Reading part 4 - practice

Test 1

Reading Passage with Gaps

The History of Chocolate

Chocolate has a long history that dates back to ancient civilizations in Central and South
America. The Mayans and Aztecs were among the first to cultivate cacao plants.
__________ (1) __________ This drink, called "xocolatl," was believed to have magical
properties and was often used in rituals and ceremonies.

When Spanish explorers arrived in the Americas in the 16th century, they discovered cacao
and brought it back to Europe. __________ (2) __________ By the 17th century, chocolate
houses, much like today’s coffee shops, began to appear in European cities.

The invention of the chocolate bar in the 19th century marked a turning point in the history of
chocolate. __________ (3) __________ Today, chocolate is enjoyed worldwide in many
different forms, from bars and candies to cakes and hot drinks.

Sentence Options

A) This discovery was kept secret for many years.

B) They used the cacao to make a bitter, frothy drink.
C) It was often sweetened with sugar or honey to suit European tastes.
D) These drinks were served cold to refresh the people.
E) The Mayans used cacao beans as currency in their trade systems.
F) Chocolate remained a luxury item enjoyed only by the wealthy.
G) New production methods made chocolate more affordable and accessible.
H) The Spanish explorers tried to grow cacao in Europe but failed.
Questions and Explanations

1. Which sentence fits in gap 1?

● Correct Answer: B) They used the cacao to make a bitter, frothy drink.
● Explanation: This sentence fits because it directly follows the mention of cacao
plants and introduces the specific drink, "xocolatl," made from cacao. It logically
connects the cultivation of cacao to its usage by the Mayans and Aztecs.

2. Which sentence fits in gap 2?

● Correct Answer: F) Chocolate remained a luxury item enjoyed only by the

wealthy.
● Explanation: This sentence makes sense here because it explains the initial
reception of chocolate in Europe. It contrasts the exclusivity of chocolate during this
time with its later widespread popularity, setting up the context for the development of
chocolate houses.

3. Which sentence fits in gap 3?

● Correct Answer: G) New production methods made chocolate more affordable

and accessible.
● Explanation: This sentence logically follows the mention of the invention of the
chocolate bar, which was a significant innovation in making chocolate available to
more people. It explains how chocolate transitioned from a luxury item to something
enjoyed by the general public.

4. Why doesn’t sentence A) fit in gap 2?

● Explanation: While the idea of a "secret" could relate to chocolate's early history, the
passage doesn’t suggest secrecy was a major factor in Europe. Instead, it focuses
on the luxury status of chocolate, making sentence F) more relevant.

5. Why is sentence D) incorrect for any gap?

● Explanation: Sentence D) refers to cold drinks, which doesn’t align with the
historical context of how "xocolatl" or chocolate was traditionally prepared or
consumed. The passage doesn't discuss the temperature of the drink, making this
sentence irrelevant.

6. Why does sentence H) not fit in the text?

● Explanation: Although sentence H) mentions Spanish explorers and cacao, it

introduces a negative outcome that is not consistent with the passage's narrative.
The text focuses on the successful introduction of chocolate to Europe, not on failed
attempts.
Test 2

Reading Passage with Gaps

The Benefits of Reading Books

Reading books has been a popular pastime for centuries. People of all ages enjoy diving into
different worlds, exploring new ideas, and experiencing stories through the eyes of various
characters. __________ (1) __________ This is because reading requires focus,
imagination, and the ability to understand complex ideas.

One of the greatest benefits of reading is that it can improve your vocabulary and language
skills. __________ (2) __________ As a result, readers often find that their writing and
speaking abilities improve significantly over time.

Additionally, reading can be a great way to relax and reduce stress. __________ (3)
__________ This makes reading an excellent activity for winding down after a long day or
taking a break from a busy schedule.

Sentence Options

A) Many people find it difficult to concentrate when they read.

B) Reading can also improve memory and concentration.
C) Regular reading helps you encounter new words and phrases.
D) Some people prefer watching movies over reading books.
E) Books are often more detailed than their movie adaptations.
F) The best books are those that challenge your thinking.
G) It allows you to escape from reality and enter a different world.
H) Studies have shown that reading can lower heart rates and reduce stress levels.
Questions and Explanations

1. Which sentence fits in gap 1?

● Correct Answer: B) Reading can also improve memory and concentration.

