1. PASSAGE 1
A century ago average life expectancy in Europe was 45. Today, providing we look after ourselves, drive our cars carefully, and cut down on thinks like butter, alcohol and cigarettes, we can add nearly 30 years to that figure. But that is nothing compared to what will happen once scientists have cracked the secret of our genes.

2. Vocabulary & Language
1. Match the following words from the text with their synonyms or definitions.
1. cut down A. be responsible for
2. providing B. reduce consumption of
3. look after C. on condition that, as long as
4. life expectancy D. as soon as, when
5. once E. solve
6. crack F. the length of time that people are normally like to live; life span

3. Vocabulary & Language
2. Complete the following sentences with a suitable word from exercise 1.
You may have to change word form.
1- When people _________________ on tobacco, they often start eating too many sweets and put on weight.
2- Women have a longer _________________ than men.
3- _________________ she arrives, we can start.
4- Detergent cannot harm a fabric _________________ it has been properly dissolved.
5- He has _________________ one of the crucial problems.
6- You may have a dog provided that _________________it yourself.

4. Understanding 1. According to the passage, …………………
A. everybody can now expect to live to the age of 75
B. man used to live longer in the last century
C. average life expectancy is increasing in developed countries
D. a person’s excess use of butter may cause a decrease in his longevity
E. we should lose weight to stay healthy

5. Understanding
2. The writer suggests that one can live longer on condition that…………………….
A. takes plenty of exercise
B. takes certain precautions
C. consumes excessive alcohol
D. lives in Europe
E. leads a happy life

6. Understanding
3. We imply from the passage that when the secret of our genes has been solved ………...
A. people will be living to an incredible age
B. some fatal diseases will be eradicated
C. our general health will improve
D. average life expectancy will decrease surprisingly
E. living standards will also increase

7. PASSAGE 3
Stress is a perfectly natural part of living. Crossing a road, going to a party, driving a car, these are all stressful activities. We live in a fast moving age, so we must learn how to relax properly. Here are some of the most common symptoms of stress: sleeping badly, poor appetite or overeating, drinking too much alcohol, difficulty in concentrating. Long-term stress is associated with high blood pressure, headaches and heart disease. But how do you deal with these problems? First, take up a hobby, if possible an active outdoor activity. You won’t worry about your problems when you are concentrating on a hobby that really interests you. You must take plenty of exercise. This will keep you fit and should also help you to sleep better. Exercise, combined with a healthy diet, will also help you to keep your weight at the right level. And finally, don’t forget that laughter is the best medicine.

8. Vocabulary & Language
1. Match the following words from the text with their synonyms or definitions.
1- age A. a desire or wish esp. for food
2- symptom B. handle; tackle; solve
3- appetite C. cause sb to have a feeling of interest
4- associated with D. a particular period in history
5- deal with E. begin to practice
6- take up F. physically healthy and strong
7. interest G. connected with
8. fit H. a noticeable sign of disease; indication

9. Understanding
1. According to the passage, high blood pressures and heart disease are ………………
A. inevitable in a fast moving age
B. due to overeating
C. a result of long-term stress
D. the biggest killers
E. the most common causes of death

10. Understanding 2. Stress might be connected with …………….
A. low blood pressure
B. dietary factors
C. wrong therapy
D. spending much time watching TV
E. taking up a new hobby

11. Understanding 3. It is clear from the passage that ………………
A. there are some physiological changes that occur under stress
B. stress may lead to a decreased interest in your health
C. it is very difficult to change lifetime dietary habits
D. stress is a natural phenomenon and can be reduced with some effort
E. all individuals should be encouraged to be mentally active