Reading Explorer 3: Midterm
DIRECTIONS: Choose the best answer for each question.
The State of Sleep Deprivation in America
[A] If you're able to pause between sips of coffee and keep your eyes open long enough to read this message,
please pay attention. You need to start regularly getting an adequate night's sleep. Not enough rest is bad for
your health, and may even lead to deadly consequences.
[B] The Mayo Clinic, one of the U.S.'s most prestigious medical institutions, recommends that adults get
seven to eight hours of sleep each night. However, a lot of Americans disregard that advice. A 2009 study by
the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that 35 percent of Americans typically got less than
seven hours of sleep a night.
[C] Sleep is really important for maintaining our overall health. During deep sleep, growth hormones are
released in children and young adults. Cells use the downtime to repair themselves from damage caused by
stress and exposure to ultraviolet rays. The break seems especially crucial for the brain, whose nerve cells, or
neurons, can become so energy-depleted and polluted with waste products from normal cellular activity that
they may begin to malfunction if you stay awake.
[D] While we don't generally think of sleep deprivation as a massive public health problem, medical research
suggests that inadequate sleep plays a factor in a surprising array of problems. Here are a few of the more
serious ones:
[E] Obesity: Studies show that the less you sleep, the greater the likelihood that you'll pack on the pounds. In
one study, subjects in their twenties who got less than six hours of sleep each night were 7.5 times likely to
have a higher body mass index than people who got adequate sleep, even when family history, the amount of
exercise, and other factors were accounted for. Studies suggest that not getting enough sleep can contribute to
lower levels of leptin, a hormone that controls appetite, and higher levels of ghrelin, which tends to make you
feel hungrier.
[F] Diabetes: A 2005 study found that middle-aged and older adults who got six hours of sleep each night
were 1.7 times more likely to develop diabetes, and those who got five hours or less were 2.5 times as likely.
[G] Cardiovascular disease and hypertension: A 2011 study published in the Journal of the American
Heart Association reported that people who suffered from insomnia had between a 27 and 45 percent
increased risk of having a heart attack in which a part of the heart muscle becomes blocked and can't get
oxygen. Another study, published in 2013 in the European Heart Journal, found that chronic insomniacs had
three times the risk of heart failure in which the heart is so weakened that it can't pump enough blood to meet
the body's needs. A study published in the journal Stroke in 2014 reported that people who suffered from
insomnia also had a 54 percent higher chance of being hospitalized for a stroke over a four-year period.
[H] Immune system: According to the Mayo Clinic, sleep deprivation can contribute to decreased production
of proteins called cytokines, which your body needs when you have an infection or inflammation, and also
hinders infection-fighting antibodies and cells. A study published in 2012 in the journal Sleep reported that
subjects who got less than six hours of sleep were 11.5 percent less likely to get protection from a hepatitis B
vaccination than others who slept seven or more hours.
[I] These four conditions may result in a shortened life span. In a study published in 2010 in the journal Sleep,
researchers reported that over a 14-year period, men who complained of chronic insomnia and routinely slept
for less than six hours a night were four times more likely to die.
[J] But the conclusion of all this is that you need to make a habit of getting a good night's sleep to avoid
potentially serious health problems. Or, to look at it in a more positive way, if you get adequate rest, your
body and mind are going to work and feel better.
____ 1. What is this passage mainly about?
a. the pros and cons of getting less sleep
b. some benefits of staying awake longer
c. the harmful effects of sleep deprivation
____ 2. According to the Mayo Clinic, how many hours of sleep should people get a night?
a. 11.5
b. seven to eight
c. less than seven
____ 3. In paragraph B, what is a synonym for disregard?
a. ignore
b. disagree with
c. follow
____ 4. What does whose refer to in paragraph C?
a. the break
b. the brain
c. neurons
____ 5. According to paragraph C, what part of the body is sleep most important for?
a. the skin
b. the brain
c. the heart
____ 6. In paragraph E, what does pack on the pounds mean?
a. to become stronger
b. to gain weight
c. to become tired
____ 7. Which of these chemicals increases in people who sleep less?
a. cytokines
b. ghrelin
c. leptin
____ 8. What year is the most recent study mentioned by the author?
a. 2013
b. 2014
c. 2015
____ 9. Which condition is NOT mentioned as being affected by sleep deprivation?
a. inflammation
b. hypertension
c. chronic pain
____ 10. Which statement would the author most likely agree with?
a. Some Americans are getting unhealthy because they don't sleep enough.
b. Americans are losing too much weight because they don’t sleep enough.
c. Middle-aged adults who got six hours of sleep were 2.5 times for likely to develop
diabetes.
