Reading Comprehension

What is supposedly a remedy for onion induced crying?

Directions: Read the passage and answer the question that follows.

Let’s look at it from the point of view of the onion. An onion is perfectly polite to us until we start hacking at it with a knife. Alas, the act of cutting enlivens a gas, propanethiol S-oxide, which works in tandem with the enzymes in the onion to unleash a passive sulphur compound found within the onion.
The result: as you cut, the gas moves upwards and, combined with the water in your eyes, creates sulphuric acid.
Your eyes aren’t happy, even if you are, and react in the only way they know how when irritated by a foreign substance - they start tearing. Rubbing your eyes with your hands is about the worst way to alleviate the problem, since your hands are likely full of the tear - inducing agent too. We’ve heard all kinds of folk remedies for onion tears, ranging from rubbing the onion with lemon to wearing gloves as you cut to donning scuba diving masks while performing surgery. But we’re of the old school: no pain, no gain.

Why must have Oliver been embarrassed?

Directions: Read the passage and answer the question that follows.

When Oliver was born, he was such a little thing. He grew into a 45 kg dog, and despite his size, didn’t have a mean bone in his body. He looked strong and fierce to outsiders, but was gentle, clumsy and lovable with us.
When Oliver’s partner - in - crime, Tessa, passed away, he was downcast for a long time. So we decided to buy another dog and got Albert, a little Maltese - cross - Bichon Frise. I was very protective of Albert. As Oliver was so big, I worried he might sit on Albert and squash him.
Eventually we moved to the country, where Oliver and Albert had more freedom. They became the best of friends; I no longer worried about Oliver hurting Albert because he was so gentle and understanding. When we went out, Albert was allowed to come along. This confused Oliver, who couldn’t understand why he wasn’t allowed to sit in the car, too. Albert was allowed in the house, but because of his size, Oliver was not. He sat on the doorstep and watched from there.
One day we arrived home with Albert sitting in the front seat of the car. I opened the door and in jumped Oliver, who squashed on top of us. We all had a great laugh, and I’m sure Oliver was embarrassed.

What idiosyncrasy did Alan Devlin have?

Directions: Read the passage and answer the question that follows.

Marilyn Monroe
For a scene she was shooting for Some Like it Hot in 1959, Marilyn Monroe was supposed to enter a room, walk to a dressing table, rummage through the drawers, find a bottle of bourbon and ask for a drink. She messed up the line no fewer than 47 times in a row – still far from the famously forgetful movie star’s record of 82 takes.
“On the 46th take,” recalled director Billy Wilder, “I told her we had put the line on pieces of paper and they were in a drawer she would open.” Unfortunately, “she went to the wrong piece of furniture.”
Sir John Gielgud The distinguished British actor Sir John Gielgud was dining in a restaurant with a playwright when Gielgud spied someone he thought he recognised. “Did you see that man just coming in?” he asked his companion. “He’s the biggest bore in London, second only to Edward Knoblock.”
At that moment he remembered that Edward Knoblock was in fact the man sitting across from him. “Not you, of course,” Gielgud quickly added. “I mean the other Edward Knoblock.”
Alan Devlin Irish actor Alan Devlin was known for his habit of leaving the stage in a fit of pique in mid performance. On one such occasion, while appearing in HMS Pinafore at the Dublin Gaiety Theatre in 1987, he looked out at the audience and shouted, “I’m going home! Finish it yourself!”

What is the supposed approximate reduction in height after a full fledged marathaon?

Directions: Read the passage and answer the following question.

