Reading Part 3

TASK 1.1
Choose the most suitable heading from the list A–K for each extract (1–8). Write the appropriate
letter in the margin next to the extract. NOTE that there are TWO MORE headings than you
need. An example (K) has been done for you.
A A fatal end of a courageous act
B Refugees forced out of Britain by racism
C A fight against bad habits
D Fear of looking different
E Two passions
F Mobile telephone cancer fears are real, says expert
G The lost brotherhood of the track
H Dangerous idol
I ‘Medicine’ which can kill or cure
J One day at a time
K A champion turns his back on his team
1. A method of self-treatment by a farmer in Illinois subsequently proved to be lifesaving
in the South American jungle. The farmer, hyper-allergic to bee stings found
by chance that applying a high-voltage shock to the place where he had been stung
prevented the usual severe reaction.
1 ….
2. London supermodel Kate Moss leads the latest fashion which favours a thin,
undernourished look with large soulful eyes, plucked eyebrows and spaghetti legs
and arms. While this may be fine for fashion it puts pressure on young teenage girls
to follow unhealthy diets in the hope of ending up ‘thin’.
2 ….
* As he was announcing his retirement in front of the microphones in Monza a
member of the Williams team informed him that the insulting offer had been
withdrawn and that the original agreement would stand. It was too late. Nigel had
made up his mind.
* .K.
3. According to Dr. McLauchlan experiments have shown that microwaves can boost
the levels of free radicals in the body. ‘I think there is a very good reason for
worrying,’ he said. In a report on his free radical research, Dr. McLauchlan says
that current safety standards for protecting the public are based on hard facts. But
British mobile phone firms deny any health danger.
3 ….
4. Somalis who left war behind in Somalia and came to Britain in the hope of at last
finding peace and safety have been forced to leave their new homes due to racist
attacks. The attempt to integrate Somalis has sadly failed and highlights the tragic
situation of a people who escape war only to find themselves facing a different kind
of battle.
4 .…
5. The battle continues to rage between anti-smoking and pro-smoking lobbies. Even
though some progress has been made, i.e. smoking has been banned on London
Transport, in British cinemas and there are now large no smoking areas in many
restaurants, the hard-core smokers still refuse to show consideration towards nonsmokers.
IsabelWoolf, a journalist, found out it takes more than gentle persuasion
to convince these people.
5 .…
6. It takes a lot of courage to go to another country where there is a war waging and
dedicate your time and effort to those who are in need of help. A young girl did it
and was tragically murdered. Her death only underlines the urgent need to stop this
war.
6 ….
7. Lead singer of former outlandish band RoxyMusic, Brian Ferry relives his devotion
to motors and talks what’s important for him when it comes to choosing a car. And
he also continues to enjoy great success in America, issuing a video of his concert
which captured all the excitement and hero-worshipping that went on.
7 ….
8. What has happened to all the sportsmanship and friendship that existed in the past?
As Formula 1 racing becomes more competitive and stakes get higher, drivers have
become more aggressive towards each other and in the process have lost that old
feeling of camaraderie that was common 30 years ago.
8 ….
TASK 1.2
Decide whether the statements about the extracts are true (T), false (F), or there is no
information (NI). Tick (Ö) the appropriate box. An example (Extract 4) has been done for you.
T F NI
9. Electric shock can avoid serious consequences of bee stings.
10. The modern fashion trend has a bad influence on young girls.
11. Nigel left his team because he had been made a better offer.
12. Mobile telephone companies agree that mobile phones cause health
problems.
* Refugees from Somalia can feel safe in Britain. Ö
13. Smoking problems in Britain have recently been solved.
14. A humane deed cost a girl her life.
15. Brian Ferry is devoted to sports cars.
16. Relations between Formula 1 racers are much friendlier today than they
used to be.