Reading Comprehension

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Blood Pressure Regulators
The body is composed of systems that have evolved and diversified in order to maintain the natural functions and processes they regulate. One such system that has these regulators is the bodyĆ¢ā‚¬ā„¢s cardiovascular system. The bodyĆ¢ā‚¬ā„¢s pump, which regulates the flow of vitally needed oxygen to all cells of the body, as well as the discard of carbon dioxide and other waste products, is the heart.
Because blood pressure varies at different points within the body, differing components are needed to keep the bodyĆ¢ā‚¬ā„¢s blood pressure regulated. Three of the basic components are baroreceptors, chemoreceptors, and the kidneys.
Baroreceptors are stretch receptors composed of fine branching nerve endings and are contained along the walls of the arteries near the heart and in other areas of the body as well. Impulses are related to this stretching along the arterial walls, which causes these baroreceptors to send out even more impulses to the heart, arteries, and veins, causing the blood pressure to go either up or down.
Chemoreceptors are located along the walls of the arteries and monitor changes in oxygen level, carbon dioxide, and pH. Just think! A fall in oxygen causes receptors to send impulses to raise the blood pressure.
The kidneys play a role in regulating blood pressure by absorbing salts and water and removing wastes. Hormones secreted by the adrenal cortex cause the kidney to keep or let go of any salt and water. This has an influence on blood volume and consequently on blood pressure.

Which statement is not a detail from the passage?

  • A. Baroreceptors are stretch receptors composed of fine branching nerve endings and are contained along the walls of the arteries near the heart and in other areas of the body.
  • B. Chemoreceptors are located along the walls of the arteries and monitor changes in oxygen level, carbon dioxide, and pH.
  • C. The kidneys play a role in regulating blood pressure by absorbing salts and water.
  • D. The heart is the body's pump, which regulates the flow of vitally needed oxygen to all cells of the body.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because the statement incorrectly describes baroreceptors as 'rigid and static,' whereas the passage describes them as 'stretch receptors composed of fine branching nerve endings.' The passage details that baroreceptors are contained along the walls of the arteries near the heart and in other areas of the body, and they send out messages related to stretching along the arterial walls. Choices B, C, and D are all details directly supported by the passage, making them incorrect answers to the question.

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Food
Food and drink are necessary and desirable, but their
abuse can cause serious physical and metal problem.
Many physicians believe that overeating is one of the
country's main health problems, since it places a great
strain on the heart, can lead to diabetes, and often shortens
the individual's life span. To fill an emotional void. People
often turn to food when they are bored or lonely.

Another area of concern is alcohol consumption. The
results of alcohol abuse are widely publicized. The social
drinker who becomes alcoholic, the drunken driver's
contribution to highway death, spousal and child abuse,
are all concomitant problems associated with alcohol
abuse.

As used in the last sentence of this paragraph, the term 'concomitant' most nearly means:

  • A. Accompanying
  • B. Quiet
  • C. Separate
  • D. Unpredictable
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: In the context provided, 'concomitant' in the last sentence of the paragraph means 'accompanying' or 'associated with.' The sentence is discussing the various issues that arise in relation to alcohol abuse, such as becoming alcoholic, contributing to highway deaths, and spousal and child abuse. Therefore, the correct term to use here is 'accompanying,' making choice A the correct answer.

ALL THE JAZZ
Jazz has been described as "the art of expression set to music" and "America's great contribution to music." It has served as popular art, enjoying periods of widespread public interest during the "jazz age" of the 1920s, the "swing era" of the late 1930s, and the peak popularity of modern jazz in the late 1950s. The standard narrative is that jazz originated around the end of the 19th century in New Orleans before moving up the Mississippi River to cities like Memphis, St. Louis, and finally Chicago. Jazz emerged by blending elements of ragtime, marching band music, and the blues. However, its roots trace back to tribal African drum beats and European musical structures. Buddy Bolden, a New Orleans barber and cornet player, is generally considered the first real jazz musician, emerging around 1891. What sets jazz apart from earlier musical forms is its emphasis on improvisation. Unlike traditional music, where composers write entire pieces on paper for musicians to follow exactly, jazz offers a starting point—a skeletal guide for musicians to improvise around. Many early jazz musicians were poor sight readers, with some unable to read music at all. Consequently, they often struggled to make a living, working menial jobs to survive. The second wave of New Orleans jazz musicians included notable figures like Joe Oliver, Kid Ory, and Jelly Roll Morton. These artists formed small bands, built upon earlier styles, and enhanced the music's complexity, achieving greater success. This energetic style became known as "hot jazz" due to its fast tempos and rhythmic drive. A young cornet player named Louis Armstrong was discovered by Joe Oliver in New Orleans. Armstrong went on to become one of the greatest and most successful musicians of all time, later emerging as a global star. The impact of Armstrong and other talented early jazz musicians transformed our perception of music.

Derivation of the word "Jazz"

  • A. East coast slang
  • B. West coast slang
  • C. Southern dialect
  • D. Northern jargon
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'West coast slang.' The word 'Jazz' is believed to have originated as West coast slang, specifically in the early 20th century. It was initially used in reference to a style of music that emerged in African American communities. Over time, the term 'Jazz' became widely recognized and associated with this unique genre of music, known for its improvisational elements and rhythmic complexities.

The White Elephant: Centuries ago, In Siam, now known as Thailand, it was the custom of the rulers to give a white elephant to those who displeased them. The recipient could not give the elephant to anyone else, as it was a gift from the ruler, who would be greatly displeased should the recipient not receive the gift graciously or care for the elephant in a grand style. This monetary burden could be a major liability to the recipient and in many cases the entire family became impoverished.
This is the origin of the term 'white elephant' as it is used today to denote an unwanted gift. The parlor game of gift exchange played during the holiday season is an offshoot of this. In this game, everyone brings a wrapped gift and the gifts are exchanged by drawing numbers and picking a gift in turn. The second person can choose a new gift or steal the first one. It is all in good fun, and people enjoy giving silly gifts and 'stealing' someone else's gift.

Why is an unwanted gift called a 'white elephant'?

  • A. Gifts are never unwanted.
  • B. It is a good gift to give at the party.
  • C. It is a rare thing to get an unwanted gift.
  • D. Siam rulers punished with the gift.
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because the passage explains that in Siam, rulers would give white elephants as a punishment to those who displeased them. The recipient couldn't refuse the gift and had to care for the elephant, leading to financial burden and impoverishment. This origin of the term 'white elephant' as an unwanted gift is clearly stated.

Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because the passage explicitly states that a white elephant is specifically an unwanted gift given as a punishment by rulers in Siam, and it is not related to the general concept of gift-giving or party games.

"Don't be afraid." Sounds simple, but for some people it's not. Having the normal maction of being scared or frightened helps you to survive threats of all kinds, both physical and verbal. Most mild fears are outgrown during childhood; however, severe fears, called phoblas, are extreme and unreasonable. Phobias cause out-of-control feelings such as sickness, headaches, ulcers, and high blood pressure. Specific phoblas center around things, activities, or situations while people with social phoblas feel anxiety over social settings where they fear embarrassing situations.

Another type of phobia called panic disorder causes people to sweat, tremble, or even faint due to overwhelming panic which may occur at any time. By talking, breathing deeply, and visualizing, a person can gain control over debilitating phobias

What physical ailments can phobias cause?

  • A. Ulcers and hypertension
  • B. Nausea and dizziness
  • C. Asthma and diabetes
  • D. Insomnia and fatigue
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: Phobias can lead to physical ailments such as ulcers and hypertension. The text mentions that severe fears, known as phobias, can result in out-of-control feelings causing sickness, headaches, ulcers, and high blood pressure. Therefore, choice A, 'Ulcers and hypertension,' is the correct answer as these are specifically cited as physical ailments associated with phobias.

One of the best ways to understand a group of people is to know what makes them laugh. Laughter encompasses the limits of the soul and serves social, psychological, and physiological functions. In humor, life is redefined and accepted. Irony and satire provide much keener insights into a group's collective psyche and values than do years of research. It has always been a great disappointment to Native Americans that the humorous side of their life has not been mentioned by experts on native American affairs. Rather, the image of the stern-faced redskin has been presented by the American Westerns.

What was the author's reason for writing?

  • A. Inform readers about Native American history
  • B. Entertain with stories of Native American humor
  • C. Persuade people to take a broader view on Native Americans
  • D. Criticize misconceptions about Native American culture
Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The author's reason for writing is to persuade people to take a broader view of Native Americans. The passage discusses how humor can provide insights into a group's collective psyche and values, highlighting the disappointment that Native Americans feel when their humorous side is overlooked in favor of stereotypical portrayals. By emphasizing the importance of understanding the humorous aspects of Native American life, the author aims to persuade readers to consider a more comprehensive perspective on Native American culture.

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