Postsecondary Education Readiness Test (PERT) Practice Test

Which sentence best supports the topic sentence: Hay fever is the common name for an allergic reaction to pollen?

In my father's family, allergies are quite common. The worst offender is ragweed pollen, which causes many people to suffer from sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes from late summer to late fall. People who suffer from allergies can check the weather report for allergen counts. It seems that allergic reactions to peanuts and tree nuts are becoming more and more common, too.

Correct Answer:

The worst offender is ragweed pollen, which causes many people to suffer from sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes from late summer to late fall.

Explanation:

The choice that best supports the topic sentence about hay fever being an allergic reaction to pollen is the second statement. It provides specific information about ragweed pollen, identifying it as a significant trigger for hay fever. By mentioning the symptoms associated with this type of pollen—sneezing, a runny nose, and itchy eyes—it directly connects the concept of hay fever to its common causes. This not only clarifies what hay fever is but also emphasizes the relationship between pollen exposure and allergic reactions, thereby reinforcing the topic sentence effectively. The other statements do not focus specifically on pollen or hay fever. They mention allergies in a broader context or refer to other types of allergies, such as those to food, making them less relevant to supporting the definition of hay fever.

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