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130
 In this You will discuss what you think of as old age. Sixty? Seventy?
Eighty? The first reading selection is about some places in the
CHAPTER
world where eighty-year-olds still have many years ahead of
them. You will read about where these people live and ideas on
why they live so long. ln the second reading selection, you will
learn about some exciting technological changes and trends in
modern medicine. You will also learn about some theories on
the causes and cures of certain diseases.

Connecting to the Topic

@ loot< at the photo. What is this grandfather doing with his grandsons?
What do you think his secret is to a long and healthy life?

@ Would you want to live to be over 100 years old or older?

Why? Why not?

@ frting nutritiously is important for good health. What are five other
things people can do to stay healthy?
PABT
1 Reading Skills and Strategies

The Secrets of a VerY Long Life

L What is the relationship of the two people? What are they doing?
2. Describe the lifestyle of the couple. what do they probably do all day?
Do you think they are healthy? Why or why not?
3. Do you know any very old people? Do they have any "secrets" of a long life?

r An elderly couple kayaking

1. What places in the world are famous for people who live a very long time?

2. What is the environment like in places where people live a long time?
3. What kind of diet do you think people in these places have?

132 CHAPTER 7
o Previewing Vocabulary Read the vocabulary items below from the first
reading. Then listen to the words and phrases. Put a check mark( ,/) next to the
words you know. You can learn the other words now or come back to them after
you read.

Nouns Adjectives Connectors

E altitude I streams I active I as a result
E an average I stress I available I furthermore
E benefits I theories I different f however
E claims t validity I famous I in addition
ffi disease E long-lived ! moreover
3 environment Verbs I moderate I nevertheless
E inhabitants I consume I unpolluted I therefore
* longevity I cure r valid I thus
G populations I prevent
E preservatives I solve
I theorize

@ Reading an Article Read the following article. Then do the activities

that follow.

The Secrets of a V.ry Long Life

lntroduction
There are several places in the world that are famous for people who
live a very long time. These places are usually in mountainous areas, far
away from modern cities. Even so, doctors, scientists, and public health
experts often travel to these regions to solve the mystery of a long, healthy
life. In this way, the experts hope to bring to the modern world the secrets
of longevity.

Hunza in the Himalayan Mountains

H,tnza is at a very high altitude in the Himalayan Mountains of Asia.
There, many people over 100 years of age are still in good physical health.
Additionally, men of 90 are new fathers, and women of 50 still have babies.
What are the reasons for this good health? Scientists believe that the people 10

of Hunza have these three main advantages or benefits: (1) a healthful,

unpolluted environment with clean air and water; (2) a simple diet high in
vitamins, fiber, and nutrition but low in fat, cholesterol, sugar, and unnatural
chemicals; and (3) physical work and other activities, usually in the fields or
with animals. 15

133
 The Russian Caucasians and Vilcabamba
c People in the Caucasus Mountains in Russia are also famous for their
longevity. Official birth records were not available, but the community says
a woman called turba lived until age 760.
Similarly, a man called Shirali probably lived
until 168; moreover, his widow was L20 years
old. In general, the people not only live a long
time, but they also live well. In other words,
they are almost never sick. Furthermore, when
they die, they not only have their own teeth
but also a full head of hair, and good eyesight
too. Vilcabamba, Ecuador, is another area
famous for the longevity of its inhabitants.
This mountain region like H:lnza and the
Caucasus
-
is also at a very high altitude,
-
far away from cities. In Vilcabamba, too,
there is very little serious disease. One reason
for the good health of the people might be
the clean, beautiful environment; another
advantage is the moderate climate. The
temperature is about 70o Fahrenheit all year
I., long; furthermore, the wind always comes
r An inhabitant of the Caucasus mountains from the same direction. In addition, the water
comes from mountain streams and is high
in minerals: perhaps as a result of this valuable resource, the region is rich
in flowers, fruits, vegetables, and wildlife. 40

Differences in the Diets of People with Unusual Longevity

o In some ways, the diets of the inhabitants in the three regions are quite
different. Hunzukuts eat mainly raw vegetables, fruit (especially apricots), and
chapatis a kind of pancake; they eat meat only a few times ayelr.In contrast,
-
the Caucasian diet consists mainly of milk, cheese, vegetables, fruit, and meat.
In Vilcabamba, people eat only a small amount of meat each week; their diet 45

consists mostly of grain, corn, beans, potatoes, and fruit. Even so, exPerts found
one surprising fact in the mountains of Ecuador: most people there, even the
very old, consume a lot of coffee and smoke 40 to 60 cigarettes daily!

Similarities in Diet
e However, the typical diets of the three areas are similar in three general
ways: (1) The fruits and vegetables are all natural; that is, they contain no
preservatives or other chemicals. (2) Furthermore, the population uses
traditional herbs and medicines to prevent and cure disease. (3) The
inhabitants consume fewer calories than people do in other parts of the world.
A typical North American eats and drinks znaverage of 3,300 calories every
day, while a typical inhabitant of these mountainous areas takes in between
1,700 and 2,000 calories.

r34 gMFJEH
Other Possible Reasons for Healthy Longevity
Inhabitants in the three regions have more in common than their mountain
environment, their distance from modern cities, and their low-calorie
natural diets. Because they live in the countryside and are mostly farmers,
their lives are physically hard and extremely active. Therefore, they do not
need to try to exercise. In addition, the population does not seem to have
the stress of fast city work and recreation. As a result, people's lives are
relatively free from worry and therefore, illness or other health problems.
Thus, some experts believe - that physical movement and a stress-free
environment might be the two most important secrets of longevity. At
additional health advantage of life in these long-lived communities may
be the extended family structure: the group takes care of its members from
birth to death.

The Validity of Longevity Claims

Nevertheless, some doctors theorize that members of especially longJived
populations have only one thing in common: they don't have valid official
government birth records. These health scientists think there is a natural
limit to the length of human life; in their theories, it is impossible to reach
an age of more than 110 years or so. Therefore, they say, claims of unusual
longevity in certain groups are probably false.

Strategy
Recognizing Reading Structure Using a Mind Map
You can organize the topics and main ideas of a reading by using a mind map.
It can be used to review and recall material.

r A mind map shows the relationship of the topics, main ideas, and
suppofting details.
o The main topic is placed in the center of the map.
. The most general parts of the reading can appear in big circles connected to the
central topics.
. The main idea for each paragraph can appear in smaller circles connected to these
general parts.
o Supporling details are connected to the main ideas.
. You can use color to help organize the material.

Health 135
 @ R""ognizing Reading Structure Using a Mind Map Look at the
example of a mind map for the material in Paragraph B of the reading "The Secrets
of a Very Long Life." Then answer the questions that follow the mind map below.

A Mind Map of Paragraph B

Reasons

2. New fathers
at 90

2. A simple The good health

nutritious diet ofthe Hunzukuts

o vitamins l. Unusual
. fiber longevity
. low fat and cholesterol
r not much sugar --\
. low in unnatural chemicals /-
( e.Women give
birth at 50

L What is the main topic of the diagram? (the title).

2. What are the two general divisions?

2.77easons

3. What are the three examples given?

4. How many main reasons are there for the good health of the people of Hunza?

What are these reasons?

136 CHAPTER 7
 5. What are two characteristics or elements of an unpolluted environment?

6. How many characteristics of a simple nutritious diet are there in the diagram?

List three of them:

7. "In the fields" and "with animals" are two details of what reason for good health?

@ Completing a Mind Map Head and comptete the mind map below about
"The Secrets of a Very Long Life." Choose your answers from the phrases in the
box on page 138. Then answer the question about the main idea.

A Mind Map of "The Secrets of a Very Long Life"

1. Caucasian diet: milk, cheese,

1. Places whei re people vegetables, fruit, meat, red wine
live a long tirne

3
Hunza
(Himalayan
/t\
\. Mountai /\
The Secrets of a
v6rul^h-lir6
Differences
) -/
\
3. Other possible causes
2. Diets of the
3 reoions
"/

'l
. Mountain environment away 4. Dis bel ief in claims Similarities
from modern cities

2.
abor rt l<:noevitv

? 1. All natural food

- no chemicals
3. or preservatives
2.
4.
a natural limit
to human life 3.

Health 137
 Hunzukut diet: raw vegetables,
fruil, chapatis coffee, cigarettes
The Caucasus Mountains in Russia no valid birth certificates
fewer calories hard physical activity
stress-free lives extended family structure
Vilcabamba, Ecuador traditional herbs as medicine

Answer the question.

What is the main (the most general) topic of the reading?

@ plr..t in the world where people live a long time
@ so-" possible secrets of the mystery of longevity
@ , comparison of the health of people in the Caucasus Mountains
and Ecuador

@ the typical diet of the inhabitants of mountain regions

@ Und"r=tanding the Main ldea Finish the main-idea question about the
reading selection "The secrets of a very Long Life." Then in the paragraph that
follows, change the underlined words so that the paragraph answers the question

Main-idea question:
Wby do people in some areas o1[the zoorld

According to health specialists that longevity, there are no possible

modern worries. Second, the physical environment makes no difference:

: long-lived people seem to eat mostly foods high in

138 CHAPTER 7
I Strategy
Becognizing Supporting Details After Punctuation,
Numbers, and Connecting Words
Punctuation, numbers, and connecting words can show the relationship of main
rdeas to supporting details They also show the relationship of general points to
more specific ones.

. A colon (:) before a list often indicates the relationship of the following
matenal to the previous point.

r Numbers in parentheses within a paragraph, like (1), (2), and so on, come
before separate items that all relate to the same main point

. Connecting words and phrases also give clues to the relationships among points
The ph rase for instance means lhat the following sentence part will give instances,
or examples, of a previous statement.

. There are connecting words such as andor furth ermore lhal show addition.
They introduce similar facts or concepts or give additional evidence or arguments

. Some connecting words, such as butor however, mean that differences,

opposites, or contradictions will follow. Still other vocabulary of this kind indicates
causes, reasons, or results Examples include thus and therefore

Bead the commonly used connecting adverbs and phrases below

or
Addition or
Contrast Gauses, Beasons,
Similarity Contradiction or Hesult

and but thus

also whrle therefore
too instead for this reason
in addition even so as a result
additionally however because of this
furthermore nevertheless
moreover in contrast
in the same way on the other hand
similarly

@ Recognizing Supporting Details After Punctuation, Numbers,

and Connecting Words Use punctuation clues, numbers in parentheses, and
connecting words to help you find the answers to these questions. You will find the
answers in the reading selection "The Secrets of a Very Long Life." On the lines,
write the answers in your own words.

Health .l39
 t. High mountain regions where people live to a very old age are far away from
modern cities. For what two reasons might medical scientists and health
specialists travel there?

2. According to scientists, what are three reasons for the good physical health of
the people of Hunza?

3. Who were two people similar in their longevity to the Caucasian

woman Ti;urba?

4. In what ways do the people of the Caucasian region live well even in old age?

5. What are four or five healthful elements or features of the environment in

Vilcabamba, Ecuador?

6. In what three general ways are the diets of inhabitants of the Hunza, the
Caucasus, and Vilcabamba similar?

7. In addition to diet, what are three other possible reasons for the healthy
longevity of the populations discussed in the reading?

8. Why don't all doctors believe the longevity claims of these groups of people?

140 CHAPTER 7
 o Discussing the Reading
following questions.
ln groups of three, talk about your answers to the

l. Do you believe that the people discussed in the reading selection reallylived
to over 150 years of age? Why or why not?
2. Do you hope or plan to live to a very old age? Why or why not?
3. Can you suggest any other things that might lead to a long, healthy old age?

P^Rr 2 Reading Skills and Strategies

Claims to Amazing Health

Before You Read

Q Previewing Vocabulary Read the vocabulary items below from the next reading.
Then listen to the words and phrases. Put a check mark (.,/) next to the words you
know. You can learn the other words now or come back to them after you read.

Nouns Verbs Adjectives

I advice I folk medicine I color I accurate
I bacteria I genes I correct I dishonest
E birth defects I geneticists # determine r elderly
E characteristics X joints I oppose I fraudulent
E cherryjuice I length I recommend I genetic
I combination E parasites I take I proven
I cure I patients advantage of I sour
E damage I physiologist
I decisions I senior citizens Connector
E engineering I specialists I as opposed to
I viruses

@ Und"r"tanding Facts and Opinions With a topic like healthcare or

medicine, personal beliefs may contradict proven scientific fact. ln fact, a definition
of the word fact might be "reality as opposed to opinion."

Following are four readings on the general topic of "Claims to Amazing Health. "
They tell the views of some healthcare and medical experts; all of these opinions
come from a combination of proven fact and personal belief.

Skim each paragraph. Then answer the question above each paragraph about the
topic. Choose A, B, or C. Then read each paragraph a second time. Read the
question below the paragraph and fill in the letter of the statement that best tells
the point.

Health 141
 Claims to Ama zingHealth

Which title best expresses the topic of Paragraph A?

@ The Value of a Variety of Valid Views

@ Lo"g on Longevity: Free but False

@ Internet Help and Hope: Health Benefits vs. Costs

a On the subject of physical health and medical research, there are

thousands of amazingwebsites where people can get information. However,
when does the arnount of available information affect its validity and health
benefit? The Internet is greatly influencing people's attitudes about their own
health care: probably, this worldwide cultural trend improves global health.
Because computer users can look up almost any topic of interest to them, they
become their own researchers. In the busy modern world, doctors don't always
take the time to explain illnesses and possible remedies to their patients;
they may not give scientific details in words
that are easy to understand, either. For this
reason, many hopeful people take advantage
of Internet resources to find the facts they
need for good medical decisions. But are the
beliefs of "experts" always completely accurate
or real? Are they helpful to everyone that needs t5
advice on a specific medical condition? The
health products or books that seem the most
wonderful are often the most fraudulent
that is dishonest or false. Do sick or worried -
people expect too much when they look for
clear, easy answers to difficult health questions
e Using the internet to research a health problem or problems on the computer?

Which sentence best states the point of the facts and beliefs in Paragraph A?
@ The great amount of medical information (facts and opinions)
available on the Internet may improve people's attitudes about health;
on the other hand, some claims might be inaccurate or dishonest-
and therefore dangerous.

@ t" find out the easiest and best ways to solve difficult health problems
and cure diseases, everyone should go online that is, people ought to
-
look up the topics that interest them on the Internet.
@ Doctors are too busy to help their patients, especially the people that are
the oldest or the sickestl therefore, these people have to take advantage of
the Internet to find help.

