The Common Cold

How does the author support the idea that it is possible to avoid catching a cold?

• By explaining that most colds are caused by rhinovirus

• By listing steps that can be followed when someone has a cold

• By showing what parts of the body are most affected by a cold

• By telling what researchers have discovered about colds

The author created this Web page mainly to —

• compare how colds affect kids with how colds affect adults

• share simple ways people can improve their health

• explain how the cold virus spreads from person to person

• convince people to stay at home when they are sick

The author includes the details in paragraph 6 to explain that colds —

• may affect people for a week

• will sometimes cause ear infections

• keep children home from school

• do not last long for most people

Which statement best describes a message about catching a cold?

• Children should stay home when they feel sick.

• Avoiding a cold is harder than it may seem.

• Most people get several colds each year.

• Handwashing prevents colds.

Which statement best describes the organizational pattern of the text?

• The author describes the problem of colds and offers ways to prevent them.

• The author explains the reasons colds are common.

• The author compares the actions of healthy and unhealthy people.

• The author describes the changes that illness causes in a person’s body.

In the bulleted sections of the text, the author uses boldface type to —

• highlight areas that require further research

• emphasize that colds make people feel terrible

• state the most useful actions for staying healthy

• repeat the important ideas already mentioned in the text

In paragraph 3, the word helpful means

• useful

• careful

• harmful

• doubtful

In paragraph 9, what does the word discomfort mean?

• One who is feeling well

• Feeling well again

• Feeling well enough

• Not feeling well