CELPIP Reading Practice Course：Part 4: Reading for Viewpoints

1. 第1题，共18题

   What is the article mainly about?

   Should Lakeshore Avenue Go Car-Free This Summer?

   Councillor Diane Morrow wants to close four blocks of Lakeshore Avenue, Port Alder's main shopping street, to cars from July 1 to August 31. Only people walking and cycling would be allowed. Council will vote on the trial next month.

   Rafael Ortiz, owner of the Blue Heron Café, supports the plan. He says a nearby town closed its main street and restaurants added patios. "Foot traffic is what keeps small businesses alive," he says.

   Linda Park, who has run Park's Hardware for 22 years, disagrees. Many of her customers buy paint, lumber and bags of soil. "Nobody wants to carry a heavy bag of soil three blocks to their car," she says. She fears they will drive to the big store on the highway instead. She would accept closing the street on weekends only.

   Gerald Fontaine, who uses a wheelchair and chairs the city's accessibility committee, says the idea could work if it is planned carefully. He wants accessible parking and a drop-off area for taxis and accessible transit at both ends of the closed blocks. "A street that is great for some people should not shut others out," he says.

   Morrow says the trial is meant to collect facts, not to make a permanent change. The city would count visitors and survey businesses about their sales. "If the numbers are bad, we go back to the way things were," she says.

   • AA new hardware store on the highway
   • BA plan to close part of a street to cars this summer
   • CThe opening of a new café with a patio on Lakeshore Avenue
   • DAn election for city council in Port Alder
   显示答案

   答案: B. A plan to close part of a street to cars this summer

   The article reports different opinions about closing four blocks of Lakeshore Avenue to cars for July and August.

2. 第2题，共18题

   Why does Rafael Ortiz support the plan?

   Should Lakeshore Avenue Go Car-Free This Summer?

   Councillor Diane Morrow wants to close four blocks of Lakeshore Avenue, Port Alder's main shopping street, to cars from July 1 to August 31. Only people walking and cycling would be allowed. Council will vote on the trial next month.

   Rafael Ortiz, owner of the Blue Heron Café, supports the plan. He says a nearby town closed its main street and restaurants added patios. "Foot traffic is what keeps small businesses alive," he says.

   Linda Park, who has run Park's Hardware for 22 years, disagrees. Many of her customers buy paint, lumber and bags of soil. "Nobody wants to carry a heavy bag of soil three blocks to their car," she says. She fears they will drive to the big store on the highway instead. She would accept closing the street on weekends only.

   Gerald Fontaine, who uses a wheelchair and chairs the city's accessibility committee, says the idea could work if it is planned carefully. He wants accessible parking and a drop-off area for taxis and accessible transit at both ends of the closed blocks. "A street that is great for some people should not shut others out," he says.

   Morrow says the trial is meant to collect facts, not to make a permanent change. The city would count visitors and survey businesses about their sales. "If the numbers are bad, we go back to the way things were," she says.

   • AHe wants to open a second café in another town
   • BHe thinks more people on foot will help businesses
   • CHe believes it will lower his rent
   • DHe has trouble finding parking near his café
   显示答案

   答案: B. He thinks more people on foot will help businesses

   Ortiz says foot traffic keeps small businesses alive and points to restaurants that added patios in a nearby town.

3. 第3题，共18题

   What is Linda Park's main concern?

   Should Lakeshore Avenue Go Car-Free This Summer?

   Councillor Diane Morrow wants to close four blocks of Lakeshore Avenue, Port Alder's main shopping street, to cars from July 1 to August 31. Only people walking and cycling would be allowed. Council will vote on the trial next month.

   Rafael Ortiz, owner of the Blue Heron Café, supports the plan. He says a nearby town closed its main street and restaurants added patios. "Foot traffic is what keeps small businesses alive," he says.

   Linda Park, who has run Park's Hardware for 22 years, disagrees. Many of her customers buy paint, lumber and bags of soil. "Nobody wants to carry a heavy bag of soil three blocks to their car," she says. She fears they will drive to the big store on the highway instead. She would accept closing the street on weekends only.

