The best preparation for Reading Level 3

Published by Nexus Press Ltd.394-2 Seogyo-dong, Mapo-gu, Seoul, Koreawww.nexusbook.com

Authors: Nexus Contents Development Team, The Junior HeraldPublisher: Yongbaeg AhnISBN: 978-89-6000-264-7 54740Copyrights ⓒ 2007 by Nexus Press Ltd.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, or any informational storage and retrieval system, without the prior written permission of Nexus Press Ltd.

Printed in Korea ①

According to many studies about reading, successful readers employ various strategies such

as skimming, scanning, predicting, etc. They focus more on grasping the main idea of each

paragraph and the text as a whole, rather than word-by-word interpretation. However, in

most EFL reading classrooms, EFL learners are likely to focus only on the word-by-word

interpretation, slowing down the process of benefitting from extensive reading.

Diverse reading experience is indispensable for successful EFL readers, no matter what

reading strategies the EFL readers are trained with.

For students to get the full benefit of extensive reading, effective use of the time factor and

ability to understand the text as a whole is crucial. To avoid “rushed reading” and “little

more technique than scanning,” the post-reading tasks should also be accompanied with

summarizing, outlining and detailed comprehension questions. These help learners to

interact with the text as much as possible, increasing reading comprehension.

In considering the above, The best preparation for Reading series is designed to facilitate

extensive reading opportunities for EFL learners. The Reading series helps learners to

comprehend the texts better with detailed questions which help to scan the text locating the

information in the passage. As well as the basic training with detailed questions, this series

encourages learners to understand the meaning behind the text, to recognize the coherent

relationship between ideas, and to grasp the outline of the passage, which requires language

learners to concentrate on the text as a whole. Also, the series implements a reading based

activity for critical thinking-discussion and debate.

We hope that all levels of The Reading series gradually help readers to construct an

organized outline of what they read, and express their opinion based on and beyond the

reading they have comprehended.

PREFACE

BasicLearners will briefly scan through

the text to locate the information and

understand detailed information. The

questions include true/false, multiple

choice for basic comprehension and

vocabulary.

�_Level 3 Reading 01_�

1 Read the following sentences and indicate whether each is true or false.

(A) It is fairly easy for rival companies to mimic cult-duct products. T / F(B)Many companies are using cult-duct strategy to attract customers. T / F(C)Apple’s fans appreciate its wealthy image. T / F(D)Customers feel assured that Pulmuone’s products are safe. T / F

2 The main goal of the cult-duct strategy can be

(A) product improvement(B)product differentiation(C)product safety(D)product discounting

3 Which of the following is mentioned as a reason Apple fans pay high prices for Appleproducts?

(A) fashionable image(B) innovative size(C)high quality(D)unique functions

Advanced

4 Why does the author introduce tofu in a package by Pulmuone in paragraph 1?

(A) To indicate the first cult-duct product introduced in Korea(B)To name a company that uses the cult-duct strategy(C)To imply that the company is one of the market leaders(D)To introduce the concept of a new marketing strategy

5 Which of the following can NOT be an example of a cult-duct product?

(A) Black bean milk that creates an image of a slim body(B)A cellular phone promoted with its unique functions(C)A portable mini TV set with an image of an early-adopter(D)A car that has a connotation of success and wealth

In 1992, the Korean food company Pulmuone introduced a new product: tofu in a package. The product was a sensation because until then customers had to buy pieces of tofu from the market. But as concern over food safety has increased, customers have come to trust the food company for its sanitation. What the food company did is to integrate ‘food safety’ culture with its tofu product in order to develop an environmental-friendly brand. This marketing strategy is called ‘Cult-duct.’ Cult-duct is made by combining two words: culture and product.

Since countless products and new technology are introduced every day, simply promoting a new product is often not enough to attract customers. This is where cult-duct comes in. A By connecting a cultural concept to a product, customers can buy both.B Once a cult-duct strategy is formed by a company, it is hard for other companies to imitate the company’s product. C This strategy usually isn’t just a temporary trend, but a symbol that stays in the general public’s mind for a long time. D And now, it becomes the best way for people to connect the product with a certain idea. Starbucks is a successful example of Cult-duct. In Korea, Starbucks is not just a coffee shop but a place where you can enjoy Western culture. Starbucks coffee can also be associated with professionalism and wealth. So, when people buy the coffee they buy these cultural ideas as well.

As ‘cult’ means a group having a sacred ideology and a set of rites centered on symbols, cult-duct can also mean an exclusive culture of mania for a specific product. For instance, Apple Computer is known to have a solid fan base. The reason Apple fans pay for products such as i-Tunes and i-Pod, despite their high prices, is so they can enjoy the unique culture of Apple, which is often represented as simple, modern and state-of-the-art.

