Understanding the Five Elements

Water is represented by the color black and the calm stillness of winter. People dominant element is water prefer salty foods. They tend to be peaceful and introspective, though they can also be stubborn individuals. Water people value privacy and rarely share their personal thoughts with others.

Wood is represented by the color green and the rebirth of spring. People dominant element is wood prefer sour foods. They tend to be driven, assertive individuals, which can sometimes make them argumentative and difficult to get along with. However, they can also be understanding, helpful individuals who are happy to assist others in need.

Fire corresponds to the color red and the season of summer. People dominant element prefer bitter foods. They tend to be optimistic, energetic, unpredictable individuals. Fire people often have strong opinions, and are risk takers: they are passionate people who love excitement and change. Like fire, though, they can also be destructive and rude.

Earth is represented by the color yellow and is related to late summer – a time of wellbeing when things are in balance. People dominant element is earth prefer sweet foods. Earth people are slow to change their minds and rarely lose their tempers. They tend to be patient, easygoing, caring, and nurturing, although like some parents, they can also be overprotective.

Metal is represented by the color white and is related to the season of autumn. People dominant element is metal prefer spicy foods. They tend to be systematic and refined, but are sometimes viewed by others as somewhat distant or unfriendly.

GLOSSARY
nurturing – supportive
somewhat – more than a little but not very

All alternatives complete the blank below, except: The text .

After a series of building problems and public protests in Brazil, the governing body of world football, Fifa, repeatedly warned there would be “no compromise” over the delivery of World Cup stadiums. But with Fifa’s endof- year deadline looming, several stadiums are well behind schedule and one host city, Cuiaba, has told the BBC that not only will it be unable to finish its stadium on time, but there are not even enough hotel rooms for visiting fans.

Even though Fifa only insisted on a minimum of eight stadiums to host the World Cup, Brazil decided to go with 12, such was the interest and demand from all parts of this huge nation to be part of the tournament. But, in hindsight, has Brazil bitten off more than it can chew? Up in the city of Manaus, they are finishing an arena that bears some resemblance to the famous Bird’s Nest Stadium in Beijing: an elaborate steel structure, imported from Portugal, envelops the playing area like an indigenous woven basket.

(Taken from www.bbcnews.com)

GLOSSARY
looming – expiring
in hindsight – looking back now

According to the article, all alternatives are correct, except:

Don’t drink and ride

Alcohol can increase your risk of being hurt in a car accident, even if you aren’t behind the wheel. A new University of Michigan study reports that men who have been drinking are 50 percent more likely to experience a serious injury during a car accident than sober passengers.