IELTS® General Reading Practice 49

The answer is vi. Section A discusses various health issues that can arise from working constantly or regularly at a keyboard and visual display unit (VDU). It lists problems such as muscular fatigue, discomfort or pain in the arms, neck, hands or back, and eye strain. These are examples of common health problems related to this type of work. Therefore, the most suitable heading for Section A is (vi) What are the common health problems?

Associated Text:
Sensible work practices are an important factor in the prevention of muscular fatigue; discomfort or pain in the arms, neck, hands or back; or eye strain which can be associated with constant or regular work at a keyboard and visual display unit (VDU).

The answer is viii. Section B concentrates on the responsibilities of the employer, such as paying attention to workplace design, office environment, and work organisation, as well as the placement of monitors. It also emphasizes that operators must be able to recognize health problems and participate in their management. This division of roles and responsibilities clearly indicates the theme of (viii) What are the roles of management and workers?

Associated Text:
It is vital that the employer pays attention to the physical setting such as workplace design, the office environment, and placement of monitors as well as the organisation of the work and individual work habits. Operators must be able to recognise work-related health problems and be given the opportunity to participate in the management of these.

The answer is v. Section C describes in detail the features of a chair for someone working at a VDU, such as adjustability of height and angle, a back rest, and cloth covering to reduce perspiration. These are all aspects related to what makes a seat good for typists, aligning closely with heading (v) What makes a good seat?

Associated Text:
The typist must be comfortably accommodated in a chair that is adjustable for height with a back rest that is also easily adjustable both for angle and height. The back rest and sitting ledge (with a curved edge) should preferably be cloth-covered to avoid excessive perspiration.

The answer is x. Section D gives advice on where to place physical documents or paper when working at a VDU: it should be the same distance from the eyes as the screen and whichever is focused on most should be directly in front of the operator. This precise guidance matches (x) Where should I place the documents? and does not focus on reasons for eye fatigue, so (x) is the correct heading.

Associated Text:
When the keyboard operator is working from a paper file or manuscript, it should be at the same distance from the eyes as the screen. The most convenient position can be found by using some sort of holder. Individual arrangement will vary according to whether the operator spends more time looking at the VDU or the paper – whichever the eyes are focused on for the majority of time should be put directly in front of the operator.

The answer is ii. Section E discusses taking frequent, short pauses and a longer ten-minute break after every sixty minutes of keyboarding. It specifies times for these breaks and suggests the value of changing activity. This directly answers (ii) How long should I work without a break? because it provides specific guidelines on the timing and duration of breaks during VDU work.

Associated Text:
While keying, it is advisable to have frequent but short pauses of around thirty to sixty seconds to proofread. ... After you have been keying for sixty minutes, you should have a ten minute change of activity.

The answer is i. Section F details how to reduce or avoid glare and reflection problems when using a VDU: placing it at right angles to the window, using blinds, curtains, or movable screens for glare control, and keeping the screen vertical to avoid glare from overhead lights. These are direct methods to address reflection issues, fitting heading (i) How can reflection problems be avoided?

Associated Text:
Generally, the best position for a VDU is at right angles to the window. If this is not possible then glare from the window can be controlled by blinds, curtains or movable screens. Keep the face of the VDU vertical to avoid glare from overhead lighting.

The answer is iii. Section G points out the need to report aches or pain to a supervisor early so that the problem can be addressed, and mentions seeking medical attention if necessary. This paragraph is directly concerned with what a worker should do if they experience any problems, clearly matching heading (iii) What if I experience any problems?

Associated Text:
Unsatisfactory work practices or working conditions may result in aches or pain. Symptoms should be reported to your supervisor early on so that the cause of the trouble can be corrected and the operator should seek medical attention.