Through the centuries, the dream of medieval alchemists was to discover how to turn lead and (34) "base" metals into gold. Some were fakes, but many were learned men with philosophical goals. Their (35) was based on the ancient idea that all matter consists of different proportions of just four substances - earth, water, fire, and air. They believed that it was possible to adjust the proportions of the elements that made up lead by chemical means so that it turned into gold, a process called transmutation. Their experiments were concerned with finding the substance - (36) they called the philosopher's stone - that, when added to lead, would cause this astonishing change to take place. Alchemists also searched for the elixir of life, a substance that could cure diseases and (37) life. They failed on both counts. (38) , their techniques for preparing and studying chemicals helped lay the foundation for the modern science of chemistry.
(Adapted from “VSTEP Collection”)

There are many kinds of books in the world. They fall into two categories which are fiction and non-fiction. Well-received books from either kind are even made into movies and games.
Fiction books are written using the imagination. The characters and events surrounding them are not real. Fiction books can be found in abundance at bookstores and libraries. They can even be found on the shelves of comic shops and game shops. Often, fiction books are written in two or three combinations from the science, fantasy and classical groups. The most popular kind among youngsters is probably in the area of fantasy. Anything involving magic and witchcraft, space-crafts and aliens, or superheroes and time travel may be used in this category.
Many different kinds of non-fiction books are available on the market. These are written about facts, real people, real events and real places. Most of the time, non-fiction books are written by people who have experienced or witnessed the happenings themselves. Real-life stories can also be contributed by readers and thus they can be found in magazines and newspapers.
As more books are written and produced across the globe, our choice for selection also increases. Although reading is a good form of habit, choosing the right kind of books to read is just as important. We, as the readers, have the responsibility to learn to choose wisely.
(Adapted from Conquer Comprehension 3 by Judy Tilaka & Felicia Wong)

Within the space of a few decades, video game technology has changed beyond recognition. From basic single-player computer games involving simple stick controls, we can now manipulate the movements of computer game characters with our bodies. We can even invite other people from anywhere in the world to join us in online games. So how might gaming evolve in the next few decades?
The average age of gamers has risen to about 30 in recent years. Experts agree that this trend is likely to continue. Not only are people continuing to play games later in life, but now even older people with no computer skills can also confidently take part in the games console revolution. More and more games are designed to need very little pressing of buttons. Games of the future may even be completely voice-activated. Because of this user-friendliness, game designers are trying to appeal to a whole new market, the middle-aged. We may soon see the release of games with themes such as gardening or cookery.
The younger generation, however, can push themselves harder with more serious gaming, and they expect games to become a lot more physical in the future. There are already some games that sense the movement of any part of the body. Soon, game consoles will even be adapted to the way we feel through our facial expressions. Some games will feel more real than ever through the use of 3D imagery.
Today's most advanced video games are played at home, but it is already common for people to continue playing them wherever they go via their phones or similarly-sized gadgets. Businesses could even try to take advantage of this, couldn't they? They could start advertising within games that are being played by people in their target groups, those who live in certain areas or by people with particular tastes.
(Adapted from On Screen B2 by Virginia Evans- Jenny Dooley)