● Explanation: This sentence fits because it logically follows the general statement
about the popularity of reading and introduces specific cognitive benefits that are
relevant to why reading is a valuable activity.

2. Which sentence fits in gap 2?

● Correct Answer: C) Regular reading helps you encounter new words and
phrases.
● Explanation: This sentence directly supports the idea that reading improves
vocabulary and language skills by explaining how exposure to new words occurs.

3. Which sentence fits in gap 3?

● Correct Answer: H) Studies have shown that reading can lower heart rates and
reduce stress levels.
● Explanation: This sentence is appropriate because it provides scientific evidence
supporting the claim that reading is a good way to relax and reduce stress, making it
a logical conclusion to the paragraph.

4. Why doesn’t sentence D) fit in gap 1?

● Explanation: Sentence D) introduces a comparison between reading and watching

movies, which is not relevant to the benefits of reading discussed in this passage.
The passage focuses on the advantages of reading without comparing it to other
activities.

5. Why is sentence F) incorrect for any gap?

● Explanation: Sentence F) talks about books that challenge thinking, but it doesn’t fit
with the specific benefits of reading mentioned in this passage, such as vocabulary
improvement or stress reduction. It's too specific and doesn't align with the broader
points being made.

6. Why does sentence A) not fit in the text?

● Explanation: Sentence A) discusses difficulty in concentration, which contradicts the

passage’s positive focus on the benefits of reading, particularly in enhancing memory
and concentration. It introduces a negative idea that doesn’t match the overall tone of
the passage.
Test 3

Reading Passage with Gaps

The Importance of Sleep

Getting enough sleep is essential for maintaining good health and well-being. Many people
underestimate the importance of a good night’s sleep, but research shows that it plays a
crucial role in physical and mental health. __________ (1) __________

Sleep is also important for cognitive functions like memory, learning, and decision-making.
__________ (2) __________ Without sufficient sleep, it becomes harder to concentrate and
solve problems effectively.

Moreover, sleep has a significant impact on mood and emotional regulation. __________ (3)
__________ This explains why people often feel irritable and stressed after a poor night’s
sleep.

Sentence Options

A) Experts recommend that adults get between 7 to 9 hours of sleep each night.
B) This is because sleep helps to consolidate memories and process information.
C) Many people struggle with sleep disorders, such as insomnia.
D) A lack of sleep can lead to serious health issues, including heart disease and diabetes.
E) Taking short naps during the day can be very beneficial.
F) Good sleep hygiene is essential for getting a restful night’s sleep.
G) Children and teenagers need even more sleep for proper growth and development.
H) As a result, people who sleep well tend to be more positive and emotionally balanced.
Questions and Explanations

1. Which sentence fits in gap 1?

● Correct Answer: D) A lack of sleep can lead to serious health issues, including
heart disease and diabetes.
● Explanation: This sentence fits because it follows the idea that sleep is crucial for
health, providing specific examples of the negative effects of insufficient sleep on
physical health.

2. Which sentence fits in gap 2?

● Correct Answer: B) This is because sleep helps to consolidate memories and

process information.
● Explanation: This sentence fits perfectly after discussing the importance of sleep for
cognitive functions, as it explains why sleep is necessary for memory and learning.

3. Which sentence fits in gap 3?

● Correct Answer: H) As a result, people who sleep well tend to be more positive
and emotionally balanced.
● Explanation: This sentence logically follows the discussion about sleep’s impact on
mood, providing a clear outcome of good sleep, which is improved emotional
regulation.

4. Why doesn’t sentence C) fit in gap 1?

● Explanation: Sentence C) introduces the topic of sleep disorders, which, while

related to sleep, shifts the focus away from the general benefits and importance of
sleep that the passage discusses.

5. Why is sentence F) incorrect for any gap?

● Explanation: Sentence F) discusses sleep hygiene, which is related to practices for

better sleep. However, the passage focuses more on the outcomes of good or poor
sleep, rather than on how to achieve it.

6. Why does sentence E) not fit in the text?

● Explanation: Sentence E) talks about taking naps, which is a different topic from the
primary focus of the passage, which is about the importance of night-time sleep
rather than daytime naps.