Part I Reading Comprehension (50 points)

Directions: There are five passages in this part. Each passage is followed by four questions or unfinished statements. For each of them there are four choices marked A, B, C and D. Choose the best one and mark your answer on the ANSWER SHEET.

Passage One

Questions 1 to 4 are based on the following passage.

The human brain is a marvel of nature. It is the most complex and sophisticated organ in the body, and it is responsible for everything we think, feel, and do. Despite its importance, however, we still know very little about how the brain works. Researchers have made great strides in recent years, but there is still much we don’t understand.

One of the biggest mysteries is how the brain creates consciousness. Consciousness is the state of being aware of one’s surroundings and one’s own thoughts and feelings. It is what allows us to experience the world around us and to interact with it. Yet despite its importance, we have no idea how the brain produces it.

Another mystery is how the brain stores and retrieves memories. Memories are the building blocks of our identity, and they allow us to learn from our experiences and to plan for the future. Yet we still don’t know how the brain stores memories, or how it retrieves them when we need them.

Despite these mysteries, there is much we do know about the brain. We know, for example, that it is made up of billions of neurons, which are specialized cells that transmit information throughout the brain and body. We also know that different parts of the brain are responsible for different functions, such as vision, hearing, movement, and language.

1. What is the main topic of the passage?
A. The mysteries of the human brain.
B. The complexity of the human brain.
C. The importance of the human brain.
D. The functions of different parts of the human brain.

2. What is consciousness?
A. The ability to learn from experiences.
B. The ability to plan for the future.
C. The state of being aware of one’s surroundings and one’s own thoughts and feelings.
D. The ability to interact with the world around us.

3. What is the function of neurons?
A. To store and retrieve memories.
B. To transmit information throughout the brain and body.
C. To allow us to experience the world around us.
D. To plan for the future.

4. What do we still not understand about the brain?
A. How it creates consciousness.
B. How it stores and retrieves memories.
C. How it transmits information throughout the brain and body.
D. How it allows us to experience the world around us.

Passage Two

Questions 5 to 8 are based on the following passage.

The human body is a complex machine, and it requires a lot of energy to keep it running. We get this energy from the food we eat, which is broken down by our digestive system into a form that our body can use. This process is known as metabolism.

Metabolism is the set of chemical reactions that occur in the body to maintain life. It is a complex process that involves many different enzymes, hormones, and other molecules. There are two types of metabolism: catabolism and anabolism.

Catabolism is the process by which the body breaks down complex molecules into simpler ones, releasing energy in the process. This is the process that occurs when we digest food. Anabolism, on the other hand, is the process by which the body builds complex molecules from simpler ones, using energy in the process. This is the process that occurs when we build muscle or repair tissue.

Metabolism is affected by many factors, including age, gender, genetics, and lifestyle. For example, as we age, our metabolism slows down, which can lead to weight gain and other health problems. Similarly, men tend to have a faster metabolism than women, which is why they can eat more without gaining weight. Genetics also play a role in metabolism, as some people are naturally predisposed to have a faster or slower metabolism than others. Finally, lifestyle factors such as diet and exercise can also affect metabolism.

5. What is metabolism?
A. The process by which the body breaks down complex molecules into simpler ones.
B. The process by which the body builds complex molecules from simpler ones.
C. The set of chemical reactions that occur in the body to maintain life.
D. The process by which the body uses energy to keep itself running.

6. What is catabolism?
A. The process by which the body breaks down complex molecules into simpler ones, releasing energy in the process.
B. The process by which the body builds complex molecules from simpler ones, using energy in the process.
C. The process by which the body uses energy to keep itself running.
D. The process by which the body repairs tissue.

7. How does metabolism change with age?
A. It speeds up.
B. It slows down.
C. It stays the same.
D. It becomes more efficient.

8. What role do lifestyle factors play in metabolism?
A. They have no effect on metabolism.
B. They can speed up metabolism.
C. They can slow down metabolism.
D. They can make metabolism more efficient.

Passage Three

Questions 9 to 12 are based on the following passage.

The immune system is the body’s defense against infection and disease. It is made up of a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to protect the body from harmful invaders such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites.

The immune system has two main types of responses: innate and adaptive. Innate immunity is the first line of defense and involves a rapid, non-specific response to any invading pathogen. It includes physical barriers such as the skin and mucous membranes, as well as cells such as neutrophils and macrophages that can quickly engulf and destroy invading pathogens.

