READTHEORY Name. Date, + Reading Comprehension 3 tevei11 Directions: Read the passage. Then answer the questions below. Poststaumati stress eisorder (PTSD) is @ severe anxiety disorder that affects milions of people around the world Inivcuals can develop PTSD ater expertencing any event that results psychological ‘Teuma. Symptoms of PTSD involve tashbacks toe Waumatc event nightmares, obsessive behavior, tanger, insomnia, cffey concentatng, ans hypervglance, naividuals whe suffer rom PTSD can experience signteant diffeutes in socal relationships, have lower self-esteem, and have trouble maintaining employment People wih PTSD experience a higher risk of commiting sede, developing @ drug adzicton, and suffering rom aleaholsm. Although PTSD can affect any individual, itary veterans fre especialy suseeptbs to this debitaing siicton Furlhernore, wilhin tis population, women are more than bce as IKely as man fo develop PTSD. Studies have aiso shown tht fore service worneh tno do develop PTSD experience more severe symptoms than thelr male counterparts, Recent changes made by the United States Deparment of Veterans Afars have Improved eatmentopions for female ‘Veterans living with PTSD, but there is sil moe that needs tobe done. ‘Atough studies investigating precisely why women are mare likely than men to experience PTSD have nol yot bean compated:sorne experts have theorized that low unl cohecon le amar facter. Unit cohesion, dined as the mutual bonds of iendship and support among members ofa rita unt is thought to be helpful in reducing the nldence of Geveloping PSD. According lo recent surveys Compled by U.S. Amy researchers, increased unt cohesion emerged as the mest important ctor determining wheiner soldiers developed suicidal thoughts. Women are more Ikely then men to expeianco low unt cohesion fora varey of reasons, One ofthe moet obveus factors is he reiatve Ballllyof females in the millary, current, women make up only 20% ofthe armed forces. Pervasive mrale prejudice against women & another factor that can diminish unt cohesion for female soles. Because wore are leds ikely than men to experience unit cohesion wile orving inthe itary, women ae Tess likely to develop the sia support stuctures thal wil help prevent them from developing PTSD, depression, a other serous monial heath probit ‘Another isaue at play the stigma amonget milary personnel that asking fr help for mental heath issues makes one. weak "A reson Department of Defense study of fetuming combat oops ‘shows that only 1 in 6 veterans acknowledged themselves to be suffering from symptoms of PTSD, and 3 tut of veterans wore convince that he comrades and commanding offleers would Tose confidence thom if they sought treatment for mortal health ssuos. For women, tis hesitation to sltidentty as @ sufferer of PTSD could be even greater historical, female soldiers have struggled tobe counted as {equals to men on the batlefield. Women, stereotypically considered to possess loss emotional ferttude than mon, may be unwiing to admit that they are sufering ftom PTSD lost hey appear to conform fo this stereolyps. Unfortunately for those who do nel seck help, when PTSD goes unveated Is very Ikely to worsen over tine ‘Another challenge is that unl very recenly, treatment for PTSD has been more dificult for women than men to oblan. Before rule changes were enacted in 2010, only veterans who encountered direct combat experience qualified to receive disability payments for PTSD. Because very few women are placed on the font ines, very few were cigible to receive ee treatment or PTSD. However, recent fequlaton changes have ended dese eipulelons, alowng women wo serve arty capacty fa be bigible for benefits, Even i orale veterans are eligible for these benef, the qually of he care a wartime PTSD sufferer receives can vary widely. The United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) pays disability benef fo Service men ahd women who have been diagnosea wih PTSD and also provides (hese indviluale with fee healthcare, But while mental Health counseling that comes direct from VA doctors is completely ree to veterans, thee are often long waiting Its for those who need to be evaluated or treated. Thefapy provided by non VA professionals may Rol be covered by heath insurance.Perhaps the biggest impediment to achieving quality treatment for women suffering from wartime PTSD is a lack of research. While both the VA and independent agencies have completed hundreds of ‘studies researching the prevention of and treatment for PTSD amongst general military populations, there have been no studies completed that solely target women. Before adequate care can be provided, there must be greater understanding about the root causes of this Issue as it affects women specifically. On both the research level and the policy level, more must be done to help the women who have sacrificed 0 much for their country, 1). The primary purpose of the passage is to ‘A. explain why military veterans are more likely than civilians to develop PTSD B. persuade government officials to increase funding for PTSD treatment centers in non-urban areas C. denounce the United States military for the way they have handled veterans’ mental health problems D. inform readers about the likely warning signs of PTSD among military veterans E. educate readers about the problem of insufficient treatment available for female veterans with PTSD 2) According to the passage, all of the following are reasons why females develop PTSD more: frequently than males except women experience lower unit cohesion than men women can face negative stereotypes in the military ‘women are more likely than men to suffer from depression (CORRECT) males in the military greatly outnumber females males tend to develop stronger social bonds during their time of service than females do