142 CHAPTER 7
 Which title best tells the topic of Paragraph B?
.ltre
@ Cure for All Cancers: Causes and Cases
@ Theories and Advice from Medical Specialists
@ The Personal Problem of Parasites in Patients

Many specialists have their own theories about illness and health. As
an example, a California physiologist (someone who studies biology) has
written books with the tides Tbe Cure for All Diseases and The Cure for
,4ll Cancers. She says there are only two causes of disease: (1) pollution of
the environment and (2) parasites (harmful plants and animals that feed
on living things) inside the human body. To prevent or cure the illnesses
that these parasitic bacteria and viruses cause, she offers (tries to sell) two
kinds of health products on the Internet and in other places: electronic
machines and herbal medicines. The two beneficial effects of these items
in humans and animals, this scientist claims, are (1) to clean out the body,
freeing it of parasites and (2) to rebuild new healthyliving cells. According
to her theories, people will feel better and live longer as a result. In addition,
other medical experts recommend kinds of natural, nontraditional, or
non-Western remedies for modern health disorders such as heart disease,
cancer, asthma, nervousness, depression, and so on. Their advice might
include (1) special diet plans with added vitamins and minerals, (2) folk
medicine, (3) environmental changes, or (4) unusual therapies that Patients
dont get from traditional doctors.

Which sentence best states the point of the facts and beliefs in Paragraph B?

@ I" the human body, parasites are dangerous viruses and bacteria; for this
reason, everyone must use electronic machines and herbal medicines to
fight against them.
@ No.rt.aditional and non-Western remedies are more effective cures and
remedies for health problems than the methods of doctors that offer
information over the Internet.
@ Many medical specialists have their own theories about illness and
health, including the causes ofdisease and the beneficial effects ofcertain
products and therapies.

Which title best tells the topic of Paragraph C?

@ Colorful Cures for Continuing Care: Natural Food Remedies

@ A Variety of Theories vs. Advice from Medical Experts
@ Family and Folk Falsehoods
- Physical Facts and Figures

Ina small-town farm market, hundreds of elderly people drink a glass

of sour dark cherry juice every day. These hrppy senior citizens, some of
them over the age of90, claim that the natural fruitjuice cures or at least
-
143
 decreases the pain of their arthritis,
a disease of the joints
of the aging
-
body. Itt a folk remedy not a proven medical therapy. Nevertheless, science
is beginning to figure out why sour cherry juice might work to improve the
health of patients with arthritis. The secret is in the substance that gives the
cherries their dark red color. It belongs to a classification ofnatural nutrients
that color blueberries, strawberries, plums, and other fruits and vegetables
-
too. Moreover, these coloring substances may help to prevent serious health
disorders like heart disease and cancer. In other words, vitamins and fiber
are not the only reasons to eat fruits and vegetables. "To take advantage
of natural whole foods," advise nutritionists and health researchers, "think
variety and color."

Which sentence best states the point of the facts and beliefs in Paragraph C?
@ Colo. makes people h"ppy, so it improves their health and state of mind;
therefore, families should wear colorful clothes at meals.

@ Like vitamins and fiber, the substances in foods that give them color may
offer an important health advantage.
@ Dark red foods are the best for nutrition, but bright yellow and green
vegetables are more effective for elderly people that have arthritis pain.

Which title best tells the topic of Paragraph D?

@ Cl"l-s of the Advantages of Genetic Research and Engineering
@ Def..ts in Gene Structure and Insect Damage to Foods
@ Characteristics of Folk Remedies vs. Beliefs of Geneticists

o What are genes and why are medical researchers always trying to
find out more about them? Genes are pa:t of the center (that is, the
nucleu) of every living cell; in the form
of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid), this
biological genetic material determines the
characteristics (features) of every living
thing-every plant, animal, and human
being-on Earth. Medical geneticists
are scientists that study DNA and genes
for many purposes: (1) to learn how
living things such as parasites, viruses,
and bacteria cause illness; Q) to find the
gene or combination of genes that cause
certain diseases to pass from parents to
r model of a DNA strand their children; (3) to prevent or correct
(repair) birth defects; (4) to change gene structure to improve health and
increase the length of human life (longevity); and (5) to change the biological
characteristics of animals and humans in ways that are beneficial to society.

144 CHAPTER 7
 Another use of genetic technology that some scientists suPPort is changing
the genes of the food farmers grow. Genetic engineers claim that these
differences in DNA structure will increase food production, prevent damage
from insects, and improve world health; in contrast, others oppose the use
of genetic engineering not only in plants but also in animals and humans.

Which sentence best states the point of the facts and beliefs in Paragraph D?
@ Deoxyribonucleic acid is not as beneficial as DNA-the biological
material related to genetics-in research on the causes of birth defects.
@ G..r.tic engineers and other specialists claim that research into the gene
structure of living things can improve human health in many ways.
@ Because there is a natural limit to the length of human life, only changes
in gene structure can increase longevity in senior citizens that drink
cherry juice.

1 Strategy
i Srrrarizing Using a Mind Map
I You learned how to summarize in previous chapters. Another way to summarize is to
i use a mind map. l

i.First,figureoutthetopic,themainideas,andthesuppoftingdetails.Youcanmake
', a mind map showing the relationship of the points to one another
i . Then create a short summary from the items in the map.

Below is an example of a mind map of Paragraph A from the reading "Claims to

, Amazing Health." A summary based on the mind map follows.

Dangers

lnternet
help and hope

,' Changes in ' Patients doing

thealthcare attitudes , their own research
Unrealistic
,. to expect real
solutions

Health 145
 Summary: Benefits vs. Limits of lnternet Health lnformation
On the lnternet, people can find many medical facts and beliefs. Their availability can
improve world health: people may change their attitudes about health care when they
get information in clear language through their own research. Then they can make better
medical decisions. However, the information on the lnternet may not always be accurate
or helpful to all individuals. There may even be fraudulent (false or deceptive) claims
about products to increase sales. ls it realistic to expect real solutions to difficult health
problems from the lnternet? Maybe it is, maybe it isn't.

o Summarizing Using a Mind Map

chooses a different paragraph (B,
Work in groups of three. Each person
C, or D) from the reading "Claims to Amazing
Health." Read your paragraph carefully. Make a mind map about your paragraph.
Place the topic in the middle of the mind map. Then complete the map.
Next, from your mind map, summarize the information in as few sentences as
possible, paraphrasing the important points in your own words.

Then tell or read your summary to your group.

@ Discussing the Reading ln small groups, talk about your answers to these
questions. Then tell the class the most interesting information or ideas.

1. Do you, or do you want to go to the Internet for information about health and
medicine? Why or why not? In your view, what are the benefits and limits of
this kind ofresearch?
2. What natural, nontraditional, or non-Western remedies for modern health
disorders have you heard about? What do the experts that offer these cures
claim? Do you believe their claims? Why or why not?

3. Do you believe that natural chemicals in food, including substances that give
color, can decrease pain or help prevent serious disease? Why or why not?
If so, which foods do you recommend for these reasons?
In your opinion, is genetic research beneficial for global health? How about
genetic engineering (changing the gene structure of plants, animals, and
humans)? Explain the reasons for your vrews.

o Talking lt Over Many people want advice about health or medicine. Experts or
other people might recommend beneficial foods and other substances, helpful kinds
of activity, other kinds of therapy, or health books and products. Below are some
common health problems in the modern world. Check ( ,0 lhe situations that you
know or want to know about. Then, talk as a class. Give advice to help solve the
problem or tell your opinion. (You can do your own research, of course.)
1. An international student is homesick for his country; in addition, he
worries about his finances and grades. For these reasons, he sleeps a lot
but still feels tired; he is also nervous.

146 CHAPTER 7
 2. A young man in a cold northern climate gets depressed during the long,
dark winter months. He is irritable and moody. He thinks he has SAD
- (Seasonal Affective Disorder).

3. During times of forceful winds from the mountains, aJapanese woman

seems to have more asthma attacks. She can't breathe very well, and she
- feels afraid.

4. The members of a family often get colds or the flu (influenza)- not only
during the winter but also during changes in the seasons. Occasionally
- someone gets pneumonla.

5. A professor is having memory problems. From the Internet, she learned

that foods with the substance lecithin and B-vitamins can help, so she
- eats a lot ofbroccoli, soybeans, and nuts. Even so, she often forgets what
she is doing.

6. A brother and sister disagree on the best kinds offoods to eat for good
health. He follows a famous high-protein diet plan that allows only
- certain foods at certain times. She wants to eat what tastes good.

7. A Czech woman serves nutritious salads and other vegetables to her

famrly, but her husband won't eat them. He prefers high-calorie meat
- and dairy dishes with rich desserts, and he is getting very fat. She is
afraid he will die of a heart attack.

8. A young male athlete feels strong and healthy, but he is worried about
his longevity because ofhis relatives' diseases. For this reason, he
- welcomes research into genetic engineering.

9. A7}-year-old man drinks a lot of coffee and smokes cigarettes.

He likes to go walking in his mountain community; however,
- he is often in pain from his arthritis.

10. A couple is going to have a baby. Because there is a history ofgenetic

defects in several generations of their extended families, they are worried
- about the child's chances for good health and long life.

PART
3 Vocabulary and Language-Learning Skllls

Strategy
Getting Meaning from Context
As you learned in Chapter 6, even without definitions or explanations in the same
sentence or paragraph, you can figure out new vocabulary. There may not be
definitions, words with similar or opposite meanings, illustrations, or punctuation
clues to help. Even so, the message or meaning of the reading may lead to useful
guesses about the meaning of unfamiliar or difficult vocabulary.

Health 147
 Q Figuring Out New or Difficult Vocabulary Bead the following sentences
with vocabulary from the reading selection. From the context, answer the questions
that follow. Then use logic to figure out a definition of each word. Fill in the letter of
the explanation closest to yours.

l. To discover the secrets of health specialists are studying people that

reach ages well over 100. These individuals enjoy good health all their
lives, too.
Who is trying to find out about longeaity?

Why might these scientists want to know such "secrets"?

Whom are these researchers studying?

What does the noun longeoity mean?

@ health researchers
@ "
hundred different ages
@ manyyears between birth and death

@ old people in the mountains

What is the meaning of the adjective long-lioefr
@ living a long time
@ dying atanearly age

@ the altitude of the Himalayan Mountains

@ having a full head ofhair and healthy teeth

Scientists believe the people of certain high mountain regions have the benefit of

not very hot or very cold.

