Read the passage and answer the questions:
In today's fast-paced world, staying fit and healthy has become more important than ever. Regular exercise helps improve physical strength, mental well-being, and overall energy levels. A combination of cardio exercises, such as running or cycling, and strength training can help keep the body in good shape.
Apart from exercise, maintaining a balanced diet plays a crucial role in fitness. Eating fresh fruits, vegetables, and protein-rich foods provides essential nutrients for the body. On the other hand, consuming excessive junk food can lead to health problems like obesity and heart disease.
Fitness is not just about physical health; it also impacts mental well-being. Regular workouts release endorphins, which help reduce stress and improve mood. Even simple activities like walking or stretching can make a big difference. Staying fit requires dedication and consistency, but the benefits are worth the effort.
What is the meaning of "endorphins" in the passage?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
Correct Answer
Hormones that reduce stress
Explanation
The question asks for the meaning of the word "endorphins" based on the provided reading passage.
Looking at the third paragraph of the passage, it explicitly states: "Regular workouts release endorphins, which help reduce stress and improve mood." Even if you do not know the scientific definition of endorphins beforehand, the passage directly links them to a positive mental benefit—reducing stress and boosting your mood. Therefore, Option 2 is the correct choice.
The other options are incorrect based on the context of the passage:
Harmful chemicals is incorrect because the passage describes endorphins as having a highly beneficial effect on mental well-being and stress reduction.
Junk food items is incorrect because the second paragraph associates junk food with negative health outcomes like obesity and heart disease, which is unrelated to workouts.
Vitamins in food is incorrect because the passage associates nutrients and vitamins with eating fresh fruits, vegetables, and protein-rich foods, not with physical workouts.
Key Points
In reading comprehension sections, always use contextual clues to find the meaning of unfamiliar vocabulary words. Look at the words immediately surrounding the term to identify its function (e.g., "workouts release...") and its effects (e.g., "...help reduce stress") to quickly isolate the right answer.