Spain, Land of 10 P.M. Dinners, Asks if It’s Time to Reset Clock

KEY

Question 1

            a) FALSE “Surveys show that nearly a quarter of Spain’s population is watching television between midnight and 1 a.m.”

            b) TRUE “a pro-efficiency movement contends that the country can become more productive, [more in sync with the rest of Europe], if it adopts a more regular schedule.”

            c) TRUE: “If Spain had a rational timetable, the country would be more productive.”

            d) TRUE “For the moment, Spain’s government is treating the campaign seriously.”

Question 2

            a) In first place, changing the timetable will mean that Spain will have a new working timetable, similar to the 9-to-5 scheme people follow in other countries. TV programmes will be broadcast an hour earlier. And it will also mean being in a different time zone.

            b) According to Mr.Buqueras, changing the schedule in Spain would benefit working mothers as well as giving families more free time. It wouls also help the country be more productive and leave the crisis behind.

Question 3

a)       survey(s)

b)       (to) contend / contends

c)       schedule

            d)   outspoken

            e)   boon

Question 4

a)       Television is being watched by nearly a quarter of Spain's population between midnight and 1a.m.

b)       Siestas aren't believed to be rooted in reality.

c)       If the boss didn't take long breaks, employees wouldn't end up working late into the evening.