What is an environment in this sentence?

@ clean air and water

@ ^
healthful place in the desert
@ unnatural or extreme atmospheric conditions
@ the conditions of a place that influence people
What two things can an enoironmenthave?
Where might an enoironmentbe?
What kinds of temperatures are not moderate?

What is the meaning of the adjective moderate?

@ veryhotandverycold
@ not extreme; in the middle
@ related to the air and water of a region

@ of the modern world

148 CHAPTER 7
3. A woman named Tsurba and a man named Shirali were among the long-lived
of the Caucasus Mountain region of Russia. Other people that
the area don't seem to get sick often either.
Were Gurba and Shirali inbabitants of or visitors to the mountains?

Are inhabitants people, places, things, or actions?

Who are the inbabitanrs of a place?

@ people that live there

@ people that live there in summer

@ peopt. that study the environment in that region

@ hardworking, physically active farmers
What is the meaning of the verb inbabit?
@ to make an action difficult
@ to work during the day in a place

@ to have scientific interests in common

@ to live in (a region or area)

4. A healthful environment includes clean water; the water might come

from high mountain and contain a lot of minerals.
If an environment has clean water, is the waterlolluted?

What do high mountain strearts bring to a healthful environment?

What is high in minerals?

What does the adjective unpolluted mean?

@ dirtying ofthe earth and air
@ frigl in preservatives and chemicals
@ having a lot of vitamins and minerals
@ not containing unhealthful substances
What are high mountain streams?

@ small rivers of moving water

@ regions with little serious disease

@ widows that keep birth records for communities

@ to move a lot from one place to another

5. According to some doctors, long-lived have only one thing in

common: Their members don't have valid birth records. Because the government
didnt write down when these people *.I.. bo.rr, their claims of unusual
longevity are false.

Health 149
 What do populations contain?

What are populations?

@ members ofgovernment

@ ideas that are widespread

@ all of the people living in specific areas

@ kinds of freedom from worry

Do allhea.lth experts believe that certain populations have unusual longevity?

What don't these long-lived people have?

What does the adjective aalid mean?
@ officiallylegal or accepted
@ of hlgtr value in the community

@ to prove something is correct

@ of the region of Vilcabamba

Do certain populations make claims about unusual longevity?
Do people in these communities believe the claims?

What is the meaning of the noun claims in this context?

@ to state something is right and real
@ ,tt.-pts to get money that is legally yours
@ something important about a person
@ statements of the truth of information
For more practice, you can look for and figure out the general meanings of other
vocabulary items, such as benefits, preservatives, an average, and sfress. For each
item, explain the logical reasoning for your guesses at the definition.

@ ldentlfying Synonyms Read the vocabulary words in Column A. Select the

word in Column B that has the same or a similar meaning as the vocabulary word.

Column A Column B
t. d cure a, measured distance

2. length b. verified
3. patients c. disagree with
-
4. solve {. remedy
-
5. oppose e. not allow
-
6, accurate f. not truthful
- g. find an answer
7. dishonest
8.
- elderly h. not sweet, tart
9.
- proven i. sick people

10.
- sour j. correct
- k. old
11. prevent
-
150 CHAPTER 7 -
Recognizing Parts of Speech From Word Endings: Suffixes
One way to tell the part of speech of a vocabulary item is to recognize its function
or purpose. (Remember: nouns serve as sentence subjects or objects; verbs name
actions: adjectives modify nouns; adverbs modify verbs.)
Another useful clue to the part of speech of a word is its ending, or suffix. Below are a
few of the common word endings that may indicate if a word is a noun, an adjective, or
an adverb.

Adverbs

Suffixes Examples Examples

ignorant -v slowly

-ent different backward

-able available

-ible responsible

-ive active

-ic(al) economical

famous

@ ldentifying Parts of Speech from Suffixes Read some important nouns,

adjectives, and adverbs (or related words) below from the reading selections in
Chapters 1 to 7. On the line before each item, indicate the part of speech: Write n
for noun, adj for adjective, or advfor adverb. You might want to the ending
(suffix) that indicates the part of speech. A few words are done as examples.

1.n ability 11. changeable 21.

2. a4 active 12. 22.
- -religious
3. adv activeI 13. disappearance 23.
-convenient -requirements
4._ activity 14. 24.
- -residence
5._ a8reement 15. longevity 25.
-forward -returnable
6._ agreeable 16. magnificent 26.
- -sensible
7._ agreeably 17. 27. supportive
- -similarly
8._ biological 18. prevention 28.
-politeness -
o believable 19. preventive 29.
- -television
10. _ beneficial 20. 30.
- -theoretical
-production -visualHealth t 5l
 @ Ctloo.ing Word Forms with Suffixes Read the sentences below from the
readings in Chapter 7. Circle the correct word form in parentheses ( ). Then write
the missing words in the Parts of Speech Chart that follows for the boxes
- except
with Xs. Some of the items are done as examples. Not all of the words from this
activity appear in the chart.

itants. There may be (variety / various)

reasons for their long lives.

