SECTION III: Reading Comprehension

Part A
Read the following texts and answer the questions which accompany them by choosing A, B, C or D. Mark your answers on ANSWER SHEET 1.

Text 1
　　In recent years, there has been a steady assault on salt from the doctors: salt is bad for you ? regardless of your health. Politicians also got on board. "There is a direct relationship," US congressman¹ Neal Smith noted², "between the amount of sodium³ a person consumes and heart disease, circulatory disorders⁴, stroke and even early death."Frightening, if true! But many doctors and medical researchers are now beginning to feel the salt scare has gone too far. "All this hue⁵ and cry about eating salt is unnecessary," Dr. Dustan insists. "For most of us it probably doesn't make much difference how much salt we eat." Dustan's most recent short-term study of 150 people showed that those with normal blood pressure experienced no change at all when placed on an extremely low-salt diet, or later when salt was reintroduced. Of the hypertensive subjects, however, half of those on the low-salt diet did experience a drop in blood pressure, which returned to its previous level when salt was reintroduced."An adequate to somewhat excessive salt intake⁶ has probably saved many more lives than it has cost in the general population," notes Dr. John H. Laragh. "So a recommendation that the whole population should avoid salt makes no sense."Medical experts agree that everyone should practice reasonable "moderation" in salt consumption. For the average person, a moderate amount might run from four to ten grams a day, or roughly 1/2 to 1/3 of a teaspoon⁷. The equivalent of one to two grams of this salt allowance would come from the natural sodium in food. The rest would be added in processing, preparation or at the table.Those with kidney, liver or heart problems may have to limit dietary salt, if their doctor advises. But even the very vocal⁸ "low salt" exponent⁹, Dr. Arthur Hull¹⁰ Hayes, Jr. admits that "we do not know whether increased sodium consumption causes hypertension." In fact, there is growing scientific evidence that other factors may be involved: deficiencies in calcium¹¹, potassium, perhaps magnesium¹²; obesity¹³ (much more dangerous than sodium); genetic¹⁴ predisposition; stress."It is not your enemy," says Dr. Laragh. "Salt is the No. 1 natural component¹⁵ of all human tissue, and the idea that you don't need it is wrong. Unless your doctor has proven that you have a salt-related health problem, there is no reason to give it up."

1. According to some doctors and politicians, the amount of salt consumed[A] exhibits as an aggravating¹⁶ factor to people in poor health.[B] cures diseases such as stroke and circulatory disorders.[C] correlates highly with some diseases.[D] is irrelevant¹⁷ to people suffering from heart disease.

2. From Dr. Dustan's study we can infer that[A] a low-salt diet may be prescribed for some people.[B] the amount of salt intake has nothing to do with one's blood pressure.[C] the reduction of salt intake can cure a hypertensive patient.[D] an extremely low-salt diet makes no difference to anyone.

3. In the third paragraph, Dr. Laragh implies that[A] people should not be afraid of taking excessive salt.[B] doctors should not advise people to avoid salt.[C] an adequate to excessive salt intake is recommended for people in disease.[D] excessive salt intake has claimed some victims in the general population.

4. The phrase "vocal ... exponent" (line 2, para. 4) most probably refers to[A] eloquent¹⁸ doctor.[B] articulate opponent.[C] loud speaker.[D] strong advocate.

5. What is the main message of this text?[A] That the salt scare is not justified¹⁹.[B] That the cause of hypertension is now understood.[C] That the moderate use of salt is recommended.[D] That salt consumption is to be promoted.