What is the author's primary purpose in writing the essay about High Fructose Corn Syrup?

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'To inform.' The essay provides detailed information about High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS), discussing its impact on health, how it is derived, its link to health issues like obesity, and the ongoing debates surrounding its consumption and health implications. The primary goal of the author is to educate the readers about HFCS and its effects, rather than persuade them to take a particular stance (choice B), entertain them (choice C), or analyze the topic in depth (choice D). The essay presents facts, studies, and expert opinions to inform the audience about the controversies and health risks associated with HFCS consumption, aiming to enhance the readers' knowledge and understanding of this sweetener's implications on health.

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.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The best title for the passage about Hypertension is 'Causes, Symptoms, Complications, and Management of Hypertension.' This title accurately reflects the content of the passage, which provides information about the causes, symptoms, complications, and management of hypertension. It covers a broad spectrum of information presented in the passage, making it the most comprehensive and suitable title. Choice A, 'How to Manage Hypertension Successfully,' is too narrow as it focuses solely on management without encompassing the other crucial aspects like causes and symptoms. Choice B, 'Doctors Discover the Hidden Dangers of Hypertension,' is misleading as the passage does not focus on any recent discoveries but rather provides general information about hypertension. Choice C, 'Doctors Work to Understand the Causes of Hypertension,' is also inaccurate as the passage mainly discusses causes, symptoms, complications, and management, rather than doctors' ongoing research efforts.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: A statement of fact can be proved or checked. A statement of opinion is what someone thinks or believes. In this case, statements A, B, and D could be proved scientifically, but statement C is simply a suggestion. While it is advisable for older people to monitor their blood pressure due to the increased risk associated with aging, the statement itself is an opinion because it suggests what older people 'must' do, which is a subjective viewpoint rather than a verifiable fact. Statements A, B, and D provide factual information supported by scientific evidence, making them statements of fact rather than opinion.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. The passage clearly states that there are treatments for hypertension, so the statement that there is presently no reliable treatment for hypertension cannot be inferred from the text. Choice A can be inferred from paragraph 3 where it mentions losing weight to decrease blood pressure. Choice C can be inferred from paragraph 1 where it states that African Americans are more likely to have hypertension. Choice D can be inferred from paragraph 2 where it explains that older people are most often diagnosed with hypertension due to changes in blood vessels as they age.