A. AS FAR AS B. APART FROM C. ACCORDING TO D. IN SPITE OF III...

75. a. as far as

b. apart from

c. according to d. in spite of

III. Read this passage carefully and then choose the best answer A, B, C or D to questions below.

Telecommuting is some form of computer communication between employees’ homes and

offices. For employees whose jobs involve sitting at a terminal or word processor entering data or

typing reports, the location of the computer is of no consequence. If the machine can communicate over

telephone lines, when the work is completed, employees can dial the office computer and transmit the

material to their employers. A recent survey in USA Today estimates that there are approximately 8.7

million telecommuters. But although the numbers are rising annually, the trend does not appear to be as

significant as its cover story a few years ago. Why hasn't telecommuting become so popular?

Clearly, change simply takes time. But in addition, there has been active resistance on the part

of many managers. These executives claim that supervising the telecommuters in a large work force

scattered across the country would be too difficult or at least, systems for managing them are not yet

developed, thereby complicating the manager's responsibilities.

It is also true that employees who are given the option of telecommuting are often reluctant

to accept the opportunity. Most people feel that they need regular interaction with a group, and many

are concerned that they will not have the same consideration for advancement if they are not more

visible in the office setting. Some people feel that even when a space in their homes is set aside as a

work area, they never nearly get away from the office.