Speed Reading — 2018 - Level 6 — 500 wpm 

Now do this put-the-text-back-together activity.

This is the text (if you need help).

The year 2018 is just days old, but already there are indications it will be a great 12 months. This is according to a poll conducted by the international news service BNE. The service's top pollster asked pertinent questions about whether people were optimistic or pessimistic about the year ahead. A resounding 100 per cent of survey participants responded positively. They all thought 2018 would be a wonderful year, both in their personal lives and in terms of national and global issues. All those who took part in the survey were of the opinion that 2018 would be significantly better than the year 2017. A BNE spokesman said he was heartened by the responses and wished everyone good fortune.

The survey questioned participants' views on their hopes for their own life, as well as for the fate of the Earth. An overwhelming majority of people were convinced they would carry out their New Year resolutions. In particular, people were determined to get in shape, stop procrastinating, save money, and improve their English ability. Others said they would use their smartphones less often, eat less fast food and chocolate, and make sure their homes are always very, very tidy. Most participants were positive about the world in 2018. They thought there would be fewer wars, less pollution and an increase in goodwill shown to the less fortunate. Everyone hoped for more peace, love, happiness and prosperity.

Comprehension questions
  1. What did the news service BNE carry out?
  2. What percent of people responded positively to a survey?
  3. What kind of issues did the people say 2018 would be wonderful for?
  4. What did the survey participants say 2018 would be better than?
  5. What did a BNE spokesman wish everyone?
  6. What did participants ask questions on the fate of?
  7. How many people were convinced they would carry out their resolutions?
  8. What did many people say they wanted to stop doing?
  9. What did many people resolve to keep tidy?
  10. What did people think would be shown more of to the less fortunate?

Back to the 2018 lesson.

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