   Gerald Fontaine, who uses a wheelchair and chairs the city's accessibility committee, says the idea could work if it is planned carefully. He wants accessible parking and a drop-off area for taxis and accessible transit at both ends of the closed blocks. "A street that is great for some people should not shut others out," he says.

   Morrow says the trial is meant to collect facts, not to make a permanent change. The city would count visitors and survey businesses about their sales. "If the numbers are bad, we go back to the way things were," she says.

   • APatios will block the entrance to her store
   • BCustomers may shop elsewhere to avoid carrying heavy items
   • CCyclists will ride on the sidewalks and scare her customers away
   • DHer store will have to close during July and August
   显示答案

   答案: B. Customers may shop elsewhere to avoid carrying heavy items

   She says people will not carry heavy soil three blocks and fears they will drive to the big store on the highway.

4. 第4题，共18题

   Which statement best describes Gerald Fontaine's view of the plan?

   Should Lakeshore Avenue Go Car-Free This Summer?

   Councillor Diane Morrow wants to close four blocks of Lakeshore Avenue, Port Alder's main shopping street, to cars from July 1 to August 31. Only people walking and cycling would be allowed. Council will vote on the trial next month.

   Rafael Ortiz, owner of the Blue Heron Café, supports the plan. He says a nearby town closed its main street and restaurants added patios. "Foot traffic is what keeps small businesses alive," he says.

   Linda Park, who has run Park's Hardware for 22 years, disagrees. Many of her customers buy paint, lumber and bags of soil. "Nobody wants to carry a heavy bag of soil three blocks to their car," she says. She fears they will drive to the big store on the highway instead. She would accept closing the street on weekends only.

   Gerald Fontaine, who uses a wheelchair and chairs the city's accessibility committee, says the idea could work if it is planned carefully. He wants accessible parking and a drop-off area for taxis and accessible transit at both ends of the closed blocks. "A street that is great for some people should not shut others out," he says.

   Morrow says the trial is meant to collect facts, not to make a permanent change. The city would count visitors and survey businesses about their sales. "If the numbers are bad, we go back to the way things were," she says.

   • AHe fully supports it without any changes
   • BHe has not formed an opinion yet
   • CHe strongly opposes any closure of the street
   • DHe supports it only if access needs are planned for
   显示答案

   答案: D. He supports it only if access needs are planned for

   He says the idea could work if it is planned carefully, with accessible parking and a drop-off area. His support has conditions.

5. 第5题，共18题

   In the article, "foot traffic" means

   Should Lakeshore Avenue Go Car-Free This Summer?

   Councillor Diane Morrow wants to close four blocks of Lakeshore Avenue, Port Alder's main shopping street, to cars from July 1 to August 31. Only people walking and cycling would be allowed. Council will vote on the trial next month.

   Rafael Ortiz, owner of the Blue Heron Café, supports the plan. He says a nearby town closed its main street and restaurants added patios. "Foot traffic is what keeps small businesses alive," he says.

   Linda Park, who has run Park's Hardware for 22 years, disagrees. Many of her customers buy paint, lumber and bags of soil. "Nobody wants to carry a heavy bag of soil three blocks to their car," she says. She fears they will drive to the big store on the highway instead. She would accept closing the street on weekends only.

   Gerald Fontaine, who uses a wheelchair and chairs the city's accessibility committee, says the idea could work if it is planned carefully. He wants accessible parking and a drop-off area for taxis and accessible transit at both ends of the closed blocks. "A street that is great for some people should not shut others out," he says.

   Morrow says the trial is meant to collect facts, not to make a permanent change. The city would count visitors and survey businesses about their sales. "If the numbers are bad, we go back to the way things were," she says.

   • Aa traffic jam near a crosswalk
   • Bthe sound of people walking
   • Ca fine for walking on the road
   • Dthe number of people walking past
   显示答案

   答案: D. the number of people walking past

   Ortiz uses "foot traffic" to mean the people walking by a business, who may become customers.

