SKIMMING PRACTICE
EXERCISE 1
The Role of Exercise in Modern Life
Paragraph 1
In recent decades, daily life has become increasingly sedentary due to advances in technology and
changes in the way people work. Many individuals now spend long hours sitting at desks,
commuting in cars, or engaging with digital screens for both work and leisure. This lifestyle has
contributed to a rise in health problems such as obesity, heart disease, and diabetes. As a result,
public health experts emphasize the importance of regular physical activity not only for fitness but
also as a preventive measure against serious illnesses. Without conscious effort, modern
conveniences can make people less active than ever before.
Paragraph 2
One of the most widely recognized benefits of exercise is its positive effect on cardiovascular
health. Engaging in aerobic activities such as running, cycling, or swimming strengthens the heart,
improves blood circulation, and helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels. Studies consistently
show that individuals who exercise regularly are at a much lower risk of developing hypertension
and other heart-related conditions. Exercise also improves lung capacity, allowing the body to use
oxygen more efficiently. For these reasons, medical professionals recommend at least 150 minutes
of moderate-intensity activity per week to maintain a healthy cardiovascular system.
Paragraph 3
In addition to physical health, exercise plays a vital role in supporting mental well-being. Physical
activity stimulates the release of endorphins, chemicals in the brain that create feelings of
happiness and reduce stress. Many people report that regular exercise helps them cope with anxiety
and depression more effectively than medication alone. Furthermore, group activities such as yoga
classes, dance sessions, or team sports provide social interaction that combats loneliness and
enhances self-esteem. This psychological benefit is especially important in a world where mental
health challenges are increasingly common.
Paragraph 4
Exercise is also linked to improved cognitive performance. Research has shown that regular
physical activity can enhance memory, concentration, and problem-solving skills. For students and
working professionals, this means better academic results and higher productivity. Scientists
believe that exercise increases blood flow to the brain, stimulating the growth of new brain cells
and improving connections between them. While age often brings a decline in cognitive function,
active individuals are more likely to maintain sharp thinking and slow the effects of aging on the
brain.
Paragraph 5
Despite the clear advantages, many people still struggle to make exercise a part of their daily
routine. Busy schedules, lack of motivation, and limited access to facilities are common barriers.
To overcome these obstacles, experts suggest incorporating physical activity into everyday life,
such as walking instead of driving short distances, taking the stairs, or doing short home workouts.
Ultimately, building consistent habits, rather than occasional intense efforts, is the key to long-
term health benefits. Communities and governments also play an important role by providing safe
parks, affordable gyms, and public campaigns that encourage active lifestyles.
Questions: Finding Main Ideas
1. Paragraph 1 mainly discusses:
A. The effects of technology on productivity
B. How modern lifestyles contribute to health problems
C. Why people prefer cars to walking
D. The dangers of using digital devices too often
2. Paragraph 2 mainly focuses on:
A. How to build stronger muscles
B. The connection between exercise and heart health
C. Why swimming is the best aerobic activity
D. The history of cardiovascular training
3. Paragraph 3 is mainly about:
A. How exercise affects emotional and social well-being
B. Why medication is better than exercise
C. The role of diet in mental health
D. Different forms of competitive sports
4. Paragraph 4 emphasizes:
A. Why young people learn faster than older people
B. The benefits of exercise for cognitive ability
C. The dangers of aging on the human body
D. How scientists measure brain activity
5. Paragraph 5 is mainly about:
A. Reasons why people avoid exercise and how to overcome them
B. The cost of building new sports facilities
C. Why governments should ban unhealthy lifestyles
D. The difference between home workouts and gym workouts
EXERCISE 2
The Rise of Online Learning
Paragraph 1
Over the past two decades, online learning has transformed the way people access education. What
began as a supplementary tool for traditional classrooms has now developed into a primary mode
of study for millions worldwide. The growth of digital technology and the internet has enabled
students to learn from virtually anywhere, breaking barriers of distance and cost. As education
becomes more accessible, many institutions are rethinking the role of physical classrooms in the
future.
