📘 Cambridge English Progression Test – Grade 7–9 (Ages
13+)
📅 Time: 60–75 minutes
📊 Total Marks: /20
🎯 Objectives Assessed:
Reading comprehension (Non-fiction, 350 words)
Multiple choice and two-way reasoning
Language (graphemes, synonyms, homophones)
Scientific composition with structured planning
📖 SECTION A: COMPREHENSION – Non-fiction (10 marks)
🔬 The Power of the Microbiome (Non-fiction text – ~350 words)
For many years, scientists believed that bacteria were harmful and needed to be eliminated.
However, recent research has revealed that not all bacteria are bad. In fact, the human body is
home to trillions of helpful microorganisms, collectively known as the microbiome. These
microbes live mostly in our gut and play a crucial role in digestion, immune defence, and
even mental health.
The human gut contains more bacteria than there are stars in the galaxy. These microscopic
allies help break down food, produce vitamins, and protect the body from dangerous
invaders. Interestingly, each person’s microbiome is as unique as a fingerprint.
Diet plays a major role in shaping the microbiome. Diets high in sugar and processed foods
can reduce microbial diversity, while fibre-rich foods promote healthy bacteria. Some
scientists are exploring the use of probiotics—live bacteria that can be consumed through
supplements or fermented foods like yoghurt—to improve health outcomes.
The study of the microbiome has even revealed connections to mental health. This is known
as the “gut-brain axis,” where gut bacteria influence mood and cognition. Though much is
still unknown, early studies suggest that a balanced microbiome might reduce the risk of
depression, anxiety, and even neurodegenerative diseases.
Our growing understanding of the microbiome is changing the way we think about health.
Instead of waging war on bacteria, scientists are learning to work with them. It’s a new
frontier that proves sometimes, the smallest things can have the biggest impact.
✅ Comprehension Questions:
1. What is the microbiome?
A) A part of the brain
B) A group of bad bacteria
C) A collection of helpful microorganisms
Answer: ____________
2. Where are most microbiome organisms found in the human body?
A) In the blood B) In the gut C) On the skin
Answer: ____________
3. Write one way the microbiome helps the human body.
4. Why is diet important to the microbiome?
5. “Each person’s microbiome is as unique as a fingerprint.” What literary device is used
here?
A) Hyperbole B) Simile C) Metaphor
Answer: ____________
6. What is the gut-brain axis?
🔁 Two-Way Questions (support answers with a quote)
7. Do you think scientists should promote the use of probiotics? Why or why not?
Quote: “_____________________________________________”
8. What does the article suggest about the future of medicine?
Quote: “_____________________________________________”
🔤 SECTION B: LANGUAGE (5 marks)
9. Identify and underline a grapheme in the word “through”.
Answer: ________________
10. Find a synonym in the passage for the word helpful:
Answer: ________________
11. Find and write one homophone pair from your own knowledge:
Answer: ________________ and ________________
12. What part of the word “microbiome” is the prefix and what does it mean?
Answer: _____________ means ______________________
13. Rewrite the sentence using a synonym for “dangerous”:
“...protect the body from dangerous invaders.”
📝 SECTION C: COMPOSITION (5 marks)
✨ Write a Composition: “How Science Is Changing Human Health”
Write an informative composition that discusses the role of science in improving human
health, including examples like the microbiome, technology, or medicine.
📋 Planning Questions (complete before writing):
14. What main idea will your composition focus on?
15. Name at least two scientific areas you will discuss (e.g., microbiome, vaccines, health
apps):
16. What evidence or examples will you include to support your ideas?
17. How will you conclude your composition?
✏️Write your composition (use paragraphs and formal tone):
Start here:
