Reading Text 1 1. Read the article and complete the sentence. Choose a), b) or c). The writer tried the sand cure... a) because he had health problems. b) but didn't enjoy the experience. c) and thought it was a positive experience. Trying the Sahara sand cure The Sahara Desert is one of the driest regions on earth. Very little grows in temperatures that can reach 57°C. So what could be healthy about this place? According to the Saharawi, a tribe who live in the desert in the Western Sahara, it was more than enough of what is needed: heat and sand. The Saharawi have been using the sand cure for hundreds of years. And recently this treatment has been gaining popularity with tourists. My guide explained the technique: «We make a big hole, cover ourselves in lotion, get in the hole and stay in the sun for a few hours>>. The Saharawi believe the cure alleviates skin and back problems. And a local doctor backs up their claims. Dr.Coulon has been a doctor in Morocco for more than 30 years and has tried the sand cure herself. < very good for your bones, muscles and circulation»>, she says. So, after several cups of mint tea, I agreed to try the cure myself. At midday the heat is at its peak and you can hardly walk on the scorching sand. I started wishing for a cooling wind. Bad idea. The experience of being buried in the sand is not unpleasant - it's a bit like a hot, dry bath. But the experience of crunching on sand in your mouth is not pleasant at all. After 20 minutes I was so relaxed I felt I could stay there for ever. The desert is so quiet. But ten minutes later, my guides starting helping me out. I had spent a measly half an hour in the sand. The Saharawis spend two hours. My conclusions? Well, I certainly felt more relaxed and very clean - when I'd got all the sand out of my ears, nose and mouth, of course. 2. Look at words in bold in the article. Choose the correct meanings of the words. 2. gaining a) increasing b) decreasing 3. alleviates a) doesn't help b) helps 4. scorching 5. crunching 6. measly a) very hot a) chewing a) very large b) very cold b) drinking b) very small III. Read the article again. Are these sentences true (T), false (F) or article doesn't say (DS)? 7. The sand cure is a modern natural cure. 8. The sand cure is only practiced in the Saharan desert. 9. Tourists have been trying the sand cure. 10. The sand cure can help with stomach problems.

1. The writer tried the sand cure because: c) and thought it was a positive experience.2. Look at words in bold in the article. Choose the correct meanings of the words. 2. gaining a) increasing 3. alleviates b) helps 4. scorching a) very hot 5. crunching a) chewing 6. measly b) very smallIII. Read the article again. Are these sentences true (T), false (F) or article doesn't say (DS)? 7. The sand cure is a modern natural cure. DS 8. The sand cure is only practiced in the Saharan desert. T 9. Tourists have been trying the sand cure. T 10. The sand cure can help with stomach problems. DS