Question 13

The main subject of the passage is foodborne illnesses.

The passage primarily discusses foodborne illnesses, detailing their causes, symptoms, and the prevalence of these illnesses in the United States. It emphasizes the impact of contaminated food and beverages, as well as the various sources of contamination.

A) foodborne illnesses

This option is correct as the passage centers around foodborne illnesses, describing how they are contracted, the symptoms they cause, and the statistics related to their prevalence. The passage provides comprehensive information about the topic, making it the main subject.

B) the dangers of uncooked food

While the passage mentions that raw foods are a common source of foodborne illnesses, it does not focus solely on the dangers of uncooked food. Instead, it covers a broader range of topics related to foodborne illnesses, making this option incorrect.

C) bacteria

Although bacteria are discussed as a significant cause of foodborne illnesses, the passage does not solely focus on bacteria. It also includes information about other pathogens and sources of contamination, making this option too narrow to represent the main subject.

D) proper food preparation

The passage touches on aspects of food preparation, particularly in relation to preventing foodborne illnesses. However, it does not primarily focus on proper food preparation itself, but rather on the broader topic of foodborne illnesses. Thus, this option is incorrect.

Conclusion

In summary, the passage clearly emphasizes foodborne illnesses as its main subject, providing detailed information on their causes, symptoms, and prevalence. Other options, while related, do not capture the complete focus of the passage, which is centered on the impact and understanding of foodborne illnesses.