What does the term elasticity mean, as used in the passage about Hypertension?

A. Firmness.

B. Compactness.

C. Flexibility.

D. Rigidity.

Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Elasticity, as used in the passage about Hypertension, refers to the stretchiness or flexibility of blood vessels. The text mentions that blood vessels lose elasticity and stiffen as a person ages, indicating that they become less flexible. This eliminates choices A and D (Firmness and Rigidity) as the correct answers. Choice B (Compactness) is unrelated to the concept of elasticity in the context of blood vessels and is therefore incorrect. Understanding elasticity as the ability to stretch or flex helps in choosing flexibility as the correct answer.

What conclusion can you draw from the first sentence of the passage?

• A. Osteoporosis is more common than anyone previously imagined.
• B. The media give a lot of overall coverage to osteoporosis.
• C. Only women are at high risk for developing bone thinning.
• D. Thinning bones is not considered a serious medical problem.

Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. The first sentence suggests that osteoporosis receives significant media coverage, indicating that the media gives a lot of overall coverage to the issue. This conclusion can be drawn as the passage mentions how osteoporosis is a major health concern for women and is widely covered in newspapers and television commercials. Choice A is incorrect because the passage does not mention the prevalence of osteoporosis compared to previous estimates. Choice C is incorrect as the passage highlights that men are being overlooked in terms of bone thinning concerns. Choice D is incorrect as the passage emphasizes the seriousness of bone thinning and the need for preventive measures.

Which of the following is a conclusion that a reader can draw from this passage?

• A. Humans are not the only mammals that exhibit symptoms when infected by Borrelia burgdorferi.
• B. The life cycle of an uninfected tick includes a dormant phase before the nymph stage, which is not excluded.
• C. Unless a tick feeds on an infected mouse or squirrel, it will not spread Lyme disease.
• D. The combination of fever, headache, and joint pain is not a definite indication of Lyme disease.

Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. The passage clearly states that for Lyme disease to spread, a tick must feed on an infected host, such as a mouse or squirrel. This conclusion can be drawn from the information provided in the extract. Choice A is incorrect because the passage does not specify that humans are the only mammals that exhibit symptoms when infected by Borrelia burgdorferi. Choice B is incorrect as the passage mentions that the life cycle of an uninfected tick includes a dormant phase before the nymph stage, without excluding it. Choice D is incorrect because the passage does not state that the combination of fever, headache, and joint pain is a definitive sign of Lyme disease.

What is the main idea of the passage about microbes?

• A. Recent discoveries are revealing the critical role of microorganisms in maintaining a properly functioning immune system.
• B. The human body is host to a staggering number of microorganisms.
• C. Bacteriotherapy reintroduces healthy bacteria into a colon lacking the capability to defend against pathogenic agents.
• D. Early research has shown remarkable discoveries in the possibilities of bacteriotherapy.

Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The main idea of the passage is that recent discoveries are shedding light on the pivotal role of microorganisms in maintaining a properly functioning immune system. The passage discusses how the human body hosts a wide array of microorganisms, emphasizes the importance of these bacteria in the development of the immune system, and explores the potential applications of bacteriotherapy. Choice A is the correct answer because it accurately reflects the central theme discussed in the passage. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they focus on specific details or applications mentioned in the passage, rather than capturing the overarching theme of the critical role of microorganisms in immune system function.

A vegetarian diet is said to lower all of the following EXCEPT ___________.

• A. The need for protein
• B. The percentage of body fat
• C. The risk of heart disease
• D. Cholesterol

Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The passage suggests that a vegetarian diet can provide sufficient protein and lower body fat, heart disease risk, and cholesterol, but it does not suggest that it lowers the need for protein.