Sleep better than Midnight Oil on the Eve of Exams Reading Answers

Sleep better than Midnight Oil on the Eve of Exams Reading Answers contain 14 questions and belong to the assessment system of the IELTS General Reading test. Sleep better than Midnight Oil on the Eve of Exams Reading Answers must be answered within 20 minutes. In this IELTS reading section, question types include: Choose the correct letter and Choose ONE WORD for each answer.

Sleep better than Midnight Oil on the Eve of Exams Reading Answers offers a comprehensive overview of sacrificing sleep to cram for exams reduces memory, focus, and performance, while prioritizing rest with planned study schedules and healthy sleep habits ensures better academic success. To practice similar reading tests, candidates can refer to the IELTS Reading Practice Test section.

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Topic:

A.Every year, as exams approach, many students resort to staying up late into the night cramming vast amounts of material. This practice, often called “burning the midnight oil,” is seen by some as necessary to maximize study time. However, recent research suggests that sacrificing sleep to study may actually harm exam performance rather than help it.

B.Sleep plays a critical role in memory consolidation—the process by which newly acquired information is transferred from short-term to long-term memory. Neuroscientists have found that during sleep, especially during deep stages, the brain actively processes and strengthens memories formed during the day. Without adequate sleep, this process is interrupted, making it harder to recall information when needed.

C.Several studies have demonstrated the negative effects of sleep deprivation on cognitive functions such as attention, problem-solving, and critical thinking—all essential skills for exam success. Students who pull all-nighters often experience difficulty focusing and increased mental fatigue, reducing their ability to perform complex tasks during exams.

D.One experiment compared two groups of students preparing for the same test. One group was allowed a full night of sleep before the exam, while the other group stayed awake all night studying. The well-rested group consistently scored higher and reported feeling more confident than those who sacrificed sleep, supporting the argument that sleep is more valuable than last-minute studying.

E.Despite these findings, many students feel compelled to study late at night due to anxiety or poor time management. Procrastination often leads to last-minute cramming sessions, creating a cycle of stress and inadequate rest. Experts emphasize the importance of planning study schedules well in advance to avoid this trap and ensure sufficient sleep.

F.In addition to memory benefits, sleep also regulates mood and stress levels. Lack of sleep can increase irritability and anxiety, which further impairs cognitive performance. Exam periods are naturally stressful, and maintaining a regular sleep routine helps students stay calm and mentally resilient.

G.Some students attempt to counteract sleep deprivation by consuming caffeine or energy drinks. While these stimulants can temporarily improve alertness, their effects are short-lived and can interfere with natural sleep patterns later on. Overuse of such substances may lead to dependence and further disrupt exam preparation.

H.To optimize exam performance, experts recommend prioritizing sleep during the days leading up to exams, rather than attempting to cram at midnight before. Healthy habits such as avoiding screens before bedtime, creating a quiet sleep environment, and practicing relaxation techniques can improve sleep quality. Combining good sleep hygiene with consistent study habits is the best strategy for academic success.

Questions 27-33

Choose the correct letter, A-H, for each.

27. Which paragraph explains why memory consolidation needs sleep?

Answer: B

Supporting statement: "Sleep plays a critical role in memory consolidation—the process by which newly acquired information is transferred from short-term to long-term memory."

Keywords: memory consolidation, sleep, long-term memory

Keyword Location: Paragraph B, line 1

Explanation: Paragraph B explains that memory consolidation occurs during sleep, making it essential for recalling information later.

28. Where are the effects of sleep deprivation on thinking skills discussed?

Answer: C

Supporting statement: "Several studies have demonstrated the negative effects of sleep deprivation on cognitive functions such as attention, problem-solving, and critical thinking..."

Keywords: negative effects, cognitive functions, attention, problem-solving

Keyword Location: Paragraph C, line 1

Explanation: Paragraph C highlights how sleep deprivation weakens thinking skills, directly answering the question.

29. Which paragraph describes a study comparing well-rested students and all-nighters?

Answer: D

Supporting statement: "One experiment compared two groups of students preparing for the same test... The well-rested group consistently scored higher..."

