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?
She says Lp(a) “doesn’t change much with lifestyle” and is genetic.
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Correct Answers: 0
Incorrect Answers: 0
II. Reading
1. Step 1. Read the text below
Reading + Test Time — 18 minutes
18:00
Scan the questions first, then read the passage carefully. Watch for contrasts and signal words.
Passage:
The human immune system is a complex network of cells and proteins designed to defend the body against infections. In recent years, blood tests that evaluate immune status have become increasingly common, both in clinical practice and preventive medicine.
One of the most basic immune-related tests is the white blood cell count, which provides a general indication of whether the body is fighting infection. Doctors often recommend this test when patients experience fever, fatigue, or unexplained weight loss. However, experts also note that healthy adults can benefit from a baseline test in their early twenties, to establish normal reference values for future comparisons.
Another important tool is the immunoglobulin panel, which measures antibodies such as IgG, IgA, and IgM. Abnormal levels may signal chronic infections or immune deficiencies. According to medical guidelines, this panel is especially useful for individuals with frequent respiratory illnesses or recurrent sinus infections. Physicians usually suggest testing in early adulthood if such symptoms persist.
In addition, tests for T-cell subsets—including CD4 and CD8 counts—are critical for monitoring immune function in people with conditions such as HIV. Yet some researchers argue that even individuals without diagnosed immune disorders should consider testing once by age thirty, since low T-cell activity may indicate hidden vulnerabilities.
Finally, inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 are increasingly used to detect early signs of systemic inflammation. While these tests are not routine for young adults, many specialists now recommend them for people over forty, even if they feel healthy. Elevated inflammation has been linked not only to infections but also to chronic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular conditions.
In summary, immune system status blood tests are not reserved only for the sick. They can play an important role in preventive health when taken at recommended stages: a white blood cell count in the twenties, immunoglobulin testing when infections are frequent, T-cell monitoring around thirty, and inflammatory marker panels from age forty onward. Advocates emphasize that early awareness may help individuals strengthen defenses and prevent long-term disease.
Questions:
1. What is the main focus of the passage?
2. According to the passage, why might a healthy adult take a white blood cell count in their twenties?
3. In what situation is an immunoglobulin panel especially useful?
4. What reason is given for testing T-cell subsets by age thirty?
5. The author implies that CRP and interleukin-6 tests are valuable because they…
6. The word “baseline” in paragraph 2 is closest in meaning to…
7. Which of the following is NOT mentioned as an immune-related blood test?
8. What is the author’s primary purpose in this passage?
9. Where would the following sentence best fit in the paragraph below?
Some laboratories now bundle these biomarkers into wellness panels aimed at preventive care.
Paragraph (from the passage):
Finally, inflammatory markers like C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukin-6 are increasingly used to detect early signs of systemic inflammation. (A) While these tests are not routine for young adults, many specialists now recommend them for people over forty, even if they feel healthy. (B) Elevated inflammation has been linked not only to infections but also to chronic diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular conditions. (C) As with any screening, results should be interpreted in context and followed up when abnormal. (D)
Inserting after (A) adds a concrete example (commercial wellness panels) right after the recommendation for older adults and before the broader consequences of inflammation, keeping a logical flow from usage → availability → implications.
10. An introductory sentence for a brief summary of the passage is provided below. Complete the summary by selecting the three answer choices that express the most important ideas in the passage.
Introductory sentence: Immune system status blood tests can support preventive health when taken at appropriate stages across adulthood.
Выберите ТРИ варианта:
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Incorrect Answers: 0
2. Integrated writing.
Step 1. Read the text below.
Reading Time — 3 minutes
Read & take down 3 main ideas: 3:00
Reading Passage (Lipoprotein(a)):
Lipoprotein (a), commonly abbreviated as Lp(a), has become a subject of considerable attention in cardiovascular research. However, many experts argue that its dangers are overstated. Three main reasons are usually given to support this claim.
First, Lp(a) is largely determined by genetics and remains relatively stable throughout life. Because it cannot be significantly altered by diet or lifestyle, it should not be treated as a major health concern in the same way cholesterol or blood pressure are.
