Which important message about holiday eating does the passage convey?
2024
Which important message about holiday eating does the passage convey?
Answer: B. Occasional indulgence is unlikely to cause lasting damage — ConceptA passage’s key message is the qualified claim that organizes its central contrast and conclusion. It should represent the author’s overall position…
- A.
It is important to avoid all indulgence completely
- B.
Occasional indulgence is unlikely to cause lasting damage
- C.
Diet has no significant effect on the immune system
- D.
Holidays are an ideal time to experiment with extreme diets
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Concept
A passage’s key message is the qualified claim that organizes its central contrast and conclusion.
It should represent the author’s overall position without turning a limited statement into an absolute rule.
Application
The passage contrasts occasional indulgence with prolonged neglect of nutrition. It says that an occasional indulgence probably will not cause lasting damage, whereas abandoning nutritional care until New Year’s Day may disrupt the microbiome and increase susceptibility to illness.
Contrast
Complete avoidance is too absolute because the passage allows for occasional indulgence.
The claim that diet has no significant effect contradicts the passage’s explanation of the diet–microbiome–immunity connection.
The claim that holidays are ideal for extreme diets reverses the passage’s warning against prolonged nutritional neglect.
Therefore, the supported key message is: Occasional indulgence is unlikely to cause lasting damage.