Nick, my partner, and Todd went way back. In their early 20s, they’d bonded over a mutual love of outdoor sport, riding mountain bikes, ripping into wild ocean swims, and pushing through exhausting triathlon courses, finishing drained but exuberant.
Now, a few years shy of 40, Nick was more accustomed to the comfort of a couch than a bike saddle. His running shoes were covered in mould. And his taste for competition had softened into appreciation for family life.
By contrast, Todd’s life had continued along the same athletic course. He took corporations all over the globe to trek mountains, ride across exotic countryside, and run marathons around the world.
During their reunion, Nick and Todd’s talks intensified and Nick’s eyes started flickering with ambition. On the way home he announced, “I’m going to run a marathon.” He had drawn key details from Todd about what to expect. A marathon pushes the human body to such extremes that the heart rate is elevated to maximum for up to five hours. The average runner finishes 2 cm shorter than they were when they began the race, as muscles deteriorate.
Even Olympians suffer. In order to complete a 42. 2 km course he needed “kilometres under his legs”. There is no shortcut to achieving this: he would have to train, train and train some more. Nick knew he was 10 kg (OK, maybe 15) above fighting weight. And because Todd had not sugar coated the reality – freely admitting to use of anti-inflammatories just to finish – he knew that a marathon hurt like hell.

What was Nick more used to now, at the age of 40?

Directions: Read the passage and answer the following question.

Nick, my partner, and Todd went way back. In their early 20s, they’d bonded over a mutual love of outdoor sport, riding mountain bikes, ripping into wild ocean swims, and pushing through exhausting triathlon courses, finishing drained but exuberant.
Now, a few years shy of 40, Nick was more accustomed to the comfort of a couch than a bike saddle. His running shoes were covered in mould. And his taste for competition had softened into appreciation for family life.
By contrast, Todd’s life had continued along the same athletic course. He took corporations all over the globe to trek mountains, ride across exotic countryside, and run marathons around the world.
During their reunion, Nick and Todd’s talks intensified and Nick’s eyes started flickering with ambition. On the way home he announced, “I’m going to run a marathon.” He had drawn key details from Todd about what to expect. A marathon pushes the human body to such extremes that the heart rate is elevated to maximum for up to five hours. The average runner finishes 2 cm shorter than they were when they began the race, as muscles deteriorate.
Even Olympians suffer. In order to complete a 42. 2 km course he needed “kilometres under his legs”. There is no shortcut to achieving this: he would have to train, train and train some more. Nick knew he was 10 kg (OK, maybe 15) above fighting weight. And because Todd had not sugar coated the reality – freely admitting to use of anti-inflammatories just to finish – he knew that a marathon hurt like hell.

What kind of inner mattress material changes according to the shape of the body as it reacts to body heat?

Directions: Read the passage and answer the following question.

The average person spends a third of their life asleep so investing in a good mattress and pillows makes sense. A quality mattress should be replaced every 10 to 12 years, depending on how well it’s cared for. Tip - Sleeping on an old mattress can cause neck, back and postural problems and poses a hygiene risk.
Choosing the best fit Identical or similar models are often sold under different names so the key to comparing them is knowing the difference between the types and taking time to test them.
To test, lie on the mattress for at least 10 minutes. It should be comfortable in a natural position. If too hard it puts pressure on shoulders and hips, too soft and it can lead to poor posture and pain.
Dr Chris Idzikowski of the Edinburgh Sleep Centre says the surface is the most important factor.
‘The more comfortable you feel the better the chance of a good sleep.’
Reputable stores offer up to six months’ trial period during which the mattress can be returned, but check details before buying.
Inside a mattress: Innerspring systems have 300 to 800 coils. The construction quality of the coils, not just the number, determines the support and longevity.
Latex is a good choice for allergy sufferers as it inhibits bacteria and fungi and is resistant to dust mites.
Memory foam is high-density foam that reacts to body heat, moulding to the shape of the body.
The surface material Padding and ticking most influence price and perceived luxury. Ticking is the outer cover and cheaper mattresses often use flat cotton. Others have quilted covers of linen, silk, cotton or wool fabric woven with patterns.

What is the preference of people who suffer from allergies?

Directions: Read the passage and answer the following question.

