Question

Is stress from work or school making you sick? If so, you may belong to a growing number of people suffering from serious stress. Experts have called the problem the “Black Death of the 21st century.” The original Black Death is estimated (據(jù)估計(jì)) to have killed 25 million people in Europe in the 14th century. While no one expects stress to be quite that deadly, it is still a serious matter.

A recent study has shown that stress can affect our ability to go to work. Stress is now the number one reason workers stay home sick four continuous (不間斷) weeks or more.

What has led to the growing stress felt in the workplace? The bad economic situation is a major reason. Record numbers of layoffs (裁員) have increased workers’ worry about losing their jobs. Layoffs have also increased the amount of work workers are expected to do. People then work longer hours, which often creates problems for them at home, causing even more stress.

According to Professor Cary Cooper, writer of over 120 books, stress often leads to changes in manner of acting. You may notice that you’re having a hard time centering around things. You may find yourself losing your temper (脾氣) easily. You might even seem to have lost your sense of humor. Other stress-related problems include difficulty in sleeping, overeating or drinking in excess.

Stress must be managed by workers themselves and by the company. Workers can take steps to manage stress. They can create a suitable plan and have breaks from time to time. Bosses can help by showing workers that their opinions may be important. They can also allow workers to have some say in decisions that matter their jobs.

Everyone should work together to look for ways to cope with on-the-job stress.

1.What does the article point out about the “Black Death” today?

A. A kind of serious disease

B. A bad social situation especially in your work place

C. A relationship between you and your boss

D. A lonely feeling about how you make a living

2.According to the passage, if you have been home sick more than usual, that means ______.

A. you have failed to manage your work

B. something goes wrong with your body or mind

C. stress may be the main cause

D. you are expected to stay at home to improve your ability for work

3.How do you notice that you have had the problem of stress?

A. You may spend time with friends and loved ones.

B. You are worrying about losing your job.

C. Your boss gives you a chance to express something valuable.

D. You are impatient with others.

4.Among all of the following words, which of the two will you choose to describe paragraph 3 and paragraph 4?

① Ways ② Signs ③ Causes ④ Habits ⑤ Reviews

A. ⑤&② B. ③&② C. ⑤&④ D. ③&①

Answer 1