Advertisements featuring certain celebrities or models can also play into a company’s cult-duct strategy. Since certain stars are associated with a certain lifestyle or sensibility that is popular, companys often want their product to be associated with that sensibility as well. So, having popular TV stars advertise for a certain product can help a company sell more of that product. Customers associate the product with their successful life and want to exemplify it.

Cult-duct; Attracting Customers with Culture Basic

Words : 388

Reading 01

6 What is this passage mainly about?

(A) The Space Station project and the countries involved building it(B)The impact of the Columbia disaster on space-related projects(C)The recent successful launch of a space shuttle(D)Unsettled debate over space travel safety for the future

7 Rearrange the following sentences in order to make an outline of the passage.

ⓐ Concerns for safety almost grounded the launch, especially in light of the 2003space shuttle Columbia disaster.

ⓑ Space shuttle Discovery launched on Independence Day, carrying seven‘members’ or ‘astronauts.’

ⓒ There is still a debate over the safety of the Discovery mission.ⓓ Upon Columbia’s re-entry, large pieces of insulating foam flew off the shuttle,

creating large holes that led to Columbia’s imminent demise.

(A) ⓐ - ⓑ - ⓒ - ⓓ (B) ⓑ - ⓐ - ⓓ - ⓒ(C) ⓑ - ⓒ - ⓓ - ⓐ (D) ⓒ - ⓐ - ⓓ - ⓑ

Reading 03_17

“What are the possible criticisms of the International Space Station?”

Idea Bank

• Is it worth paying the huge estimated budget for overall management of the ISS?• Is it safe to be used for tourism purposes?• Is it worth trying to conduct scientific research, taking much risk of lives and cost?

State your opinion here.

because

SamplesI think one of the main criticisms of the ISS will be the tremendous amount of money itwill cost because, I think, the lifetime cost could be better spent on problems on Earth, likefeeding and taking care of many hungry and sick people.

What do you think?

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Word ReviewStudents can review the important words or phrases in the

Reading Task. They can expand the size and the range of

vocabulary, which will enhance vocabulary mastery.

Word Review

Complete the sentence using the words in the box. Change the word form if necessary.

• sanitation: the state of being clean; standard of being clean

• integrate: to make into a whole by bringing all the parts together; to coordinate

• strategy: an elaborate and systematic plan intended to achieve something

• ideology: an idea or belief that guides people, group, etc

• exclusive: not shared or divided with other people

• state-of-the-art: the most latest and highest level of development of a device, technology, art, etc

• celebrity: a famous or well-known person

• exemplify: to show or illustrate by example; to be an example of something

1 At the age of 8, she became a celebrity starring in her famous movie.

2 The horror movies exemplify the director’s imagination and fear.

3 We are planning to make a new marketing strategy for the bestseller.

4 The sanitation supervisor inspects the disposal of waste for cleanliness and health.

5 This program is designed to integrate appropriately with your gaming tools, enabling you and

your partner to enjoy games.

• respective: considered separately or individually

• problematic: uncertain, doubtful; causing problem

• assessment: evaluation or judgment of something or someone

• analytic: of or relating to analysis; examining something by separating it into parts

• verbal: relating to words

• promote: to help or encourage a progress or growth of something

• prejudiced: unfair, unfavorable

• attribute: to regard as resulting from particular cause

6 Bad management has attributed the 10% decline in sales.

7 Each religion has its own respective traditional ceremonies.

8 The goal of the Indian Film Academy is to promote Bollywood movies to a world audience.

9 Different assessments are needed to measure the performance, effort and achievement of the

students.

10 The program was found to be problematic since it had caused many errors.

PREVIEW

AdvancedLearners will practice to find out

the meaning behind the text, to

understand the coherence of the

text, to recognize the relationship

between the ideas, and to analyze

the information throughout the text.

The questions include inference,

insertion, fill in the blank, summary

and completing schema.

What do you think?Learners will discuss the relevant topic to what they have

read. They will read other opinions or discussion points

before they practice to express their own opinion. They

can use the information they have read and build up their

opinion adding their own experience, observation and/or

thoughts.