6. 第6题，共18题

   Why does Councillor Morrow describe the closure as a trial?

   Should Lakeshore Avenue Go Car-Free This Summer?

   Councillor Diane Morrow wants to close four blocks of Lakeshore Avenue, Port Alder's main shopping street, to cars from July 1 to August 31. Only people walking and cycling would be allowed. Council will vote on the trial next month.

   Rafael Ortiz, owner of the Blue Heron Café, supports the plan. He says a nearby town closed its main street and restaurants added patios. "Foot traffic is what keeps small businesses alive," he says.

   Linda Park, who has run Park's Hardware for 22 years, disagrees. Many of her customers buy paint, lumber and bags of soil. "Nobody wants to carry a heavy bag of soil three blocks to their car," she says. She fears they will drive to the big store on the highway instead. She would accept closing the street on weekends only.

   Gerald Fontaine, who uses a wheelchair and chairs the city's accessibility committee, says the idea could work if it is planned carefully. He wants accessible parking and a drop-off area for taxis and accessible transit at both ends of the closed blocks. "A street that is great for some people should not shut others out," he says.

   Morrow says the trial is meant to collect facts, not to make a permanent change. The city would count visitors and survey businesses about their sales. "If the numbers are bad, we go back to the way things were," she says.

   • AShe expects council to reject the plan
   • BShe plans to close the street all year
   • CShe wants facts before making a final decision
   • DShe wants businesses to pay for the closure
   显示答案

   答案: C. She wants facts before making a final decision

   Morrow says the trial is meant to collect facts, and the street can go back to normal if the numbers are bad.

7. 第7题，共18题

   Which choice best fills blank (1) in Haruto's comment?

   Should Lakeshore Avenue Go Car-Free This Summer?

   Councillor Diane Morrow wants to close four blocks of Lakeshore Avenue, Port Alder's main shopping street, to cars from July 1 to August 31. Only people walking and cycling would be allowed. Council will vote on the trial next month.

   Rafael Ortiz, owner of the Blue Heron Café, supports the plan. He says a nearby town closed its main street and restaurants added patios. "Foot traffic is what keeps small businesses alive," he says.

   Linda Park, who has run Park's Hardware for 22 years, disagrees. Many of her customers buy paint, lumber and bags of soil. "Nobody wants to carry a heavy bag of soil three blocks to their car," she says. She fears they will drive to the big store on the highway instead. She would accept closing the street on weekends only.

   Gerald Fontaine, who uses a wheelchair and chairs the city's accessibility committee, says the idea could work if it is planned carefully. He wants accessible parking and a drop-off area for taxis and accessible transit at both ends of the closed blocks. "A street that is great for some people should not shut others out," he says.

   Morrow says the trial is meant to collect facts, not to make a permanent change. The city would count visitors and survey businesses about their sales. "If the numbers are bad, we go back to the way things were," she says.

   Reader comment from Haruto S.:

   I walk downtown almost every day, so I'd love more space for people. Still, Ms. Park makes a fair point: not everyone can (1) ______ heavy shopping several blocks. Her suggestion of closing the street only on (2) ______ seems like a sensible first step. I also agree with Mr. Fontaine. Without (3) ______ near the closed blocks, some residents would be shut out. As for Mr. Ortiz, I can see why a café owner would be (4) ______ about the plan. In the end, I support the councillor's approach, because a trial lets the city (5) ______ before making any permanent decision.

   • Aorder
   • Bcarry
   • Cafford
   • Dreturn
   显示答案

   答案: B. carry

   Ms. Park's point is that customers do not want to carry heavy items, such as bags of soil, several blocks.

8. 第8题，共18题

   Which choice best fills blank (2) in Haruto's comment?

   Should Lakeshore Avenue Go Car-Free This Summer?