DIRECTIONS: Choose the best answer for each question.
Sunscreen
[A] From broad-brimmed hats to UV-blocking sunglasses, people are always looking for ways to protect
themselves from too much sun. A little bit of sun exposure is necessary for our health, but too much can lead
to deadly cancer. So how much is too much? A new product on the market, L'Oreal's UV Sense, has been
designed to help answer this question.
[B] L'Oreal's UV Sense is a skin sensor that detects UV rays. It is considered preventative "skintech" - a
device worn on the skin to help prevent health risks, such as skin cancer. It does not block the sun physically,
like sunscreen does, but it helps its wearer know how much UV light he or she is exposed to.
[C] The sensor is housed in a small sticker that can fit on a person's thumbnail. Style-conscious wearers can
choose from over 50 sticker designs. They place the sticker on a pair of favorite sunglasses, a watch, or
anywhere else that will receive direct sunlight. As the wearer walks to the mail box, lies out on the beach, or
sits in rush-hour traffic, the device collects data on how much sun the wearer is being exposed to. The device
delivers this data to the wearer's smartphone, and alerts him or her when the level of UV rays is dangerously
high. This information prompts the wearer to seek shade or apply more sunscreen.
[D] This product differs from other wearable devices in that it is meant to be used for a short period of time
until wearers learn which situations cause them to get the most UV rays. Wearers use the sticker for about two
weeks and then disposes of it. The expectation is that wearers will become more aware of their sun exposure
and change their habits or lifestyle accordingly. This means consumers can benefit from an inexpensive
product, since longer-lasting ones cost hundreds to thousands of dollars.
[E] So why would a cosmetic company like L'Oreal invest in technology that consumers will only use once or
twice? The cosmetic giant understands that wearable devices are the latest trend on the market. They also
understand how concerned consumers are about the rise of skin cancer. In response to their market research,
L'Oreal wants to take the lead before other skincare companies develop similar products. The quest for
developing preventative skintech has just begun and will most likely never end.
____ 11. What is the purpose of this passage?
a. to describe a product
b. to compare several products
c. to persuade the reader to purchase a product
____ 12. What does how much refer to in paragraph A?
a. sun exposure
b. skin cancer
c. protecting health
____ 13. What can block sunlight physically?
a. skintech
b. the UV Sense device
c. sunscreen
____ 14. People who spend too much time in the sun are probably ____________ skin cancer.
a. in danger of
b. exposed to
c. aware of
____ 15. What does UV Sense communicate to its wearers?
a. where the closest shade is
b. how much sunscreen to put on
c. when they are too exposed to UV rays
____ 16. Which paragraph explains how the device works?
a. Paragraph A
b. Paragraph C
c. Paragraph E
____ 17. What does cosmetic giant in paragraph E refer to?
a. the most important person or decision maker within a cosmetic company
b. company that produces cosmetics in bulk
c. an industry leader in skincare
____ 18. Which phrase has a similar meaning to take the lead in paragraph E?
a. to have an advantage over
b. to do more than others
c. to do as well as others
____ 19. How is this product different from other wearable devices?
a. It blocks UV rays.
b. It's temporary.
c. It's worn on skin.
____ 20. What's the answer to the question in last paragraph:
"So why would a cosmetic company like L'Oreal invest in technology that consumers will only use once or
twice?"
a. to stay competitive by keeping up with latest market trends
b. to help researchers in their efforts to cure cancer
c. to enter the health care industry
DIRECTIONS: Choose the best answer for each question.