2 According to (science / scientific) research, many elderly inhabitants of the

Himalayan Mountains are still in good (physics / physical) health. One (reason
/ reasonable) for their amazing condition might be the low level of (pollution /
polluted) in their (environment / environmental).

Is a simple, (nature / naturally) (nutrition / nutritious) diet (benefits / beneficial)

to human health? Is physical work also (advantages / advantageous)?

Farmers in the countryside (usual / usually) lead (action / active) lives

that is to say, they fill their days with (activity / actively) and physical -
(move / movement).

Official birth records of (special / especially) long-lived people are seldom

(availability / available). Nevertheless, health specialists are in (agreement /
agreeable): These amazingpeople are (general / generally) in good health
in their old age.

6. In some regions, the (types / typical) diet of the inhabitants consists of (most
/ mostly) meat and dairy productsl in contrast, other groups consume (main /
mainly) fruits and vegetables and use (tradition / traditional) herbs as medicine.

7. How (importaoce / important) is the (environment / environmentally) to human

health? There is some (confusion / confused) about the (validity / valid) of the
research into the matter.

L The amount of (availability / available) medical (information / informative)

on the Internet is amazing. This (combination / combined) of proven fact and
opinion is changing (culture / cultural) attitudes of people about their own
health care.

Some patients are (ignorance / ignorant) of the facts they need to make the best
(medicine / medical) (decisions / decisive). These people may benefit from the
(recommendations / recommend) of a number of health experts.

r0 Many scientists believe in the (value / valuable) of (genes / genetic) research and
engineering. They hope they can make (defects / defective) genes healthy and
prevent (biology / biological) diseases.

152 CHAPTER 7
 advantages advantageous

availability available
:-==='-..
activity active

biology biologically

confused

culture culturally

defects

decisions decisive

fame famously

genes genetically

generalities

humanity

importance

natural

mountains

typical tgpicallg

traditionally

@ Focusing on High-Frequency Words Read the paragraph below and fill

in each blank with a word from the box. One of the words is used twice. When you
finish, check your answers on pages 144-145.

damage engrneenng parents

diseases rmProve oppose

What are genes and why are medical researchers always trying to find
out more about them? Genes are part of the center (that is, the nucleu) of

every living cell; in the form of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid), this biological

genetic material determines the characteristics (features) of every living

Health 153
 thing every plant, animal, and human being Earth. Medical
-
geneticists are scientists that study DNA and genes for many Purposes:
(L) to learn how living things such as parasites, viruses, and bacteria cause

illness; (2) to find the gene or ofgenes that cause certain

to pass from to their children;

2 J

(3) to prevent or (repair) birth defects; (4) to change

gene structure to health and increase the length of

human life (longevity); and (5) to change the biological characteristics

of animals and humans in ways that are beneficial to society. Another use

of genetic technology that some scientists suPPort is changing the genes

of the food farmers grow Genetic engineers claim that these differences in ls

DNA structure will increase food production, Prevent

6

from insects, and world health; in contrast, others

7

the use of genetic not only in plants

but also in animals and humans.

Making Connections Find advice about health on the lnternet. Look for
tips on one aspect of health. You can look for tips on healthy eating, running,
walking, dieting, doing yoga, living a long life, quitting smoking' or anything else
that interests you

Type in tps on . Look at a couple of websites. Write down at

least five tips that you agree with. Write down at least three that you disagree with
or question. Tell the class what you have learned.

Topic:

TLpsl ee with Tipsl ds eewith

154 CHAPTER 7
P^Rr 4 Focus on Testing

Focusing on Timed Readlngs and Note-Taking

ln the reading section of the TOEFL@ iBT, you have 20 minutes to read and answer the
questions for each reading. During that time, you can reread parts of the passage if you
need to. You can check your answers by looking back at the text. You can skip difficult
questions and come back to them later. All this is possible only in the reading section.
The best note-taking strategy is to concentrate on main ideas. Also, if you have time, list
supporting details under them. Use lots of abbreviations and don't worry about spelling
in your notes.

Taking Notes on a Timed Reading Read the following passage and answerthe
questions. Before you begin, set a timer for 20 minutes. You have that much time to read
the essay, take notes, and respond to all the questions. lf you have time at the end, go
back and check answers to any questions you were unsure about.

