be permitted is outdoors and in the shelter located
opposite the far west wing of the building. Additionally, staff members will be
allowed to smoke in their own personal *vehicles, but will have to keep their
windows closed so as to contain the smoke within the vehicle. Employees who chose
to use these smoking areas will not be granted any additional breaks.
This policy will apply to any person working for the company regardless of their
status or position.
Non compliance with this policy will result in disciplinary action that may lead to
employment termination.

Department heads will be expected to provide smokers with information and contact
details about the Say No To Smoke helpline.

*Smoking is not permitted in company vehicles or any vehicles being used on

company business.

Questions 1 – 4.

1. What do studies demonstrate?

A. Smoking is harmful C. Tobacco consumption is lower than 2 decades ago
B. Air quality is improving D. Non-smokers are more numerous
 2. Where will it be forbidden to smoke?
A. In a shelter C. Outside the building
B. In personal vehicles D. In the work rooms
3. What will happen to staff refusing to abide by the policy?
A. They will have extra breaks
B. They might be dismissed
C. They will have to pay a fine
D. They will be transferred to other departments
4. What is true about department heads?
A. They will be allowed to smoke.
B. They will have to call a helpline.
C. Their departmental budget will be increased.
D. They will be expected to inform their smoking staff.

Passage 2

Read the following notice.

BOOKS AND FUN

1568 Pershing Avenue
Minneapolis
NOVEMBER EVENTS

Wednesday, November 10th at 7:00pm

Nathan Miles will be at Books and Fun to read from and sign copies of his
brand new bestseller and first ever legal thriller, The Stolen Letters. Be amongst
the first to discover it and take advantage of this unique opportunity to meet
Nathan Miles who is the world-renowned author of seven essays and plays. Mr.
Miles is also the recipient of the Thomas Ashcroft Award from the New
Hampshire Academy of Arts. He is currently directing the Hemingway Institute
for Young Contemporary Writers at the State University of New York at Stony
Brook.
Saturday, November 20th
Foreign Language’s Day
All language teachers and learners are invited to come along to this event. Free
copies of new language course books will be given away. Teachers with valid
identification will enjoy a 10% discount on other types of books. Refreshments
will be served.
Thursday, November 25th at 5:30pm
Mary Mc Ewen will discuss and sign Family Secrets and Recipes, a new book in
which she tells the story of her family. This ideal holiday gift also features over
100 original recipes that she learnt from her grandmother.

All events are free and open to the public but are subject to change without
notice.
Questions 5 – 8
5. Who is Nathan Miles?
A. A lawyer C. A novelist
B. A librarian D. A teacher

6. What will happen during the Foreign Languages’ Day?

A. Learners will get a 10% discount
B. A free meal will be served
C. Visitors will be able to register for language courses.
D. Complimentary copies of new methods will be supplied.
7. What kind of book is Family Secrets and Recipes?
A. A cookbook C. A play
B. A history book D. An essay

Passage 3

Read the following article.

Most people give little thought to the pens they write with, especially since the printers
in modern homes and offices mean that very few items are handwritten. All too often,
people buy a pen based only on looks and wonder why they are not satisfied once they
begin to use it. However, buying a pen that you will enjoy is not difficult if you keep a
few simple tips in mind.

First of all, a pen should fit comfortably in your hand and be easy to manipulate. The
thickness of the pen is the most important characteristic when determining comfort. If
you have a small hand and thick fingers, you may be comfortable with a slender pen.
If you have a larger hand and thicker fingers, you may prefer a fatter pen. The length
of a pen can also influence comfort. A pen that is too long can easily feel top-heavy
and unstable as you write.

Next, the writing point of the pen (called a nib on fountain pens) should allow the ink
to flow evenly while the pen remains in contact with the paper. This will create a
smooth line of writing, with no skips or gaps that indicate an irregular flow of ink
within the pen. The point should also be sensitive enough to prevent ink from flowing
when the pen is lifted from the paper. A point that does not seal off the flow may leave
blots of ink at the end and beginning of each word, as you pick the pen up and put it
down again.

Finally, the pen should make a bold, dark line. Fine-line pens may compensate for bad
handwriting, but fine, delicate lines do not command attention next to printed text, as,
for example, a signature on a printed letter. A broader line, by contrast, gives an
impression of confidence and authority.

Questions 8 – 10
8. What does this article encourage people to do?
A. Write more legibly C. Write more things by hand
B. Purchase better printers D. Pay more attention to their pens
9. What is the most important characteristic to consider when determining the
comfort of a pen?
A. Thickness C. Weight
B. Length D. Size
10. What might an irregular flow of ink cause?
A. Smears C. Blots
B. Skips D. Smudges