Reading Practice Test 23- SCIENCE AND ITS ROLE IN SPORTS (B2)

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Created: Friday, 18 August 2023 06:15
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*This proficiency exam preparation material has been carefully designed by Özgür Mithat Ardane, an experienced English teacher.

Reading Test 23

SCIENCE AND ITS ROLE IN SPORTS

      Science plays a key role in the realm of sports today. In fact, it has a big impact on almost every aspect of an athlete's life. Scientists are responsible for determining not only for what athletes should eat but also when they should eat. Additionally, they select suitable exercise programs in terms of type and duration. Furthermore, there are scientists specializing in designing improved footwear, better clothing, and equipment for athletes. These experts, often referred to as "sports scientists," have become everywhere in modern sports. Notably, one can even pursue a degree in sports science at the university level. However, certain individuals believe that there are differences across different countries. For instance, they claim that only the wealthiest nations can afford top-tier equipment which results in their consistent triumphs. Fortunately, sports organizations have taken measures to address this concern, as they recently stopped the use of $30,000 “superbikes” in competitions.

       Today, science thoroughly examines every aspect of an athlete's performance. For instance, the story of Michael Phelps, a legendary Olympic swimmer, emphasizes the impact of this scientific approach. Through the use of underwater cameras and advanced motion analysis equipment, scientists collected lots of information on Phelps' swimming technique. This data serves multiple purposes. Firstly, it played a crucial role in designing personalized exercise programs that match perfectly with Phelps' body mechanics. It did not only enhance his efficiency in the water but also guided him in optimizing his energy usage during races. Secondly, scientists carefully analyzed this data to identify areas for skill improvement. This led to better swimming techniques which resulted in enhanced performance and, consequently, his numerous victories in the Olympic Games.

     Undoubtedly, nutrition occupies a key role in an athlete's journey. The food they consume furnishes the energy they need to compete. Athletes have nothing to do but follow specialized dietary plans which is carefully planned by sports scientists. These plans are tailored to meet each athlete's unique requirements to help them to excel in their particular sport. For example, Michael Phelps extraordinary success in the pool was not only due to his training but also his carefully crafted diet. His diet consisted of lean proteins, complex carbohydrates, and nutrient-rich foods which are all carefully calculated to optimize his energy levels and performance. This approach to nutrition played a key role in his ability to win a record-breaking 23 Olympic gold medals. 

      Furthermore, a growing number of athletes are starting to benefit from the assistance of sports psychologists. The story of Alex Turner, a professional tennis player who struggled with anxiety during matches is a good example. These experts in sports science played a crucial role in helping Alex train to be mentally fit. They guided him through techniques to create a winning mindset and think like a champion, even in high-pressure situations. In many cases, having a positive mindset can be the deciding factor in determining victory or defeat. Sports psychologists are now an important part of the large network of professionals that are dedicated to facilitating each athlete in reaching their utmost potential.

  

QUESTIONS

 

SCIENCE AND ITS ROLE IN SPORTS

Science plays a key role in the realm of sports today. In fact, it has a big impact on almost every aspect of an athlete's life. Scientists are responsible for determining not only for what athletes should eat but also when they should eat. Additionally, they select suitable exercise programs in terms of type and duration. Furthermore, there are scientists specializing in designing improved footwear, better clothing, and equipment for athletes. These experts, often referred to as "sports scientists," have become everywhere in modern sports. Notably, you can even have a degree in sports science at the university level. However, some people believe that there are differences across different countries. For instance, they claim that only the wealthiest nations can afford top-tier equipment which results in their achievements. Fortunately, sports organizations have taken measures to address this concern, as they recently stopped the use of $30,000 “superbikes” in competitions.

1. Which one is NOT one of the roles of science in sports according to paragraph 1?

  1. It affects athletes' exercise routines.
  2. It determines athletes' diet and nutrition 
  3. It only focuses on athletes' clothing.
  4. It influences various aspects of athletes' lives. 

