E is incorrect: The
word cleanliness does not fit in this part of the sentence because the text does not say that our
standard of cleanliness is poor.
20 The correct answer is E: In the seventh paragraph, the text refers to ‘Our obsession with
hygiene’ as one of several factors contributing to the increase in allergies and immune system
problems. If people have an ‘obsession with hygiene’, this means that they focus far too much
on keeping themselves clean.
H is incorrect: The word ‘nutrition’ does not fit in this part of the
sentence because the text does not say that we focus too much on nutrition.
21 The correct answer is YES: In the eighth paragraph, the writer says, ‘there are studies indicating
that the excessive use of household detergents and antibacterial products actually destroys the
microbes that normally keep the more dangerous germs at bay’. The writer suggests that using
antibacterial products may not lead to the result that we want: we use the products to kill dangerous
germs, but in fact they might be killing the microbes which keep us safe from these germs. If these
products do not keep us safe from dangerous germs, they are failing to have the desired effect.
22 The correct answer is NO: In the eighth paragraph, the writer says, ‘Other studies show that
keeping a dog as a pet gives children early exposure to a diverse range of bacteria, which may help
protect them against allergies later.’ The phrase ‘exposure to a diverse range of bacteria’ means
‘contact with many different types of bacteria’. In other words, the writer thinks that children may get
protection against allergies if they are exposed to as many bacteria as possible when they are young.
It is therefore not a good idea to ensure they come into contact with as few bacteria as possible.
23 The correct answer is NOT GIVEN: In the ninth paragraph, the writer refers to several case
studies in Yong’s book but does not give an opinion about whether there are too many or too
few case studies included.
