The Case for the Afternoon Nap

C1 Advanced · Word Formation · Cambridge Ready original exercise

For questions 1–8, read the text below. Use the word given in capitals at the end of some of the lines to form a word that fits in the gap in the same line. There is an example at the beginning (0).

LAZY

GUIDE

SHARP

SURPRISE

LONG

PLEASANT

NATURE

PRODUCE

In many parts of the world, a short sleep after lunch is considered (0) ___ normal. In much of the working world, however, napping is still regarded as a sign of (1) ___ , something to be hidden from colleagues and managers. This attitude may well be (2) ___ . A growing body of research suggests that a brief nap can (3) ___ concentration, improve mood and help us to learn, and the improvement is often (4) ___ large. The secret lies in the (5) ___ of the nap. Sleeping for too long allows the body to sink into deep sleep, and being woken from it can be (6) ___ , leaving us groggy and slow for some time afterwards. For most adults, a short rest taken in the early afternoon, when energy levels (7) ___ dip, works best. A few companies have now set aside quiet rooms where employees can rest, in the belief that a refreshed workforce is a more (8) ___ one. The rest of us may simply need permission to close our eyes.

The Case for the Afternoon Nap

PERFECT

Available as a free printable PDF worksheet with an optional answer key.

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