Achy from sitting at a desk all day? Try doing this

Study the questions and tasks

Work through the material below, or start the interactive practice above to complete an attempt. Try the exercises before opening any answer or transcript sections, then use them to review your work.

Practice level

B1. Try this level if you can follow the instructions and understand most of the language; choose an earlier level if you need more support.

Question formats

Single choice

How to approach this practice

Read the passage for its main idea, then return to the relevant sentence or paragraph for each question. Base answers on the passage.

1. Question 1 · Single choice

   Choose one answer.

   What is the main purpose of the article?

   Return to the passage, recording or visual
   1. To explain why computers are becoming more popular
   2. To present ways to reduce problems caused by sitting
   3. To compare different kinds of exercise programs
   4. To describe research careers at Columbia University
   Check answers and explanations

   Answer

   To present ways to reduce problems caused by sitting

   The article presents practical ways to reduce discomfort and risks from sitting.

   A new health guide points to several simple ways to feel better and reduce some risks linked to long periods of sitting.

2. Question 2 · Single choice

   Choose one answer.

   Why does the article mention the 2023 listener challenge?

   Return to the passage, recording or visual
   1. To show that many people tested the advice
   2. To explain how NPR chooses its programs
   3. To prove that exercise must happen outdoors
   4. To describe a competition between universities
   Check answers and explanations

   Answer

   To show that many people tested the advice

   The challenge gives a real example of people trying the recommended walking routine.

   In 2023, more than 20,000 NPR listeners tried this five-minute walking challenge.

3. Question 3 · Single choice

   Choose one answer.

   What does “This” refer to in the fourth paragraph?

   Return to the passage, recording or visual
   1. An ergonomic setup
   2. A health risk
   3. A short walk
   4. A simple stretch
   Check answers and explanations

   Answer

   An ergonomic setup

   “This” refers to an ergonomic setup mentioned in the previous sentence.

   This may include arranging a chair, desk, or computer so the body is better supported.

4. Question 4 · Single choice

   Choose one answer.

   What can be inferred about the recommended changes?

   Return to the passage, recording or visual
   1. They require expensive gym equipment
   2. They are mainly useful for professional athletes
   3. They can fit into ordinary daily routines
   4. They should replace all medical treatment
   Check answers and explanations

   Answer

   They can fit into ordinary daily routines

   The article says people can use ordinary daily activities and simple adjustments.

   These tips do not require a special workout.

5. Question 5 · Single choice

   Choose one answer.

   How is the article mainly organized?

   Return to the passage, recording or visual
   1. It presents a problem, several solutions, related risks, and a conclusion
   2. It tells a personal story before giving a scientific definition
   3. It compares two researchers and then explains their careers
   4. It lists diseases first and explains their treatments afterward
   Check answers and explanations

   Answer

   It presents a problem, several solutions, related risks, and a conclusion

   It moves from problems to walking advice, workplace changes, risks, and a conclusion.

   The guide also recommends paying attention to how a person sits.

What to review next

Find the words that support each answer. For a mistake, compare the question with the evidence and identify the detail or inference you missed.

A focused practice result shows how you did on these tasks. Use several activities across skills to decide what to study next; one practice score does not certify an overall CEFR level.

Before you practise: a worked example

Look for evidence in the text. Separate what the writer says from what you already know about the topic.

The library normally closes at six, but on Fridays it stays open until eight. When does it close on Friday?

The answer is eight. But introduces an exception to the normal closing time, so the first time mentioned is not the answer.

This teaching example is separate from the scored questions. After your test, compare any mistakes with the explanation and revisit the topic before trying again.