HGH. Reading Comprehension.

Read the text. Choose the best answer.

HGH (Human Growth Hormone) could be the favourite drug at the next athletic world championships, and we might never know it. It is a natural substance produced by the human body, and it helps children’s bones and muscles to grow. Scientists are allowed to make the drug and it is also legal to take HGH in most countries. HGH is considered a wonder drug for children. It helps many children with growth problems every year.

However, some athletes are now taking the drug. HGH helps add muscle in adults and recent research by the World Anti-Doping Agency shows that HGH may improve a sprinter’s time by 5%. Some athletes say that HGH definitely makes them stronger. It also helps them to recover more quickly from injuries.

Although it is banned by most professional sports, HGH is almost impossible to test for. The drug is completely natural and it will only show in tests for around 24 hours after taking it. Testing is usually done only during competitions, but athletes use HGH during training, so it is very difficult to know who has used the drug. This makes it very attractive for some athletes. Scientists are developing a new test which will find the drug in the body for up to two weeks. But it isn’t going to be easy.

Everybody has different levels of natural HGH in their body.

For this reason, scientists are warning athletes of the possible problems with the drug. Research shows that HGH can give people headaches, pains and — more dangerously — bigger hearts. Finally, high levels of HGH increase the risk of cancer. But is this enough to stop athletes from taking it? Scientists don’t think so. Some athletes will do all they can to win, and worry about their health later.

1. The text is about …

HGH is a natural substance.

HGH is illegally produced in many countries.

HGH is used as medicine for children.

Everybody has the same level of natural HGH in the body.

Athletes use HGH during                               [competition, training]    to improve their results.

HGH is                [easy, difficult]            to test if the athlete takes HGH as medicine.

HGH may improve a sprinter`s time by                     [2 per cent., 5 per cent., 10 per cent.] 

Use all the correct statements.  Some athletes take HGH because

 Why doctors  prescribe  HGH for children?

Name four reasons why taking HGH is dangerous for adults.