Everyone who works gets a set number of sick days per year. On those days when they’re _(1)_, they can call in and ask for sick leave. But there is one day each year when more people call in sick than any other. Can you guess which day it is?
If you guessed January 2, after all the wild New Year’s Eve parties, you’re totally wrong. It’s actually the first Monday in February, at least in the UK. There are a _(2)_ of reasons for this specific date. Some people party too hard while watching the American Super Bowl the night before. Others might have too many drinks to celebrate the end of Dry January. _(3)_ others may be suffering from seasonaldepression or other mental health issues that commonly develop during the dull winter season.
On average, over half a million British workers call in sick on this day each year. This costs the economy some 45 million pounds. Rather than _(4)_ people, though, the government decided in 2011 to make the first Monday in February National Sickie Day. On this day, people are encouraged to _(5)_ and to spread awareness of mental health issues. This, they say, is the best way to keep everyone healthy in the long term.
1. (A) in the dark (B) on the move (C) off the record (D) under the weather
2. (A) variety (B) total (C) piece (D) crew
3. (A) Any (B) Just (C) Still (D) Only
4. (A) starve (B) punish (C) benefit (D) remind
5. (A) cut in line (B) pay the bill (C) take a day off (D) bring a person in