The average person spends a third of their life asleep so investing in a good mattress and pillows makes sense. A quality mattress should be replaced every 10 to 12 years, depending on how well it’s cared for. Tip - Sleeping on an old mattress can cause neck, back and postural problems and poses a hygiene risk.
Choosing the best fit Identical or similar models are often sold under different names so the key to comparing them is knowing the difference between the types and taking time to test them.
To test, lie on the mattress for at least 10 minutes. It should be comfortable in a natural position. If too hard it puts pressure on shoulders and hips, too soft and it can lead to poor posture and pain.
Dr Chris Idzikowski of the Edinburgh Sleep Centre says the surface is the most important factor.
‘The more comfortable you feel the better the chance of a good sleep.’
Reputable stores offer up to six months’ trial period during which the mattress can be returned, but check details before buying.
Inside a mattress: Innerspring systems have 300 to 800 coils. The construction quality of the coils, not just the number, determines the support and longevity.
Latex is a good choice for allergy sufferers as it inhibits bacteria and fungi and is resistant to dust mites.
Memory foam is high-density foam that reacts to body heat, moulding to the shape of the body.
The surface material Padding and ticking most influence price and perceived luxury. Ticking is the outer cover and cheaper mattresses often use flat cotton. Others have quilted covers of linen, silk, cotton or wool fabric woven with patterns.

What is the average life for a general good quality mattress?

Directions: Read the passage and answer the following question.

The average person spends a third of their life asleep so investing in a good mattress and pillows makes sense. A quality mattress should be replaced every 10 to 12 years, depending on how well it’s cared for. Tip - Sleeping on an old mattress can cause neck, back and postural problems and poses a hygiene risk.
Choosing the best fit Identical or similar models are often sold under different names so the key to comparing them is knowing the difference between the types and taking time to test them.
To test, lie on the mattress for at least 10 minutes. It should be comfortable in a natural position. If too hard it puts pressure on shoulders and hips, too soft and it can lead to poor posture and pain.
Dr Chris Idzikowski of the Edinburgh Sleep Centre says the surface is the most important factor.
‘The more comfortable you feel the better the chance of a good sleep.’
Reputable stores offer up to six months’ trial period during which the mattress can be returned, but check details before buying.
Inside a mattress: Innerspring systems have 300 to 800 coils. The construction quality of the coils, not just the number, determines the support and longevity.
Latex is a good choice for allergy sufferers as it inhibits bacteria and fungi and is resistant to dust mites.
Memory foam is high-density foam that reacts to body heat, moulding to the shape of the body.
The surface material Padding and ticking most influence price and perceived luxury. Ticking is the outer cover and cheaper mattresses often use flat cotton. Others have quilted covers of linen, silk, cotton or wool fabric woven with patterns.

‘His running shoes were covered in mould’...what does this line from the passage signify?

Directions: Read the passage and answer the following question.

Nick, my partner, and Todd went way back. In their early 20s, they’d bonded over a mutual love of outdoor sport, riding mountain bikes, ripping into wild ocean swims, and pushing through exhausting triathlon courses, finishing drained but exuberant.
Now, a few years shy of 40, Nick was more accustomed to the comfort of a couch than a bike saddle. His running shoes were covered in mould. And his taste for competition had softened into appreciation for family life.
By contrast, Todd’s life had continued along the same athletic course. He took corporations all over the globe to trek mountains, ride across exotic countryside, and run marathons around the world.
During their reunion, Nick and Todd’s talks intensified and Nick’s eyes started flickering with ambition. On the way home he announced, “I’m going to run a marathon.” He had drawn key details from Todd about what to expect. A marathon pushes the human body to such extremes that the heart rate is elevated to maximum for up to five hours. The average runner finishes 2 cm shorter than they were when they began the race, as muscles deteriorate.
Even Olympians suffer. In order to complete a 42. 2 km course he needed “kilometres under his legs”. There is no shortcut to achieving this: he would have to train, train and train some more. Nick knew he was 10 kg (OK, maybe 15) above fighting weight. And because Todd had not sugar coated the reality – freely admitting to use of anti-inflammatories just to finish – he knew that a marathon hurt like hell.

