Section B  Audio-Visual Tasks

Task3  Spot Dictation

Listen to a passage three times and while listening, you are to put the missing word in each numbered blank according towhat you hear.

Scientists in Iceland say they have (1) identifiedthe first gene linked to common forms of stroke. These strokes are caused by a(2) blockagein the flow of blood to the brain. They are known as ischemic strokes. Ischemic strokes often result in death or severe (3) disability.

Differences in the gene can increase the chance ofa stroke by three to five times. A (4) protein produced by the gene influences the movement and growth of muscle cells. This influence causes the cells to grow inside arteries and (5) restrictthe flow of blood.

All people have this gene. But the risk of stroke  appears higher in those with a (6) version that produces low levels of the protein. There searchers say other genes are probably also (7) involved in a stroke. But they believe this one is among the strongest. They say treatments are possible inthe future to reduce the risk of stroke. Such drugs could (8) target the protein produced by the gene.

The discovery is part of a larger genetic study ofthe Icelandic people. Their family histories have been (9) unusually well documented. The researchers say they expect to find that the gene has a similar(10) effectin people outsideIceland.

The new finding may help (11) explain why strokes happen in some people who do not seem at high risk. Doctors say high blood pressure, heart disease, smoking, diabetes and high (12) cholesterol all increase the risk of stroke.