Reading comprehension -TOEFL- Lesson 2
Carbohydrates, which are sugars, are an essential part of a healthy diet. They provide the main source of energy for the body, and they also function to flavor and sweeten foods. Carbohydrates range from simple sugars like glucose to complex sugars such as amylose and amylopectin. Nutritionists estimate that carbohydrates should make up about one-fourth to one-fifth of a person`s diet. This translates to about 75-100 grams of carbohydrates per day.
A diet that is deficient in carbohydrates can have an adverse effect on a person`s health. When the body lacks a sufficient amount of carbohydrates it must then use its protein supplies for energy, a process called gluconeogenesis. This, however, results in a lack of necessary protein, and further health difficulties may occur. A lack of carbohydrates can also lead to ketosis, a build-up of ketones in the body that causes fatigue, lethargy, and bad breath.

1. What is the main idea of this passage?
(A) Carbohydrates are needed for good health.
(B) Carbohydrates prevent a build-up of proteins.
(C) Carbohydrates can lead to ketosis.
(D) Carbohydrates are an expendable part of a good diet.
2. The word "function" as used in line 2 refers to which of the following?
(A) neglect
(B) serve
(C) dissolve
(D) profess
3. The word "range" as used in line 3 is closest in meaning to which of the following?
(A) probe
(B) proceed
(C) hail
(D) extend
4. In line 4, the word "estimate" could best be replaced by
(A) disbelieve
(B) declare
(C) calculate
(D) wonder5. According to the passage, what do most nutritionists suggest?
(A) Sufficient carbohydrates will prevent gluconeogenesis.
(B) Carbohydrates are simple sugars called glucose.
(C) Carbohydrates should make up about a quarter of a person`s daily diet.
(D) Carbohydrates should be eaten in very small quantities.
6. Which of the following do carbohydrates NOT do?
(A) prevent ketosis
(B) cause gluconeogenesis
(C) provide energy for the body
(D) flavor and sweeten food
7. Which of the following words could best replace "deficient" as used in line 9?
(A) outstanding
(B) abundant
(C) insufficient
(D) unequal
8. What does the word "this" refer to in line 9?
(A) using protein supplies for energy
(B) converting carbohydrates to energy
(C) having a deficiency in carbohydrates
(D) having an insufficient amount of protein
9. According to the passage, which of the following does NOT describe carbohydrates?
(A) a protein supply
(B) a necessity
(C) a range of sugars
(D) an energy source10. The word "lack" in line 10 is most similar to which of the following?
(A) plethora
(B) shortage
(C) derivation
(D) commission
11. Which of the following best describes the author`s tone?
(A) sensitive
(B) emotional
(C) informative
(D) regretful
12. Which of the following best describes the organization of this passage?
(A) cause and result
(B) comparison and contrast
(C) specific to general
(D) definition and example