Unit 7 | Lesson A | Vocabulary 3: Practice
Linda burned her hand on a hot pan. She treated it with cool water. She also took some medicine for the pain. She
needs to keep a soft bandage over the burned skin to protect it while it heals.
Jacinta caught a cold and her throat hurt. She knew she needed to drink a lot of liquids to treat the cold, but her
throat was very painful and it hurt to swallow. She went to the doctor about her sore throat. The doctor said she had
an infection called strep throat. The doctor prescribed some medicine for the infection, and said she should take
ibuprofen for the pain.
Diego injured his leg when he was playing basketball with his friends. The injury was painful but not serious, so
Diego's friends took him home so he could rest. He knew how to treat his injury because he had learned the acronym
RICE. It stands for rest, ice, compression, elevation, which explains how to treat minor injuries at home. Diego laid
down on the couch to rest while one friend got ice from the freezer. Then he put the ice on the injury and wrapped a
bandage around it for compression. Another friend put pillows on the couch to elevate Diego's leg. Then, they ate
some snacks and watched a movie together. It was the best cure for Diego's injury.
Unit 7 | Lesson A | Listening 2: Practice
[Link] tells Dr. Glass that his throat hurts.
[Link] also mentions that he feels very drowsy.
[Link]. Glass's opinion is that Jay caught a cold.
[Link]. Glass told Jay to rest.
5."If I were you, I'd go to bed," said Dr. Glass.
[Link] said that Jay has his mother to take care of him.
[Link]'s burn is very painful.
[Link] doctor removes the bandage and asks Josh how he treated the burn.
[Link], Josh put cold water on the burn.
[Link], Josh's friend wrapped a wet cloth loosely around his hand.
[Link] didn't go to the hospital but he did talk to a pharmacist about the burn.
[Link] first, the burn began to heal.
[Link] a few days, the burn hurt more than before.
[Link]. Konno tells Josh to change the bandage daily.
[Link] have you been treating this burn? Dr. Konno
2.I didn’t think I needed to go the hospital. Josh
[Link] you did was good first aid. Dr. Konno
4.I asked the pharmacist what to use for a minor burn. Josh
[Link]’s an antibiotic cream. Josh
[Link] hand seemed to be healing, but then it began to hurt more. Josh
[Link]’s very painful. Josh
8. I’ll give you two prescriptions. Dr. Konno
The patient's last name is Garcia.
[Link] treated the burn at home.
[Link] doctor asks if he got some cream from the pharmacy.
[Link] doctor prescribes cream and medication for Josh.
[Link] doctor explains the treatment of the burn.
[Link] doctor cleans the burn gently because it hurts
Unit 7 | Lesson A | Speaking 2: Practice
A: So, Daisy, what brings you to my office today?
B: Well, I don’t think I’m sick, but I wanted to come in because I haven’t been feeling very well.
A: I see. Can you describe your symptoms?
B: Yes. The biggest problem is that I’m very tired. I sleep well at night, but in the middle of the afternoon I tend to get
drowsy. It’s like all of my energy suddenly disappears!
A: Have you been feeling stressed?
B: Well, it’s funny you mention it, because I’ve had a big problem at work recently.
A: I’m not surprised. Problems at the office can make you feel exhausted. I think the best idea is for you to take up a
hobby, perhaps an exercise class like yoga or kickboxing, to take your mind off work.
B: That makes a lot of sense. I’ll give it a try.
A: If I were you, I’d also try and take a little vacation. Going away for a few days can make a big difference.
Unit 7 | Lesson B | Vocabulary 1: Practice
1. People say that spending time in nature improves their mood.
[Link]'s new job comes with a high level of stress. I'm worried about her.
[Link] eat a balanced diet and exercise regularly, but what do you do for your mental health?
[Link] 90-year-old grandfather is trying hard to maintain good health.
5.I think schools should offer classes in stress management. Don't you?
[Link] was very stressed and experienced symptoms of mild depression.
[Link] found a good job, which reduced her stress level.
[Link] said that since he started meditation, he has experienced an overall feeling of wellbeing.
Unit 7 | Lesson B | Listening 2: Practice
Things are really crazy at work, and I’m totally stressed out.
[Link] know you can develop serious health problems if you don’t sleep enough.