CONTENTS

Reading 01 Cult-duct, Attracting Customer with Culture 08 Reading 02 Can Intelligence Be Measured? 11 •

Reading 03 Space Shuttle Discovery Lifts Off 15 Reading 04 Deconstructing Superman 18 •

Reading 05 Learning in a Digital World 22Reading 06 Night People and Day People 25 •

Reading 07 Increasing Foreign Reserves 29Reading 08 Art Collection from the Louvre Museum 32 •

Reading 09 Debate over Holocaust Denial Hits Europe 36Reading 10 Soaring International Oil Price 39 •

Reading 11 Dogs Are Good for Health 43Reading 12 Secrets of Mongolia Revealed 46 •

Reading 13 NASA to Repair Hubble Space Telescope 50Reading 14 Davos Forum 53 •

Reading 15 New Research Lets Blind Mice See 57Reading 16 Trans-Fats Fears Spread over Korea 60 •

Reading 17 The Future of Humankind 64Reading 18 Hanukkah: The Festival of Lights 67 •

Reading 19 Paragliding Verses Parachuting 71Reading 20 Intellectual Property: Right for Intangibles 74 •

Reading 21 Climate Report Calls for Urgent Action 78Reading 22 A Dilemma over Calrose Rice 81 •

Reading 23 NASA Launches Probe to Pluto 85Reading 24 What Makes Your Country Unique? 88 •

Reading 25 Children and the Drive for Physical Perfection 92Reading 26 The Fiscal Year 95 •

Reading 27 Germany Celebrates Oktoberfest 99Reading 28 Digital SLR Cameras for Everyone 102 •

Reading 29 U.S. Colleges Boycott Soft-drink Giant 106Reading 30 The Crop Circles 109 •

Reading 31 Asian and Westerners View World Differently 113Reading 32 Growing Plants on Mars 116 •

�_Level 3

In 1992, the Korean food company Pulmuone introduced a new product: tofu in a package. The product was a sensation because until then customers had to buy pieces of tofu from the market. But as concern over food safety has increased, customers have come to trust the food company for its sanitation. What the food company did is to integrate ‘food safety’ culture with its tofu product in order to develop an environmental-friendly brand. This marketing strategy is called ‘Cult-duct.’ Cult-duct is made by combining two words: culture and product.

Since countless products and new technology are introduced every day, simply promoting a new product is often not enough to attract customers. This is where cult-duct comes in.   A   By connecting a cultural concept to a product, customers can buy both.   B   Once a cult-duct strategy is formed by a company, it is hard for other companies to imitate the company’s product.   C   This strategy usually isn’t just a temporary trend, but a symbol that stays in the general public’s mind for a long time.   D   And now, it becomes the best way for people to connect the product with a certain idea. Starbucks is a successful example of Cult-duct. In Korea, Starbucks is not just a coffee shop but a place where you can enjoy Western culture. Starbucks coffee can also be associated with professionalism and wealth. So, when people buy the coffee they buy these cultural ideas as well.

As ‘cult’ means a group having a sacred ideology and a set of rites centered on symbols, cult-duct can also mean an exclusive culture of mania for a specific product. For instance, Apple Computer is known to have a solid fan base. The reason Apple fans pay for products such as i-Tunes and i-Pod, despite their high prices, is so they can enjoy the unique culture of Apple, which is often represented as simple, modern and state-of-the-art.

Advertisements featuring certain celebrities or models can also play into a company’s cult-duct strategy. Since certain stars are associated with a certain lifestyle or sensibility that is popular, companys often want their product to be associated with that sensibility as well. So, having popular TV stars advertise for a certain product can help a company sell more of that product. Customers associate the product with their successful life and want to exemplify it.

Cult-duct; Attracting Customers with Culture

Words : 388

Reading 01

Reading 01_�

1  Read the following sentences and indicate whether each is true or false.

(A)  It is fairly easy for rival companies to mimic cult-duct products.  T / F(B) Many companies are using cult-duct strategy to attract customers.  T / F(C) Apple’s fans appreciate its wealthy image.  T / F(D) Customers feel assured that Pulmuone’s products are safe.  T / F

2  The main goal of the cult-duct strategy can be

(A)  product improvement(B) product differentiation(C) product safety(D) product discounting

3  Which of  the following  is mentioned as a reason Apple  fans pay high prices for Apple products?

(A)  fashionable image(B)  innovative size(C) high quality(D) unique functions

Advanced

4  Why does the author introduce tofu in a package by Pulmuone in paragraph 1?

(A)  To indicate the first cult-duct product introduced in Korea(B) To name a company that uses the cult-duct strategy(C) To imply that the company is one of the market leaders(D) To introduce the concept of a new marketing strategy

5  Which of the following can NOT be an example of a cult-duct product?

(A)  Black bean milk that creates an image of a slim body(B) A cellular phone promoted with its unique functions(C) A portable mini TV set with an image of an early-adopter(D) A car that has a connotation of success and wealth

Basic

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10_Level 3

6  Indicate where the following sentence could be added to the passage.

For these reasons, many companies these days want to develop their own cult-duct strategy.

