i E'xam tip: If you have to answer multiple-choice questions, before you read the text, ead the stem of each test item and underline key words. his will help you identify the part of the text that you need to read carefully in order to elect the correct option A-D. ■xample: For Q 5 opposite, you should underline 'Adult' . When you read the text, look i out for the word 'adult' (or a synonym) and read that part of the text carefully.
Exam practice: Reading - answering multiple-choice questions QUESTIONS 1-5 Look at the passage below. Choose the appropriate letters A-D to finish sentences 1-5.
The term 'Four-legged Pharmaceutical’ in the
A pets that cause illness B pees that ¡improve health Asthma is probably
A a heallh disorder B a sign of good health A 'risk-free’ relationship is one that
A pef owners offer their pets B youhaveto wokk hard to achivee You are less likely to suffer from asthma if
A you have contact with dogs B you have contact with cats Adult pet owners
A do not experience benefits B experienced only limited benefits
title refers to
C pets that need medicine D pets that give medicine C Linked to higher rates of school attendance D l_n^kc^d to growing up with pets at h ome C ss no t retotod to success or poshon D ss Ukedd os status but not sucesss C you stoy away foom dogs D you stoy away room cats e mme enneced as e hame benefits as children D elso bedpt¡t ed frem ppt ownership
Four-legged Pharmaceutical Recent research suggests that pet ownership has some surprising benefits for children. The study of 256 children in three UK schools found that pets were linked to a 20% reduction in the number of days children were off sick from school. According to Dr. June McNicholas, former lecturer and world expert on human-animal interaction, owning a pet can have a positive influence on immune system functioning. She found that children who grew up in households with pets had a lower risk of developing allergies and asthma in later life. Pets also make children happier. They are associated with improved psychological well-being, which in turn impacts positively on physical health. Physically disabled children with pets, guide dogs for example, were found to experience even greater health benefits. Pets offer psychological support and a 'risk free’ relationship, a relationship not determined by achievements or status. The study did not find significant differences between owning a cat and owning a dog, though it is possible that exposure to cats resulted in slightly better immune functioning. This confirms the results of an earlier American study which found that cats were more effective than dogs in reducing rates of asthma. Other studies have shown that these health benefits are not limited to children. A ground-breaking Australian study found that adults who own pets had lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. These results were confirmed by American researchers who found that the positive effect of pet ownership on blood pressure were long-lasting. Access to pets can also reduce the severity of depression among hospital patients and help ease the misery of bereavement. Signposting expressionsfor writing
Adding, conceding, sequencing, generalizing, expressing consequence and concluding Vocabulary
Adding points:
furthermore
ADVERB Furthermore is used to introduce a piece of information or opinion that adds to or supports the previous one. [FORMAL]
Furthermore, they claim that any such interference is completely ineffective.
Furthermore, even a well-timed therapy intervention may fail.
moreover
ADVERB You use moreover to introduce a piece of information that adds to or supports the previous statement. [FORMAL] ■ The young find everything so simple. The young, moreover, see it as their duty to be happy and do their best to be so. ■ A new species, it was unique to Bali - moreover, it is this island's only endemic bird. Contrasting points:
nevertheless
ADVERB You use nevertheless when saying something that contrasts with what has just been said. [FORMAL] ■ Most marriages fail after between five and nine years. Nevertheless, people continue to get married. ■ There had been no indication of any loss of mental faculties. His whole life had nevertheless been clouded with a series of illnesses.
whereas
CONJUNCTION You use whereas to introduce a comment which contrasts with what is said in the main clause. ■ Pensions are linked
to inflation, whereas they should be linked to the cost of living. ■ Whereas the population of working age increased by 1 million between 1981 and 1986, today it is barely growing.
whilst
CONJUNCTION Whilst means the same as while. It is used mainly in British English in formal and literary contexts. ■ Whilst droughts are not uncommon in many parts of the country, the coastal region remains humid throughout the year ■ Whilst every care has been taken to ensure accuracy, the publishers cannot accept legal responsibility for any problems that arise. Referring to sequence:
former
PRONOUN When two people, things, or groups have just been mentioned, you can refer to the first of them as the former. ■ He writes about two series of works: the Caprichos and the Disparates. The former are a series of etchings done by Goya. ■ The wife may choose the former and the husband the latter.
initial
ADJECTIVE You use initial to describe something that happens at the beginning of a process. ■ The initial reaction has been excellent. ■ The aim of this initial meeting is to clarify the issues.
latter
PRONOUN When two people, things, or groups have just been mentioned, you can refer to the second of them as the latter.
At school, he enjoyed football and boxing; the latter remained a lifelong habit. ■ Without hesitation they chose the latter.
