Reading Skills for Today's Adults

Ben is working as a cook in a café. As he prepares a lunch order, he coughs and sneezes. He has a bad cold. He came to work sick.

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Steve, a waiter, comes to get the order. He says, “Ben, you’re sick. You should go home. You’re spreading germs everywhere, even on people’s food. Now more people will get sick.”

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“I don’t feel good, but I want to work. I have bills to pay. I need to work,” says Ben.

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“Yes, I understand why you came to work,” says Steve, “but this is a time to stay home. Come back to work when you feel better.”

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“Okay. I’ll go home and rest,” says Ben. “I’ll let Sam, the head cook, know that I’m leaving.”