(A)    A    (B)    B    (C)    C    (D)    D  

7  Complete the outline of the passage.

example 1 -  tofu by Pulmuone

  → to integrate  food safety culture  with its tofu product  → to develop  an environmental-friendly  brand

example 2 -  Starbucks coffee

  → associated with  Western culture

  → associated with  professionalism  and  wealth

example 3 -  Apple computer

  → to create  a unique culture of Apple  - simple, modern, artistic

example 4 -  Advertisements  → to associate the product with  TV stars’ successful lives

“Do you believe that advertising is helpful or hurtful for consumers?” Mary: I think TV commercials are helpful because they save consumers’ time by providing

information in a convenient way. John: I think the majority of advertising is misleading and often convinces customers to

purchase what they don’t really need.

State your opinion here. I think

because

What do you think?

★

Ancient Greeks thought the brain wasn’t the basis for intellect. It was the home for the soul. They believed that the process of thinking happened somewhere near the lungs. The brain wasn’t seen as an organ of intellect and thought until the 17th and 18th centuries. In order to measure intelligence, the IQ test, or the intelligence quotient test, was invented. The Standford-Binet Intelligence Scale was created in Paris in the early 1900s. The scale was used in Alfred Binet’s efforts to educate children with learning difficulties. Those with scores less than their respective ages were considered mentally challenged. The MENSA IQ test has also become popular. A person who scores 150 or higher on this test is considered to have exceptional intelligence. More than 10,000 people take the test every year.

  A   Some see IQ tests as an assessment of an individual’s problem solving skills, rather than general intelligence.   B   For example, an individual may have high analytical and verbal skills but lack creativity and practical knowledge.   C   Some believe that intelligence is genetic.   D   This widely held view promoted many prejudiced ideas. Since the IQ test was created from the point of view of Europeans, people of other races scored comparatively lower.

Research suggests that intelligence depends on culture and class. Tests given by the U.S. military showed that blacks scored lower than whites. The difference in scores was attributed to class and education levels, not genetic factors. Black children adopted into wealthier families scored significantly higher than low-income blacks. Studies have shown that children who grow up in a positive learning environment score higher on the IQ tests. Having good nutrition can also affect the scores.

A new type of IQ test has surfaced recently. It’s called the EI test, or the emotional intelligence test. The test gauges the individual’s ability to manage his or her emotions. Developed by Daniel Goleman, the test also measures how much self awareness an individual has. Knowledge and emotional intelligence are different, experts say. A person with high emotional intelligence is able to better understand the feelings of others. Thus, they are better in maintaining various relationships. Low emotional intelligence can affect intelligence. Studies have shown that emotional intelligence is connected with memory and concentration. Individuals with low emotional intelligence have more aggressiveness and less self-control. These factors can dramatically reduce IQ scores by as much as 25 percent.

Can Intelligence Be Measured?

Words : 403

Reading 02_11

Reading 02

12_Level 3

1  Read the following sentences and indicate whether each is true or false.

(A)  Measuring intelligence is easy now thanks to new intelligence tests.  T / F(B) Emotional intelligence is similar to knowledge.  T / F(C) Children from privileged backgrounds usually get higher scores on IQ tests. T / F(D) Ancient Greeks believed the brain wasn’t responsible for intellect.  T / F

2  Which of the following does NOT affect intelligence test scores?

(A)  influence from foreign cultures(B)  level of emotional intelligence(C) how much a person is educated(D)  the division of social status

3  What does the word exceptional most likely mean?

(A)  remarkable  (B) ordinary(C) conventional  (D)  respective

4  Which of the following is an antonym of the word practical in paragraph 2?

(A)  commonsensical  (B) down-to earth(C) theoretical  (D) handy

Advanced

5  We can assume from the article that a person with high emotional intelligence

(A)  has a quality of anger and determination that makes him attack other people.(B) generally scores higher on an IQ test than those with low emotional intelligence.(C) generally has better grades on many types of tests, including the ones in school.(D)   usually has  less chance  that  the person could be mentally challenged or  

disabled.

6  Indicate where the following sentence could be added to the passage.

Measuring intelligence, however, can be highly problematic.

(A)    A    (B)    B    (C)    C    (D)    D  

Basic

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7  Which of the following is NOT a skill related to emotional intelligence?

(A)  social awareness(B) self-confidence(C) relationship management(D) self-awareness

�  Complete the summary of each paragraph.

Paragraph 1     Since the early 1900s, scientists have attempted to  gauge the  intelligence of people .  Alfred Binet’s Intelligence Scale   and  the  MENSA IQ test have been used frequently over the past century 

to measure intelligence.Paragraph 2     Some  recent studies suggest  that  the  tests aren’t necessarily a 

flawless benchmark, arguing that it assesses  only the ability of problem

solving skills . Others think that intelligence is  genetic  and it varies among races .

