Answer Key

Stress – Comprehension Check

  1. When something UNDERMINES performance, what does it actually do?  [it makes it worse] 

    to undermine – weaken (eg a person's health or authority)
  2. There is a grammar mistake in this sentence: “Not only plants raise the amount of oxygen in the air and reduce stuffiness, they also help to absorb pollutants in the air.“ Which of the options has the mistake? [Not only plants raise the amount] 

    Not only do plants raise the amount of oxygen in the air and reduce stuffiness, they also help to absorb pollutants in the air.
  3. What should you remember to do when you have made some changes to the workspace? [to explain the change well to your co-workers] 

    Make sure that you explain to your co-workers why you are doing this; after all you don't want them to think that you are avoiding their company!
  4. Long-term studies have shown that increased levels of Carbon Monoxide and Nitrogen Dioxide cause [psychiatric disorders] 

    Long-term studies in polluted cities have shown that admissions to hospitals for psychiatric illness increase as Carbon Monoxide and Nitrogen Dioxide levels increase.
  5. Which of the options best completes this sentence? “Try to arrange things so that people have easy access to the people and resources”  [they need.] 

    Try to arrange things so that people have easy access to the people and resources they need.
  6. How can you improve air quality in offices where the air is too dry?  [by introducing plants] 

    Introduce plants where the air is too dry. Evaporation of water from the plant pots or from the plants themselves will help to raise humidity. Not only do plants raise the amount of oxygen in the air and reduce stuffiness, they also help to absorb pollutants in the air.
  7. Which is one of the open plan environment disadvantages? [necessity of being constantly sociable] 

    Open plan offices also lack privacy. This is important because it forces people constantly to “maintain appearances”, and to be constantly sociable when they may be more efficient focusing on the job in hand.
  8. What do people do when they have to MAINTAIN APPEARANCES? [they have to keep looking presentable and be sociable]

    This is important because it forces people constantly to “maintain appearances”, and to be constantly sociable when they may be more efficient focusing on the job in hand. This requirement for constant sociability can be a source of stress, as people really need to be able to control the level of social activity they participate in, and the way in which they interact.
  9. Which of the options best completes this sentence? “An obvious case is where the people and resources you need are not immediately”  [at hand.] 

    An obvious case is where the people and resources you need are not immediately at hand.
  10. Which of the options best completes this sentence? “ If you need personal space but none is available, try” [blocking off areas with furniture] 

    If you need personal space but none is available, try blocking off areas with furniture.