Second, large-scale studies have shown inconsistent results regarding the association between elevated Lp(a) and cardiovascular disease. Some investigations suggest only a weak correlation, indicating that it may not play a decisive role in heart attacks or strokes.
Third, there are currently no widely available or proven therapies that specifically reduce Lp(a) levels. Since neither standard statins nor common treatments are effective, screening for Lp(a) is often seen as unnecessary and impractical for most patients.
Step 2. Listen to part of a lecture below and take notes.
Genetic researchers emphasize that lipoprotein (a) is actually one of the most reliable markers of cardiovascular risk. Because Lp(a) levels are almost entirely inherited and remain stable across a lifetime, a single blood test can identify individuals at elevated risk decades before symptoms appear. Unlike cholesterol, which may fluctuate with diet or exercise, Lp(a) provides a consistent predictor of disease
Moreover, recent epidemiological studies, such as those published in the European Heart Journal and the New England Journal of Medicine, demonstrate a strong and independent link between high Lp(a) and cardiovascular disease. Elevated levels have been shown to significantly increase the likelihood of premature heart attacks, strokes, and even calcification of the aortic valve. These findings are not isolated but have been replicated in diverse populations worldwide.
Finally, while older therapies had little impact, modern clinical trials are yielding promising results. For example, antisense oligonucleotide therapies have reduced Lp(a) concentrations by more than 80 percent in phase II trials, and monoclonal antibodies are showing similar effectiveness. Cardiologists argue that identifying high-risk patients now is critical, since these individuals may soon be eligible for targeted treatment once these drugs are approved
Summarize the key claims in the passage about Lp(a) and explain how points from the lecture challenge each claim using specific evidence (e.g., findings from epidemiological and genetic studies, and emerging therapies in clinical trials).
[Overview] The passage presents three reasons to downplay Lp(a). The lecture presents evidence that challenges each reason.
[Body 1] Genetics & stability → single measurement as a stable lifetime risk indicator.
[Body 2] “Inconsistent” studies → recent large genetic/epidemiological studies show strong independent association with CVD and aortic stenosis.
[Body 3] “No treatment” → new therapies in trials (e.g., antisense oligonucleotides) substantially reduce Lp(a); screening is useful.
[Conclusion] Therefore, the lecture undermines the passage’s minimization of Lp(a).
2. Independent writing
Reading time – 2 minutes, writing time – 8 minutes
Step 1. Read the academic discussion
Read the post carefully: 2:00
Professor Elena’s Post (Public Health Policy):
This week, let’s debate whether governments should subsidize routine lipid screening (total cholesterol, LDL/HDL, and lipoprotein(a)) for adolescents and young adults. Advocates argue that early detection—especially of inherited risks like elevated Lp(a)—can prevent heart disease, reduce long-term costs, and improve equity by giving every young person access to testing. Critics counter that screening healthy youth diverts limited funds, risks overdiagnosis and anxiety, and that resources should focus on school-based nutrition, exercise programs, and media literacy. Where should policy draw the line?
Student 1 — Arman (Skeptical)
I think subsidizing lipid panels for youth is a poor use of public money. Most teenagers are healthy, so screening millions to find a few high-risk cases isn’t efficient. False positives can create anxiety and trigger unnecessary follow-ups. If the aim is prevention, invest in lifestyle education: better school lunches, safe sports spaces, and campaigns that fight junk-food marketing. These interventions help everyone, not just the tiny fraction flagged by tests. Clinics are already overloaded—adding routine labs for low-risk groups will crowd out those who actually need care.
Student 2 — Naya (Supportive)
I support broadly subsidized screening, at least once in late adolescence. Some risks—like high Lp(a)—are genetic and not solved by lifestyle alone; early identification lets families plan with a clinician. Subsidies promote equity: without them, only wealthier families screen early. One affordable panel per student (with clear follow-up rules) is unlikely to strain budgets and could prevent costly events later. We should pair screening with the same lifestyle programs Arman wants—this isn’t either/or.
Step 2. Write a response
Tip: Write at least 120 words
State your own view clearly.
Refer to both Arman’s and Naya’s points.
Use specific reasons/examples (cost, equity, overdiagnosis, genetics, prevention).