Paragraph 3    New findings point to culture, class, education level and environment as more important intelligence predictors than genetics.

Paragraph 4    A new  test  that measures  the emotional intelligence ,  the ability  to monitor one’s emotions, has emerged. Recent  findings reveal  that one’s  emotional intelligence  can affect  one’s IQ test scores .

Reading 02_13

“Do you believe it is in a child’s best interest for his parents to tell him what he scored on an IQ test?” Brad: I think parents should let their children know their scores because knowing where he

stands will allow the kid to recognize how hard he must work in order to be successful. Maria: I think parents should consider telling the score to their child because, if the kid knows

he is very intelligent, he is likely to become overconfident and not work as hard as he should in school, or, if the kid receives a low score he may get discouraged and lose confidence in his abilities.

State your opinion here. I think because

What do you think?

★

Word Review

Complete the sentence using the words in the box. Change the word form if necessary.

• sanitation: the state of being clean; standard of being clean

• integrate: to make into a whole by bringing all the parts together; to coordinate

• strategy: an elaborate and systematic plan intended to achieve something

• ideology: an idea or belief that guides people, group, etc

• exclusive: not shared or divided with other people

• state-of-the-art: the most latest and highest level of development of a device, technology, art, etc

• celebrity: a famous or well-known person

• exemplify: to show or illustrate by example; to be an example of something

1  At the age of 8, she became a  celebrity  starring in her famous movie.

2  The horror movies  exemplify  the director’s imagination and fear.

3  We are planning to make a new marketing  strategy  for the bestseller.

4  The  sanitation  supervisor inspects the disposal of waste for cleanliness and health.

5   This program is designed to  integrate  appropriately with your gaming tools, enabling you and 

your partner to enjoy games.

• respective: considered separately or individually

• problematic: uncertain, doubtful; causing problem

• assessment: evaluation or judgment of something or someone

• analytic: of or relating to analysis; examining something by separating it into parts

• verbal: relating to words

• promote: to help or encourage a progress or growth of something

• prejudiced: unfair, unfavorable

• attribute: to regard as resulting from particular cause

6  Bad management has  attributed  the 10% decline in sales.

7  Each religion has its own  respective  traditional ceremonies.

8  The goal of the Indian Film Academy is to  promote  Bollywood movies to a world audience.

9  Different  assessments  are needed to measure the performance, effort and achievement of the 

students.

10  The program was found to be   problematic since it had caused many errors.

The U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration(NASA) successfully launched space shuttle Discovery on July 4 in Cape Canaveral, Florida. There are seven astronauts on board. Discovery was scheduled for a takeoff two days earlier but the flight was delayed several times due to bad weather. “No, we did not plan to launch on the Fourth of July, but it sure did work out to be great to launch on Independence Day,” said Wayne Hale, shuttle program manager. Although small pieces of foam popped off the fuel tank a few minutes after the lift-off, it was nothing near dangerous. The tank performed very well and nothing was found to concern the health of the crew or the vehicle.

Discovery reached orbit nine minutes after it blasted off, NASA said. The shuttle plans fly to the International Space Station(ISS). The crew will then do tests and repairs on the station. The ISS is a facility run by five countries: the United States, Russia, Japan, Canada and the European Union. Missions to complete the ISS have been delayed in recent years due to the space shuttle Columbia disaster in 2003. Columbia traveled successfully to the ISS but exploded on re-entry to Earth.

Scientists blame the accident on large pieces of insulating foam that broke off the shuttle when it was launched. The insulating foam is meant to protect the shuttle from the changes in temperature it will experience while traveling. When the foam broke, it made large holes in the shuttle’s wings that allowed super-heated gases to enter the vehicle as it returned home.

Discovery is the second space mission the U.S. has attempted since the event. Scientists at NASA have been working to try and make the shuttles safer. Still, there has been a lot of debate about whether the Discovery mission should go ahead. Bill Gerstenmaier, NASA associate administrator, said everything was fine and that scientists have learned many things from the Columbia disaster.

