TO RUANGGURU EPISODE 15 | Literasi Bahasa Inggris
The question is based on the following texts.
TEXT 1
A new MRI study revealed that consumption of alcohol even in low to moderate amounts during pregnancy
can change the baby's brain structure and delay brain development. "Fetal MRI is a highly specialized and safe
examination method that allows us to make accurate statements about brain maturation prenatally," said study senior
author Gregor Kasprian, M.D. Babies born with fetal alcohol spectrum disorders could develop learning disabilities,
behavioral problems, or speech and language delays.
For the study, researchers analyzed MRI exams of 24 fetuses with prenatal alcohol exposure. The fetuses were
between 22 and 36 weeks of gestation at the time of MRI. In fetuses with alcohol exposure, the fetal total maturation
score (fTMS) was significantly lower than in the age-matched controls, and the right superior temporal sulcus (STS)
was shallower. The STS is involved in social cognition, audiovisual integration, and language perception. "We found
the greatest changes in the temporal brain region and STS," Dr. Kasprian said.
According to Patric Kienast, M.D., a Ph.D student, alcohol consumption should strictly be avoided by pregnant
women. "As we show in our study, even low levels of alcohol consumption can lead to structural changes in brain
development and delayed brain maturation." It is unclear how these structural changes will affect brain development
in these babies after birth. "To assess this accurately, we need to wait for the children who were examined as fetuses
at that time to get a little older, so that we can invite them back for further examinations," Dr. Kienast said. "However,
we can strongly assume that the changes we discovered contribute to the cognitive and behavioral difficulties that
may occur during childhood.”
Stuempflen, M. et al. (2022). Drinking During Pregnancy Changes Baby's Brain Structure. Taken on November 29, 2022 from
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2022/11/221122111554.htm.
TEXT 2
New research finds caffeine consumed during pregnancy can change important brain pathways that could lead
to behavioral problems later in life. Researchers in the Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience at the University of
Rochester Medical Center (URMC) analyzed thousands of brain scans of nine and ten-year-olds, and revealed changes
in the brain structure in children who were exposed to caffeine in utero. "These are sort of small effects and it's not
causing horrendous psychiatric conditions, but it is causing minimal but noticeable behavioral issues that should make
us consider long-term effects of caffeine intake during pregnancy," said John Foxe, Ph.D. "I suppose the outcome of
this study will be ìa recommendation that any caffeine during pregnancy is probably not such a good idea."
Elevated behavioral issues, attention difficulties, and hyperactivity are all symptoms that researchers observed
in these children. "What makes this unique is that we have a biological pathway that looks different when you consume
caffeine through pregnancy," said Zachary Christensen, a M.D/Ph.D. "Previous studies have shown that children
perform differently on IQ tests, or they have different psychopathology, but that could also be related to
demographics, so it's hard to parse that out until you have something like a biomarker. This gives us a place to start
future research to try to learn exactly when the change is occurring in the brain."
The researchers point out that it is unclear if the impact of the caffeine on the fetal brain varies from one
trimester to the next, or when during gestation these structural changes occur. "Current clinical guidelines already
suggest limiting caffeine intake during pregnancy, no more than two normal cups of coffee a day," Christensen said.
"In the long term, we hope to develop better guidance for mothers, but in the meantime, they should ask their doctor
as concerns arise.”
Christensen, Z.P. et al. (2021). Brain Changed by Caffeine in Utero. Taken on November 29, 2022 from
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2021/02/210208125335.htm.
1. What is the correlation between text 1 and text 2?
A. Both text discuss harmful activities to avoid during pregnancy.
B. Text 2 explains how caffeine and alcohol intake mentioned in text 1 can affect foetuses.
C. Both texts review studies of the effect of alcohol consumption during pregnancy.
D. Text 1 and 2 talk about a study of brain disorders caused by alcohol and caffeine consumption during
pregnancy.
E. Text 2 discusses the research findings regarding the effect of caffeine consumption on pregnant women
mentioned in text 1.
2. The synonym of the bold word occur in the last paragraph of text 2 is ....
A. observe B. enlarge C. eventuate D. construe E. instruct
3. Both texts are written with the same writer’s tone, what is it?
A. Critical B. Informative C. Optimistic D. Enthusiastic E. Cautionary
4. What does Dr. Kienast imply about consuming alcohol?
A. Alcohol consumption is damaging for pregnant women.
B. It could be harmful to consume alcohol during pregnancy if it is in large amounts.
C. The disadvantages of alcohol consumption are still under investigation.
D. Pregnant women can consume alcohol but in a small amounts.
E. Alcohol should be consumed by pregnant women once in a while.
5. "The researchers point out that it is unclear if the impact of the caffeine on the fetal brain varies from one trimester
to the next, or when during gestation these structural changes occur." (Last paragraph of Text 2)
The idea in the sentence is best restated as ...
