PART 1

READING PASSAGE 1

Read the text below and answer Questions 1-13.

Daydreaming

Daydreaming is a universal human experience. It occurs when we sit or lie down, close our eyes, and use our imagination to think about events that might happen in the future or could have occurred in the past. Most daydreams are enjoyable because they involve scenarios we hope to see come true, such as being in someone else’s shoes, achieving long-held dreams, or receiving more admiration and approval from others.

Unlike dreams, which occur during sleep, daydreams happen while we are awake and allow us to direct their content. While many daydreams may involve unlikely events, some are rooted in realistic situations and can aid us in determining what we want to do or how to achieve the best outcomes. In this sense, daydreams can be quite useful, as they enable us to gain a deeper understanding of the world and the people around us.

Moreover, daydreaming can stimulate creativity. Individuals in creative professions, such as composers, writers, and filmmakers, often develop new ideas through daydreaming. This creative process also benefits scientists and mathematicians. Albert Einstein famously stated that imagination is more important than knowledge, as knowledge is limited, but creativity is boundless.

Research from the 1980s found that more than 75% of workers engaged in monotonous jobs, like truck drivers and security guards, frequently daydream to make their workday more engaging. Recent studies have also suggested that daydreaming has positive effects on the brain; MRI scans reveal that areas involved in complex problem-solving are more active during daydreaming. This indicates that daydreaming helps consolidate learning similar to dreaming while we are asleep.

Despite its advantages, daydreaming is often viewed negatively in many cultures. One reason is the association of daydreaming with idleness. In the 19th century, frequent daydreamers were usually seen as lazy, especially as factory work and assembly line jobs became widespread. These roles required individuals to perform repetitive tasks with little room for creativity, leading many to see people who daydreamed as slacking off.

Critics also contend that daydreaming fosters ‘escapism,’ which is considered unhealthy. People who engage in escapism may retreat into a fantasy world where they are successful and popular, rather than addressing real-world challenges. Such individuals often appear unhappy and less willing or able to improve their daily lives. Recent studies indicate that people who frequently daydream tend to have fewer close friends and may even lack close friendships entirely.

Questions 1-8

Do the following statements agree with the information given in the text?

For questions 1-8, write

1.TRUEFALSENOT GIVEN People usually daydream when they are walking around.

2.TRUEFALSENOT GIVEN Some people can daydream when they are asleep.

3.TRUEFALSENOT GIVEN Some daydreams help us to be more successful in our lives.

4.TRUEFALSENOT GIVEN Most lorry drivers daydream in their jobs to make them more interesting.

5.TRUEFALSENOT GIVEN Factory workers daydream more than lorry drivers.

6.TRUEFALSENOT GIVEN Daydreaming helps people to be creative.

7.TRUEFALSENOT GIVEN Old people daydream more than young people.

8.TRUEFALSENOT GIVEN Escapist people are generally very happy.

Questions 9-10

Complete the sentences below.

Choose NO MORE THAN THREE WORDS from the text for each answer.

Writers, artists and other creative people use daydreaming to

The areas of the brain used in daydreaming are also used for complicated

Questions 11-13

Choose the correct letter, A, B, C or D.

11. Daydreams are

A

• dreams that we have when we fall asleep in daytime.

B

• about things that happened that make us sad.

C

• often about things that we would like to happen.

D

• activities that only a few people are able to do.

12. In the nineteenth century, many people believed that daydreaming was

A

• helpful in factory work.

B

• a way of avoiding work.

C

• something that few people did.

D

• a healthy activity.

13. People who daydream a lot

A

• usually have creative jobs.

B

• are much happier than other people.

C

• are less intelligent than other people.

D

• do not have as many friends as other people.