Paragraph 2
One of the major advantages of online learning is flexibility. Unlike conventional education, which
requires students to follow a fixed schedule, online courses allow learners to study at their own
pace and choose when and where to engage with materials. This is particularly beneficial for
working adults, parents, or those living in remote areas. With recorded lectures and digital libraries,
students can revisit lessons as often as needed, ensuring better understanding of the content.
Paragraph 3
Cost-effectiveness is another significant benefit. Traditional education often involves expenses
such as commuting, accommodation, and printed textbooks, which can be a burden for many
families. Online learning, by contrast, reduces these costs while offering affordable or even free
resources. Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs), for example, allow thousands of participants
worldwide to access high-quality materials from prestigious universities at little to no cost.
Paragraph 4
Despite these advantages, online learning also faces challenges. A major issue is the lack of direct
interaction between teachers and students, which can affect motivation and engagement. Technical
difficulties, such as unstable internet connections or limited access to devices, also create barriers.
Additionally, some learners struggle with self-discipline, finding it difficult to stay committed
without the structure of a physical classroom.
Paragraph 5
Looking forward, experts believe that the future of education lies in a blended model that combines
the strengths of both online and face-to-face learning. Such an approach can offer the flexibility
and accessibility of digital platforms while preserving the social interaction and personal guidance
of traditional classrooms. As technology continues to evolve, the challenge will be to ensure that
education remains inclusive, engaging, and effective for all.
Questions: Finding Main Ideas
1. Paragraph 1 mainly discusses:
A. The decline of traditional education
B. The global expansion and accessibility of online learning
C. The cost of internet-based education
D. The problems caused by digital technology
2. Paragraph 2 is mainly about:
A. Why online courses are shorter than traditional ones
B. How online learning offers flexibility for different learners
C. The role of parents in online education
D. The disadvantages of fixed schedules
3. Paragraph 3 focuses on:
A. The benefits of online learning in reducing education costs
B. Why traditional education is still more effective
C. The role of governments in funding MOOCs
D. How students choose between free and paid courses
4. Paragraph 4 emphasizes:
A. The reasons students prefer face-to-face learning
B. Challenges and barriers associated with online learning
C. Why internet access is cheaper in developed countries
D. The importance of physical textbooks in online study
5. Paragraph 5 mainly discusses:
A. The replacement of traditional classrooms with online ones
B. The role of technology companies in education
C. The blended model as the future of education
D. How teachers can adapt to new technology
EXERCISE 3
Pulp Friction
Every second, one hectare of the world's rainforest is destroyed. That's equivalent to two football
fields. An area the size of New York City is lost every day. In a year, that adds up to 31 million
hectares -- more than the land area of Poland. This alarming rate of destruction has serious
consequences for the environment; scientists estimate, for example, that 137 species of plant,
insect or animal become extinct every day due to logging. In British Columbia, where, since 1990,
thirteen rainforest valleys have been clearcut, 142 species of salmon have already become extinct,
and the habitats of grizzly bears, wolves and many other creatures are threatened. Logging,
however, provides jobs, profits, taxes for the government and cheap products of all kinds for
consumers, so the government is reluctant to restrict or control it.
Much of Canada's forestry production goes towards making pulp and paper. According to the
Canadian Pulp and Paper Association, Canada supplies 34% of the world's wood pulp and 49% of
its newsprint paper. If these paper products could be produced in some other way, Canadian forests
could be preserved. Recently, a possible alternative way of producing paper has been suggested by
agriculturalists and environmentalists: a plant called hemp.
Hemp has been cultivated by many cultures for thousands of years. It produces fibre which can be
made into paper, fuel, oils, textiles, food, and rope. For centuries, it was essential to the economies
of many countries because it was used to make the ropes and cables used on sailing ships; colonial
expansion and the establishment of a world-wide trading network would not have been feasible
without hemp. Nowadays, ships' cables are usually made from wire or synthetic fibres, but
scientists are now suggesting that the cultivation of hemp should be revived for the production of
paper and pulp. According to its proponents, four times as much paper can be produced from land
using hemp rather than trees, and many environmentalists believe that the large-scale cultivation
of hemp could reduce the pressure on Canada's forests.