____ 21. Which word does NOT have the same meaning as the others?
a. victory
b. achievement
c. success
d. defeat
____ 22. Which word does NOT have the same meaning as the others?
a. massive
b. precise
c. exact
d. specific
____ 23. Which word does NOT have the same meaning as the others?
a. magnificent
b. isolated
c. spectacular
d. amazing
____ 24. Which word does NOT have the same meaning as the others?
a. focus
b. pay attention
c. concentrate
d. visual
____ 25. Which word does NOT have the same meaning as the others?
a. accept
b. agree
c. contradict
d. approve
DIRECTIONS: Read the passage and complete the sentences.
The State of Sleep Deprivation in America
[A] If you're able to pause between sips of coffee and keep your eyes open long enough to read this message,
please pay attention. You need to start regularly getting an adequate night's sleep. Not enough rest is bad for
your health, and may even lead to deadly consequences.
[B] The Mayo Clinic, one of the U.S.'s most prestigious medical institutions, recommends that adults get
seven to eight hours of sleep each night. However, a lot of Americans disregard that advice. A 2009 study by
the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that 35 percent of Americans typically got less than
seven hours of sleep a night.
[C] Sleep is really important for maintaining our overall health. During deep sleep, growth hormones are
released in children and young adults. Cells use the downtime to repair themselves from damage caused by
stress and exposure to ultraviolet rays. The break seems especially crucial for the brain, whose nerve cells, or
neurons, can become so energy-depleted and polluted with waste products from normal cellular activity that
they may begin to malfunction if you stay awake.
[D] While we don't generally think of sleep deprivation as a massive public health problem, medical research
suggests that inadequate sleep plays a factor in a surprising array of problems. Here are a few of the more
serious ones:
[E] Obesity: Studies show that the less you sleep, the greater the likelihood that you'll pack on the pounds. In
one study, subjects in their twenties who got less than six hours of sleep each night were 7.5 times likely to
have a higher body mass index than people who got adequate sleep, even when family history, the amount of
exercise, and other factors were accounted for. Studies suggest that not getting enough sleep can contribute to
lower levels of leptin, a hormone that controls appetite, and higher levels of ghrelin, which tends to make you
feel hungrier.
[F] Diabetes: A 2005 study found that middle-aged and older adults who got six hours of sleep each night
were 1.7 times more likely to develop diabetes, and those who got five hours or less were 2.5 times as likely.
[G] Cardiovascular disease and hypertension: A 2011 study published in the Journal of the American
Heart Association reported that people who suffered from insomnia had between a 27 and 45 percent
increased risk of having a heart attack in which a part of the heart muscle becomes blocked and can't get
oxygen. Another study, published in 2013 in the European Heart Journal, found that chronic insomniacs had
three times the risk of heart failure in which the heart is so weakened that it can't pump enough blood to meet
the body's needs. A study published in the journal Stroke in 2014 reported that people who suffered from
insomnia also had a 54 percent higher chance of being hospitalized for a stroke over a four-year period.
[H] Immune system: According to the Mayo Clinic, sleep deprivation can contribute to decreased production
of proteins called cytokines, which your body needs when you have an infection or inflammation, and also
hinders infection-fighting antibodies and cells. A study published in 2012 in the journal Sleep reported that
subjects who got less than six hours of sleep were 11.5 percent less likely to get protection from a hepatitis B
vaccination than others who slept seven or more hours.
[I] These four conditions may result in a shortened life span. In a study published in 2010 in the journal Sleep,
researchers reported that over a 14-year period, men who complained of chronic insomnia and routinely slept
for less than six hours a night were four times more likely to die.
[J] But the conclusion of all this is that you need to make a habit of getting a good night's sleep to avoid
potentially serious health problems. Or, to look at it in a more positive way, if you get adequate rest, your
body and mind are going to work and feel better.
26. The name of one of the most prestigious medical institutions in the U.S. is the ________________.
27. The percentage of Americans who get less than seven hours or sleep each night is ________________.
28. People in their twenties with less than ________________ hours or sleep each night are likely to be obese.
29. Middle aged or older people who get less than ________________ hours or sleep are over twice as likely to
develop diabetes.
30. According to a 2013 study, chronic insomniacs have ________________ times the risk of heart failure.
DIRECTIONS: Complete the sentences using the transition words in the box.
addition consequently however in the end similarly
When young people come home with tattoos, their parents are often worried that employers will reject them
because of their body art. In (1) ________________, parents are concerned about prejudice, that people will
have a negative impression of their tattooed child. (2) ________________, there has recently been a change in
workplace attitudes. For example, some employers think that qualifications or professional skills are more
important than appearance. It depends on how conservative a workplace is, though. Some banks or investment
companies feel that tattoos might offend some customers. (3) ________________, they will hire a qualified
person, but ask him or her to cover up their tattoos during working hours so they are not visible.
