READING PRACTICE

NAME:

Text 1

VR sickness
In the fast-moving world of technology, it’s safe to say that Virtual Reality is the next big thing, or at
least one of them. The hardware – the headset and controls – already exists and several major tech
companies already have a whole range of VR applications that allow you to watch 3D films, play
games, browse social media and watch 360-degree videos.
However, a problem has arisen that developers of the technology certainly hadn’t counted on. Many VR
users have complained of motion sickness from using the VR headset. When your brain is experiencing
motion as you move around virtual worlds, but your body is sitting or standing perfectly still, you can
get motion sickness. It’s the same feeling that some people get as passengers in cars, or on boats
moving up and down on the sea. It causes nausea, you feel dizzy, you sweat and you get a headache.
Unfortunately, these feelings can last for several hours after you’ve returned to the real world.
Fortunately though, there are solutions. Like sufferers of car or seasickness, you can take medication
called Dramamine which can hold back the unpleasant symptoms you get from motion sickness. Another
solution comes from acupuncture. There’s a point on your wrist called Nei-Kuan, and when pressure
is applied there, the sensation of motion sickness is relieved. Simply wearing a wristband that puts
pressure on your Nei-Kuan while you’re using the VR-headset can help.
But many experts say that simpler prevention methods may be more effective. One recommendation for
fighting VR sickness is to take things slowly at first. If you find yourself experiencing the symptoms, then
the best thing to do is to use the technology for only a few minutes, slowly building up to longer periods.
Some people recommend home remedies like ginger tea before using the headset, which relieve the
sensation of nausea. Slightly more bizarre is the idea of pointing a fan at yourself to simulate forward
motion, tricking your brain into thinking you are really in motion.

Part A. Reading Comprehension

I Answer the following questions using your own words but taking into account the
information in the text.
a) Why do some people get motion sickness from VR?
b) How can acupuncture help relieve motion sickness symptoms?

II Are the following statements true (T) or false (F)? Identify the part of the text that
supports your answer by copying the exact passage.
a) Large technology companies are developing new equipment for virtual reality applications.

b) The most effective way of avoiding VR sickness is to increase your use gradually.

c) Experts recommend home remedies above all other options for curing VR sickness.
 Text 2:

Record stores
In the days before digital music, if you were a music lover and wanted to discover new music, you went
to your local record shop and browsed through the hundreds of vinyl LPs. The guys behind the counter –
record shops all seemed to be staffed by young men – would give you a nod if they approved of your
purchase, raise an eyebrow if they didn’t, and even give you advice on the coolest sounds around. If
you’re a fan of the American TV series The Big Bang Theory, you can get an idea of what record shops
meant to some people when you think of Stuart’s comic store.
One would expect these little treasures to have all been shut down, wiped out by the digital revolution,
which allows people to access all the music they want from a range of devices anytime, anywhere. This
is not entirely the case, however. Many small and large record shops have closed down and, in truth,
very few remain. Nevertheless, increasing vinyl sales is leading to the return of record stores.
In the USA, vinyl sales went up from one million to 13 million in 2016. One explanation for this new
interest in an old format may have to do with nostalgia – many of us like ‘old school.’ But that’s only part
of the story because people aren’t only buying older artists, but also new artists like Arctic Monkeys and
Royal Blood. A lot of people also talk about the ‘warmth’ of the sound from vinyl records because it’s
analogue not digital. It also allows you to build a collection in the traditional sense.
If you’re considering opening your own record shop, it’s really not that easy. You really have to know
what you’re doing and what you’re getting into. You have to have a suitable location and, of course, a
good collection – people still want to buy Led Zeppelin on vinyl. You should know the market and be
familiar with sales and marketing. Plan for the future too because the number of new record shops is
increasing, with approximately 500 opening up in the USA since 2010.

Part A. Reading Comprehension

I Answer the following questions using your own words but taking into account the
information in the text.
a) Why does the author mention the comic store in The Big Bang Theory?
b) What sort of knowledge do you need to open a record shop?

II Are the following statements true (T) or false (F)? Identify the part of the text that
supports your answer by copying the exact passage.
a) Digital music has been responsible for the disappearance of a lot of record shops.

b) The main reason for the return of vinyl is because of our love for old things.

c) The article warns against opening a new record shop.