2. What can be concluded from paragraph 1?

  1. science has always had a significant role in sports.
  2. Science has completely changed the design of sports equipment.
  3. Differences among countries impact their performance.
  4. Sports science is not just a practical, but also involves theoretical and academic learning.

3. The word "top-tier" is closest in meaning to 

  1. premier
  2. average
  3. inexpensive
  4. famous

 

     Today, science thoroughly examines every aspect of an athlete's performance. For instance, the story of Michael Phelps, a legendary Olympic swimmer, emphasizes the impact of this scientific approach. Through the use of underwater cameras and advanced motion analysis equipment, scientists collected lots of information on Phelps' swimming technique. This data serves multiple purposes. Firstly, it played a crucial role in designing personalized exercise programs that match perfectly with Phelps' body mechanics. It not only enhanced his efficiency in the water but also guided him in optimizing his energy usage during races. Secondly, scientists carefully analyzed this data to identify areas for skill improvement. This led to better swimming techniques which resulted in enhanced performance and, consequently, his numerous victories in the Olympic Games.

4. How do scientists use information about athletes’ performance?

  1. to design exercise programs for people
  2. to optimize their energy usage in the water
  3. to improve their swimming techniques. 
  4. to find the skills that athletes can improve 

5. Why does the writer give the example of Michael Phelps in this paragraph?

  1. To show the positive impact of scientific approaches on athletes' health.
  2. To emphasize the importance of luck in achieving victory.
  3. To show how scientific methods have been ineffective in sports.
  4. To highlight the influence of a scientific approach on an athlete's performance.

6. The word "enhance" is closest in meaning to 

  1. neglect
  2. build up
  3. discourage
  4. decrease 

 

        Undoubtedly, nutrition has a key role in an athlete's journey. The food they consume supply the energy they need to compete. Athletes have nothing to do but follow specialized nutritional plans which are carefully planned by sports scientists. These plans are special to meet each athlete's unique needs to help them to excel in their particular sport. For example, Michael Phelps extraordinary success in the pool was not only due to his training but also his carefully crafted diet. His diet consisted of proteins, complex carbohydrates, and nutrient-rich foods which are all carefully calculated to optimize his energy levels and performance. This approach to nutrition played a key role in his ability to win a record-breaking 23 Olympic gold medals. 

7. What is the primary purpose of the specialized nutritional plans for athletes, according to the paragraph?

  1. To satisfy their taste preferences.
  2. To help them gain weight.
  3. To improve their athletic performance.
  4. To provide the energy they need 

8. How did nutrition contribute to Michael Phelps' achievements in the pool, according to the paragraph?

  1. His diet made him a fast swimmer from the beginning.
  2. His diet was similar to that of other athletes.
  3. His diet was so complex.
  4. His diet improved his energy levels and performance.

9. The word "excel" is closest in meaning to 

  1. to be best
  2. to be good
  3. to be talented
  4. to be inferior

 

    Furthermore, a growing number of athletes are starting to benefit from the assistance of sports psychologists. The story of Alex Turner, a professional tennis player who struggled with anxiety during matches is a good example. These experts in sports science played a crucial role in helping Alex train to be mentally fit. They guided him through techniques to create a winning mindset and think like a champion, even in high-pressure situations. In many cases, having a positive mindset can be the deciding factor in determining victory or defeat. Sports psychologists are now an important part of the large network of professionals that are dedicated to facilitating each athlete in reaching their utmost potential.

10. What role do sports psychologists play in an athlete's journey, according to this paragraph?

  1. They provide physical training programs.
  2. They assist athletes to feel good. 
  3. They help athletes overcome mental challenges.
  4. They are an important part of the large network of professionals. 

 

 

Click here to Show / Hide Answers.

1.c

2.d

3.a

4.d

5.d

6.b

7.c

8.d

9.a

10.c