[Link] cholesterol can go up, and you can gain weight.
4.I know I need to start sleeping better, but I really don’t want to take any medicine.
[Link] should drink a cup of chamomile tea before you go to bed.
6.I also want you to put all of your electronic devices away at least an hour before you go to bed.
[Link] have to change your nighttime habits right now, Henry.
8.I want you to come back in a month so we can see how you’re doing.
Lea is probably having a conversation with a friend.
[Link] first, Lea describes the pain in her lower back as uncomfortable.
[Link] noticed her symptoms at work.
[Link] man says Lea sounds healthy.
[Link] doctor didn't know right away what was the cause of Lea's symptoms.
[Link] felt exhausted when she got home from work.
[Link] doctor told Lea to walk around every 60 minutes.
[Link] man says it makes sense that long periods without moving is bad for one's health.
Unit 7 | Lesson B | Reading 1: Practice
Doctor's Orders: Change Your Lightbulb!
Most of us know that factors like diet and exercise can affect our health and wellbeing. However, there are other
important factors that are not so well known, and light is one of them. We don't think much about the lights we use.
We turn them on. We turn them off. Research has shown that light, and our response to it, is not so simple.
Light affects our mood and emotions. When days are bright with lots of sunshine, people usually feel happy and
cheerful. They are optimistic about their future and friendlier to other people. They may feel warmer in bright light
even if the temperature does not change. On dark, gray days, people are more likely to feel sad or exhausted. This may
be one reason why we think of summer as a happy time.
Recent studies suggest that people respond not just to the brightness of light, but also to the colors in it. Light is made
up of many different colors, just like a rainbow. The different colors can make you feel either alert or drowsy. Chances
are you have had trouble falling asleep if you work on a computer or tablet late at night. These devices give off a lot of
blue light, which tells your brain to wake up. One expert advises, "Don't use these devices for at least an hour before
going to bed, or your brain can't stop working." Instead, she says, "Put a warm, yellow light next to your bed." It can
help you relax and fall asleep.
Engineers have designed special lights that can help you fall asleep and be alert at the right times. They designed these
lights to help astronauts. In space, there is no night and day, so astronauts often have trouble falling asleep and
waking up at regular times. These special lights helped them to adjust. Now these lights are available to the rest of us.
As one doctor says, "Think of light as a kind of medicine." When people ask, "Can you help me? I am sick of sleepless
nights and drowsy days," you can tell them a new light might be just the right prescription.
Unit 7 | Lesson B | Grammar 5: Practice
BETINA: Let’s make pancakes for breakfast.
JEREMY: I don’t think we can. We don’t have any eggs.
BETINA: We don’t? Didn’t I ask you to buy some yesterday?
JEREMY: No, you asked me to buy milk and butter, but you didn’t say anything about eggs.
BETINA: That’s too bad. I thought I did.
JEREMY: Maybe we can ask the neighbors if they have any eggs we can borrow.
BETINA: OK, I’ll go knock on their door.
5 minutes later . . .
BETINA: Great news! Mr. Sanchez gave us two eggs.
JEREMY: Fantastic.
BETINA: He asked me to bring him a couple of pancakes after we make them. I think he was kidding, but it might be a
nice way to say thank you.
Unit 7 | Lesson B | Writing 1: Practice
Chloe
When I was a teenager, I loved to experiment with my hair style . . . and my hair color! I used to change my hair color
every week just for fun. My mom told me it was really bad for my hair, but I didn't believe her. I thought she just
wanted me to have a normal hair color like everyone else. Then, one day, I noticed that my hair was extremely dry. It
wasn't in good condition at all. Not long after that, my hair began to fall out. It looked terrible. I couldn't believe that I
was losing my hair! I asked my mom to help me, and we went to a hairdresser in town. She cut my hair really short,
and I had to stop dyeing* it different colors. I started to use a very gentle shampoo, and eventually my hair got
healthier. It's perfect now, but I'll never dye it again. I wish I'd listened to my mom in the first place.
I used to feel stressed a lot. Everyone always told me to relax, but I didn't know how. I studied hard for my exams. I
played in a band with my friends. I was on the swim team. I was in the school play. I was constantly busy.
My parents asked me to drop some of my activities so I'd have more free time, but I wouldn't listen to them. At night, I
couldn't stop checking my phone and I couldn’t sleep. Secretly, I was worried all the time. I started to get bad grades,
and then I was even more worried.
One day, my math teacher, Mr. Oliver, asked me to see him after class. He'd noticed that I seemed stressed and he
asked me about it. I don't know why, but I told him everything. He was very kind and I felt better immediately. I
agreed to see the school counselor, who explained that I was doing too much. He helped me to manage my stress and
I'm doing better now.
When my grandmother was young, she always wanted to have a tan.
[Link] used to go sunbathing for hours!
[Link] brother told her to use sunscreen, but she wouldn't listen to him.
[Link] asked her to think about the damage she was causing her skin.
[Link] my grandmother didn’t believe that the sun could be dangerous.
[Link] she has lots more lines and wrinkles than her brother does.
[Link] told me not to make the same mistake, and to always use sunscreen!
8.I started listening to her advice when I was young. Now I'm 35 years old and I have the best skin out of all my
friends!
Read the passage. Choose the correct answer.
You know that stress is bad for your wellbeing and exercise is good for it. But did you know that exercise can also
reduce feelings of stress? Experts say that one way to reduce stress is to get moving!
Stress negatively affects a person’s physical and mental health. Exercise can protect both the mind and body from the
effects of stress. First, when you exercise your body produces more of the hormones that make you feel good . People
often have a more positive outlook after exercising. Second, exercise gives your immune system and respiratory
system a workout, which makes them stronger. A strong immune system is essential to maintaining good health. Third,
exercise that takes concentration, such as playing soccer or basketball, or going for a long run or walk, is like
meditation, experts say. This can help people manage stress by keeping them calm and focused. People who exercise
get the benefits of mindfulness as well as a workout.
Any form of exercise that you enjoy—walking, swimming, dancing—has stress-reducing benefits. So get moving!
Unit 8 | Lesson A | Listening 2: Practice
A: Where are you headed, Bobby?
B: I’m going to the gym for a workout.
A: The gym? You? Don’t you spend your spare time playing video games?
B: I know, I know. I used to spend all my time online, but I want to get into shape. So I’m going to start working out
three times a week.
A: Wow! That’s a big change!
B: Well, I already participate in a lot of activities online, but it’s important to take part in physical activities, too.
A: I know what you mean. I’m in the chess club at school, but I also play basketball every weekend. I can’t just sit still
all the time!
B: I’m not going to stop playing video games, though. I like being part of an online community. I'm not going to be a
serious athlete or anything. I just want to be a little more active.
A: Yeah, I can understand that.
B: I can do both—playing video games and working out.
A: Well, have a good time at the gym.
B: I don’t know if I’m going to have a good time. But I’ll see you later!
Unit 8 | Lesson A | Speaking 2: Practice
A: Do you want to come over for dinner later, Fernando?
B: I’m sorry, but I can’t. I’m going to play paddle with a friend.
A: Paddle? What’s that?
B: It’s a great game. Haven’t you heard of it?
A: I’m not sure. How do you play?
B: It’s played with a ball and a small raquet. Usually there are two people on each team, and they hit the ball back and
forth. Your team gets a point if you hit the ball and the other team can’t hit it back. Does that make sense?
A: I think I get it. It sounds like tennis. Is it the same thing?
B: It’s similar, but it’s not the same. In paddle, the court has walls. If the ball hits the wall, it’s still in play. The game is
exciting because it’s hard to predict where the ball is going to go.
A: Got it! That sounds fun. I’d like to play sometime.
A: Hey, Tasha. I heard that you’re a really good swimmer. Would you like to join the water polo team?
B: Hi, Haruki. Maybe. I do have a lot of spare time. The only thing is, I don't know how to play water polo.
A: It’s not very complicated. It’s kind of like soccer, but in the water. I can explain the game to you if you want.
B: OK. How do you play?
A: Well, there are seven people on each team. Six are regular players, and one is the goalkeeper. The object of the
game is to score goals, which you do by swimming back and forth and throwing the ball into the opposite net.
B: That sounds interesting. Do you need any special equipment?