However, there is a problem: hemp is illegal in many countries of the world. This plant, so useful
for fibre, rope, oil, fuel and textiles, is a species of cannabis, related to the plant from which
marijuana is produced. In the late 1930s, a movement to ban the drug marijuana began to gather
force, resulting in the eventual banning of the cultivation not only of the plant used to produce the
drug, but also of the commercial fibre-producing hemp plant. Although both George Washington
and Thomas Jefferson grew hemp in large quantities on their own land, any American growing the
plant today would soon find himself in prison -- despite the fact that marijuana cannot be produced
from the hemp plant, since it contains almost no THC (the active ingredient in the drug).
In recent years, two major movements for legalization have been gathering strength. One group of
activists believes that ALL cannabis should be legal -- both the hemp plant and the marijuana plant
-- and that the use of the drug marijuana should not be an offense. They argue that marijuana is not
dangerous or addictive, and that it is used by large numbers of people who are not criminals but
productive members of society. They also point out that marijuana is less toxic than alcohol or
tobacco. The other legalization movement is concerned only with the hemp plant used to produce
fibre; this group wants to make it legal to cultivate the plant and sell the fibre for paper and pulp
production. This second group has had a major triumph recently: in 1997, Canada legalized the
farming of hemp for fibre. For the first time since 1938, hundreds of farmers are planting this crop,
and soon we can expect to see pulp and paper produced from this new source.
(NOTE: This activity was written before 2018, when Canada legalized the sale of recreational
marijuana.)
1. The main idea of paragraph one is:
A. Scientists are worried about New York City.
B. Logging is destroying the rainforests.
C. Governments make money from logging.
D. Salmon are an endangered species.
2. The main idea of paragraph two is:
A. Canadian forests are especially under threat.
B. Hemp is a kind of plant.
C. Canada is a major supplier of paper and pulp.
D. Canada produces a lot of hemp.
3. The main idea of paragraph three is:
A. Paper could be made from hemp instead of trees.
B. Hemp is useful for fuel.
C. Hemp has been cultivated throughout history.
D. Hemp is essential for building large ships.
4. The main idea of paragraph four is:
A. Hemp is used to produce drugs.
B. Many famous people used to grow hemp.
C. It is illegal to grow hemp.
D. Hemp is useful for producing many things.
5. The main idea of paragraph five is:
A. Hemp should be illegal because it is dangerous.
B. Recently, many people have been working to legalize hemp.
C. Hemp was made illegal in 1938.
D. Marijuana is not a dangerous drug.
EXERCISE 3
The Importance of Healthy Eating
Paragraph 1
In today’s fast-paced world, many people rely on processed and fast foods because they are quick
and convenient. While these meals may save time, they often lack essential nutrients and contain
high amounts of sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats. Such dietary habits have been linked to rising rates
of obesity, heart disease, and diabetes across the globe. As lifestyles become busier, the challenge
of maintaining a healthy diet has never been greater. Nutritionists warn that without conscious
choices, people may sacrifice long-term health for short-term convenience.
Paragraph 2
A balanced diet provides the body with the fuel it needs to function effectively. Consuming a
variety of foods, including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, ensures that
individuals receive essential vitamins and minerals. These nutrients not only boost physical health
but also support mental well-being by improving concentration and reducing fatigue. For example,
foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids are associated with better brain function and mood regulation,
making diet a key factor in overall wellness.
Paragraph 3
Healthy eating is not just about individual choices; it is also influenced by social and cultural
factors. In some communities, traditional diets rich in vegetables and grains have been replaced by
fast food chains and sugary drinks. Globalization has made it easier for processed foods to spread
quickly, often replacing healthier local options. Governments and health organizations are
therefore encouraging campaigns to raise awareness about nutrition and the risks of poor eating
habits. Changing cultural attitudes toward food is seen as crucial to improving public health.
Paragraph 4
Affordability and access to healthy food remain major barriers. While some people have the
privilege of shopping at supermarkets filled with fresh produce, others live in “food deserts,”
where nutritious options are scarce and expensive. This inequality means that low-income families
are more likely to rely on cheaper, calorie-dense foods that contribute to health problems. Solutions
such as community gardens, subsidies for fresh produce, and education on affordable healthy
meals are being explored to close this gap.