   Councillor Diane Morrow wants to close four blocks of Lakeshore Avenue, Port Alder's main shopping street, to cars from July 1 to August 31. Only people walking and cycling would be allowed. Council will vote on the trial next month.

   Rafael Ortiz, owner of the Blue Heron Café, supports the plan. He says a nearby town closed its main street and restaurants added patios. "Foot traffic is what keeps small businesses alive," he says.

   Linda Park, who has run Park's Hardware for 22 years, disagrees. Many of her customers buy paint, lumber and bags of soil. "Nobody wants to carry a heavy bag of soil three blocks to their car," she says. She fears they will drive to the big store on the highway instead. She would accept closing the street on weekends only.

   Gerald Fontaine, who uses a wheelchair and chairs the city's accessibility committee, says the idea could work if it is planned carefully. He wants accessible parking and a drop-off area for taxis and accessible transit at both ends of the closed blocks. "A street that is great for some people should not shut others out," he says.

   Morrow says the trial is meant to collect facts, not to make a permanent change. The city would count visitors and survey businesses about their sales. "If the numbers are bad, we go back to the way things were," she says.

   Reader comment from Haruto S.:

   I walk downtown almost every day, so I'd love more space for people. Still, Ms. Park makes a fair point: not everyone can (1) ______ heavy shopping several blocks. Her suggestion of closing the street only on (2) ______ seems like a sensible first step. I also agree with Mr. Fontaine. Without (3) ______ near the closed blocks, some residents would be shut out. As for Mr. Ortiz, I can see why a café owner would be (4) ______ about the plan. In the end, I support the councillor's approach, because a trial lets the city (5) ______ before making any permanent decision.

   • Aholidays in July
   • Bweekends
   • Cweekday mornings
   • Drainy days
   显示答案

   答案: B. weekends

   The article says Linda Park would accept closing the street on weekends only.

9. 第9题，共18题

   Which choice best fills blank (3) in Haruto's comment?

   Should Lakeshore Avenue Go Car-Free This Summer?

   Councillor Diane Morrow wants to close four blocks of Lakeshore Avenue, Port Alder's main shopping street, to cars from July 1 to August 31. Only people walking and cycling would be allowed. Council will vote on the trial next month.

   Rafael Ortiz, owner of the Blue Heron Café, supports the plan. He says a nearby town closed its main street and restaurants added patios. "Foot traffic is what keeps small businesses alive," he says.

   Linda Park, who has run Park's Hardware for 22 years, disagrees. Many of her customers buy paint, lumber and bags of soil. "Nobody wants to carry a heavy bag of soil three blocks to their car," she says. She fears they will drive to the big store on the highway instead. She would accept closing the street on weekends only.

   Gerald Fontaine, who uses a wheelchair and chairs the city's accessibility committee, says the idea could work if it is planned carefully. He wants accessible parking and a drop-off area for taxis and accessible transit at both ends of the closed blocks. "A street that is great for some people should not shut others out," he says.

   Morrow says the trial is meant to collect facts, not to make a permanent change. The city would count visitors and survey businesses about their sales. "If the numbers are bad, we go back to the way things were," she says.

   Reader comment from Haruto S.:

   I walk downtown almost every day, so I'd love more space for people. Still, Ms. Park makes a fair point: not everyone can (1) ______ heavy shopping several blocks. Her suggestion of closing the street only on (2) ______ seems like a sensible first step. I also agree with Mr. Fontaine. Without (3) ______ near the closed blocks, some residents would be shut out. As for Mr. Ortiz, I can see why a café owner would be (4) ______ about the plan. In the end, I support the councillor's approach, because a trial lets the city (5) ______ before making any permanent decision.

   • Aaccessible parking and a drop-off area
   • Ba large hardware store
   • Cmore café patios
   • Dnew bike lanes
   显示答案

   答案: A. accessible parking and a drop-off area

   Mr. Fontaine asked for accessible parking and a drop-off area at both ends of the closed blocks.

10. 第10题，共18题

    Which choice best fills blank (4) in Haruto's comment?

