reading test 1

Question 1: The word 'wellderly' in the second paragraph refers to ........

• A. elderly people who are over 100 years old.
• B. elderly people over 80 with no long-lasting diseases.
• C. elderly people over 80 who have never taken any medication.
• D. elderly people living in some particular places.

Question 2: According to the article, ........

• A. people have been reaching the age of 100 for decades.
• B. there are very few people over 80 who are healthy.
• C. people could live to be 120 in the future.
• D. there are more people now living up to 120 years old.

Question 3: According to the article, ........

• A. the number of healthy old people is growing.
• B. certain illnesses such as high blood pressure need no medication.
• C. chronic diseases are not to be expected in elderly people.
• D. it is impossible for people with chronic diseases to live up to 100 years old.

Question 4: In certain parts of Italy and Japan, ........

• A. the majority of elderly people are not in good health.
• B. about eight percent of people are over 100.
• C. healthy elderly inhabitants are the norm.
• D. old people are actively taking part in research activities.

Question 5: Research in Italy and Japan has shown that ........

• A. old people tend to believe their age is due to what they eat.
• B. most people can’t explain what the secret to a long life is.
• C. there are many different factors influencing old age.
• D. a sense of belonging to a community is the secret to old age.

Question 6: The word 'centenarians' in the third paragraph is closest in meaning to ........

• A. places where people live.
• B. people who are very old.
• C. people who do not smoke.
• D. people who only eat fruits and vegetables.

Question 7: Some researchers ........

• A. have found a gene that is largely responsible for old age.
• B. have linked people’s lifestyle to their genes.
• C. doubt that diet is the key to old age.
• D. think that environmental factors are more important for achieving old age.

Question 8: Laron syndrome is a genetic condition which .......

• A. affects people in a number of ways.
• B. only affects groups in Ecuador and Hawaii.
• C. affects everyone in a family.
• D. benefits men more than women.

Question 9: Laron syndrome is interesting to scientists because ........

• A. it explains why some people don’t grow tall.
• B. it suggests that there is a genetic reason for old age.
• C. it only affects men.
• D. it doesn’t affect European people.

Question 10: Research into families in Calabria ........

• A. doesn’t support the idea of a genetic basis for old age.
• B. found that more women lived to old age than men.
• C. showed unexpected old age patterns.
• D. revealed unusual environmental factors in the 19th century.