B1 Reading Practice Test 3

Zeynep had never been a keen runner. At school she was usually the last one to finish the lap around the football pitch. So everybody was surprised when she announced that she was going to run in a ten-kilometre fun run in Izmir. "What made you decide that?" her father asked. "My cousin did it last year, and she said it changed how she felt about herself," Zeynep replied. "Besides, if I don't try, I'll never know what I can do." For two months she trained three times a week, usually early in the morning before school. At first, she could only run for five minutes without stopping, and her legs ached. However, she kept going, and her father often ran beside her to keep her company. Gradually she got stronger. On the day of the run, the streets by the sea were full of people wearing bright T-shirts. Zeynep felt nervous at the start line. By the seventh kilometre she was exhausted, and she nearly stopped. Then she heard a stranger at the side of the road shouting, "Keep going, you're nearly there!" She crossed the finish line in just over an hour. It wasn't a fast time, but she didn't mind. She had finished, and that was all that mattered.

Many teenagers think that sleep is a waste of time, especially during exams or on a weekend with friends. However, scientists have shown that sleep is just as important as food and exercise. While we sleep, our brains are busy. They sort the information we have learned during the day and store the important parts in our long-term memory. That is why students who sleep well after studying often remember more than those who stay up all night. Sleep also helps the body. During deep sleep, the body repairs muscles and strengthens the immune system, which fights illness. How much sleep do we need? It depends on age. Primary-school children need about nine to twelve hours, teenagers need eight to ten, and most adults need seven to nine. Many teenagers actually get less than they need, partly because their body clocks change at that age, so they feel awake later in the evening. There are simple ways to sleep better. Go to bed at the same time every night, and switch off screens an hour before bed, because the bright light can make it harder to fall asleep. If your room is quiet, dark and cool, you will probably drift off more easily.

Defne: Right, Ece's birthday is next Saturday. Shall we plan something? Kaan: Definitely! But she told me she doesn't want a big party. Defne: Then let's make it a small surprise. Only close friends. Melis: What about a picnic by the lake? If it rains, we could go to Tolga's place instead. Tolga: Fine with me, but my little brother will be at home. He might spoil the surprise! Melis: Ha ha. Then let's hope for good weather and bring a cake to the park. Kaan: I can bake it. I've made a chocolate one before, and it turned out really well. Defne: Brilliant. Tolga, could you bring some drinks and cups? Tolga: Sure. And I'll ask her mum to bring Ece to the lake at three o'clock. She can say they're going for a walk. Defne: Perfect! Melis, can you make a card and get everyone to sign it? Melis: Already working on it. I'll pass it round at school on Monday. Kaan: Remember, nobody must say a word to Ece! Defne: We promise. See you on Saturday!