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WorksheetsReading Practice - CEFR-B1
Total questions: 3
Worksheet time: 18mins
Elevators, telephones, televisions—crowds marveled at these scientific wonders when they were introduced. These inventions may now be used by millions of people on a daily basis, but once they were found exclusively at world’s fairs.
Early world’s fairs in the 1800s captivated audiences, exposing them to the latest ideas within distinctive and impressive structures. Significant examples are London’s Great Exhibition of 1851, housed within a “Crystal Palace,” a massive temporary glass building supported by a cast iron frame, and Chicago’s World’s Columbian Exposition of 1893 with its over two-hundred buildings and structures erected specifically for the fair in neoclassical architectural style, including fountains reminiscent of those in Rome.
These fairs served as educational forums, gathering people from around the globe to share new developments and witness progress. In the 1900s, with New York’s 1939–1940 fair themed “Building the World of Tomorrow,” world’s fairs took on a new role—that of addressing global issues. While technological advances remained an important feature of those events, audiences began to see world’s fairs as a means to support cross-cultural dialogue and the exchange of possible solutions to social and political conflict. In harmony with this purpose, the highly successful Expo 67, held in Montreal, Canada, featured the United Nations—an international organization whose stated mission is to achieve world peace—alongside the dozens of countries participating in the exhibition.
Today, many people communicate their opinions over the Internet, and this virtual world has largely reduced the need to meet as a group within one physical space. It has not, however, diminished the visceral desire to see the future with our own eyes and touch it with our hands, nor has it suppressed that social compulsion to exhibit our achievements. Thus, at Expo 2010 in Shanghai, China, people gathered once again to witness the unveiling of awe-inspiring machines. Perhaps one day they will become familiar to all of us.
According to the passage, what happened at early world’s fairs?
Popular products were sold.
Entertaining shows were performed.
Scientific theories were tested.
Technological advances were displayed.
Why does the author mention London’s 1851 and Chicago’s 1893 fairs in paragraph 2?
to illustrate the visual appeal of old fairs
to explain how world fair locations were chosen
to suggest that fairs attracted wealthy audiences
to show where some fair items were invented
In the second sentence of paragraph 2, what does the phrase reminiscent of mean?
similar to
visible in
relevant to
distant from
What is the purpose of paragraph 3?
to discuss the influence of technology on society
to describe a world issue in the 1900s
to contrast the popularity of different fairs
to introduce an additional aim of fairs
According to the passage, how was Expo 2010 similar to previous world’s fairs?
It made political issues evident.
It introduced new inventions.
It focused on entertainment.
It started a new social movement.
Turmeric’s Terrific Health Benefits
by Michael Jones
Turmeric is a bright yellow spice with a slightly bitter taste used to make both food and medicine. It adds flavor or color to foods such as mustard, butter, and cheese and is used widely in Indian cooking. It’s also found in many medicines and helps prevent certain diseases and health problems.
People have used this versatile spice for centuries. It’s sometimes taken to decrease stomach pain, or put on cuts and burns to make skin heal faster. It can strengthen the body’s immune system, which may prevent people from catching colds or getting the flu. Research has also shown that turmeric can reduce the risk of getting certain illnesses such as cancer, arthritis, and diabetes.
While not everyone enjoys the taste of turmeric by itself, it’s easy to integrate into one’s diet. Turmeric gives a tasty kick to soup, vegetables, meat, or rice dishes. There’s no doubt that its nutritional and health benefits make this spice something people should regularly incorporate into their meals.
What does the author mention about mustard?
It can get its color from turmeric.
It has a strong flavor.
It tastes similar to turmeric.
It is a popular ingredient.
In paragraph 2, why does the author mention centuries?
to state when research on turmeric began
to indicate how long people have worked with turmeric
to predict when the popularity of turmeric will decrease
to demonstrate that turmeric has long-lasting health benefits
Why does the author mention the flu?
to show some risks associated with turmeric
to give an example of turmeric in a medicine
to explain a benefit of turmeric
to demonstrate how fast turmeric works
How does the author feel about turmeric?
It is growing in worldwide popularity.
It is usually not effective.
It should be used frequently.
It is better as a medicine than a spice.
Centerville Cooks Present: Turmeric Time
Instructor: Noor Ali
Date and Time: Thursday, May 8 from 6–10 p.m.
Location: Centerville Community Center, Room 110
Students in this session will learn how to make a full vegetarian meal consisting of several dishes made with turmeric, the yellow spice that’s a key ingredient in many South Asian dishes. In addition, the many health benefits of this common spice will be introduced. Call our office at 555-7890 for more details or to register.
What is the main purpose of this text?
to introduce the benefits of a certain spice
to explain how to cook with a certain spice
to describe a class
to give cooking advice
