During our expedition my team discovered three new species of spiders and a number of still unclassified insects.

Disclaimer: The names mentioned below are purely fictitious and were invented for test practice only.

Man: During our expedition my team discovered three new species of spiders and a number of still unclassified insects. Venom of the spiders is used by native tribes for a number of ailments. Of particular interest is the venom of the Arachnida omnibus vulgaris. The Ori Madaghumbi add its venom to a paste made of indigenous leaves and apply this as ointment against skin cancer.

Woman: Excuse me! Are you trying to tell us that the venom of this spider is a cure against cancer?

Man: Honestly, we don't know. Our stay was too short to observe any noticeable effects. Besides, we do not know what part other ingredients in this ointment played.

Woman: And you didn't think it advantageous to prolong your stay to obtain the necessary information?

Man: At this point in time government troops moved in and cleared the area to make way for a well-known logging company. We did not have the opportunity to go scavenging for the other ingredients of said ointment. However, we hope that we can raise sufficient funds to analyse the venom and see if it can be recreated in the laboratory should it prove to have medicinal properties.

Woman: I laud your noble cause!

1. Where does this dialogue take place?

a. surgery                            b. morgue

c. museum                           d. auditorium

2. What is the man's most likely field of expertise?

a. biology                            b. carpentry

c. linguistics                         d. agriculture

3. Who or what is the Ori Madaghumbi?

a. tribe                                b. spider

c. ailment                            d. disease

4. Why is the man so excited about the spiders?

a. They are venomous.

b. They can help plants grow.

c. They might help cure cancer.

d. They come from outer space.

5. What does the woman mean to express when she says, "I laud your noble cause!"?

a. denial                              b. support

c. betrayal                          d. annoyance

Solutions    1. d, 2. a, 3. a, 4. c, 5. b

By Mr. Test