Reading Comprehension - Articles 11-15

Reading Comprehension 11

In recent years it has become clear that man's use of fossil fuels is likely to have a major impact on the world's climate. As a result of this, increased concentrations of 'greenhouse' gasses such as carbon dioxide and methane will lead to global warming; an overall small increase in average temperatures; whose impact is difficult to predict. Whilst some scientists predict melting of the polar icecaps, and so a rise in sea levels, others think this will be balanced by increased precipitation at the poles.

1. If we go on using fossil fuels at the present rate, we must expect climatic change.
2. Depletion of the ozone layer will result in global warming.
3. Scientists are all agreed that use of fossil fuels will eventually lead to a rise in sea levels.
4. The burning of fossil fuels increases the concentration of methane in the atmosphere.

Reading Comprehension 12

A few years ago complaints about pollution in the office by tobacco smoke would not have been taken seriously. However, recent evidence published in medical journals suggests that even “secondary inhalation” (breathing in someone else’s smoke) can put non-smokers at an increased risk from the harmful properties of tobacco smoke. This makes them more susceptible to chest and respiratory problems than non-smokers living and working in smoke-free environments.

1. In the past, complaints about pollution in the office by tobacco smoke would have been treated seriously.
2. “Secondary inhalation” is breathing in another’s smoke.
3. Medical journals have proposed that smoking should be banned from offices.
4. Smokers have an increased risk of heart disease.

Reading Comprehension 13

Relations between Sweden and the European Community had always been restricted in scope by Sweden's traditional neutrality and for many years any suggestion of Community membership was out of the question. But the upheavals in Eastern Europe in the early 1990s gradually led to the conclusion that membership of the EC was no longer incompatible with its neutral stance. People came to the conclusion that Sweden has already taken over a large part of the Community rules and began to weigh up the pros and cons of membership along the lines sought by Austria.

1. Political changes in Eastern Europe led to a change in relations between Sweden and the European Community
2. Political changes in Eastern Europe led to a change in relations between Sweden and the European Community
3. After abandoning its policy of neutrality, Sweden applied to join the European Community
4. Sweden applied for membership of the European Community after other neutral countries had joined

Reading Comprehension 14

Buddhism was introduced to Japan from India via China and Korea around the middle of the sixth century. After gaining imperial patronage, Buddhism was propagated by the authorities throughout the country. In the early ninth century, Buddhism in Japan entered a new era in which it catered mainly to the court nobility. In the Kamakura period (1192-1338), an age of great political unrest and social confusion, there emerged many new sects of Buddhism offering hope of salvation to warriors and peasants alike. Buddhism not only flourished as a religion but also did much to enrich the country's arts and learning.

1. Buddhism was adopted by the court nobility at the urging of the emperor
2. The introduction of Buddhism to Japan led to great political unrest and social confusion
3. Buddhism replaced the Shinto religion which had previously been followed in Japan
4. Japanese arts and culture were greatly enriched by the introduction of Buddhism

Reading Comprehension 15

Many organisations find it beneficial to employ students over the summer. Permanent staff often wish to take their own holidays over this period. Furthermore, it is not uncommon for companies to experience peak workloads in the summer and so require extra staff. Summer employment also attracts students who may return as well qualified recruits to an organisation when they have completed their education. Ensuring that the students learn as much as possible about the organisation encourages interest in working on a permanent basis. Organisations pay students on a fixed rate without the usual entitlement to paid holidays or sick leave.

1. It is possible that permanent staff who are on holiday can have their work carried out by students.
2. Students in summer employment are given the same paid holiday benefit as permanent staff
3. Students are subject to the organisation’s standard disciplinary and grievance procedures
4. Some companies have more work to do in summer when students are available for vacation work