Reading Comprehension

This is the example of the reading passage for high school students in Thailand.

Alzheimer patient

    Difficulty in communicating with others is a common problem associated with Alzheimer's disease. It is usually one of the symptoms displayed during the early stages of the illness. The affected person may not be able to make himself or herself understood or be able to understand what others are trying to say.

    If the Alzheimer patient has been covering up problems with communication, he may become angry or defensive when he cannot find the words to respond to questions or comments. Or he may appear uncooperative, when in fact he simply cannot understand what someone is trying to say.

    If you are having problems communicating with an Alzheimer patient, make sure that he is not suffering from a hearing impairment and keep the following in mind; : the Alzheimer patient may forget within seconds even the information he understood; he may still be able to read but may be lost over the phone.

    Communication may be helped by combined use of signs, lables or written messages and oral instructions. It is wise to be aware that the person may understand more than he is able to express. Never talk about the patient as if he were not there. Always treat the Alzheimer patient with dignity and respect. Remember that he is an adult. Avoid talking down. Your sensitivity will be greatly appreciated.

Questions

1. What does 'covering up' mean?

    a. creating          b. spreading

    c. hiding             d. predicting

2. How does an Alzheimer patient probably feel when he cannot respond to questions?

    a. frustrated          b. regretful

     c. defeated          d. revengeful

3. Which way does the author imply is the best way to communicate with an Alzheimer patient?

    a. Talking on the phone          b. Talking face to face

    c. Talking and gesturing          d. Talking clearly and loudly

4. What does the author suggest you do if you have to communicate with an Alzheimer patient?

    a. Be caring and understanding

    b. Be helpful and protective

    c. Be polite and speak softly

    d. Be cautious about what you say

5. Which of the follwing is not true according to the passage?

    a. Alzheimer's disease often affects the memory.

    b. Hearing problems always occur in an Alzheimer patient.

    c. A person with Alzheimer's disease may lost ability to express himself clearly.

    d. Difficulty in communicating with others is not the only symtom of Alzheimer's disease.

6. What is the autho's purpose in writing the passage?

    a. To explain what Alzheimer's disease is.

    b. To describe the symtoms of Alzheimer's disease.

    c. To suggest how to deal with an Alzheimer patient.

    d. To discuss the medical problems an Alzheimer patient may expereince.

Answers

1. C       2. A       3. C       4. A       5. B        6. C