A: Yes. You need a water polo ball, which is a special ball that floats in the water, and a cap that protects your head
and ears. But if you join the team, we’ll give you all of that. We’re having a meeting tomorrow at 6 o’clock to explain a
little bit more. Would you like to come?
B: Yes, I’ll stop by. Water polo sounds like a great way to stay active!
A: It is. Come to the meeting tomorrow, and we’ll tell you everything you need to know about the team.
Unit 8 | Lesson B | Vocabulary 1: Practice
Rafael is training for another triathalon. He loves a challenge.
[Link] heading out for a long bike ride, Luis always checks that his bike is in good condition.
[Link] alone for a month is the most challenging thing Gemma has ever done.
[Link] is fun, but it takes a few nights to get used to sleeping on the ground.
[Link] has never been ziplining. She thinks it's terrifying.
[Link] route did they take to the beach?
[Link] view of the Andes mountain range from Santiago is incredible.
[Link] don't often visit cities. They prefer the natural beauty of national parks.
Unit 8 | Lesson B | Reading: One of the World's Greatest Athletes
One of the World's Greatest Athletes
Tatyana McFadden is one of the world's greatest athletes, but you may not have heard of her. McFadden is a
parathlete, that is, a person with a physical disability* who competes in athletic events. Her life has been an amazing
journey. She was born in Russia in 1989 with a condition called spina bifida, which causes a hole in the backbone. She
spent the first six years of her life in an orphanage*. A government official from the United States, Deborah McFadden,
saw Tatyana in the orphanage and decided to adopt* her and bring her to the United States.
Most people with spina bifida cannot walk, and Tatyana was one of them. In the orphanage, she didn't have a
wheelchair, so she learned to walk with her hands and arms. As a result, her arms and hands became very strong.
When she came to the United States, she began to participate in many different sports: swimming, wheelchair
basketball, and hockey. But the sport she loved the most was wheelchair racing.
When she was 15, she took part in the 2004 Paralympics* for the first time, in Athens, Greece. She won two medals in
wheelchair races, and she has been winning medals ever since. In 2006, she broke the world record for 100 meters. In
the Beijing Paralympics, she won four medals, and in the London Paralympics, she won four more, three of them gold.
She has competed in and won races from the 100 meters to 5,000 meters. In 2009, she decided to try a much longer
race—the marathon, which is 26 miles (42 kilometers). She did not train a lot for the race, so no one expected her to
win, but she did. Her mother was waiting for her at the end of the race, but Tatyana finished so fast that her mother
did not have time to get her camera ready! She has been participating in marathons every year since then—sometimes
more than one. She is the only athlete ever to win four marathons in one year. Still, she was not satisfied. In 2014, she
returned to Russia to compete in her first skiing race. She won a silver medal.
Tatyana is amazing athlete but she does not spend all of her time on training and racing. She also spends a lot of time
fighting for the rights of the disabled, especially those who are involved in sports.
*disability = a condition that makes it difficult for a person to do ordinary activities
*orphanage = a home where children with no parents live
*adopt = to take responsibility as a parent for a child that is not your own
*Paralympics = an event like the Olympics for people with disabilities
Unit 8 | Lesson B | Writing 1: Practice
1. What is the writer's hobby?
My hobby is snowboarding.
2. How is this hobby done?
You snowboard by standing on a board and traveling down a hill or mountain, which is covered in snow. Your
feet are attached by special boots to the snowboard.
3. How long has he been doing it?
I've been snowboarding for about eight years now.
4. Was he good at the activity at first?
I was pretty good at it from the beginning because I had been skateboarding since I was a kid, and you use
similar skills to snowboard.
5. Is he good at it now?
I'm a lot better now, of course. I've even won a few prizes!
6. Why does he like the activity?
I love snowboarding because it's fast and exciting.
My hobby is skydiving. Skydiving means jumping out of an airplane and floating down to the ground with the help of a
parachute*. I only started a year ago, but it's the best hobby I've ever had! My sister got me a gift certificate for a
skydive on my birthday last year. At first, I didn't want to do it. I was terrified! But once I tried it, I loved it. I've been
skydiving every month since then, and I don't get scared anymore. It's my favorite thing ever. Skydiving makes me feel
like I'm flying, and it makes me feel happy and free. You should try it!