Keywords: experiment, compared, well-rested, all-nighters

Keyword Location: Paragraph D, lines 1–2

Explanation: This describes a study comparing exam performance between students who slept and those who stayed awake.

30. Where is the issue of procrastination mentioned?

Answer: E

Supporting statement: "Procrastination often leads to last-minute cramming sessions, creating a cycle of stress and inadequate rest."

Keywords: procrastination, last-minute cramming, stress

Keyword Location: Paragraph E, line 2

Explanation: Paragraph E explicitly mentions procrastination as a cause of late-night cramming.

31. Which paragraph highlights sleep's role in managing stress and mood?

Answer: F

Supporting statement: "In addition to memory benefits, sleep also regulates mood and stress levels. Lack of sleep can increase irritability and anxiety..."

Keywords: regulate mood, stress levels, anxiety

Keyword Location: Paragraph F, line 1–2

Explanation: Sleep’s role in mood and stress regulation is explained here, making it the correct choice.

32. Where is the use of caffeine to stay awake discussed?

Answer: G

Supporting statement: "Some students attempt to counteract sleep deprivation by consuming caffeine or energy drinks..."

Keywords: caffeine, energy drinks, counteract sleep deprivation

Keyword Location: Paragraph G, line 1

Explanation: Paragraph G discusses the use of caffeine and its short-lived effects on alertness.

33. Which paragraph gives advice on improving sleep before exams?

Answer: H

Supporting statement: "To optimize exam performance, experts recommend prioritizing sleep... Healthy habits such as avoiding screens before bedtime..."

Keywords: prioritizing sleep, avoiding screens, sleep hygiene

Keyword Location: Paragraph H, line 1–2

Explanation: Paragraph H provides advice on improving sleep quality before exams.

Questions 34-40

Choose ONE WORD for each answer.

34. Staying awake all night before exams is called …………….. The midnight oil.

Answer: burning

Supporting statement: "This practice, often called ‘burning the midnight oil,’..."

Keywords: burning the midnight oil

Keyword Location: Paragraph A, line 1

Explanation: The passage directly refers to staying awake all night as "burning the midnight oil."

35. The brain strengthens memories during ……………….. stages of sleep.

Answer: deep

Supporting statement: "...especially during deep stages, the brain actively processes and strengthens memories..."

Keywords: deep stages, strengthens memories

Keyword Location: Paragraph B, line 2

Explanation: Deep stages of sleep are necessary for memory consolidation.

36. Sleep deprivation reduces the ability to focus and causes mental ………………..

Answer: fatigue

Supporting statement: "...often experience difficulty focusing and increased mental fatigue..."

Keywords: difficulty focusing, mental fatigue

Keyword Location: Paragraph C, line 2

Explanation: Fatigue is the effect of sleep deprivation on students’ ability to concentrate.

37. Last-minute studying is often caused by poor time ………………….

Answer: time

Supporting statement: "Procrastination often leads to last-minute cramming sessions..."

Keywords: procrastination, last-minute, time management

Keyword Location: Paragraph E, line 1–2

Explanation: Poor time management is identified as a cause of last-minute studying.

38. Sleep helps regulate mood and reduces feelings of ……………………

Answer: anxiety

Supporting statement: "Lack of sleep can increase irritability and anxiety, which further impairs cognitive performance."

Keywords: irritability, anxiety, lack of sleep

Keyword Location: Paragraph F, line 2

Explanation: Sleep regulates mood and reduces anxiety during stressful exams.

39. Consuming caffeine can temporarily increase …………………

Answer: alertness

Supporting statement: "While these stimulants can temporarily improve alertness..."

Keywords: stimulants, improve alertness, temporarily

Keyword Location: Paragraph G, line 2

Explanation: Caffeine briefly boosts alertness, though it disrupts sleep later.

40. Good sleep habits include avoiding screens before …………………….

Answer: bedtime

Supporting statement: "Healthy habits such as avoiding screens before bedtime..."

Keywords: avoiding screens, bedtime, sleep quality

Keyword Location: Paragraph H, line 2

Explanation: The text recommends avoiding screens before bedtime for better sleep hygiene.

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