Contrast2_AIO_EEP1.doc

1 Extra Exam Practice

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Read the text and answer the questions that follow.

The Psychology of Space I

We spend much of our life inside buildings, yet until recently there had been little research on the psychological effects of the buildings we live and work in. It wasn’t until the end of the 20th century that architects and psychologists began to realise that the design of physical space can affect our moods and health. They began to realise that many aspects of design – the view from a window, the noise level and even the height of a ceiling – can influence the way we feel.

II

In 1984, a scientist called Roger Ulrich published the first study examining the relationship between our physical space and our health. Ulrich studied patients recovering from surgery in hospital. Some patients had a view of trees while others a view of a brick wall. He discovered that the patients who saw trees from their window spent a day less in hospital and needed less pain medication than those who had to look at a brick wall. Later studies also showed similar results: A peaceful view from a window or sunlight can help a person recover faster. Ulrich’s study was the first of its kind and its results made architects think about how constructing the right kind of environment can prevent illness and maintain health.

III

In a recent US study, researchers studied government workers. The workers were divided into two groups. The first group was sent to work in old buildings with low ceilings and noisy air conditioners, while the other half was sent to work in an office filled with sunlight and open work areas. Researchers monitored various aspects of the workers’ health, such as heart rate and stress levels. They discovered that people working in the older building suffered considerably more stress even when they weren’t at work. The stress was so great that they were even considered at an increased risk of heart disease.

IV

A building’s user has no control over its design, so architects need to realise that they should take into account not only the appearance of a building, but also the health of the people who use it.

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Choose the correct answer.

1. In the late 20th century, architects … . a. began to study psychology b. realised that some aspects of design were more important than others c. learned that certain aspects of design affected mood more than others 2. Roger Ulrich’s study was important because it showed … . a. the connection between environment and health b. how patients in certain hospital environments recovered faster c. how sunlight helped certain patients recover faster

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Decide if the following sentences are true (T) or false (F). Find evidence in the text to justify your answers.

 1. Later studies agreed with Ulrich’s conclusions. ................................................................................................................................................  2. The effect of a building’s design can last after its user has left. ................................................................................................................................................

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1 Extra Exam Practice

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Complete the sentences using the information given in the text.

1. Even though we spend a lot of time inside buildings, ...................................................................... ........................................................................................................................................................ . 2. The writer recommends that ............................................................................................................. ........................................................................................................................................................ .

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Find words or expressions in the text that mean the same as:

1. characteristics (paragraph I)

……………………

2. feel better (paragraph II)

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3. danger (paragraph III)

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4. consider (paragraph IV)

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Write a composition of about 100-150 words. Choose ONE option.

1. Describe your favourite place. Where is it? What does it look like? Why does it make you feel good? 2. How would you improve the design of your school building? Explain why you would make these changes.

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