Cambridge B1 Reading Exercise 1: Reading Part 3

Cambridge B1 Preliminary – Reading Part 3

Reading Comprehension · Multiple choice

💡 Consejos clave para B1 Reading Part 3:

• Haz una lectura rápida inicial (skimming): Lee el texto por encima para captar la idea general antes de responder.
• Sigue el orden de las preguntas: Las respuestas suelen aparecer en el texto en el mismo orden que las preguntas.
• Busca sinónimos y paráfrasis: La opción correcta casi nunca usa las mismas palabras del texto, sino explicaciones equivalentes.
• Cuidado con las trampas: No elijas una opción solo porque contenga una palabra exacta del texto; comprueba que el significado completo coincide.

Instructions: Read the text about snakebites and answer questions 1–5. Choose the correct answer: A, B, C or D.

Snakebites

Read the text about snakebites and answer the questions that follow.

You're hiking with a friend and then as you step over a tree log a snake beneath bites your leg. One thought races through your mind, 'If you get bitten by a snake, suck out the venom.' Terrified, you turn to your friend, but he replies, 'No way! Then we'll both die.' Is he right?

Most likely, your friend wouldn't die. But if he has an open wound in his mouth, the venom could enter his bloodstream, which is no help to either of you. So, venom sucking isn't a solution.

To understand how to treat snakebites, you need to know the difference between poisons and venoms. Poisons are toxic, in other words dangerous, if you swallow or smell them. Venoms, on the other hand, are only toxic if they get into soft tissues and the bloodstream.

So, if you suck the venom out of a snake bite, you won't be affected. But that doesn't mean you should do it! Experts now strongly advise against it. Why? Venom enters the bloodstream extremely quickly, and trying to suck it out is ineffective because it’s faster than your reaction. The best way to prevent the venom from quickly moving through the bloodstream is to remain calm, and avoid doing anything that would increase the heart rate.

So what else should we do? Well, be aware of what snakes are in the place you are walking in. That way you will have an idea which ones are dangerous.

Questions 1–5

1. What is the writer trying to do in this text?

A explain the dangers of snakes. B advise against walking in the countryside. C warn about certain venomous snakes. D offer information about snake bites.

2. The writer advises against sucking the venom because …

A it tastes awful. B it is risky. C it will hurt more. D it will kill you.

3. According to the writer, poison …

A is usually breathed in. B has to be injected. C is not the same as venom. D is less dangerous than venom.

4. If bitten by a snake, you should …

A run to the nearest place for help. B not move at all. C try to keep cool. D sit and decide if it was a dangerous snake.

5. Which would be the best advice leaflet for snakebites?

A ATTENTION WALKERS – Based on worldwide data, millions die of snakebites yearly! Take your snake bite kit with you. Be safe! B SAFE NOT SORRY – If you like walking or are travelling abroad, GET INFORMATION on snake species. Be careful and find out emergency contact information. C WORRIED ABOUT SNAKES? Read here about how to treat your own snakebites! Very few people die from bites if they follow this treatment. Follow it step by step. D ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SNAKES Snake venom travels slowly so keep calm. Only if you think it is a dangerous snake, move as fast as you can to get help. Read more about snakes here!

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