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Infosys Limited
Reading Comprehension
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Reading Comprehension
Contents
Context ........................................................................................................................................................ 3
Reading Comprehension ............................................................................................................................ 3
1.1
1.2
1.3
Exercises ...................................................................................................................................................... 5
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Reading Comprehension
Context
This document contains exercises to be completed as a part of the module- Reading Comprehension.
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Reading Comprehension
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Reading Comprehension
Exercises
Objective: To understand the various levels of reading.
Problem Description:
a) Literal Reading- Read the following passage and answer the questions:
First, focus on positives and areas of agreement to build trust and agreement. Then, discuss negatives or
thorny issues. Starting with positives before talking about improvement always works. Take the example
of appraisal discussions. After nine years in the industry, an appraisal discussion of mine started with my
appraiser comparing me to a peer and saying how I should perform like the peer. I disagreed and argued
with the appraiser. The appraisal discussion went on for more than an hour. After the first 15 minutes on
the peer comparison my appraiser was actually listing all the positives in my performance. However, the
peer comparison had closed my mind and I did not register any of the positives. Later, I realized that the
appraiser had given me only one negative point but about eight positives. I went to him the next day and
thanked him for his appreciation.
Use appropriate body language
Communication includes oral, written, body language and voice tone. It also includes the ability to be
sensitive enough to pick up subtle cues. In my discussions with my direct reports they generally agree to
my point of view. Even if I asked if there were any differing viewpoints, the answer was none and that
the required items would be taken care of.
Recently, a colleague pointed out that we need to be sensitive about some people raising issues the
moment they see it while others do not raise it in public. Their concerns may surface in informal
discussions with other team members. This becomes very tricky to recognize during cross-location
conversations which is typically over a phone.
In face-to-face conversations, it is easier to observe and get cues and modify the tone of conversation. In
a phone based conversation, we need to recognize the personality type of the listener and be extra
cautious in encouraging some people to open up.
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Reading Comprehension
3. What is the most important aspect of communication apart from the words, tone and body
language that we use?
a. our ability to sympathize with our listeners and make them feel comfortable
b. our ability to pick up the unexpressed signals which may be implicit message
4. Which among the two types of communication given below is easier to help us decipher and
understand our audience?
a. face to face
b. over the telephone
b) Interpretive Reading-Read the following statements and mark the right answer by interpreting
the meaning:
1. Order any product from this web page this week and receive a complimentary gift.
a. Book for a product this week and youll get a discount.
b. Buy a product this week and youll get a gift of your choice.
c. Order anything from this webpage and get another one free.
2. We expect you to settle all your outstanding bills by cash with the month.
a. Only cash payment for your dues is accepted this month.
b. Payment can be either by cash or credit card by the month end.
c. All pending bills should be paid in cash by this month end.
3. If you want us to send you weekly newsletters, please tick the given box.
a. Leave the box empty if you dont mind receiving the mailers.
b. Mark the box to receive the weekly newsletters from us.
c. Tick the box if you are satisfied with the newsletters.
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Reading Comprehension
4. We will replace goods damaged during transportation within two weeks of delivery.
a. Goods damaged or lost during delivery will be replaced immediately.
b. If this product arrives damaged, send it back for a replacement within 15 days.
c. We will provide a replacement if you send the product back immediately.
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