Choose the best answer for each of the following questions or statements according to the passage. The meeting spills over into its second hour. We are discussing a productivity initiative. At this moment, our most talkative member chimes in, saying that we need some kind of system to reward employees. This is the same solution he offers for every problem at every meeting. Then, another member cuts in and talks for a long time—just to make one point that we are not the proper people to recommend the kinds of changes that we are proposing. I, meanwhile, contribute nothing useful. Finally, the woman who set the meeting calls it quits and tells us we’ll continue next week. We drift back to our offices, wondering how to make up for the wasted time. This meeting occurred many years ago, but similar ones happen at companies everywhere every day. Part of the problem at such meetings is that the leader has not set clear objectives or an agenda, and didn’t assign pre-meeting preparation tasks. Instead, the leader seems to hope that magic will occur, producing solutions to the problems. Of course, that doesn’t happen. The main reason we don’t make meetings more productive is that we don’t value our time properly. The people who call meetings and those who attend them are not thinking about time as their most valuable resource. But time is the most perishable good in the world. You can’t earn an extra hour to use on a busy day. Nonetheless, we usually have a vague feeling that there is plenty of time—somewhere in the future—so we waste it now and carelessly steal time from our families, friends or ourselves. I used to be the disengaged participant—one who had good ideas about how to solve a problem, but didn’t contribute. I now take a more active role, aiming to make meetings more effective. Here are three simple principles I use. First, whoever calls a meeting should be explicit about its objectives. This means specifying tangible goals and assigning responsibilities. Second, everyone should think carefully about the costs of a meeting: How many participants are really needed? How long should the meeting last? Finally, after meetings, assign credit or blame to the person in charge. If people have records of leading ineffective meetings, they are not allowed to lead future sessions. I know that meetings may serve other functions. Sometimes, they can communicate a solution, make sure that there are no fatal flaws in it and give those who are unhappy with it a chance to voice their dissatisfaction. Other meetings serve a cultural function, allowing participants to renew social connections, establish relationships, and deepen a sense of belonging. So, it’s possible to justify a few of those too-long and apparently unproductive meetings by finding hidden payoffs. But, please, don’t just call a meeting and hope the magic happens. Take charge and take personal responsibility for meeting its objectives, whatever they are. 1. After the meeting comes to its second hour, __________. A. the author starts to make useful suggestions B. everybody starts to participate actively C. the leader begins to ask about how to reward employees D. everybody is still wasting their time 2. Time is our most precious resource because ____________. A. it is the most perishable good B. we don’t value time properly C. there is plenty of time D. it is worth a lot of money 3. With tangible goals specified and responsibilities assigned, __________. A. the members at the meeting will know the objectives B. the objectives of the meeting can be achieved C. every member will think about the costs of the meeting D. the person who calls the meeting can sit and watch the magic happen 4. Which of the following is NOT mentioned as one of the reasons for ineffective meetings? A.The leader fails to do the right things to ensure the efficiency of the meeting. B. The environment of the meeting is not good enough. C. People do not value time properly. D. The participants of the meeting are not active. 5. Which of the following gives the main idea of this passage? A. Everybody should contribute to the meeting. B. The leader of the meeting plays the most important role. C. It is important to ensure efficient and effective meetings. D. Setting out objectives of meetings can improve efficiency.