Man: I have a blood draw scheduled for 8:30 tomorrow morning, and I’m not sure what I’m allowed to eat tonight. Woman: Did the clinic say it was a fasting blood test? Man: Yes, they told me not to eat for 10 to 12 hours, but I forgot to ask whether I could drink coffee. Woman: I’d avoid coffee, especially if you usually add milk or sugar. Water should be fine, and it might make the blood draw easier. Man: That makes sense. I’ll have dinner around seven and skip breakfast. Woman: Good idea, but don’t skip your regular medication unless the nurse tells you to. Man: I’ll call the lab this afternoon just to make sure.
1. What is the man mainly trying to find out?
2. What does the woman suggest the man should do?
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Correct Answers: 0
Incorrect Answers: 0
III. Listen to a lecture in a medical class
Step 1. Listen to the mini-lecture (or read the transcript) and then answer the questions.
Note that in the actual test you will not see the questions until you listen to the whole audio file.
So take down as many details as possible
Listening + Questions — 12 minutes
Tip: Focus on cause-and-effect, evidence vs. myth, and the professor’s stance.
Professor: Alright everyone, today we’ll discuss basic blood tests—the kind of routine screenings that are far less glamorous than high-tech imaging but absolutely essential for staying healthy. Many young people think blood tests are only for older adults, but in reality, there are stages in life where certain checks become very useful. And I want you to walk away today inspired to take these tests regularly, not just when you feel sick.
Let’s begin with the complete blood count (CBC). This is often recommended starting in your late teens—around age 18—especially if you feel tired or weak. It measures red cells, white cells, and platelets. A simple CBC can detect anemia, infections, or even early signs of immune problems. It’s inexpensive and should ideally be repeated every few years, or more often if symptoms suggest it.
Second, by the time you reach your mid-twenties, doctors usually suggest a lipid profile—that’s cholesterol and triglycerides. Why so early? Because heart disease doesn’t begin at 60; it begins silently in your twenties. A high cholesterol level at 25 may seem harmless, but it sets the stage for clogged arteries decades later. If you know early, you can change diet, exercise, or sometimes take medication before permanent damage occurs.
Now, closely related is something you may not have heard of: lipoprotein(a), often abbreviated as Lp(a). This is a genetic form of cholesterol that doesn’t change much with lifestyle. Elevated Lp(a) is one of the strongest predictors of early heart attack and stroke, even in people who seem otherwise healthy. Since it is genetic, experts recommend testing once in your lifetime, usually by age 25. If the number is high, your doctor can monitor you more closely and recommend more aggressive prevention—like stricter cholesterol targets or earlier use of medication. Think of it as a risk “modifier”: you can’t change it, but you can act on it if you know about it.
Next, let’s talk about fasting glucose, which screens for diabetes. Most guidelines suggest starting these at age 35 if you’re healthy, but much earlier if you’re overweight or have a family history. Detecting high blood sugar before full diabetes develops can literally prevent the disease. With lifestyle adjustments, people can keep glucose under control and avoid complications like blindness or kidney failure.
Finally, there are tests that are highly individual—like iron studies for women with heavy menstrual cycles, or thyroid panels for people with persistent fatigue. These don’t have a fixed age for everyone, but they’re common in early adulthood because they uncover problems people often attribute to stress or lack of sleep.
To sum up: start with a CBC at 18, add a cholesterol panel by 25, include Lp(a) testing once by 25 to check for hidden genetic risk, and add glucose screening at 35 or earlier depending on your risk. Regular blood tests are like small investments—you spend a little time and money now to avoid a huge medical bill later. If there’s one message you remember from today’s lecture, it’s this: don’t wait for symptoms—test early, test regularly, and protect your future health.
Questions:
1. What is the professor’s main goal in this lecture?