Reading Test (Focus 2)

Beth’s health was more serious than people initially believed.

Mr Laurence often visited the girls to help take care of Beth.

Meg isolated herself to prevent passing on the illness to others.

Writing to their mother made Meg feel relieved and comforted.

Hannah insisted Meg stay silent about Beth's condition.

Jo spent most of her time trying to keep Beth entertained.

Despite her suffering, Beth was calm and didn’t express her discomfort.

Beth’s voice grew stronger as her sickness improved.

Beth became confused and no longer recognized the people around her.

Hannah was completely confident there was no danger at all.

The atmosphere in the house was cheerful and full of hope.

The sisters struggled emotionally as they waited for Beth to recover.

Why was scarlet fever so often mentioned in older literature?

How is the illness typically passed from person to person?

What does a patient usually experience first when infected?

Why is it called “scarlet” fever?

When does the rash usually appear?

Who is most frequently affected by scarlet fever?

What discovery in 1900 helped reduce deaths from the illness?

Why was the disease still dangerous after 1900?

What is the modern outcome of scarlet fever if treated quickly?

What is the modern treatment plan for this illness?

What does “fever” refer to in this context?

What does “rash” mean in the text?