    Should Lakeshore Avenue Go Car-Free This Summer?

    Councillor Diane Morrow wants to close four blocks of Lakeshore Avenue, Port Alder's main shopping street, to cars from July 1 to August 31. Only people walking and cycling would be allowed. Council will vote on the trial next month.

    Rafael Ortiz, owner of the Blue Heron Café, supports the plan. He says a nearby town closed its main street and restaurants added patios. "Foot traffic is what keeps small businesses alive," he says.

    Linda Park, who has run Park's Hardware for 22 years, disagrees. Many of her customers buy paint, lumber and bags of soil. "Nobody wants to carry a heavy bag of soil three blocks to their car," she says. She fears they will drive to the big store on the highway instead. She would accept closing the street on weekends only.

    Gerald Fontaine, who uses a wheelchair and chairs the city's accessibility committee, says the idea could work if it is planned carefully. He wants accessible parking and a drop-off area for taxis and accessible transit at both ends of the closed blocks. "A street that is great for some people should not shut others out," he says.

    Morrow says the trial is meant to collect facts, not to make a permanent change. The city would count visitors and survey businesses about their sales. "If the numbers are bad, we go back to the way things were," she says.

    Reader comment from Haruto S.:

    I walk downtown almost every day, so I'd love more space for people. Still, Ms. Park makes a fair point: not everyone can (1) ______ heavy shopping several blocks. Her suggestion of closing the street only on (2) ______ seems like a sensible first step. I also agree with Mr. Fontaine. Without (3) ______ near the closed blocks, some residents would be shut out. As for Mr. Ortiz, I can see why a café owner would be (4) ______ about the plan. In the end, I support the councillor's approach, because a trial lets the city (5) ______ before making any permanent decision.

    • Adoubtful
    • Bangry
    • Centhusiastic
    • Dconfused
    显示答案

    答案: C. enthusiastic

    Mr. Ortiz supports the plan because he expects more customers, so he is enthusiastic about it.

11. 第11题，共18题

    Which choice best fills blank (5) in Haruto's comment?

    Should Lakeshore Avenue Go Car-Free This Summer?

    Councillor Diane Morrow wants to close four blocks of Lakeshore Avenue, Port Alder's main shopping street, to cars from July 1 to August 31. Only people walking and cycling would be allowed. Council will vote on the trial next month.

    Rafael Ortiz, owner of the Blue Heron Café, supports the plan. He says a nearby town closed its main street and restaurants added patios. "Foot traffic is what keeps small businesses alive," he says.

    Linda Park, who has run Park's Hardware for 22 years, disagrees. Many of her customers buy paint, lumber and bags of soil. "Nobody wants to carry a heavy bag of soil three blocks to their car," she says. She fears they will drive to the big store on the highway instead. She would accept closing the street on weekends only.

    Gerald Fontaine, who uses a wheelchair and chairs the city's accessibility committee, says the idea could work if it is planned carefully. He wants accessible parking and a drop-off area for taxis and accessible transit at both ends of the closed blocks. "A street that is great for some people should not shut others out," he says.

    Morrow says the trial is meant to collect facts, not to make a permanent change. The city would count visitors and survey businesses about their sales. "If the numbers are bad, we go back to the way things were," she says.

    Reader comment from Haruto S.:

    I walk downtown almost every day, so I'd love more space for people. Still, Ms. Park makes a fair point: not everyone can (1) ______ heavy shopping several blocks. Her suggestion of closing the street only on (2) ______ seems like a sensible first step. I also agree with Mr. Fontaine. Without (3) ______ near the closed blocks, some residents would be shut out. As for Mr. Ortiz, I can see why a café owner would be (4) ______ about the plan. In the end, I support the councillor's approach, because a trial lets the city (5) ______ before making any permanent decision.

    • Aclose more streets
    • Bavoid any change
    • Craise parking fees
    • Dgather real evidence
    显示答案

    答案: D. gather real evidence

    Like Councillor Morrow, Haruto thinks a trial lets the city collect facts before deciding.