In artistic fields such as advertising or graphic design, tattoos are welcome in the workplace. (4)
________________, in the sports and entertainment fields, body art has long been accepted. That is also the
case in shipping and long-distance trucking where workers have traditionally had tattoos. (5)
________________, it all depends on how extensive the body art is and the type of workplace.
31. (1) ________________
32. (2) ________________
33. (3) ________________
34. (4) ________________
35. (5) ________________
DIRECTIONS: Match each underlined word with a word with the same meaning.
a. associated with f. inevitable
b. automatic g. migrated
c. detect h. official
d. external i. signal
e. grasp j. summit
____ 36. Recent data provide a clear sign that sea levels are rising.
____ 37. When Igor was a boy, his family moved from Moscow to Paris.
____ 38. The city made a formal announcement announcing the start of a new recycling program.
____ 39. He could not hold onto the branch and fell from the tree.
____ 40. Geologists have gathered enough data to predict that a major earthquake in southern California is certain to
happen.
____ 41. The sensors can sense the slightest movement, and the lights will turn on by themselves.
____ 42. It took four hours to get to the top of the mountain.
____ 43. There is evidence that lung cancer is connected to smoking.
____ 44. The car wash has a self-activating function and activate once you drive in.
____ 45. The rumors of bankruptcy came from outside sources and not from within the company.
DIRECTIONS: Match each word with its definition.
a. exposure d. wearable
b. preventative e. consumer
c. rush hour
____ 46. a time of the day when many people go to or from work
____ 47. related to actions taken to stop something from happening
____ 48. a person who purchases things or services
____ 49. the state of having no protection or shelter
____ 50. something that can be put on the body, like clothing
Reading Explorer 3: Midterm
Answer Section
1. ANS: C PTS: 2 REF: Unit 1 OBJ: Main Idea
TOP: Sports and Fitness
2. ANS: B PTS: 2 REF: Unit 1 OBJ: Supporting Detail
TOP: Sports and Fitness
3. ANS: A PTS: 2 REF: Unit 1 OBJ: Unfamiliar Vocabulary
TOP: Sports and Fitness
4. ANS: B PTS: 2 REF: Unit 1 OBJ: Anaphoric Reference
TOP: Sports and Fitness
5. ANS: B PTS: 2 REF: Unit 1 OBJ: Supporting Detail
TOP: Sports and Fitness
6. ANS: B PTS: 2 REF: Unit 1 OBJ: Vocabulary in Context
TOP: Sports and Fitness
7. ANS: B PTS: 2 REF: Unit 1 OBJ: Supporting Detail
TOP: Sports and Fitness
8. ANS: B PTS: 2 REF: Unit 1 OBJ: Scanning for Specific Information
TOP: Sports and Fitness
9. ANS: C PTS: 2 REF: Unit 1 OBJ: Supporting Detail
TOP: Sports and Fitness
10. ANS: A PTS: 2 REF: Unit 1 OBJ: Inference
TOP: Sports and Fitness
11. ANS: A PTS: 2 REF: Unit 2 OBJ: Purpose
TOP: Skin Deep
12. ANS: A PTS: 2 REF: Unit 2 OBJ: Reference
TOP: Skin Deep
13. ANS: C PTS: 2 REF: Unit 2 OBJ: Supporting Detail
