Most millennials▼ think nothing of working at a job for a few years before leaving it for another, then another, and so on. Back in the good old days, most people appreciated job stability and worked at one job their whole lives before retiring. Even so, Angelo Fracassa of Detroit, Michigan, had a work record that few can equal. As a reward for showing up to work for six decades straight, he was celebrated on the last day of his long career with the biggest surprise of his life. Fracassa commuted into downtown Detroit from his home by bus. He always sat in the seat right behind the driver. His life was pure routine for a period spanning six decades as a devoted employee of the Internal Revenue▼ Service (IRS), the tax collection agency of the United States. He had a master's degree in accounting▼ and became one of the first employees in his unit▼ to embrace new computer technology when it was introduced. On top of all that, he was usually friendly with everyone. On his last day on the job, he prepared to take his usual bus home. The first sign of anything unusual was the bus itself: on the scrolling board▼ it proclaimed "Angelo's Express" instead of the usual destination. After he boarded the bus, he couldn't help but notice the dozens of red, white, and blue balloons filling the interior▼ along with posters featuring pictures that were emblazoned▼ with messages for him. At stop after stop, his family, friends, and colleagues boarded to celebrate with him. He had a hard time controlling his emotions. The sweet ride ended in a dinner party at an Italian restaurant, where speeches and toasts were given in honor of the man who set an example for all of his coworkers and dedicated working people everywhere. 1. According to the article, how are young workers today different from older ones? (A) Younger ones use computers, but older ones don't. (B) Older workers are more loyal to their jobs than younger ones. (C) Older workers commute to work by bus, but younger ones drive their own cars. (D) Young workers tend to work longer hours than their elders. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 2. What does the word "embrace" as used in the second paragraph most likely mean? (A) To be on friendly terms with. (B) To show strong emotional love for. (C) To hold onto something tightly. (D) To gladly accept or take up something new. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 3. Which of the following statements about Fracassa's last day at work is true? (A) He was given a large party in his IRS office. (B) He was allowed to drive the bus home on his last day of work. (C) His family, friends, and colleagues surprised him by decorating a bus. (D) He was given a large bonus▼ by the IRS for his long-term service. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4. What example does the life of Fracassa set for the younger generation? (A) A person can be fulfilled in life by staying with one job. (B) Government workers are happier than those in the private sector▼. (C) Accounting is a profession that has great rewards. (D) People should take public transportation to reduce their carbon footprints▼. |