Calorie Counting
In discussions about healthy eating, there are not many points of agreement.
Almost everyone, however, recognizes that people should take in about as
many calories as they use up. A calorie is not a substance but a measure
of heat. In the context of eating, calories tell how much energy the body
can get by burning up a certain food item. Balancing the calories in food
with the body's energy needs is the central goal of any long-term diet program.
It should be clear that calories in food are not a bad thing. In fact,
we would die without them. Archaeologists suspect that many healthy
civilizations either died or relocated because they could no longer get enough
calories from their food. The Anasazi of the American Southwest, for
example, probably suffered a huge loss in their calorie intake, and their
health, when deforestation slowly removed deer and pine nuts from their diet.
Our appetite for food, a problem for many modern humans, is a natural
drive for survival. In fact, some of the most irresistible foods those high
in fat or sugar -
have a special hold on humans because ancient impulses
tell us to consume- them. Our bodies see them as a calorie bonus, as a
survival resource.
Modern humans have trouble with weight mostly because the body has
not adapted to the constant food supply much of the world enjoys. In humans,
physical evolution takes a lot more time than social evolution. Pre-historic
Europeans or North Americans had to worry about hunting down enough deer,
or catching enough fish, or raising enough beans. Modern humans in prosperous
nations have a ready supply of affordable calories at the nearest grocery store.
Nevertheless, our bodies tell us to store up extra calories, just in case.

r55
 Responding to that urge causes no problems if a Person uses those
extra calories. Our ancient ancestors probably did. The walking, hunting,
tree-felling, clothes-washing, and other physical activities of a low-tech
civilization used up a lot of calories. Modern life is far less active. Even
a moderately active person in a wealthy society today has to deliberately
exercise to even come close to such a level of activity'
So how many calories does an person need? That question
^verage
cannot be answered. There is no average Person. Calorie needs vary because
each person processes food in a slightly different way, depending on body
chemistry. And calorie needs are gready influenced by height, weight, age,
and other factors. Still some estimates can be made ifwe put certain numbers
into a long formula from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Let's
assume two healthy, moderately active young people, each 20 years old. The
man is 6 feet tall and weighs 160 pounds. The woman is 5 feet, 6 inches tall
and weighs 120 pounds. According to the USDA formula, the man would
need to take in about 2,750 calories each day. The woman should take in
about 2,002 calories each day.
These target levels include the energy it takes simply to oPerate the body
breathing, pumping blood, raising one's afms, etc. They also include the
-energy needed for moderate activity (such as walking one or two miles each
day, cutting the grass, or walking up and down stairs). Each of these activities
uses few calories. Walking for about 30 minutes, for example, burns up only
about 140 calories. Running for 30 minutes burns uP twice as many calories,
but that's still under 300. Compare that to the energy in a good-sized turkey
sandwich with mayonnaise about 450 calories. And that's just lunch.
-

1 . Which of the following best expresses the main idea of the reading as a whole?
@ A healthy diet should balance the number of calories the body takes in
with the number it uses.
@ E^rly humans had a healthier way of living than modern people do.
@ Modern humans are healthier than their ancient ancestors.
@ People do not agree about which foods should be part of healthy eating.

2. Which of the following best exPresses the main idea of Paragraph B?

@ The Anasazi civilization lost two imPortant sources of calories.
@ Hrr-^ns cannot survive unless they take in enough calories.
@ Civilizations have died because they depended on fats and sugars.
@ Humans naturally seek high-calorie foods.
3. Which of the following best exPresses the main idea of Paragraph C?
@ Some of the body's survival techniques do not fit in with modern society.

@ The human body cannot evolve in ways that keep it healthy.

@ The human body has stopped evolving, but societies continue to evolve.
@ The food-supply system in modern societies is better than that in
earlier societies.

156 CHAPTER 7
 a. Why does the author mention walking in Paragraph D?
@ k is the most important activity of humans in low-tech societies.
@ It is the most important source of exercise for modern humans.
@ A, an example of the activities common in low-tech ocieties.
@ et an example of the activities that are not part of life i modern societies.
5. Which of the following best expresses the main idea of Paragraph E?

@ There is no way to estimate how many calories a person should take in.
@ Perso.ral traits like weight, height, and age have to be considered in any
calculation of calorie needs.
@ M.n need to take in more calories each day than women need to take in.
@ tfr. USDA has a formula for figuring out how many calories a person
should take in every day.
6. Which of the following best expresses the main idea of Paragraph F?

@ Most people get all of their calories by eating lunch.

@ Mod.rate activity burns up most of the calories a per on takes in.
@ The energy needed for breathing and other basic body functions is greater
than the energy needed for moderate exercise.
@ Food contains so many calories that it is hard to burn them all up.

Self-Assessment Log
Read the lists below. Check ( ,/) the strategies and vocabulary that you learned in
this chapter. Look through the chapter or ask your instructor about the strategies
and words that you do not understand.

Reading and Vocabulary-Building Strategies

tr Recognizing reading structure n Summarizing using a mind map
using a mind map tr Figuring out new or
E Understanding the main idea difficult vocabulary
tr Recognizing supporting details tr Identifying synonyms
after punctuation, numbers, n Identifying parts of speech
and connecting words from suffixes
E Understanding facts and opinions tr Choosing word forms with suffixes

Target Vocabulary
Nouns Verbs
E claims* Senes I correct* # famous*
E combination* inhabitants I oppose* S genetic
E cure* length* 3 prevent" * long-lived
E damage* longevity tr solve*
E moderate*
E decisions* patlents E proven*
3 disease* population* Adjectives ffi sour*
E engineering* streams* & accurate
tr unpolluted
E environment ffi dishonest* S valid
S elderly*

' These words are among the 2,000 most frequently ,"";;;;;;,
"t;;
Health 157