Homonyms

English is a vibrant, changing, dynamic language. It allows people to express their thoughts in diverse ways, as there are many synonyms and antonyms to choose from. The hardest part for the English speaker - or those learning English as a second language - is learning about homonyms. These are words that sound alike but are spelled different ways, with different meanings.

One example is "One". This word, spelled "one" means the numeral 1, an amount. If spelled "won," it means to be victorious. No wonder spelling is a difficult skill to master! Other homonyms encountered by the beginning English speaker are "to, two, too," "four, for, fore," "there, their, they're" and "son, sun" to name just a few. This is one reason that "Spell check" programs on word processing computers cannot be completely accurate, because the way a word is spelled depends on the context of the sentence. Proofreaders will always be in demand.

What inference can be drawn from the article?

Changing Time

I have a major problem with Daylight Saving Time (DST). I really wish they would abolish the practice of changing the time on us every year. "Spring ahead, Fall back" should disappear from our language.

Although an early goal of DST was to reduce evening usage of incandescent lighting, formerly a primary use of electricity, modern heating and cooling usage patterns greatly differ, and research about how DST currently affects energy use is limited and often contradictory. The reason for the time shift has become irrelevant. DST's occasional clock shifts present other challenges. They complicate timekeeping and can disrupt meetings, travel, billing, record keeping, medical devices, and heavy equipment. Many computerbased systems can adjust their clocks automatically, but this can be limited and errorprone, particularly when DST rules change. I vote to abolish DST. Can I count on your vote?

To what word or phrase does the word "they" in the third paragraph refer?

The Rainforest

The Amazon River Basin is home to the largest rainforest on Earth. The basin -- roughly the size of the forty-eight contiguous United States -- covers some 40% of the South American continent and portions of eight countries. The basin is drained by the Amazon River, the world's largest river in terms of discharge, and the second-longest river in the world after the Nile.

Since 1970, over 600,000 square kilometres (232,000 square miles) of the Amazon rainforest have been destroyed. This deforestation is mainly due to land clearing for pastureland by commercial and speculative interests, misguided government policies, and commercial exploitation of forest resources.

Deforestation of the rainforest has long-term implications. The loss of habitat for many creatures ensures their extinction. The loss of vegetation depletes the oxygen in the atmosphere, which some say causes global warming.

What is the definition of "habitat" as used in the last paragraph?

                              Factory

Care in planning and management is needed if a factory is to run well. Work areas should be large, clean, well lighted and airy. Work should move in a straight line from one machine to another. This allows materials in different stages of production to advance smoothly. As orders increase, some factories hire consultants to redesign their outdated operation flow and streamline workstations and equipment within the plant. Using a factory management system can double production as well as improve the rate of on-time deliveries. Careful planning and execution can also contribute to harmonious relations between labor and management.

The paragraph suggests that the purpose of a factory layout is for: