The main claim of the passage is that frequent hand washing is the most important step to stay well during the cold season and avoid colds and flu. Supporting this claim, the passage highlights that cold and flu viruses are primarily transmitted through hands and that various everyday surfaces, such as doorknobs and elevator buttons, can be contaminated with these viruses. Additionally, it notes that touching the face—like rubbing the eyes or touching the nose—after coming into contact with these surfaces increases the risk of infection. An irrelevant detail in the second paragraph is the mention of the rhinovirus, as it doesn't directly contribute to the main point about hand washing being crucial for preventing illness.
When cold season approaches, many people take precautions to avoid colds and flu. The flu shot is a first line of defense. Doctor's offices and pharmacies dispense shots. Many clinics, community groups, and public health departments offer free shots. Healthy eating, drinking plenty of fluids, and getting enough sleep are also important guards against winter illness. The most important step of all, in order to stay well during cold season, is washing your hands frequently. Colds and flu are transmitted through your hands. The most common cold virus is the rhinovirus. You pick up and pass on flu and cold viruses whenever you touch surfaces contaminated by other people. Doorknobs, handles, faucets, food-cart and basket handles, elevator buttons, public phones, tables, and trays, to name a few, can all carry viruses and bacteria. Touching your nose or rubbing your eyes after an outing are the quickest way to pick up germs on your hands. So, pay attention and keep washing!
In three to five sentences, identify the main claim of the passage and explain some examples of supports for that claim. Identify a sentence in the second paragraph that contains an irrelevant detail. (4 points)
1 answer