Basketball is a popular game in the United States. It was invented there in 1891. So, for more than 120 years, many
people have played basketball in the United States. Although it is not as popular as soccer, basketball is also played in
some other areas of the world, such as the Philippines. In fact, today, many professional players from around the
world come to the United States to play the game.
Basketball is played with a ball and two nets. Players try to get the ball through the other team's net and win points.
Each team has five players on the court (the area where the game is played) at one time. The game can be played
indoors—a lot of gyms have basketball courts, for example—or outdoors—a lot of parks have basketball courts, too.
The game begins when the official and one player from each team meet in the middle of the court. The official throws
the ball into the air. Then the two players compete against each other to see who can grab the ball first. The team that
has the ball tries to shoot it into the other team's net to win points. The other team tries to get the ball and do the
same. The team with the most points at the end wins.
Because they run up and down the court for most of the game, basketball players are very physically active. Basketball
also requires mental activity—you have to be smart to figure out good moves during the game.
Unit 9 | Lesson A | Vocabulary 1: Practice
The city widened some streets as a way to reduce traffic congestion.
[Link] work is a big source of noise pollution in this part of town.
[Link] the factory closed in 2019, the city has experienced high unemployment.
[Link] scientists say that overpopulation is a serious problem in urban areas. They say there aren't enough resources
for all the people.
[Link] don't want to walk in the city because of the dirty streets.
[Link] and fire departments are responsible for public safety.
[Link] are water shortages in this area every summer.
[Link] people live in unaffordable housing, they don't have enough money for food and transportation.
[Link] without good public transportation often have traffic congestion.
[Link] city's overpopulation issue is being made worse by the fact that even more people are moving there.
[Link] in some places must conserve water to prevent a water shortage.
[Link] is often high unemployment in overpopulated areas.
[Link] can the new police chief improve public safety?
[Link] apartments only increase the amount of unaffordable housing in the city.
[Link] mayor wants to clean up the city's dirty streets to improve people's quality of life.
[Link] is a major source of noise pollution.
Unit 9 | Lesson A | Listening 1: Practice
What’s the biggest problem we face in our city? It’s increasing street crime.
This afternoon, I want to talk to you about some simple ways to make our city safer. First, all citizens should get to
know their neighbors. Talk to each other and watch out for each other. Next, teach your children how to call 911 in an
emergency. Finally, if you see something, say something. Report any suspicious activity to the police right away.
It’s surprising but true—living in a city is probably better for the environment than living in the suburbs. But how is
that possible? Cities have fewer plants, fewer animals, and fewer open spaces than the suburbs do. Surely it’s better
to live out of town, isn’t it?
The fact is, the carbon footprint—in other words, the amount of carbon dioxide (CO2) a person produces as a result of
their lifestyle—of an urban resident is lower than the carbon footprint of someone who lives in the suburbs. For
example, a resident of New York City has a carbon footprint of 7.1 tons of CO2 per year. The average of all US residents
is 23.92 tons, over three times more.
There are a number of reasons for this difference. First, many city residents use public transportation, such as the
subway or bus. In contrast, residents of the suburbs
usually drive their own cars, which produces more CO2. Second, urban dwellers tend to live in smaller spaces—
apartments—which means that they use less energy to heat and light their homes, and consume less overall. There
just isn’t a lot of room to store furniture, clothes, and other objects.
However, cities can be re-designed to have an even smaller carbon footprint. One solution is using empty lots and
building roofs to plant community vegetable gardens. This not only helps remove CO2 from the atmosphere, it also
means that food is being produced locally instead of having to come by truck from another location (another CO2
producer).
Unit 9 | Lesson A | Speaking 2: Practice
A: This morning, I’m pleased to introduce a special guest. As you know, Marisa Gonzalez is currently running for mayor
of our city. She is going to be speaking to us about the unemployment crisis.
B: Thank you for giving me the chance to speak to you. As you know, unemployment is a major problem in Greensville,
and one that has been getting worse in recent years. I’ll begin my presentation by talking about the main causes of
unemployment.
A: Ms. Gonzalez, I’m sorry to interrupt, but I think citizens are more interested in solutions to unemployment. We’re all
very familiar with the causes. Today, 17% of Greensville citizens are unemployed, and among young people, that
number is even higher.