12. 第12题，共18题

    Which statement best describes Haruto's overall opinion?

    Should Lakeshore Avenue Go Car-Free This Summer?

    Councillor Diane Morrow wants to close four blocks of Lakeshore Avenue, Port Alder's main shopping street, to cars from July 1 to August 31. Only people walking and cycling would be allowed. Council will vote on the trial next month.

    Rafael Ortiz, owner of the Blue Heron Café, supports the plan. He says a nearby town closed its main street and restaurants added patios. "Foot traffic is what keeps small businesses alive," he says.

    Linda Park, who has run Park's Hardware for 22 years, disagrees. Many of her customers buy paint, lumber and bags of soil. "Nobody wants to carry a heavy bag of soil three blocks to their car," she says. She fears they will drive to the big store on the highway instead. She would accept closing the street on weekends only.

    Gerald Fontaine, who uses a wheelchair and chairs the city's accessibility committee, says the idea could work if it is planned carefully. He wants accessible parking and a drop-off area for taxis and accessible transit at both ends of the closed blocks. "A street that is great for some people should not shut others out," he says.

    Morrow says the trial is meant to collect facts, not to make a permanent change. The city would count visitors and survey businesses about their sales. "If the numbers are bad, we go back to the way things were," she says.

    Reader comment from Haruto S.:

    I walk downtown almost every day, so I'd love more space for people. Still, Ms. Park makes a fair point: not everyone can (1) ______ heavy shopping several blocks. Her suggestion of closing the street only on (2) ______ seems like a sensible first step. I also agree with Mr. Fontaine. Without (3) ______ near the closed blocks, some residents would be shut out. As for Mr. Ortiz, I can see why a café owner would be (4) ______ about the plan. In the end, I support the councillor's approach, because a trial lets the city (5) ______ before making any permanent decision.

    • AHe wants the street closed to cars permanently, starting right away
    • BHe strongly opposes closing the street at all
    • CHe thinks only the café owners' views matter
    • DHe supports a careful trial that considers different concerns
    显示答案

    答案: D. He supports a careful trial that considers different concerns

    Haruto likes more space for people but agrees with Park and Fontaine's concerns and supports a trial first.

13. 第13题，共18题

    What is the main purpose of the article?

    Is a Four-Day Week Right for Every Workplace?

    Last year, Northfield Insurance, a company with 120 employees in the small city of Riverton, tried a new schedule. For six months, office staff worked four nine-hour days instead of five eight-hour days. Their pay did not change. The company will decide in January whether to keep the new schedule.

    Carla Mendes, the company's human resources director, calls the trial a success. Sick days went down, she says, and the number of people applying for open jobs doubled. "People want this kind of schedule. It helps us compete for good workers."

    Owen Blake, who leads the customer service team, is less sure. Customers still phoned on Fridays, so his team had to create a rotating schedule to make sure someone always answered. "It works, but it's a puzzle every week," he says. "One sick employee can throw everything off."

    Aisha Rahman, a claims adjuster and mother of two, has mixed feelings. She loves having a weekday free for medical appointments and errands. However, on her nine-hour days she often struggles to reach her children's daycare before it closes at 5:30.

    Martin Leclerc, a researcher who studies workplaces, says results depend on the type of work. A four-day week can suit office jobs where results are easy to measure, he explains, but it is much harder in hospitals or stores that must be open every day. He also warns that early results may look better than they really are. "When people know a trial is being watched, they often work extra hard to make it succeed."

    • ATo explain a new provincial law on work hours
    • BTo persuade every company in Canada to adopt a four-day week
    • CTo describe different views on a four-day week trial
    • DTo advertise open jobs at Northfield Insurance
    显示答案

    答案: C. To describe different views on a four-day week trial

    The article reports how a manager, a team leader, an employee and a researcher see the company's trial.

14. 第14题，共18题

    According to Carla Mendes, what is one benefit of the four-day week?

    Is a Four-Day Week Right for Every Workplace?

    Last year, Northfield Insurance, a company with 120 employees in the small city of Riverton, tried a new schedule. For six months, office staff worked four nine-hour days instead of five eight-hour days. Their pay did not change. The company will decide in January whether to keep the new schedule.

    Carla Mendes, the company's human resources director, calls the trial a success. Sick days went down, she says, and the number of people applying for open jobs doubled. "People want this kind of schedule. It helps us compete for good workers."

    Owen Blake, who leads the customer service team, is less sure. Customers still phoned on Fridays, so his team had to create a rotating schedule to make sure someone always answered. "It works, but it's a puzzle every week," he says. "One sick employee can throw everything off."

    Aisha Rahman, a claims adjuster and mother of two, has mixed feelings. She loves having a weekday free for medical appointments and errands. However, on her nine-hour days she often struggles to reach her children's daycare before it closes at 5:30.

    Martin Leclerc, a researcher who studies workplaces, says results depend on the type of work. A four-day week can suit office jobs where results are easy to measure, he explains, but it is much harder in hospitals or stores that must be open every day. He also warns that early results may look better than they really are. "When people know a trial is being watched, they often work extra hard to make it succeed."

    • ACustomers stopped calling on Fridays
    • BMore people applied for open jobs
    • CThe office could close earlier each day
    • DEmployees received higher pay
    显示答案

    答案: B. More people applied for open jobs

    Mendes says sick days went down and the number of job applicants doubled.

15. 第15题，共18题

    Why was the new schedule difficult for Owen Blake's team?

    Is a Four-Day Week Right for Every Workplace?

    Last year, Northfield Insurance, a company with 120 employees in the small city of Riverton, tried a new schedule. For six months, office staff worked four nine-hour days instead of five eight-hour days. Their pay did not change. The company will decide in January whether to keep the new schedule.

    Carla Mendes, the company's human resources director, calls the trial a success. Sick days went down, she says, and the number of people applying for open jobs doubled. "People want this kind of schedule. It helps us compete for good workers."

    Owen Blake, who leads the customer service team, is less sure. Customers still phoned on Fridays, so his team had to create a rotating schedule to make sure someone always answered. "It works, but it's a puzzle every week," he says. "One sick employee can throw everything off."

    Aisha Rahman, a claims adjuster and mother of two, has mixed feelings. She loves having a weekday free for medical appointments and errands. However, on her nine-hour days she often struggles to reach her children's daycare before it closes at 5:30.

    Martin Leclerc, a researcher who studies workplaces, says results depend on the type of work. A four-day week can suit office jobs where results are easy to measure, he explains, but it is much harder in hospitals or stores that must be open every day. He also warns that early results may look better than they really are. "When people know a trial is being watched, they often work extra hard to make it succeed."

    • ATeam members refused to work long days
    • BThe office was closed on Mondays
    • CCustomers still phoned on Fridays
    • DThe company cut the team's pay
    显示答案

    答案: C. Customers still phoned on Fridays

    Because customers still called on Fridays, Blake had to build a rotating schedule so someone always answered.

16. 第16题，共18题

    In the article, "throw everything off" is closest in meaning to

    Is a Four-Day Week Right for Every Workplace?

    Last year, Northfield Insurance, a company with 120 employees in the small city of Riverton, tried a new schedule. For six months, office staff worked four nine-hour days instead of five eight-hour days. Their pay did not change. The company will decide in January whether to keep the new schedule.

    Carla Mendes, the company's human resources director, calls the trial a success. Sick days went down, she says, and the number of people applying for open jobs doubled. "People want this kind of schedule. It helps us compete for good workers."

    Owen Blake, who leads the customer service team, is less sure. Customers still phoned on Fridays, so his team had to create a rotating schedule to make sure someone always answered. "It works, but it's a puzzle every week," he says. "One sick employee can throw everything off."

