Question 34 - ELAR: Reading Practice Test for the TSIA2

Taken from:
Companies and Community Seek to Help Furloughed Workers

The coronavirus has spread throughout the United States like wildfire. Workers are being furloughed, resulting in almost 17 million unemployment claims between March 15th and April 4th. To make matters worse, tornadoes are pummeling parts of the south leaving dozens dead, half a million people without power, and survivors with nowhere to go. In addition, fires have sprung up in seven different states, winter storms are raging from coast to coast, and severe rains are causing extensive flooding in Hawaii. It’s hard to stay positive and hopeful when it seems as if the whole world is imploding. But there is always a light in the darkness. People are coming together, supporting one another, and doing what they can to help those in need during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nonprofits, charities, businesses, and organizations all over the United States have created emergency COVID-19 funds to support those who are struggling. During times of tragedy and strife, such as this pandemic, people are supporting each other in a way that is refreshing and welcomed during these stressful times. Recently, wealthy social media gurus, entrepreneurs, and moguls have taken to Twitter and Instagram to offer cash to their fans who are in need. For instance, Fashion company, Fashion Nova, has teamed up with Cardi B, pop and hip-hop sensation, to give away $1000 every hour to those who apply on the Fashion Nova website until May 20th. Celebrities are creating once-in-a-lifetime experiences for the #ALLINCHALLENGE, raffling experiences to those who buy entry, or auctioning off their priceless possessions, all in the name of charity. Mark Cuban is raffling a one-day contract to play in the NBA… This is just the tip of an iceberg of support that has emerged due to the initial economic downturn caused by COVID-19. The point being that all over the world, people and organizations are looking for ways to help others.