Answer Key

Staff – Comprehension Check

  1. Which phrasal verb best matches the meaning in capitals? “Most people enjoy STAYING INFORMED with pop culture, so why not create a friendly competition around it?”  [keep up with] 

    Most people enjoy keeping up with pop culture, so why not create a friendly competition around it?
  2. What can a comic touch at work help to make?  [make people feel at ease] 

    And, perhaps most importantly, a comic touch can work to relieve tension on even the most stressful days.
  3. Is sarcasm a good idea?  [rarely] 

    Sarcasm is rarely a good idea, so keep these types of comments to yourself.
  4. What is a crucial thing to be taken into consideration before playing an office prank? [it shouldn't be at the expense of others] 

    Humor should be work appropriate and never mean spirited or at the expense of others.
  5. “I hope you're as head over heels about this idea as I am” means  [I like it very much] 

    head over heels - headlong, as in a somersault; intensely; completely
  6. How do 91% executives surveyed by Robert Halt International feel about a sense of humor at work? [they consider it important for your future career] 

    Ninety-one percent of executives surveyed by Robert Half International consider a sense of humor important to career advancement.
  7. What should a funny file consist of?  [funny newspaper articles] 

    Create a folder filled with appropriate workplace cartoons, amusing newspaper articles, humorous letters or e-mails from friends...
  8. If your colleague feels “under the weather”, it means he...  [is not in a good mood] 

    under the weather - somewhat indisposed; ailing; ill
  9. If you want to make an office afternoon in a park, you... [have to consult your department head beforehand should] 

    Just be sure to consult your department head before executing any plans...
  10. Which of the options best completes this sentence? “You don't risk...” [offending someone else by making him or her the target of your joke.] 

    You don't risk offending someone else by making him or her the target of your joke.