The virtues of chicken soup and taking time out

Adapted from an article by Jane Alexander on telegraph.co.uk ,17 Feb 2010

I. Are the statements TRUE (T) or FALSE (F) based on the information in the text below? (6marks)

We seem to suffer from a cold for months nowadays. Is it just the nature of modern illness, or are we missing a vital part of recovery – resting?

A potent virus completely takes away a person's strength, joy and ability to cope with the ordinary demands of everyday life. We need to stay at home in bed for a while following an assault on the system and yet often we don't allow ourselves the time needed for recovery.

  1. These days we do not recover from an illness quickly.
  2. The article suggests that we do everything to get better when we are ill.
  3. When we are ill we feel stronger.
  4. An illness is always an attack on the body.
  5. We don’t rest as much as we should when we are ill.
  6. People didn’t use to die of flu.

II. Answer the questions based on the information in the text. (9 marks)

In the past a dose of flu was potentially fatal and as such was regarded with proper respect by anyone unfortunate enough to catch it. Mothers knew how to nurse their children and people had a few home remedies for such occasions. Caution was taken not to chill the patient with draughts, while providing enough fresh air and sunlight to the sick room to speed recovery. Nourishing soups were drunk during long periods of recovery.

Getting plenty of rest is probably the single most important factor for a quicker recovery, but this doesn't mean complete vegetation. Too much sleep can actually hinder recovery because long periods of inactivity slow down all the processes of the body, including regeneration. So it's important to include some simple exercise regimes that do not tax the body.

The idea of staying at home may seem insane, but in the long run it could end up saving time and help productivity. You will return to full health plus you won't pass on your virus to co-workers and strangers.

  1. In the past, what was people’s attitude towards illnesses?
  2. What did mothers use to know in the past?
  3. How did people use to cure illnesses?
  4. What is the best thing to do to speed up recovery?
  5. What were the two things that were let into the room of an ill person?
  6. What happens when somebody doesn’t move for a long time?
  7. What kind of exercises should be done when somebody is ill?
  8. What can be the effects of resting at home?
  9. Who are likely to catch your cold, if you don’t stay at home?

III. Fill in the gaps with the appropriate words. Use one word only to fill in each gap. (11 marks)

The art ______recovery

  • Food ______be light, nourishing ______nutritious. Soups ______easily digested and the power ______chicken soup isn't an old wives' tale. Add spices ______they have antimicrobial qualities.
  • Drink plenty of fluids: water; isotonic drinks; herbal teas______as thyme, ginger, mint ______cinnamon.
  • Take antiviral herbs that might ______put you back on your feet
  • Do ______gentle exercise. Walking ______yoga are ideal.



This is the end of the test.

Check your answers with the help of the key and count your marks.



KEY:

I

T / F / F / T / T / F / F

II.

  1. they regarded them with respect
  2. how to nurse their child
  3. by home remedies
  4. to have plenty of rest
  5. fresh air and sunlight
  6. the processes of their body slow down
  7. easy exercises
  8. it can save time and productivity
  9. coworkers and strangers

III

of /should /and /are / of/ as / such / and / help / some / and



If you scored 21 marks or more: FIRST CLASS PASS! Excellent job, your English is great! Now don’t neglect your foreign language skills.

If you scored 16 marks or more: CONGRATULATIONS! You have passed the exam!

If you scored less than 16 marks: don’t worry, it only takes a little more practice!

A tanulókártyák a szótárfüzet feletti görnyedést váltják fel. A velük való tanulás megfelel modern életritmusunknak és az agy működésének. Próbáld ki!