Why is the prolonged usage of allethrin in the insect repellents harmful?

Directions: Read the passage and answer the following question.

Many personal insect repellents contain DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-tolu-amide), which is a mosquito repellent but also a skin irritant as well as a neurotoxin. If you have to use a repellent containing DEET, choose one with minimal levels of the chemical, preferably less than 10 per cent, and use it only when you really need to, for example where mosquito-borne diseases, such as malaria, are prevalent.
Avoid repeated use and applying the repellent to broken skin. Be particularly cautious with children.
Look for DEET - free repellents containing herbal essential oils, such as citronella, lavender, lemon grass, pennyroyal and peppermint. You will need to apply these more often and they may not be as effective as DEET - based types, but they are safer for long - term use.
Many mosquito repellents contain allethrin, a synthetic pyrethroid that is a central nervous system stimulant. Prolonged use should be avoided, especially by children. Use allethrin - based products only outdoors. Safer alternatives are to burn a citronella candle outdoors and use screens and nets indoors.

Allethrin’s prolonged usage is especially damaging to

Directions: Read the passage and answer the following question.

Many personal insect repellents contain DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-tolu-amide), which is a mosquito repellent but also a skin irritant as well as a neurotoxin. If you have to use a repellent containing DEET, choose one with minimal levels of the chemical, preferably less than 10 per cent, and use it only when you really need to, for example where mosquito-borne diseases, such as malaria, are prevalent.
Avoid repeated use and applying the repellent to broken skin. Be particularly cautious with children.
Look for DEET - free repellents containing herbal essential oils, such as citronella, lavender, lemon grass, pennyroyal and peppermint. You will need to apply these more often and they may not be as effective as DEET - based types, but they are safer for long - term use.
Many mosquito repellents contain allethrin, a synthetic pyrethroid that is a central nervous system stimulant. Prolonged use should be avoided, especially by children. Use allethrin - based products only outdoors. Safer alternatives are to burn a citronella candle outdoors and use screens and nets indoors.

Which is a better alternative to DEET?

Directions: Read the passage and answer the following question.

Many personal insect repellents contain DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-tolu-amide), which is a mosquito repellent but also a skin irritant as well as a neurotoxin. If you have to use a repellent containing DEET, choose one with minimal levels of the chemical, preferably less than 10 per cent, and use it only when you really need to, for example where mosquito-borne diseases, such as malaria, are prevalent.
Avoid repeated use and applying the repellent to broken skin. Be particularly cautious with children.
Look for DEET - free repellents containing herbal essential oils, such as citronella, lavender, lemon grass, pennyroyal and peppermint. You will need to apply these more often and they may not be as effective as DEET - based types, but they are safer for long - term use.
Many mosquito repellents contain allethrin, a synthetic pyrethroid that is a central nervous system stimulant. Prolonged use should be avoided, especially by children. Use allethrin - based products only outdoors. Safer alternatives are to burn a citronella candle outdoors and use screens and nets indoors.

Who sent Rick a message in December 2004?

Directions: Read the passage and answer the question that follows. 

