Reading Comprehension

Directions

In this section, you will read a number of passages. Each one is followed by approximately ten questions about it. For questions 1-10 , choose the one best answer, (A),(B),(C)  or (D), to each question. Then, find the number of the question on your answer sheet, and fill in the space that corresponds to the letter of the answer you have chosen. Answer all questions following a passage on the basis of what is stated or implied in the passage.

The food we eat seems to have profound effects on our healt. Although science has made enormous steps in making food more fit to eat, it has, at the same time, made many foods unfit to eat. Some research has shown that perhaps 80 percent of cancer is related to the diet as well, especially cancer of the colon. People of different cultures are more prone to contract certain illnesses because of the characteristic foods they consume.

That foods is related to illness is not new discovery. In 1945, government researchers realized that nitrates and nitrites (commonly used to preserve color in meats) as well as other food additives caused cancer. Yet, these carcinogenic additives remain in our food, and it becomes more difficult all the time to know which ingredients on the packaging labels of processed food are helpful or harmful.

The additives that we eat are not all so direct. Farmers often give penicillin to cattle and poultry, and because of this, penicillin has been bound in the milk of treated cows. Sometimes, similar drugs are administered reason. The farmers are simply trying to fatten the animals in order to obtain a higher price on the market. Although the food and drug Administration (FDA) has tried repeatedly to control thesse procedures, the prctices continue.

A healthy diet is directly related to good health. Often we are unware of detrimental substances we ingest. Sometimes well-meaning farmers or otherswho do not realize the consequences add these substances to food without our knowledge.

1. How has science doone a disservice to people ?

(A)   Because of science, disease caused by contaminated food has been virtually eradicated.

(B)   It has caused a lack of information concerning the value of food.

(C)   As a result of scientific intervention, some potentially harmful substances have been added to our food.

(D)   The scientists have preserved the color of meats, but not of vegetables.

2. The word “prone”in paragraph 1 is nearest in meaning to…

(A)   Supine

(B)   Unlikely

(C)   Healthy

(D)   Predisposed

3. What are nitrates used for ?

(A)   They preserve flavor in packaged foods

(B)   They preserve the color of meats

(C)   They are the objects of research.

(D)   They cause the animals to become fatter.

4. FDA means….

(A)   Food Direct Additives

(B)   Final Difficult Analysis

(C)   Food and Drug Administration

(D)   Federal Dairy Additives

5. The word “these” in paragraph 2 refers to…

(A)   Meats

(B)   Colors

(C)   Researchers

(D)   Nitrates and nitrites

6. In paragraph 2, the word “carcinogenic” is closerin meaning to

(A)   Trouble-making

(B)   Color-retaining

(C)   Money-making

(D)   Cancer-causing

7. All of the following statements are true EXCEPT…

(A)   Drugs are always given to animals for medical reasons.

(B)   Some of the additives in our food are added to the food it self and some are given to the living animals.

(C)   Researchers have known about the potential hazards of food additives for more than 45 years.

(D)   Food may cause 40 percent of the cancer in the world.

8. The word “additives” in paragraph 2 is closestin meaning to….

(A)   Added substances

(B)   Dangerous substances

(C)   Natural substances

(D)   Benignsubstances

9. What Is the best title for this passage ?

(A)   Harmful and harmless substances in food

(B)   Improving health through a natural diet

(C)   The food you eat can affect your health

(D)   Avoiding Injurious Substances in Food

10. In paragraph 1, the word :fit” is closest in meaning to…

(A)   Athletic

(B)   Suitable

(C)   Tasty

(D)   Adaptable