Mock Test 16.2 | General Reading

READING PASSAGE 2

You should spend about 20 minutes on Questions 14-27, which are based on Reading Passage 2 below.

Section 1 (Questions 14 - 20)

Information about Repetitive Stress Injury (RSI)

Repetitive Stress Injury (RSI) is the irritation of muscles, nerves, or tendons resulting from repetitive motions. In other words, it is an injury that comes from making the same movements again and again. [Crack IELTS with Rob] It is a particular problem in the modern office, where workers spend hours a day in front of computers. In fact, the most commonly reported RSIs are related to computer use. In the past, office tasks were more varied. People had to stand up to go to the copy machine or filling cabinet. Now, almost everything is done on computers and as result, people spend hours a day sitting in the same position and repeating the same motions.

Fatigue, numbness, and pain in the hands, arms, neck, or shoulders are signs of RSI. These symptoms arise during an activity which involves repetitive motion and often cease when the activity stops. [Crack IELTS with Rob] If left untreated, however, the discomfort starts lasting longer and becomes more intense. The pain can eventually become so severe as to cause long-lasting damage.

Some common causes of RSI in an office setting are poorly designed keyboards and chairs, spending long hours in the same position, and the use of a computer mouse. [Crack IELTS with Rob] Computer keyboards force the user to continually hold the hands with the palms down. This is an unnatural position and causes strain on the hands, fingers, and wrists. Desk chairs often do not support the user’s posture, but instead encourage slumping, which results in poor circulation. Holding a computer mouse causes strain on the hand muscles. In addition, using a mouse requires the repetitive motion of one finger.

RSI can be a serious problem if ignored. Fortunately, it isn’t difficult to prevent. The best form of prevention is to take frequent breaks from work. [Crack IELTS with Rob] A minimum of five minutes every hour is recommended. This will give your hands, wrists, and back a chance to change position and rest. If you spend hours typing, a wrist rest from your computer keyboard will help protect your wrists from strain. You can also protect your wrists by holding your palms parallel to the keyboard and keeping your forearms in a horizontal position. You can support your posture by adding armrests to your chair. This will actually aid in supporting your back and help you maintain a good posture.

Section 2 (Questions 21 - 27)

Comet Corporation – Vacation and Sick Leave Policy

To all employees: Please read the following information carefully. If you have any questions, contact the Human Resources Department.

Vacation/Personal Leave

Employees may use their vacation days when they choose, with the permission of their supervisor. [Crack IELTS with Rob] To apply for permission, Form 101A must be completed and submitted at least three weeks ahead of time. Forms are available in the Human Resources Department.

Sick Days

Sick days are to be used in the case of illness or for doctor’s appointments only. They may not be used as extra vacation days. [Crack IELTS with Rob] Permission is not required to use these days, but department heads should be notified as soon as possible about unexpected absences due to illness. Supervisors should also be informed in a timely manner when employees need to be absent to attend doctor’s appointments. Supervisors may request written confirmation of appointments from the doctor’s office if they desire.

Rolling Over Vacation Days

Any vacation days that are not used up by the end of the calendar year will not be lost. [Crack IELTS with Rob] Instead, they may be rolled over and added to the vacation days for the following year. This policy does not apply to sick days.

Questions 14 - 20

Complete the sentences below.

Choose your answers from the list below, and write letter, A-K, in boxes 14-20 on your answer sheet.

NB There are more choices than sentences, so you will not use them all.

List of answers

A supports the back

B isn’t difficult to prevent

C using a computer mouse

D protects the wrists

E is never recommended

F works on a computer

G typing for long hours

H uses a filling cabinet

I taking a break

J becomes serious and permanent

K is not natural

14. In the past, people moved around the office a lot, but now the average office employee all day.
F
15. When RSI is not treated, the pain .
J
16. Computer keyboards cause users to hold their hands in a position that .
K
17. causes repeated stress on one finger.
C
18. often can help prevent serious problems.
I
19. Holding your hands and arms in the proper position .
D
20. Using armrests on your chair .
A

Questions 21 - 27

Do the following statements agree with the information given in Section 2?

In boxes 21-27 on your answer sheet, write

TRUE if the statement agrees with the information

FALSE if the statement contradicts the information

NOT GIVEN if there is no information on this

21. Employees must get permission from the Human Resources Department to use vacation days.
FALSE
22. All employees at the Comet Corporation get three weeks of vacation a year.
NOT GIVEN
23. Employees may use some of their sick days in order to take a longer vacation.
FALSE
24. An employee does not need to ask for permission before using a sick day.
TRUE
25. Employees must have confirmation from a doctor in order to use a sick day.
FALSE
26. An employee may use fewer vacation days one year in order to have more the next year.
TRUE
27. Sick days that are not used before the end of the year may be used the following year.
FALSE