TOP: Skin Deep
14. ANS: A PTS: 2 REF: Unit 2 OBJ: Supporting Detail
TOP: Skin Deep
15. ANS: C PTS: 2 REF: Unit 2 OBJ: Supporting Detail
TOP: Skin Deep
16. ANS: B PTS: 2 REF: Unit 2 OBJ: Main Idea
TOP: Skin Deep
17. ANS: C PTS: 2 REF: Unit 2 OBJ: Unfamiliar Idiom
TOP: Skin Deep
18. ANS: A PTS: 2 REF: Unit 2 OBJ: Vocabulary in Context
TOP: Skin Deep
19. ANS: B PTS: 2 REF: Unit 2 OBJ: Supporting Detail
TOP: Skin Deep
20. ANS: A PTS: 2 REF: Unit 2 OBJ: Inference
TOP: Skin Deep
21. ANS: D PTS: 2 REF: Unit 1A OBJ: Vocabulary
TOP: Skin Deep
22. ANS: A PTS: 2 REF: Unit 4B OBJ: Vocabulary
TOP: Violent Earth
23. ANS: B PTS: 2 REF: Unit 5B OBJ: Vocabulary
TOP: Islands and Beaches
24. ANS: D PTS: 2 REF: Unit 6B OBJ: Vocabulary
TOP: Global Addictions
25. ANS: C PTS: 2 REF: Unit 1 | Unit 2 | Unit 3 | Unit 4 | Unit 5 | Unit 6
OBJ: Vocabulary TOP: Global Addictions
26. ANS: Mayo Clinic
PTS: 2 REF: Unit 1B OBJ: Scanning for Specific Information
TOP: Sports and Fitness
27. ANS:
35
thirty-five
thirty five
PTS: 2 REF: Unit 1B OBJ: Scanning for Specific Information
TOP: Sports and Fitness
28. ANS:
six
6
PTS: 2 REF: Unit 1B OBJ: Scanning for Specific Information
TOP: Sports and Fitness
29. ANS:
five
5
PTS: 2 REF: Unit 1B OBJ: Scanning for Specific Information
TOP: Sports and Fitness
30. ANS:
three
3
PTS: 2 REF: Unit 1B OBJ: Scanning for Specific Information
TOP: Sports and Fitness
31. ANS: addition
PTS: 2 REF: Unit 6B OBJ: Understanding Transitions
TOP: Skin Deep
32. ANS: However
PTS: 2 REF: Unit 6B OBJ: Understanding Transitions
TOP: Skin Deep
33. ANS: Consequently
PTS: 2 REF: Unit 6B OBJ: Understanding Transitions
TOP: Skin Deep
34. ANS: Similarly
PTS: 2 REF: Unit 6B OBJ: Understanding Transitions
TOP: Skin Deep
35. ANS: In the end
PTS: 2 REF: Unit 6B OBJ: Understanding Transitions
TOP: Skin Deep
36. ANS: I PTS: 2 REF: Unit 10A OBJ: Vocabulary
TOP: All in the Mind
37. ANS: G PTS: 2 REF: Unit 5A OBJ: Vocabulary
TOP: Islands and Beaches
38. ANS: H PTS: 2 REF: Unit 3B OBJ: Vocabulary
TOP: Animals in Danger
39. ANS: E PTS: 2 REF: Unit 3A OBJ: Vocabulary
TOP: Animals in Danger
40. ANS: F PTS: 2 REF: Unit 4A OBJ: Vocabulary
TOP: Violent Earth
41. ANS: C PTS: 2 REF: Unit 4B OBJ: Vocabulary
TOP: Violent Earth
42. ANS: J PTS: 2 REF: Unit 4A OBJ: Vocabulary
TOP: Violent Earth
43. ANS: A PTS: 2 REF: Unit 2A OBJ: Vocabulary
TOP: Skin Deep
44. ANS: B PTS: 2 REF: Unit 1B OBJ: Vocabulary
TOP: Sports and Fitness
45. ANS: D PTS: 2 REF: Unit 2B OBJ: Vocabulary
TOP: Skin Deep
46. ANS: C PTS: 2 REF: Unit 3A
OBJ: Determining the Meaning of Unfamiliar Words TOP: Skin Deep
47. ANS: B PTS: 2 REF: Unit 3A
OBJ: Determining the Meaning of Unfamiliar Words TOP: Skin Deep
48. ANS: E PTS: 2 REF: Unit 3A
OBJ: Determining the Meaning of Unfamiliar Words TOP: Skin Deep
49. ANS: A PTS: 2 REF: Unit 3A
OBJ: Determining the Meaning of Unfamiliar Words TOP: Skin Deep
50. ANS: D PTS: 2 REF: Unit 3A
OBJ: Determining the Meaning of Unfamiliar Words TOP: Skin Deep