Space Shuttle Discovery Lifts Off

Words : 326

Reading 03_15

Reading 03

16_Level 3

1  Read the following sentences and indicate whether each is true or false.

(A)  The space shuttle Discovery was launched later than the original plan.  T / F(B) The space shuttle Discovery was launched on Independence Day.  T / F(C) The same amount of foam broke off during this launch as in 2003.  T / F(D) The International Space Station was built in 2003.  T / F

2  What does the phrase reached orbit probably mean?

(A)  extended its space arms(B) arrived back on Earth(C) got to its destination in space(D) orbited the earth several times

3  What does the word exploded mean?

(A)  damaged  (B) burst in fire(C) crashed  (D) broke in half

4  Why has the completion of the International Space Station been delayed?

(A)  There is not enough support from countries around the world.(B) Construction in space is a very tedious, time-consuming project.(C) The space shuttle Columbia disaster put all space-related projects on hold.(D) There is a debate at NASA whether to continue to dump money into the ISS.

Advanced

5  According to paragraph 4, what can be inferred about NASA?

(A) They are eager to convince the public of the space shuttle’s security.(B) They are uncertain of whether the space shuttle fleet is safe to launch.(C) They are not interested in completing the International Space Station.(D) The space shuttle Discovery will be the last space shuttle launch for NASA.

Basic

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6  What is this passage mainly about?

(A)  The Space Station project and the countries involved building it(B) The impact of the Columbia disaster on space-related projects(C) The recent successful launch of a space shuttle(D) Unsettled debate over space travel safety for the future

7  Rearrange the following sentences in order to make an outline of the passage.

ⓐ   Concerns for safety almost grounded the launch, especially in light of the 2003 space shuttle Columbia disaster.

ⓑ   Space shuttle Discovery  launched on  Independence Day, carrying seven ‘members’ or ‘astronauts.’

ⓒ  There is still a debate over the safety of the Discovery mission.ⓓ   Upon Columbia’s re-entry,  large pieces of  insulating foam flew off  the shuttle, 

creating large holes that led to Columbia’s imminent demise.

(A) ⓐ - ⓑ - ⓒ - ⓓ (B) ⓑ - ⓐ - ⓓ - ⓒ(C) ⓑ - ⓒ - ⓓ - ⓐ (D) ⓒ - ⓐ - ⓓ - ⓑ

Reading 03_17

“What are the possible criticisms of the International Space Station?”

Idea Bank

• Is it worth paying the huge estimated budget for overall management of the ISS?• Is it safe to be used for tourism purposes?• Is it worth trying to conduct scientific research, taking much risk of lives and cost?

State your opinion here.

because

Samples I think one of the main criticisms of the ISS will be the tremendous amount of money it

will cost because, I think, the lifetime cost could be better spent on problems on Earth, like feeding and taking care of many hungry and sick people.

What do you think?

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1�_Level 3

Modern society excels in cynicism. Academics and pseudo-academics delight in deconstructing even the most cherished of childhood delights, seemingly determined to rob us of the pure joy of fantasy. Forget the super villain. For our superheroes, most deadly adversaries are the post-modern academics. For example, a book published in 2002 debates the science behind ‘Superman,’ the world’s most famous fictional superhero: The Science of Superheroes by Lois Gresh and Robert Weinberg.

According to Gresh and Weinberg, when superheroes were created, little or no attention was paid to the feasibility of their powers and how they could possibly interact with ordinary objects and people. In effect, their thesis appears to be that the science behind superheroes is totally incorrect. Gresh and Weinberg seem to take great delight in debunking superheroes, Superman in particular, in their book, arguing with great effectiveness concerning how impossible it would be for Superman to ever be a reality. They point out that the laws of physics are broken time and time again in the Superman story.   A   It would be impossible for him, for example, to perform such stupendous feats of super strength, such as holding cars, trains, and even planes in the air.   B   How, they ask, could he possibly stay perfectly balanced on Earth while moving a mass far greater than his own over his head?

  C   After all, the intention of the fantasy is to entertain and automatically requires that the audience suspend their disbelief. When James Bond, Ethan Hunt, or any of the super spies, perform astounding feats of an impossible physical nature we do not care, we simply enjoy. Why would that matter to any child, or even adult, who simply enjoys the stories?   D   Remember this is not educational material but purely entertainment. Why spoil the fun? Let Superman, Spiderman, Batman and all the other superheroes continue to bring joy and even inspiration to those who love them and let’s leave science to deal with everyday life, which is so rarely quite as fascinating as the world of our favorite childhood heroes.

Deconstructing SupermanReading 04

Words : 370

1  Read the following sentences and indicate whether each is true or false.

(A)  Academics criticize pseudo-academics for taking people’s fantasy and fun. T / F(B) Gresh and Weinberg support the scientific accuracy of the superhero films.  T / F(C) Gresh and Weinberg originally made the character of Superman.  T / F(D) The Superman film is not made based on scientific theories.  T / F

2  What does the word feasibility mean?

(A)  anticipation  (B)  liability(C) analysis   (D) possibility

3  According to the author, the intention to create superheroes is

(A)  to be realistic yet give ordinary people joy and hope.(B)  to entertain and inspire people and have them enjoy the story.(C) to have Gresh and Weinberg study the structure of science.(D)  to educate people about the laws of physics in an entertaining way.

