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Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow.
Our failure to control one of the most common of all ailments sometimes seems ridiculous. Medical science regularly practises transplant surgery and has rid whole countries of such killing diseases as Typhus and the Plague. But the problem of the common cold is unusually difficult and much has yet to be done to solve it. It is known that a cold is caused by one of a number of viral infections that affect the lining of the nose and other passages leading to the lungs, but the confusing variety of viruses makes studying and remedy very difficult. It was shown in 1960 that many typical colds in adults are caused by one or the other of a family of viruses known as rhinoviruses, yet there still remain many colds for which no virus has as yet been isolated.
There is also the difficulty that, because they are so much smaller than the bacteria which cause many other infections, viruses cannot be seen with ordinary microscopes. Nor can they be cultivated easily in the bacteriologist's laboratory, since they only grow within the living cells of animals or plants. An important recent step forward, however, is the development of the technique of tissue culture, in which bits of animal tissue are enabled to go on living and to multiply independently of the body. This has greatly aided virus research and has led to the discovery of a large number of viruses. Their existence had previously been not only unknown but even unsuspected. The fact that we can catch a cold repeatedly creates another difficulty. Usually, a virus strikes only once and leaves the victim immune to further attacks. Still, we do not gain immunity from colds. It seems, therefore, that we are likely to have to suffer colds for some time yet.

Which of the following is the most appropriate summary of the given passage?

  1. A
    The problem of common cold is unusually difficult, hence, we are likely to get relief from cold.
  2. B
    Virus research has led to the discovery of a large number of viruses and leaves the victim immune to further attacks.
  3. C
    Usually, a bacteria strikes only once and we do not gain immunity from colds
  4. D
    In spite of having the cure to kill diseases like Typhus and Plague, it seems ridiculous that medical science has not done much yet to solve the problem of the common cold.

Solution & Step-by-step Explanation

Option D perfectly captures the main theme and opening sentiment of the passage: despite massive medical advancements like organ transplants and eradicating lethal diseases like Typhus and Plague, a complete understanding and cure for the common cold remains an unresolved challenge.

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Try it yourself before checking the explanation above.

Read the given passage and answer the questions that follow.
Our failure to control one of the most common of all ailments sometimes seems ridiculous. Medical science regularly practises transplant surgery and has rid whole countries of such killing diseases as Typhus and the Plague. But the problem of the common cold is unusually difficult and much has yet to be done to solve it. It is known that a cold is caused by one of a number of viral infections that affect the lining of the nose and other passages leading to the lungs, but the confusing variety of viruses makes studying and remedy very difficult. It was shown in 1960 that many typical colds in adults are caused by one or the other of a family of viruses known as rhinoviruses, yet there still remain many colds for which no virus has as yet been isolated.
There is also the difficulty that, because they are so much smaller than the bacteria which cause many other infections, viruses cannot be seen with ordinary microscopes. Nor can they be cultivated easily in the bacteriologist's laboratory, since they only grow within the living cells of animals or plants. An important recent step forward, however, is the development of the technique of tissue culture, in which bits of animal tissue are enabled to go on living and to multiply independently of the body. This has greatly aided virus research and has led to the discovery of a large number of viruses. Their existence had previously been not only unknown but even unsuspected. The fact that we can catch a cold repeatedly creates another difficulty. Usually, a virus strikes only once and leaves the victim immune to further attacks. Still, we do not gain immunity from colds. It seems, therefore, that we are likely to have to suffer colds for some time yet.

Which of the following is the most appropriate summary of the given passage?
A
The problem of common cold is unusually difficult, hence, we are likely to get relief from cold.
B
Virus research has led to the discovery of a large number of viruses and leaves the victim immune to further attacks.
C
Usually, a bacteria strikes only once and we do not gain immunity from colds
D
In spite of having the cure to kill diseases like Typhus and Plague, it seems ridiculous that medical science has not done much yet to solve the problem of the common cold.

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