PART I: WRITTEN RECEPTION (70 points)

(ACCESS TO INFORMATION FROM WRITTEN TEXTS)

Read the article below and then answer questions 1–9.
A glossary of the <u>underlined</u> words (numbers 1–8) is provided on the next page.

ON <u>DAYDREAMS</u>¹ AND <u>DAYDREAMING</u>²

I Imagine you are sitting on the train, checking emails on your phone. Suddenly, you
realize that for a while, you haven’t been concentrating on those emails. Your thoughts were
somewhere else. For example, you might have been thinking about the movie you watched last
night, or about riding in a flying car. This is called daydreaming, and it is something we all do.
5 We often <u>daydream</u>³ when we are sitting somewhere feeling relaxed or bored, or doing something
that doesn’t require our full attention.
II When people hear the word "daydreaming" they usually think of an experience that is
pleasant. However, this is not always true. In some situations, daydreaming can cause us
<u>embarrassment</u>⁴. Suppose, for example, that you were daydreaming during dinner with friends.
10 Think how you would feel if you suddenly realized that people were waiting for you to pass the
bowl of salad. Moreover, when our thoughts <u>wander</u>⁵ we can end up daydreaming about things
that worry or upset us, like financial troubles or sad events in our lives.
III However, daydreams can also have surprisingly positive effects. According to research,
this can happen when we enjoy the daydream. For example, a study of office workers found that
15 they felt <u>refreshed</u>⁶ after a short period of pleasant daydreaming, and could concentrate better
on their work. Many artists and writers say daydreaming is an important part of their creative
process since it helps them think of new ideas. And enjoyable daydreams have also been found
to help people in times of stress or pain.
IV So is it possible to ensure that we have the kind of daydream that can provide these benefits?
20 According to psychology professor Erin Westgate, who has studied daydreaming <u>extensively</u>⁷,
the answer is yes. She recommends making a list of a few topics you would enjoy daydreaming
about. It is important, she says, to choose ones that are both pleasant and <u>meaningful</u>⁸, such as
a happy memory or a plan for the future. Then find a quiet time when you are doing some light
activity, like washing the dishes or brushing your teeth. Focus on the topic you chose and then
25 let your mind wander.
V If your first attempts are not successful, don't give up. According to Prof. Westgate,
daydreaming is a mental skill and developing it takes a lot of practice. So next time you are on
the train, don’t take out your cellphone. Instead, just relax and guide your thoughts towards a
daydream. You will be glad you did.

GLOSSARY

<small>בטופס המקורי המילון מופיע גם בספרדית, ברוסית, בצרפתית, באמהרית ובערבית.</small>

<u>QUESTIONS</u> (70 points)
Answer questions 1–9 in English according to the article. In questions 1, 6, 7, and 9, circle the number of the correct answer. In the other questions, follow the instructions.