4  What is NOT true about Gresh and Weinberg?

(A)   They claim that superheroes’ powers are not reasonable and it is impossible for them to deal with daily life.

(B)   They think  that although  in  reality  it  is possible  to hold cars and trains,  it  is impossible to stay balanced on Earth.

(C)  They seem to enjoy exposing the falseness of the superheroes and argue that superheroes’ powers are impossible in reality.

(D)   They wrote a book about science behind our all  time  favorite superhero, Superman.

Advanced

5  Indicate where the following sentence could be added to the passage.

However,  is  there  really  any  value  to  be  found  in  dissecting  fantasy characters such as these?

(A)    A    (B)    B    (C)    C    (D)    D  

Basic

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20_Level 3

6  Which of the following best describes author’s tone?

(A)  argumentative  (B) descriptive(C) compare and contrast  (D) narrative

7  Why does the author mention James Bond and Ethan Hunt?

(A)  To compare the science behind them with those of other superheroes(B) To show how superheroes in some action movies are impossible in reality(C) To give names of superheroes that appeared in famous action movies(D) To illustrate how people simply enjoy them without thinking about the science

�  Complete the summary of each paragraph.

Paragraph 1    The post-modern academics including The Science of Superheroes seems to  be robbing our childhood fun .

Paragraph 2    Gresh and Weinberg argue that  the science behind superheroes is totally  incorrect  and it is impossible  to ever be a reality .

Paragraph 3     Many people  including children and even adults  simply  enjoy the stories of superheroes   and  superheroes  story  should  be 

considered as  just pure entertainment .

“Do you believe that superheroes should be analyzed in a scientific way?” Jenny: Yes, I think children have false hopes and false imagination when it is focused on

entertainment only. Tim: No, children should learn to have hope and imagination.

State your opinion here. I (don’t) think

because

What do you think?

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Reading 01_21

Word Review

Complete the sentence using the words in the box. Change the word form if necessary.

• astronaut: a person who is trained to travel in a space vehicle

• foam: a mass of small bubbles formed in a liquid

• blast off: to take off; to launch

• explode: to burst or break up violently as a result of pressure

• facility: a building or place which provides particular services

• insulate: to cover or protect something with material that prevents electric currents, heat or sound

• administrator: a person who manages the affairs of an organization or government etc

• disaster: an event occurring suddenly and causing great damage, injury or loss of life

1  The chief  administrator  of the airline has announced the end of pilot’s strike.

2  The new  facility  under construction here is designed to be environmentally friendly.

3  The tsunami  disaster  in South Asia in 2004 caused thousands of deaths and lots of property 

damage.

4  The bomb  exploded  on a train crowded with passengers in India.

5  The first South Korean  astronauts  selected through a national competition will travel to the 

International Space Station in 2008.

• cynicism: the attitude, belief or behavior of a cynic

• cherish: to treat with love

• villain: a wicked, violent and evil person

• adversary: an enemy

• feasibility: capability of being done or effected, or accomplished

• effectiveness: the power to be effective; the quality of being able to bring about an effect

• stupendous: surprisingly large or impressive

• astounding: shocking and amazing

6  After having heart surgery, he started to  cherish  his life.

7  His book has not only humor but also  cynicism  about popular culture.

8  Satan is variously described as the  adversary  of God and human kind in the Bible.

9  Astounding/Stupendous  stories of superheroes were first released in newspapers and later  it 

made into movies.

10  Depending on point of view, Napoleon could be either a hero or a  villain .

   

22_Level 3

The Ministry of Education and Human Resources plans to introduce digital textbooks in phases starting from 2008. Under the plan, students will learn via Internet-ready laptops using such materials as digital textbooks, workbooks and dictionaries. The education ministry has been developing the system since 2002 and has tried it with 300 students at 14 different schools. The ministry plans to apply the digital learning method to fifth- and sixth-grade students in 20 elementary schools in 2008. The system will also be adopted for three subjects in middle school and two subjects in high school and expand to include 100 elementary, middle and high schools by 2012.

When the system is adopted, students will be able to use various functions provided online with just one click. Students are expected to benefit in many ways from the new system. For instance, students who are sick and unable to attend school can easily communicate with teachers through their computers at home. Students from low-income families or who live in rural areas will also be able to receive more educational opportunities. The education ministry said that the contents of the laptops can be easily updated. And by connecting the laptops to other databases, students can gain a wide array of information and knowledge.

