Reading comprehension (Test 59)

Multiple-choice quiz; Answer the following questions according to the text.

(Note: The text below will disappear once you start answering the questions; so, understand the text fully before answering. Also, the technique in reading comprehension tests is to read the questions first before reading the text.)

Many people who have to start the day early find it difficult to wake up properly. For some of them the solutions is very straightforward: they drink two cups of coffee and the feelings of the fatigue disappear. This is the effect of caffeine; one of a family of stimulants found not only in coffee but also in such drinks as tea, cola and cocoa. Taken in reasonable amounts, the stimulating chemical may help some people to work more efficiently. However, excessive quantities can cause several irritating, unhealthy side effects. Studies show, in fact, that more than two cups of coffee a day can cause unpleasant symptoms such as nervousness, irritability, stomach pain and insomnia.

The passage suggests that it is inadvisable for one to _____.
1. drink any tea, coffee or cocoa at all
2. drink more than two cups of coffee a day
3. start the day without a stimulant of some sort
4. use any other stimulant but caffeine
5. drink less than one cup of coffee
Caffeine and other similar stimulants _____.
1. can produce certain unpleasant side effects, if large doses are taken
2. are completely harmless
3. always have a negative effect upon people
4. actually never lead to improved work efficiency
5. are so useful for health
The passage points out that many people begin the day with two cups of coffee _____.
1. even when they don’t feel sleepy
2. because by doing so they soon feel wide awake
3. because there is less caffeine in coffee than in tea
4. if they know the day ahead is likely to be an irritating one
5. because alcohol is more harmful

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