Adaptive immunity, on the other hand, is a slower, more specific response that develops over time as the body is exposed to different pathogens. It involves the production of antibodies, which are proteins that can recognize and bind to specific pathogens, and the activation of immune cells such as T cells and B cells that can destroy the pathogen.

The immune system is a finely tuned system, and when it is working properly, it can effectively protect the body from infection and disease. However, when it malfunctions, it can lead to a variety of illnesses, including autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.

9. What is the immune system?
A. The body’s defense against infection and disease.
B. The body’s system for breaking down food.
C. The body’s system for producing energy.
D. The body’s system for regulating temperature.

10. What is innate immunity?
A. A slower, more specific response that develops over time as the body is exposed to different pathogens.
B. A rapid, non-specific response to any invading pathogen.
C. The production of antibodies that can recognize and bind to specific pathogens.
D. The activation of immune cells that can destroy the pathogen.

11. What is adaptive immunity?
A. A slower, more specific response that develops over time as the body is exposed to different pathogens.
B. A rapid, non-specific response to any invading pathogen.
C. The production of antibodies that can recognize and bind to specific pathogens.
D. The activation of immune cells that can destroy the pathogen.

12. What can happen when the immune system malfunctions?
A. It can lead to weight gain.
B. It can lead to autoimmune diseases.
C. It can lead to heart disease.
D. It can lead to cancer.

Passage Four

Questions 13 to 16 are based on the following passage.

Sleep is an essential part of life, and it is something that we all need in order to function properly. During sleep, the body repairs itself and the brain consolidates memories and processes information. However, many people struggle to get enough sleep, and this can have serious consequences for their health and well-being.

One of the biggest problems with sleep deprivation is that it can affect our cognitive abilities. When we don’t get enough sleep, we may have trouble concentrating, making decisions, and solving problems. We may also experience memory problems and have difficulty learning new information.

Sleep deprivation can also have physical effects on the body. It can weaken the immune system, making us more susceptible to infections and illnesses. It can also lead to weight gain, as it can affect the hormones that regulate appetite and metabolism. In addition, it can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and other chronic health problems.

To get enough sleep, it is important to establish good sleep habits. This includes going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, avoiding caffeine and alcohol before bedtime, and creating a comfortable sleep environment.

13. What is sleep?
A. A time when the body repairs itself and the brain consolidates memories and processes information.
B. A time when the body breaks down food.
C. A time when the body produces energy.
D. A time when the body regulates temperature.

14. What are some cognitive effects of sleep deprivation?
A. Trouble concentrating, memory problems, and difficulty learning new information.
B. Weight gain, weakened immune system, and increased risk of chronic health problems.
C. Increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
D. None of the above.

15. What are some physical effects of sleep deprivation?
A. Trouble concentrating, memory problems, and difficulty learning new information.
B. Weight gain, weakened immune system, and increased risk of chronic health problems.
C. Increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes.
D. None of the above.

16. What are some good sleep habits?
A. Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day, avoiding caffeine and alcohol before bedtime, and creating a comfortable sleep environment.
B. Eating a big meal before bedtime, watching TV in bed, and sleeping in on weekends.
C. Drinking caffeine before bedtime, sleeping with the lights on, and sleeping in a noisy environment.
D. None of the above.

Passage Five

Questions 17 to 20 are based on the following passage.

Stress is a natural part of life, and it is something that we all experience from time to time. However, when stress becomes chronic, it can have serious consequences for our health and well-being.

Chronic stress can affect both our physical and mental health. It can lead to a weakened immune system, making us more susceptible to infections and illnesses. It can also increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other chronic health problems. In addition, it can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.

To manage stress, it is important to identify the sources of stress in our lives and to develop strategies for coping with them. This may include practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and meditation, engaging in regular exercise, getting enough sleep, and seeking support from friends and family.

17. What is stress?
A. A natural part of life that we all experience from time to time.
B. A chronic condition that affects our physical and mental health.
C. A disease that can be cured with medication.
D. None of the above.

18. What are some physical effects of chronic stress?
A. Weakened immune system, increased risk of heart disease, and other chronic health problems.
B. Anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues.
C. None of the above.
D. Both A and B.

19. What are some strategies for managing stress?
A. Practicing relaxation techniques, engaging in regular exercise, getting enough sleep, and seeking support from friends and family.
B. Drinking alcohol, smoking cigarettes, and taking drugs.
C. Eating junk food, watching TV, and avoiding social interactions.
D. None of the above.

20. Why is it important to manage stress?
A. Because stress is a natural part of life.
B. Because chronic stress can have serious consequences for our health and well-being.
C. Because stress is a disease that can be cured with medication.
D. None of the above.