It was before dawn in California, and the always - restless Rick Warren was at work on his home computer, exchanging e-mails with some of the 250,000 pastors in his vast network around the world. Suddenly a message from a minister in Colombo, Sri Lanka, flashed up on his screen. “Rick, please pray for us,” he wrote on that December day in 2004. “We had a huge earthquake two minutes ago, and I’m sure a tidal wave is coming.”
Warren, founder of Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, California, did more than pray. He immediately had his staff contact church leaders in Thailand, Sri Lanka, Indonesia and India with a directive: “Head for high ground. There is a disaster.” The e-mails arrived before the tsunami hit. The following Sunday, he stood up at Saddleback and said, “Folks, we need to help these people who have gone through this tidal wave. Please give a little extra.” The donations that morning totalled US $ 1.6 million ($2.3 million), about US \$ 1 million more than the usual Sunday offering. Warren sent it to the churches in the stricken region; it paid for everything from fishing nets to boat repairs. When Hurricane Katrina drowned New Orleans nine months later, Warren raised \$ 2.5 million.
Saddleback, a mega church in the hills of affluent Orange County, is one of the few in the world with the members and the means to manage such generosity. But then, Warren is used to big numbers.
Some 83, 000 people worship at Saddleback, choosing from 28 church services on four campuses each week. Warren’s first book – The Purpose Driven Church, published in 1995 and aimed at pastors – has sold a million copies. In 2002 he released The Purpose Driven Life, which sold 30 million, making it one of the best - selling books of all time. He and his wife, Kay, give away 90% of their income to charity, much of it anonymously; in 2004, the last year the figures were made public, they donated nearly $20 million.

What reason did the specialist give for the vision problem that the author had?

Directions: Read the passage and answer the question that follows.

“What’s wrong?” asked my customer as I covered one eye, then the other, and stared at her in disbelief. “Your head is missing,” I said anxiously. I slumped on the stool behind the counter of my fashion boutique and placed my palm over my left eye. Sure enough, there was a large black area at the top of my vision in my right eye.
A phone call to an ophthalmologist’s office started the ball rolling and a dye test to look at the retina was performed that afternoon. That night I couldn’t sleep with worry, petrified that I might go blind. The eye specialist confirmed that there was damage to the retina and he wasn’t sure exactly what the cause was – a virus, perhaps? He stressed that it could happen again and cautioned me to keep my immune system strong. I was given a dose of antibiotics and told to rest.
That was in 1986. I was 36 years old, married with three children and working full time. While it didn’t take long for me to grow accustomed to my vision impairment, the shock of partially losing my sight made me rethink my life, and I left my marriage of 19 years. Moving to northern New South Wales in 1990 gave me the chance to experience living in a small community. Perhaps it was the pressure of a new job, a new relationship, and raising a family that took their toll, but by 1993 the vision in my right eye had become more cloudy and blurry. The specialist asked me if I’d ever been to the Wheat Belt in America, as the scars in my retina were similar to a disease from that area. I hadn’t, and so we remained in the dark about what was causing my loss of vision. But I did notice that I was often tired and found it an effort to keep my head upright. I wanted to sleep all the time.

Why did the author say: “Your head is missing,”?

Directions: Read the passage and answer the question that follows.

“What’s wrong?” asked my customer as I covered one eye, then the other, and stared at her in disbelief. “Your head is missing,” I said anxiously. I slumped on the stool behind the counter of my fashion boutique and placed my palm over my left eye. Sure enough, there was a large black area at the top of my vision in my right eye.
A phone call to an ophthalmologist’s office started the ball rolling and a dye test to look at the retina was performed that afternoon. That night I couldn’t sleep with worry, petrified that I might go blind. The eye specialist confirmed that there was damage to the retina and he wasn’t sure exactly what the cause was – a virus, perhaps? He stressed that it could happen again and cautioned me to keep my immune system strong. I was given a dose of antibiotics and told to rest.
That was in 1986. I was 36 years old, married with three children and working full time. While it didn’t take long for me to grow accustomed to my vision impairment, the shock of partially losing my sight made me rethink my life, and I left my marriage of 19 years. Moving to northern New South Wales in 1990 gave me the chance to experience living in a small community. Perhaps it was the pressure of a new job, a new relationship, and raising a family that took their toll, but by 1993 the vision in my right eye had become more cloudy and blurry. The specialist asked me if I’d ever been to the Wheat Belt in America, as the scars in my retina were similar to a disease from that area. I hadn’t, and so we remained in the dark about what was causing my loss of vision. But I did notice that I was often tired and found it an effort to keep my head upright. I wanted to sleep all the time.