Question

Telecommuting, or working from home, has become more prevalent, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. This shift offers benefits such as reduced commuting time and increased flexibility. However, it also presents challenges like the need for effective time management and the potential for social isolation.
What is one challenge of telecommuting mentioned in the passage?

• A. Increased commuting time.
• B. Decreased flexibility.
• C. Need for effective time management.
• D. Reduced work hours.

Hint:

When a passage discusses both benefits and challenges, identify the shift in tone (often introduced by words like "however") to locate the part that answers questions about drawbacks or difficulties.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

The passage explains that telecommuting — also known as working from home — has become more common, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic. It first lists the advantages of this shift:
- Reduced commuting time, and
- Increased flexibility for workers.
The passage then uses the word “however” to introduce the challenges that come with telecommuting. It specifically names two:
1. The need for effective time management, and
2. The potential for social isolation.
So, the correct answer is Option C, which directly refers to the need for effective time management, one of the challenges explicitly mentioned.
Let’s go through the incorrect Option:
- Option A is the opposite of what the passage says. It states that telecommuting reduces commuting time, not increases it.
- Option B is also incorrect; flexibility is listed as a benefit, not a drawback.
- Option D ("reduced work hours") is not mentioned at all in the passage and cannot be inferred as a challenge.