Investigating the Sneeze

Quincy would like to add the following detail to the second paragraph (sentences 5-13). ~The sneeze center then takes charge and sends the message to the many muscles that work together to produce a sneeze.~ Where should this sentence be inserted?

• F

• G

• H

• J

In sentence 4, Quincy has attempted to provide a controlling idea for his paper. Which of the following could replace sentence 4 and more effectively state Quincy’s controlling idea?

• Everyone has experienced the experience of sneezing, and there is so much that we can study and learn about this normal and common human activity.

• Although sneezing is an everyday human occurrence, it’s also a remarkable function of the human body, and studies have revealed some rather interesting facts about it.

• In this paper, I would like to talk about sneezing, what it is, why it happens, how common it is, and what some of the strangest facts about it can be.

• The strange, itchy sensation is over as the sneeze is released from your body, but the cause and purpose of the activity is an amazing kind of thing

Answer explanation

A controlling idea is a statement that summarizes the main point or claim of a piece of writing. The ideas presented in this sentence highlight the information discussed throughout the paper, which results in an effective controlling idea.

Quincy would like to add the following detail to the second paragraph (sentences 5–13) The sneeze center then takes charge and sends the message to the many muscles that work together to produce a sneeze. Where should this sentence be inserted?

• After sentence 6

• After sentence 7

• After sentence 9

• After sentence 12

Answer explanation

Details about the sneeze center are included in this sentence, clarifying the function of the “sneeze center,” which is introduced in sentence 6.

Quincy is not pleased with his introduction to the third paragraph (sentences 14–20). Which of the following can replace sentence 14 and serve as a more effective topic sentence for this paragraph?

• There are some accurate and false things that have been said about the sneeze being a normal human function.

• Sneezing is known to help protect health, but people don’t sneeze when their body is actually sound asleep.

• Although it’s true that a sneeze is hard to stop once it is on its way, not everything related to the sneeze is true.

• People have some interesting notions about the sneeze, and although some of these ideas are facts, others are myths.

Answer explanation

A topic sentence is a sentence that captures the meaning of an entire paragraph. Including information about how there are “facts” and “myths” about the sneeze adds specificity and clearly introduces the topic of the paragraph.

Quincy would like to provide some additional support for the idea he has presented in sentence 19. Which of these ideas could best follow and support sentence 19?

• Doctors say this misconception may come from a slight change in blood pressure and blood flow during a sneeze, which may briefly change heart rhythm.

• This common myth, that a person’s heart stops during a sneeze, is just a myth, which means that there is no truth to the idea at all.

• A myth is defined as a “widely held but false belief or idea,” and the concept of the heart not beating during a sneeze is just that, a myth.

• Some people say that if you breathe through your mouth and pinch your nose when you feel a sneeze coming on, you can stop it.

Answer explanation

The idea in this sentence is used to effectively support the information in sentence 19 because reasons for the myth are explained

Which of the following sentences best describes the main idea of a passage titled 'Investigating the Sneeze'?

• Sneezing is a simple reflex action with no significant impact.

• Sneezing is a complex bodily function with interesting facts.

• Sneezing is a rare occurrence in humans.

• Sneezing is a dangerous activity that should be avoided.

In the context of 'Investigating the Sneeze,' which word best replaces 'remarkable' in the sentence: 'Sneezing is a remarkable function of the human body'?

• Ordinary

• Unusual

• Common

• Noteworthy

What is the primary purpose of a sneeze as discussed in 'Investigating the Sneeze'?

• To clear the nasal passage of irritants

• To signal the presence of a cold

• To entertain others

• To stop the heart momentarily

Which sentence would best serve as a topic sentence for a paragraph about myths related to sneezing?

• Sneezing is a common reflex.

• There are many myths surrounding sneezing.

• Sneezing is always caused by allergies.

• Sneezing can be controlled by willpower.

In 'Investigating the Sneeze,' which of the following is NOT mentioned as a cause of sneezing?

• Dust

• Bright light

• Cold air

• Hunger