Laughter

Based on information in the passage, how does laughter relate to quality of life?

• Laughter causes blood sugar levels to rise and gives people more energy.

• Laughter can reduce discomfort and keep people up during the night.

• Laughter is more common in people who spend a lot of time alone.

• Laughter usually occurs in social situations that make people happy.

Which word is an antonym for expended?

• unused

• required

• unchanged

• repulsed

What is the main idea of the section titled “Laughter’s Effects on the Body”?

• Blood flow may be restricted by hearty laughter.

• Exercising has fewer advantages than laughing.

• Laughter may have the ability to help prevent disease.

• Laughing with family members produces the most health benefits.

Which statement explains the effect of the heading “The Evidence: Is Laughter the Best Medicine?”

• It calls into question the author’s credentials.

• It indicates that the section is based on personal opinions.

• It emphasizes the author’s viewpoint on the subject.

• It introduces a contrast to the main focus of the passage.

Which statement from the passage is an opinion?

• “Some researchers think laughter just might be the best medicine . . . ”

• “We change physiologically when we laugh.”

• “Increased stress is associated with decreased immune system response . . . ”

• “He said that ten minutes of laughter allowed him two hours of pain‑free sleep.”

What is the main reason the author cites statistics in the passage?

• to prove how often most people experience laughter

• to offer support for a theory about laughter

• to explain how studies are conducted on laughter

• to contradict recent research findings on laughter

What is the author’s main purpose in writing the passage?

• to convince readers to do additional research

• to share with readers the findings about a subject

• to make readers choose a side on a topic

• to encourage readers to analyze their personal opinions

How does the literary form of expository article influence the meaning of the passage?

• It focuses on the life events of one person.

• It allows for instructions to be conveyed clearly.

• It emphasizes the inclusion of different perspectives.

• It calls for immediate action based on historical events.