A. It is obvious that the impact of caffeine on the fetal brain diversifies from one trimester to the next or these
structural reforms emerge during gestation.
B. The researcher cannot be sure whether the impact of caffeine on the fetal brain occurs from one trimester to
the next or when gestation arises.
C. Researchers are sure the impact of caffeine differs from one trimester to the next and the structural changes
happen during pregnancy.
D. The analysts identify the certainty of impact of caffeine on the fetal brain differs from one trimester to the
next or the structural changes develop during gestation.
E. The impact of caffeine on the fetal brain is uncertain, whether it is varied from one trimester to the next or
whether these structural reforms depend on the stage of pregnancy.
The question is based on the following thread.
_____________
nicholas_team02 [THREAD STARTER] - posted on 07 December 2020 09.01
Hello everyone!
My friend told me that as a parent, he actively took a part in his child's career. Therefore, I want to know, what is your
take on parents' "intervention" in their children's career path? I think that children have the right to choose what they
want and what they do not want, it applies to their future job too. Regardless, they cannot ignore their parents'
opinions about it. Parents and their children should discuss without forcing each other's opinions.
_____________
yuma.won04 - posted on 07 December 2020 09.12
Although children have their own dreams, they have no capability to choose their careers. In contrast, parents know
their children and are experienced in this case so they should be able to guide their kids. However, parents should not
enforce their irrational reason for their children to choose, rather they should supervise their children to open options,
the interest, the strength and weaknesses, the ability, and willingness of the children.
_____________
niki1209 - posted on 07 December 2020 09.22
I know the feeling of how your parents forced you to do something you were never passionate about as a profession.
The most essential thing is their interest, so the children should choose their careers. Parents' concern for their
children's position in society may come in the way, but children have their own aspirations. Therefore, parents should
free their children to select their careers and give them their support.
_____________
jay002 - posted on 07 December 2020 09.50
Children at their age have the inability to decide on their careers. The parents should advise them thoroughly. The
children's academic and non-academic activities should be observed by the parents as they show the children's
potential. From the observation, the parents are able to decide the career line of their children.
_____________
sungene - posted on 07 December 2020 10.04
I have my dream job at a big corporation in my 20s and I can tell you that it did not come easily. I had to work my body
off to be where I am today. Success does not come to you as simply as you dream it, people.
_____________
6. Who does have a positive opinion about children choosing their own careers?
A. nicholas_team02 and sungene
B. yuma.won04, niki1209, and jay002
C. sungene and yuma.won04
D. niki1209 and nicholas_team02
E. jay002 and niki1209
7. The irrelevant opinion from the discussion above is ....
A. nicholas_team02’s opinion
B. yuma.won04’s opinion
C. niki1209’s opinion
D. jay002’s opinion
E. sungene’s opinion
8. Why did nicholas.team04 decide to start the thread?
A. He wanted to know others’ opinions about parent intervention in their children’s careers.
B. He once had an experience in which his parents meddled in his career path.
C. He just happened to think about parent intervention in their children’s careers.
D. He has no specific reason to ask for others’ opinions about parents intruding on his children’s career selection.
E. He is now experiencing his parents meddling in his career selection and does not know what to do.
9. Besides nicholas_team02, who does have experience in parent intervention in children’s careers?
A. sungene and jay002
B. niki1209
C. niki1209 and yuma.won04
D. yuma.won04
E. sungene
10. The discussion would be practical for ....
A. In-school teacher
B. Job seeker
C. Parents and their children
D. Job employer
E. Employee
The question is based on the following text.
Won-pyung Sohn’s first book titled Almond tells the story of a boy who has been diagnosed with alexithymia,
Soon Yunjae. Alexithymia is a condition of emotional absence restraining the capability to sense and undergo feelings
that normal people perceive.
The title itself refers to Soon Yunjae’s brain tonsils which are the size of an almond. This is the reason why the
young man cannot express emotional feelings. To tackle the given situation, Yunjae’s mother and grandmother help
him learn to communicate in order for him to survive this judgemental world. Social rules and good behavior principles
are taught to him by both his mother and grandmother. Yunjae has the routine of memorizing, rehearsing, and faking
every feeling that most people learn by mere instinct. He also has to fake his own mood and learn how to pretend
empathy for his peers.
Almond possesses an afflictive novel of how essential to express emotions and the urge of living with more
empathy and compassion. Sohn engages the readers with heart-wrenching questions and perceptive comments to be
conscious about alexithymia. She also opens our eyes to how social prejudices should be dismantled. The novel is
labeled the Young Adult genre, but it could be for everyone. Agile and amusing, that’s how the author’s game pen
could be described. Won-pyung Sohn has her own keenness to shake and conquer the reader. Almond is exceptional
and has one of those worth-rereading materials.