Many are skeptical about the system, however, and doctors, in particular, are opposed. They argue that digital textbooks will not only worsen Internet addiction and vision but could prove harmful to a youngster’s mental health. Some education experts, meanwhile, pronounce digital textbooks are worse than paper textbooks for holding students’ interest. Students have also complained about the system. Since attending elementary school is compulsory, digital devices used there will be funded by the government. But expenses for middle- and high-school students, which will not be funded by the government, may become a heavy burden for some students. Ministry officials said the details would be discussed with related organizations and private businesses over the next several years to resolve the current problems.

Learning in a Digital WorldReading 05

Words : 331

1  Which of the following is true about the system?

(A)  Most of the subjects will be applied to the system from 2008.(B) The system is designed to support a limited number of schools.(C) The system will spread to more schools gradually.(D) Some of the subjects can not be adopted the system.

2  What does the word skeptical mean?

(A)  apathetic  (B) cynical(C) convinced  (D) unconcerned

3  The word compulsory may be replaced by

(A)  voluntary  (B) calculated(C)  illegitimate  (D) mandatory

Advanced

4  The plan has been tried at 14 different schools. We can assume then that

(A)   minor problems were  found  in  the system and  they  tried  to  test  it  in more schools.

(B)  the system was a failure and they are anxious to remedy the problems first.(C)  the system has been a success and they believe  it  is worth  implementing  in 

other schools.(D)   the system has some drawbacks and they are worried about complaints from 

education experts.

5  Which of the following is NOT a description for the Education Ministry’s plan?

(A)  controversial  (B)  innovative(C) conventional  (D) advanced

Basic

Reading 05_23

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24_Level 3

6  Select appropriate sentences  from the answer choices and match  them to  the different opinions about the system. Two of the answer choices will NOT be used.

Pros Cons

-   ⓑ

-   ⓕ

-   ⓐ

-   ⓓ

-   ⓖ

|  Answer Choices  |ⓐ   It might cause negative effects on the state of a student’s mind.ⓑ   It will make learning more convenient with many useful functions.ⓒ   More students won’t have to go to the school to attend the class.ⓓ   Students might end up spending more time on the Internet.ⓔ   It can provide students easy access to information that is prohibited.ⓕ   Students who are  far  away  from  large cities will  have more educational 

opportunities.ⓖ   It wouldn’t attract students’ attention as much as traditional materials.

“Are you in favor of or against digital learning?” Julie: I wouldn’t hesitate to say that I’m in favor of e-learning because I wouldn’t have to carry

several heavy books to school. James: I’m not quite sure why, but I feel more comfortable with paper textbooks. I don’t think

I would enjoy reading things on laptops. If I have to choose, I will say that I’m against digital learning.

State your opinion here. I’m in favor of (against) digital learning because

What do you think?

Are there really those who are night people and those who are day people, or is that simply a routine that can be changed? Scientists are conducting various studies designed to discover definitive answers to these questions and have come up with some very interesting results.

Approximately 80% of people are in the middle of the day/night spectrum. They only slightly favor one side or the other and might shift between the two according to circumstances. It is starting to look like the remaining 20% are what could be termed ‘extremes.’ Around 10% being extreme night people or ENP, and the other 10% extreme day people or EDP. The ENP do not achieve their top performance levels until around late afternoon, becoming very alert and productive around six in the evening. EDP are the complete opposite. They clearly get going in the morning and hit their peak around noon.

All of this is caused by what are called ‘circadian rhythms’ which is basically a 24-hour cycle that governs the transition from waking to sleeping and back again. If someone wants to increase their productivity then it is useful to determine with certainty where they are in this spectrum. But how do they do that? Circadian rhythm works by regulating body temperature and hormones. The two major hormones are ‘melatonin’ and ‘cortisol.’ The former increases just before it is time to sleep and the latter increase just before the first move back to consciousness. Body temperatures go down through the night, the core body heat at its lowest in the middle of the night, and increases to wake a person up. , when these chemical changes are occurring helps to determine whether someone is a night person or a day person. So by monitoring those changes scientists are able to determine a person’s natural tendencies.

In most people, , those tendencies are not static. They keep changing as people age and can also be affected by social changes. As people get older they require less sleep so they produce lower amounts of hormone. Travel and work affect how people experience the need for sleep. The demands of the university life are very different to the demands that most middle-aged adults deal with on a day to day basis. Ultimately people need to monitor themselves, how they feel and how well they perform. Working at night and sleeping late might work right now, but later it may just turn out to be exactly the reverse.

Night People and Day PeopleReading 06

Words : 414

Reading 06_25

(a)

(b)