Comprehension Passages

108-The aim of the scientists going to the rain forests and mountain ranges of the tropics is….. .
A)to extract huge amounts of gold with the help of the natives
B)to find out about the traditional ways of life of the tribes people
C)to get information from the natives about plants with medicinal value
D)to help the native peoples of the region become civilised
E)to become rich through the exploitation of the riches in the region

Given its rich resources, large population and regional importance, Nigeria's economic performance over the past decade can only be described as disappointing. Low investment and productivity levels, as well as poor infrastructure, have led to poor output. Political instability and a terrible human rights record have frightened off many potential foreign investors. However, a new government, and a package of economic measures including an exchange rate reform, may be able to put the nation on a path to recovery and growth.

109-The author of the passage does not believe that …….. .
A) Nigeria is of great regional importance
B) the economic performance of the country is so bad
C) Nigeria's present government can recover the country from its bad situation
D) Inviting foreign investors to the country would be a good idea
E) Nigeria is characterised by political instability and a poor human rights record


110-The author's comments about Nigeria can be best summarised as that ……….. .
A)Nigeria's economy has great potential, but has been mismanaged
B)in spite of sensible policies, Nigeria's economy persists in performing badly
C)the state of Nigeria's economy is hopeless
D)the most urgent thing Nigeria needs is a sensible family-planning
E)taking all factors into consideration, Nigeria is a perfect place for foreign investors


111-The main problem for the Nigerian economy has been……… .
A)an insensitive privatisation program
B)its poor resources, large population and regional importance
C)the widespread violation of human rights
D)a combination of factors resulting from bad government
E)the recent package of economic measures including an exchange rate reform

Scientists have succeeded in making human volunteers immune to malaria by injecting them with genetic material. The breakthrough brings the prospect of a much-needed vaccine significantly closer. Malaria kills between one and two minion people every year – mostly and mostly in Africa - and makes a further 500 million people ill. The hunt for a vaccine has lasted for more than 20 years. Dr Stephen Hoffman and his team of researchers have

taken from the malarial microbe, which can not cause the disease in themselves, into 20 volunteers, following successful tests on animals. The volunteers' immune systems were found to be as good as those of people who have naturally contracted the infection through a mosquito bite and recovered.

112- The passage states that scientists……… .

A)have just been successful in finding an effective vaccine against malaria
B)illegally carried out tests on more than 500 people
C)forced people to take part in their experiment to find a cure for malaria
D)have been looking for a way to protect people from malaria for over two decades
E)have so far found approximately one million volunteers to take part in their tests

113-The passage gives us the information that malaria ……. .

A)is fatal for more than 500 million people per year
B)mostly affects aged people who live in Africa
C)will soon be eliminated from the Earth due to this discovery
D)has spread to the rest of the world from Africa
E)is a disease transmitted by mosquitoes