R. Alvarado, C. (2022). Book review: Almond by Won-pyung Sohn. Taken on December 7, 2022 from
https://globalcomment.com/book-review-almond-by-won-pyung-sohn/.
11. The writer wants to tell us about ....
A. The ner book by her favorite author
B. The story of a young man named Soon Yunjae
C. How Won-pyung Sohn writes her first book
D. Her opinion of a novel, almond
E. Raising awareness about Alexithymia
12. Which of the following statements is a fact from the author?
A. Agile and amusing, that’s how the author’s game pen could be described.
B. Almond is exceptional and has one of those worth-rereading materials.
C. The novel is labelled the Young Adult genre, but it could be for everyone.
D. The title itself refers to Soon Yunjae’s brain tonsils which are the size of an almond.
E. Almond possesses an afflictive novel of how essential to express emotions.
13. Which of the following statements shows the writer’s positive opinion about the book?
A. Social rules and good behaviour principles are taught to him by both his mother and grandmother.
B. The title itself refers to Soon Yunjae’s brain tonsils which are the size of almond.
C. Yunjae has the routine of memorizing, rehearsing, and faking every feeling that most people learn by mere
instinct.
D. Yunjae’s mother and grandmother help him learn to communicate in order for him to survive this judgemental
world.
E. Almond is exceptional and has one of those worth-rereading materials.
14. The word sense in paragraph 1 is synonymous with ....
A. nurture B. detect C. proceed D. compose E. retain
15. Based on how the writer sees Almond, we can predict she probably ....
A. Does not like Almond
B. Is a fan of Won-pyung Sohn
C. Would recommend the book to others
D. Would not read the book again
E. Knows Almond writer personally
The passage is for the following question.
As cats age, we generally see changes in their behavior. The wild and crazy playful activities we associate with
kittens give way to adult cats sleeping in the sun and prowling around the house. We commonly presume senior cats
will take even longer naps in the sun or on our beds. It is important, however, to differentiate normal feline behaviors
from abnormal ones, as some behavior changes in aging cats arise from pain and are not normal. Cats are very good
at hiding signs of pain, so cat owners need to be very observant to recognize when their cat needs help.
One of the most common pain-associated behavior changes we see in aging cats is a decrease in grooming
and self-care. Cats are, by nature, extremely finicky about keeping themselves clean. Watch any conscious cat for
longer than a few minutes, and you are likely to see her cleaning some part of her body.
Osteoarthritis (OA) is one of the most common chronically painful ailments in cats, affecting more than 90%
of cats 10 years of age and older. Spinal arthritis makes it uncomfortable to twist and turn, so grooming the body,
especially the hind end, becomes difficult. OA in the lower spine and hips can make the area over the pelvis and upper
rear legs tender. When grooming the lower back, pelvis, and rear legs becomes painful, the cat simply stops taking
care of her coat. Areas of her body that are not groomed become matted, and she may develop an overall unkempt
appearance. When we try to help them out by using a comb or brush, they tend to object.
If you notice your cat developing matted hair or flaky skin, make an appointment with your veterinarian, as
this can be an important signal of pain. If your cat has trouble grooming even after its pain is well managed, consider
having a groomer give her a 'lion cut' to make the body hair short and easy to keep clean.
Llera, R. & Williams, K. & Downing, R. (n.d.). How to Recognize Pain in Aging Cats. Taken on October 18, 2022 from
https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/behavior-changes-and-pain-in-aging-cats.
16. What is the purpose of the text?
A. To help cat owners groom their old cats
B. To make cat owners aware of osteoarthritis in cats
C. To give elderly cat owners tips to reduce pain in their cats
D. To make old cat owners notice signals of pain in their cats
E. To tell senior cat owners to seek medical help for their cats
17. Which of the following statements about cat behavior in paragraph 1 is correct?
A. Cats behave according to their age.
B. Kittens are active because they are strong.
C. Cats’ behaviour will not change unless they are ill.
D. Age is the main factor that affects a cat’s behaviour.
E. An adult cat’s behaviour is mainly determined by its health.
18. When a cat stops grooming itself, it can be a signal that the cat ....
A. Has been in pain
B. Cannot endure pain
C. Is in excruciating pain
D. Is hiding pain from humans
E. Feels that the pain is worsening
19. Regarding osteoarthritis, the author mentions that ...
A. Nine out of ten old cats suffer from osteoarthritis.
B. It is a condition that affects nearly all elderly cats.
C. Young cats are unlikely to develop it.
D. Spinal arthritis prevents a cat from twisting and turning.
E. Cats suffering from osteoarthritis dislike being touched.
20. A solution for cats having difficulty cleaning themselves up is mentioned in paragraph ....
A. 1 B. 3 C. 4 D. 1 and 2 E. 2 and 4