    Aisha Rahman, a claims adjuster and mother of two, has mixed feelings. She loves having a weekday free for medical appointments and errands. However, on her nine-hour days she often struggles to reach her children's daycare before it closes at 5:30.

    Martin Leclerc, a researcher who studies workplaces, says results depend on the type of work. A four-day week can suit office jobs where results are easy to measure, he explains, but it is much harder in hospitals or stores that must be open every day. He also warns that early results may look better than they really are. "When people know a trial is being watched, they often work extra hard to make it succeed."

    • Areduce everyone's pay
    • Bend the trial for good
    • Cupset the whole schedule
    • Dmake everyone leave early
    显示答案

    答案: C. upset the whole schedule

    Blake means that one absent worker can upset the careful rotating schedule.

17. 第17题，共18题

    Which statement best describes Aisha Rahman's attitude?

    Is a Four-Day Week Right for Every Workplace?

    Last year, Northfield Insurance, a company with 120 employees in the small city of Riverton, tried a new schedule. For six months, office staff worked four nine-hour days instead of five eight-hour days. Their pay did not change. The company will decide in January whether to keep the new schedule.

    Carla Mendes, the company's human resources director, calls the trial a success. Sick days went down, she says, and the number of people applying for open jobs doubled. "People want this kind of schedule. It helps us compete for good workers."

    Owen Blake, who leads the customer service team, is less sure. Customers still phoned on Fridays, so his team had to create a rotating schedule to make sure someone always answered. "It works, but it's a puzzle every week," he says. "One sick employee can throw everything off."

    Aisha Rahman, a claims adjuster and mother of two, has mixed feelings. She loves having a weekday free for medical appointments and errands. However, on her nine-hour days she often struggles to reach her children's daycare before it closes at 5:30.

    Martin Leclerc, a researcher who studies workplaces, says results depend on the type of work. A four-day week can suit office jobs where results are easy to measure, he explains, but it is much harder in hospitals or stores that must be open every day. He also warns that early results may look better than they really are. "When people know a trial is being watched, they often work extra hard to make it succeed."

    • AShe likes some parts of the schedule but finds others hard
    • BShe is completely against the new schedule
    • CShe thinks the schedule is perfect for every working parent
    • DShe has not noticed any change in her work
    显示答案

    答案: A. She likes some parts of the schedule but finds others hard

    She enjoys a free weekday for appointments, but the longer days make daycare pickup difficult. Her feelings are mixed.

18. 第18题，共18题

    Which person would most likely want the company to keep measuring results after the first six months?

    Is a Four-Day Week Right for Every Workplace?

    Last year, Northfield Insurance, a company with 120 employees in the small city of Riverton, tried a new schedule. For six months, office staff worked four nine-hour days instead of five eight-hour days. Their pay did not change. The company will decide in January whether to keep the new schedule.

    Carla Mendes, the company's human resources director, calls the trial a success. Sick days went down, she says, and the number of people applying for open jobs doubled. "People want this kind of schedule. It helps us compete for good workers."

    Owen Blake, who leads the customer service team, is less sure. Customers still phoned on Fridays, so his team had to create a rotating schedule to make sure someone always answered. "It works, but it's a puzzle every week," he says. "One sick employee can throw everything off."

    Aisha Rahman, a claims adjuster and mother of two, has mixed feelings. She loves having a weekday free for medical appointments and errands. However, on her nine-hour days she often struggles to reach her children's daycare before it closes at 5:30.

    Martin Leclerc, a researcher who studies workplaces, says results depend on the type of work. A four-day week can suit office jobs where results are easy to measure, he explains, but it is much harder in hospitals or stores that must be open every day. He also warns that early results may look better than they really are. "When people know a trial is being watched, they often work extra hard to make it succeed."

    • AAisha Rahman
    • BOwen Blake
    • CCarla Mendes
    • DMartin Leclerc
    显示答案

    答案: D. Martin Leclerc

    Leclerc warns that early results may look better than they really are because people work harder when a trial is watched.

键盘：按1–4作答，按 Enter 进入下一题。