B: OK, let’s go straight to solutions. I have two main ideas to reduce the city’s unemployment rate. First, I would like to
launch a new job-training program. Second, I would like to decrease taxes on corporations who open offices in our
city.
A: I see. Approximately how many jobs do you think you will be able to create with these two programs?
B: We’re planning to create about 5,000 new jobs within the first six months of my term, and 3,000 more by the end of
the year.
A: I’m pleased to welcome Dr. Hamed, an education policy expert, to today’s show. Dr. Hamed is a professor at City
College and is going to be speaking to us about his research.
B: Today, I’d like to talk to you about two problems that public schools are experiencing. I’ll begin by telling you a little
bit about the history of these problems, and then I’ll describe the situation today.
A: I’m sorry to interrupt, Dr. Hamed, but I have a question. Are you speaking about schools just here in our city, or in
other parts of the country as well?
B: That’s a great question. My research focuses on schools here in Weston, but schools in many parts of the country
are experiencing similar problems.
A: I see. So, what are the main problems?
B: Well, schools are very crowded. Fifteen years ago, most Weston schools had no more than 24 students per class.
Today, more than 75% of classes have over 32 students. Large classes make it difficult for students to learn.
A: Isn’t it also true that large classes can make it difficult to teach? I read a recent survey that suggests many teachers
are leaving the profession because they find the job too stressful.
B: Yes, that’s the second problem I want to talk about. Right now, the new school year is just weeks away, and the city
doesn’t have enough teachers. We’re in a real crisis.
Unit 9 | Lesson A | Grammar 1: Practice
A: Do you have enough money?
B: No, but don’t worry, Mom. I’ll go to the bank now.
2.A: I like that phone. Do you think it’s too expensive, or should I buy it?
B: It’s only $75. I think that’s a good price.
3.A: Do you think I do too many activities?
B: Maybe. Ballet, music club, volunteering . . . that’s quite a lot!
4.A: Do you think the rent is too high?
B: Yes, it's a very small apartment.
5.A: I think you’ve been studying too much. You look exhausted.
B: Yes, you’re probably right. I started at 8 o’clock this morning, now it’s almost 10 pm.
6.A: Do you think I made enough food?
B: Yes, I think so. Nick can’t come, so there are only going to be four of us for dinner.
7.A: $300? I think that’s too much money to spend on a hotel room.
B: Are you sure? It’s a 5-star hotel, and people have given it great reviews.
Richard doesn't know enough about history. He should read more books.
2.I’m definitely not going to the meeting this afternoon. I don’t have enough time.
[Link] is too hungry to concentrate on his work.
4.I can’t stop yawning today. I don’t think I slept enough last night.
[Link] work too hard. I think you should take a break.
[Link] are too many cars on the road. Traffic congestion is out of control.
[Link] unemployment is the result of not enough jobs.
[Link] my opinion, corporations are given too much help, and citizens aren’t given enough.
Unit 9 | Lesson B | Reading: Pets and Loneliness
Pets and Loneliness
One of the most difficult parts of getting older is loneliness. Seniors sometimes become unable to leave their homes or
lose loved ones, making them feel disconnected from the world outside. Not having enough social interaction can have
a negative effect on mental health and lead to stress, depression, and anxiety. A study, however, may show that even
those without friends or family around can still find, and benefit a lot, from a different type of friend.
Researchers from the University of Rochester Medical Center studied 830 people who were over 60 years old to find
out if owning a pet decreased loneliness and improved health. They found that pet owners were 36% less likely to feel
lonely than those without a pet to keep them company. The study concludes that having regular interaction with a pet
can encourage seniors to feel socially connected and decrease feelings of loneliness. They also said that having a pet
around could help with their overall wellbeing.
Many projects around the world have been inspired by this idea. Wag and Company is a charity group in the UK.
Volunteers who own dogs visit seniors at home and in nursing homes and bring their pets with them. This provides the
older person with a chance not only to spend time with a four-legged friend, but also the pet’s owner.
John, an 88-year-old, was feeling depressed after his wife died a few years ago. Now he gets regular visits from a
volunteer, Sean, and his Labrador dog, Alfie. John said: “Now I have a wonderful relationship with these lovely friends,
and my life has completely changed.”
Diane Morton, founder of Wag and Company, says that thanks to donations and volunteers, “Many more lovely people
will have a cuddle and a chat to look forward to when many would otherwise be alone.” Do you own a pet and know
an elderly person living alone? Why not take some time to visit them? A little bit of support can go a long way.
Unit 9 | Lesson B | Writing 1: Practice
Everyone knows that climate change and global warming are harming our environment. In the future, we may face
some serious problems if we don't stop doing the things that are causing global warming. For example, if the levels of
the oceans and seas continue to rise, towns built on lower ground may become covered by water. And if climate
change isn't stopped, the temperature of the oceans and seas may continue to increase. If that happens, the warmer
water will kill many of the fish and plants. Some scientists believe that global warming is responsible for more extreme
weather conditions. For example, some parts of the world will have water shortages, while other parts of the world
may experience more rain and floods. If that happens, it will be difficult to raise animals and grow crops for food.
These climate changes may also confuse animals and birds that migrate (travel to other countries at certain times
during the year). These are some of the possible outcomes if we do not take care of our environment before it's too
late.
Read the article. Then read the sentences. For the predictions, write will or won't. For the possibilties, write may or
might.
Some studies show that spending too much time online may be bad for us. For example, putting too much energy into
online relationships, such as friendships on social media sites, may affect the relationships we have with our family
members and our real friends. If this happens, we won't remember how to interact with those who are important to
us in real life. This is bad because developing real relationships is an important part of the human experience.
Scientists also say that spending too much time online might make us unhappy, and even depressed. All over the
Internet, there are photos of beautiful people living lives that seem perfect. This is a problem because comparing
ourselves to others is not good for us. If we believe that everyone else is living a better life than we are, we will start to
feel unhappy.
It seems there is no end to the information that is available online, and while that might appear to be a good thing, too
much information may be an issue. Experts believe that too much online information might make it harder for us to
think clearly. If that happens, more people will find it difficult to focus on their studies or their job.
According to a recent study, over 90 percent of doctors are concerned that the public is taking too many antibiotics.
Antibiotics are drugs that kill dangerous bacteria and germs, and cure infections.
If people take too many antibiotics, germs and bacteria may become even stronger in the future. If this happens, the
power that antibiotics have to fight infection will decrease.
This is bad because our bodies might lose the ability to recover from serious diseases.
If that happens, there may not be drugs able to fight those diseases.
Read the passage. Choose the correct answer.
Noise Pollution
Noise pollution is not just annoying, it’s dangerous.
There are sounds in our daily lives that we get used to, such as a door being closed and locked, or running water, or
birds tweeting and dogs barking. In fact, we rely on loud sounds such as an alarm to wake us up in the morning or
warn us of smoke or fire, and there are also sirens that tell drivers to pull over to let ambulances get through traffic.
Noise pollution happens when unwanted and uncontrolled sounds get too loud. They annoy us and affect our health.
Noise pollution is usually caused by human or “unnatural” activities, such as traffic, airplanes, construction, and
machines. (A dog’s loud, constant barking is considered “natural” noise pollution.)
Machines—both large and small—cause a lot of noise pollution. Large machines used in industry or construction, as
well as smaller machines, such as lawn mowers and leaf blowers used in parks and people’s own yards, can create
noise pollution.
In the home, a TV or music turned up too high and loud appliances, such as dishwashers, washing machines, vacuum
cleaners, hair dryers, and buzzing fluorescent lights, all create noise pollution as well.
Since noise pollution is everywhere—inside our communities as well as our homes—it’s important to know how
harmful it can be. In fact, experts warn that it’s an “invisible danger.” It can lead to health problems such as
headaches, hearing loss, stress, and sleep problems. It has been shown to cause high blood pressure and heart
disease. And it can affect children’s memory, ability to concentrate and pay attention, and their reading skills.
While it’s not possible to eliminate noise pollution completely, cities need to take action to reduce it. One example is
Malmö, Sweden, where speed limits have been lowered. In addition, it’s gotten quieter along bus routes because now
only electric buses are used for public transportation. If cities want to cut down on noise pollution, solutions like this
are just the first step.
The government is providing money to expand public transportation. The idea is that if more people commute by bus
and the subway, traffic congestion will improve.