Task 2

Please read the excerpts from the texts and select the correct answer according to the given example.

Everyday Challenges in the USA

1. Text 1: The local government of a small town in the Midwest has introduced a new recycling program. Residents are encouraged to separate their waste into three categories: organic, recyclable, and landfill. Participation is voluntary, but those who take part are eligible for a monthly raffle where they can win an eco-friendly home gadget. The town aims to reduce landfill usage by 20% over the next year. The introduction of this program has been met with enthusiasm from environmental groups, although some residents feel it adds an extra burden to their daily routine.

From this text, it can be inferred that:

a) all residents are required to participate. c) the recycling program aims to reduce landfill usage. b) most residents oppose the program.

2. Text 2: A recent survey conducted in New York City revealed that 70% of commuters feel that public transportation is not reliable. The study highlighted issues such as frequent delays, overcrowding during peak hours, and inadequate customer service. Despite these challenges, the city's public transport network remains one of the largest in the world, servicing millions of people daily. City officials have announced plans to invest in upgrading the infrastructure, hoping to improve punctuality and the overall commuting experience.

According to the text, it is true that:

c) no plans have been made to address commuting issues. a) public transportation is generally perceived as reliable. b) the city plans to invest in public transport improvements.

3. Text 3: In California, tech companies are experimenting with a four-day workweek to increase employee productivity and job satisfaction. Early results indicate that employees report feeling more rested and focused, while employers have noted an uptick in creativity and output quality. Although this model is not yet widely adopted, it has sparked discussions around the country about the future of work-life balance and employment policies.

The text suggests that:

a) the four-day workweek is intended to improve work-life balance. c) the four-day workweek is mandatory for all tech companies. b) the four-day workweek has shown no benefits.

4. Text 4: Washington D.C. has seen a rise in community gardening projects, as urban residents seek ways to access fresh produce. Many neighborhoods have transformed vacant lots into thriving gardens, providing not only food but also educational opportunities for children. These community gardens not only help reduce grocery bills but also foster a sense of community involvement and environmental responsibility among residents.

From this passage, we learn that:

b) community gardens can reduce grocery expenses. a) every neighborhood in the city has a garden. c) the gardens are only for educational purposes.

5. Text 5: In Texas, debate continues around the legalization of medical cannabis. Proponents argue it offers relief for patients with chronic pain and other serious health conditions. Opponents express concerns over regulatory challenges and the potential for misuse. Despite the heated discussions, neighboring states have moved forward with successful legalization, influencing the public opinion within Texas.

According to the passage, it is stated that:

a) neighboring states have influenced Texas's public opinion on cannabis. c) there is no debate on the issue in Texas. b) medical cannabis is already legal in Texas.

6. Text 6: Florida's coastline is experiencing the effects of rising sea levels due to climate change. Areas that were once dry are now frequently flooded during high tides, causing concern for residents and local governments. Efforts are being made to combat this with sea walls, improved drainage systems, and elevated infrastructure. Environmentalists warn, however, that these measures may not be sufficient in the long term unless global carbon emissions are reduced significantly.

It can be concluded from the text that:

c) reducing global carbon emissions is crucial for long-term solutions. b) no measures have been taken to address rising sea levels. a) flooding in coastal areas has decreased.

7. Text 7: In recent years, Minneapolis has become a hub for tech startups, particularly those focusing on sustainable technology. The city's support for innovation, combined with tax incentives and a skilled workforce, has attracted entrepreneurs from across the country. Initiatives such as collaborative workspaces and business incubators provide startups with the resources they need to grow and succeed.

The text indicates that:

c) tech startups in Minneapolis struggle to find skilled workers. b) only local entrepreneurs can access incubators. a) Minneapolis provides tax incentives to tech startups.

8. Text 8: Across the United States, there's a growing trend of remote work becoming permanent in some companies. This shift has allowed employees to live in more affordable locations while maintaining their jobs. Nevertheless, it also presents challenges such as maintaining team cohesion and ensuring cybersecurity. Many companies are investing in digital tools and training to create sustainable remote work environments.

The passage reveals that:

a) remote work has not become permanent anywhere. b) employees mostly return to the office full-time. c) companies are investing in tools for remote work.

9. Text 9: The United States has seen an increase in electric vehicle (EV) adoption, but challenges remain. Charging infrastructure is still lacking in rural areas, and the initial cost of EVs can be prohibitive. Nonetheless, government incentives and a growing second-hand market are aiding adoption. Manufacturers continue to innovate, promising longer battery lives and quicker charging times in upcoming models.

From the text, it is evident that:

a) there are no challenges associated with EV adoption. c) rural areas have an abundance of charging stations. b) government incentives are aiding EV adoption.

10. Text 10: The cultural scene in Austin, Texas, has been booming, with music festivals and art installations drawing tourists worldwide. However, this growth has led to increased living costs, pushing some local artists out of the city. In response, the community has rallied to create affordable housing and studio spaces to retain its creative talent. City officials are working with developers to ensure the city remains an attractive hub for artists.

According to the text, it is correct that:

c) efforts are being made to retain artists in Austin. a) artists are leaving Austin because they prefer other cities. b) there are no initiatives to support local artists.