Passage Four
Questions 36 to 40 are based on the following passage:
The concept of personal choice in relation to health behaviors is an important one. An estimated 90 percent of all illnesses may be preventable if individuals would make sound personal
health choices based upon current medical knowledge. We all enjoy our freedom of choice and do
not like to see it restricted when it is within the legal and moral boundaries of society. The
structure of American society allows us to make almost all our own personal decisions that may
concern our health. If we so desire, we can smoke, drink excessively, refuse to wear seat belts,
eat whatever foods we want, and live a completely sedentary life - style without any exercise.
The freedom to make such personal decisions is a fundamental aspect of our society, although
the wisdom of these decisions can be questioned. Personal choices relative to health often cause a
difficulty. As one example, a teenager may know the facts relative to smoking cigarettes and
health but may be pressured by friends into believing it is the socially accepted thing to do.
A multitude of factors, both inherited and environmental, influence the development of
health - related behaviors, and it is beyond the scope of this text to discuss all these factors as
they may affect any given individual. However, the decision to adopt a particular health- related
behavior is usually one of personal choice. There are healthy choices and there are unhealthy
choices. In discussing the morals of personal choice, Fries and Crapo drew a comparison. They
suggest that to knowingly give oneself over to a behavior that has a statistical probability of
shortening life is similar to attempting suicide. Thus, for those individuals who are interested in
preserving both the quality and quantity of life, personal health choices should reflect those behaviors that are associated with a statistical probability of increased vitality and longevity.
36. The concept of personal choice concerning health is important because
A) personal health choices help cure most illnesses
B) it helps raise the level of our medical knowledge
C) it is essential to personal freedom in American society
D) wrong decisions could lead to poor health
37. To "live a completely sedentary life - style" (Line 7, Para. 1 ) in the passage means
A) to "live an inactive life"
B) to "live a decent life"
C) to "live a life with complete freedom"
D) to "live a life of vice"
Questions 36 to 40 are based on the following passage:
The concept of personal choice in relation to health behaviors is an important one. An estimated 90 percent of all illnesses may be preventable if individuals would make sound personal
health choices based upon current medical knowledge. We all enjoy our freedom of choice and do
not like to see it restricted when it is within the legal and moral boundaries of society. The
structure of American society allows us to make almost all our own personal decisions that may
concern our health. If we so desire, we can smoke, drink excessively, refuse to wear seat belts,
eat whatever foods we want, and live a completely sedentary life - style without any exercise.
The freedom to make such personal decisions is a fundamental aspect of our society, although
the wisdom of these decisions can be questioned. Personal choices relative to health often cause a
difficulty. As one example, a teenager may know the facts relative to smoking cigarettes and
health but may be pressured by friends into believing it is the socially accepted thing to do.
A multitude of factors, both inherited and environmental, influence the development of
health - related behaviors, and it is beyond the scope of this text to discuss all these factors as
they may affect any given individual. However, the decision to adopt a particular health- related
behavior is usually one of personal choice. There are healthy choices and there are unhealthy
choices. In discussing the morals of personal choice, Fries and Crapo drew a comparison. They
suggest that to knowingly give oneself over to a behavior that has a statistical probability of
shortening life is similar to attempting suicide. Thus, for those individuals who are interested in
preserving both the quality and quantity of life, personal health choices should reflect those behaviors that are associated with a statistical probability of increased vitality and longevity.
36. The concept of personal choice concerning health is important because
A) personal health choices help cure most illnesses
B) it helps raise the level of our medical knowledge
C) it is essential to personal freedom in American society
D) wrong decisions could lead to poor health
37. To "live a completely sedentary life - style" (Line 7, Para. 1 ) in the passage means
A) to "live an inactive life"
B) to "live a decent life"
C) to "live a life with complete freedom"
D) to "live a life of vice"