Paragraph 5
Looking to the future, experts believe that healthy eating will require both personal responsibility
and collective action. Individuals need to develop habits that prioritize nutritious choices, while
governments and industries must ensure that healthy options are accessible and affordable. Public
policies, food labeling, and educational programs will continue to play an important role in shaping
eating behaviors. Ultimately, the goal is to create a culture where healthy eating is the norm rather
than the exception.
Questions: Finding Main Ideas
1. Paragraph 1 mainly discusses:
A. Why people prefer traditional diets
B. The dangers of relying too much on fast food
C. How sugar affects daily energy levels
D. The popularity of processed meals in rural areas
2. Paragraph 2 is mainly about:
A. The best sources of vitamins and minerals
B. How a balanced diet supports both physical and mental health
C. Why people should eat more seafood
D. The dangers of eating too much protein
3. Paragraph 3 focuses on:
A. The influence of globalization and culture on eating habits
B. How traditional diets are healthier than modern ones
C. The role of doctors in promoting nutrition
D. The history of fast-food companies
4. Paragraph 4 emphasizes:
A. The benefits of supermarkets in urban areas
B. How poverty affects access to healthy food
C. Why community gardens are unpopular
D. The reasons some people dislike vegetables
5. Paragraph 5 mainly discusses:
A. The role of fast-food industries in shaping eating habits
B. Why individuals should avoid all processed foods
C. The combination of personal and collective efforts for healthier diets
D. The effectiveness of advertising campaigns for healthy eating
EXERCISE 5 – MATCHING HEADINGS
FLIGHT OF THE HONEY
Paragraph 1
Honeybees are characterized by their ability to produce liquefied sugar (honey) and a propensity
to construct colonial nests using wax, two tasks that necessitate a significant level of social
integration among members. As a result, they maintain strict divisions of labor, based on sex, with
all males functioning as drones to fertilize and care for the eggs, and all females, with the exception
of the single fertile queen, responsible for fetching nectar for the colony’s progeny. In addition,
honeybees have devised a sophisticated system of communication to relay important information
from member to member.
Paragraph 2
Perhaps the most intriguing feature of honeybee communication is a series of flight moves only
performed by a female worker bee that has returned to the nest with nectar and needs to tell the
rest of her colony that she has discovered food supplies and where they can be found. This so-
called honeybee dance was first interpreted by German zoologist Karl von Frisch in the early
1970s. To facilitate observation, von Frisch and his students built several glass walled hives and
marked a collection of worker bees, or foragers, with paint. He then trained those foragers to find
nectar at designated sources at various distances from the hives, and when the bees returned he
carefully recorded their movements, the angle and direction of their flight, and any additional
visual cues offered to the colony. What von Frisch discovered was that each aspect of the dance
indicated certain details about the location of the nectar reserves and recruited others to return to
the site.
Paragraph 3
The first piece of information conveyed by dancing bees is the distance of the field to the hive, and
they do this in one of three ways. If it is less than 50 meters from the colony’s nest the bee will fly
around in narrow circles, and then suddenly fly in the opposite direction. She will repeat this
pattern, which von Frisch’s team called the round dance, until she has recruited several other
workers to return with her to the field. When the distance is greater than 50 meters, but less than
150 meters, she will perform a sickle dance, a crescent shaped flight course. If the field is farther
than 150 meters, the forager will act out a waggle dance in which she will run straight ahead briefly
before returning to her original position in a semi-circular movement. Then, she will run forward
again and return from the opposite side. The length of the forward run coincides with the distance
of the food supplies; for example, a 2.5 second run indicates that the nectar was found about 2500
meters way.
Instructions:
Choose the correct heading (i–iii) for each paragraph (1–3) from the list of headings below.
List of Headings
i. Different types of honeybee dances
ii. The complex social structure of honeybee colonies
iii. Karl von Frisch’s contribution to bee research
Paragraph 1: ………
Paragraph 2: ………
Paragraph 3: ………
KEY ANSWER
EXERCISE 1
1. B
2. B
3. A
4. B
5. A
EXERCISE 2
1. B
2. B
3. A
4. B
5. C
EXERCISE 3
1. B
2. C
3. A
4. C
5. B
EXERCISE 4
1. B
2. B
3. A
4. B
5. C
EXERCISE 5
1. ii
2. iii
3. i