moom> 3) As used in paragraph 2, which is the best antonym for paucity? A. certainty B. audacity C. deference D. contentment E, abundance 4) Based on information in the passage, it can be inferred that negative stereotypes about women in the military contribute to their increased likelihood to develop PTSD in which of the following ways? |. Some male members of the armed forces subscribe to negative stereotypes about women; this prejudice may prevent women from forming close bonds with their units, Il. Women may be less likely than men to admit to suffering from PTSD because they do not want to conform to stereotypes that portray women as weak, Ill, Women are aware of the negative stereotypes that pervade the miltary. This awareness may lead to a reduction in self-esteem. A. lonly B. Honly CC. Land Il only D. Wand ill only E. Ill, andi8) Based on information in the passage, which of the following statements best reflects the author's opinion about the mental health care provided for female veterans? ‘A. Although the VA has not done nearly enough, state and independent agencies have made up for government deficiencies. B. The government has done almost nothing to help; the way we treat our female veterans is a national disgrace, C. Because service women are more likely than service men to develop PTSD, mental health care has been better for female veterans. D, The VA and other government agencies have attempted to provide mental health care for female veterans, but most of them refuse to seek treatment. E, The amount of care provided has improved over the past few years, but itis still insufficient, 6) Which of the following pieces of evidence, if true, would best strengthen the author's argument in Paragraph 5? ‘A, Since 2001, when operations in Iraq and Afghanistan began, more than 230,000 women have served in the United States Miltary B. Studies have shown that those who receive therapy for PTSD are less likely to commit suicide and develop substance abuse problems. C. Women are 50% more likely to experience sexual assault while deployed than men, D. Although experts now argue that intensive cognitive therapy is more effective at treating wartime PTSD than prescription drugs, most mental health professionals are trained only to offer pharmaceutical solutions for PTSD. E. In addition to causing obvious mental and social health problems for those who suffer from the disorder, PTSD can also cost society up to $6.2 billion in the form of lost labor productivity and welfare expenses. 7) In paragraph 5, the author writes: “Access to mental health professionals who have been specially trained to treat wartime PTSD is often difficult for those not living near major urban centers,” Which of the following conjunctions, used at the beginning of this sentence, would best clarify the sentence’s role in the paragraph? Furthermore Incidentally Although Nevertheless Therefore moom> 8) Based on information in the passage, it can be inferred that the author is most ikely someone who ‘A. does not believe women should be allowed to serve in the military B. is a mental health care professional C. has conducted studies on PTSD among veterans D. believes that advocating for others can lead to change E. is femaleAnswers and Explanations ne Arar purpose rect alae the crt of panes. nth paaage, he autor bags n praia 1 by eritog Pro av polon, epocaly for ferte ray vera Hee ae clas ans hat nese bs cto prove Tenrret pons obi popiton progres an tear Govstoes wo aco ray ma favae verre mre ‘Secon tf7TSD tan na vouriutow ant coats ans dete alts appear wens enpecaly Wie seer Erechpes.nprgrg eho suo sae a a wey ect, fama votre have dan acces han aso eutrun ec PFSD rpmragrap 9 te urferre renders ath quay ere aPTSO sure ecavou can vary ely” Finan prea he autor notes he nk oresearefargeang waren PTSD eer speteay. ar ares tno Inustba dane Fup the women have enileed wo mus ras county Tughe he pasa: ar poen "tomato stor feale verre stern om ETS arte probes fey face bated on ha vero we ca deter The auhers purposes to eda fade tou fe poe ot euler ate arable or fale vtran oh PTO. ‘Therefore (it core-Te aor focten seca onvny female wera ave roe svsepbie PSD anal veteran invoraie ties hat iary verre a aay as vara evaap, bc dvs ol oi vy ta eT ears (i's ncedAipeugh autor ty age tt goverment cals she ncrene nang for P7GO reae carts te Sihoruptery pupotn hres edusats nl operuage, Futhemers, te aver siesettopeeel autores averthat Sovermert ae spectaly Te mate (a) ncoret Aitough te ah dows cee gorse ma Garg move ‘Scurlomastizers'PFSO, ear na to ra whe pons coulsba te donunca the grammar. Te ara oes “nprovang treaton moran ssognng Same. Thi stinaes 6) Te eur Sty mento sympa of PTSD Perarap' ble ler upoee ol ne panege'e nt ttfom eae abut ese wang ss The makes (0) rear 2 6 In paragraph 2, the author mentions thal "women are less tkely to develop the socal support structures that wl help prevent them ‘tom developing PTSD, depression, or other serious mental heath problems.” This fs the only mention of eepression in the passage, ‘0 the author does not stato or imply that women are more lkely than men to suffer from depression. Therefore (C) is correct. In. paragraph 2, he author states, "Women are mora likely than men fo expesance low unt cohesion for avarsty of reasons." Farr in {he paragraph tho author states that low unit cohesion could be a significant factor in the devolopment of PTSD. This moans (A) Is incorrect. n paragraph 2, the author notes that pervasive male prejudice against women is anctner factor that can diminish un ‘cohesion for female solders.” Sines the author Inks ow unk cahesion lo an increased risk of PTSD, this makes (B) incorrect. In paragraph 2, the author poins out that there are far fewer women serving in the miltary than men, a factor that can contribute to low nit cohesion, which is inked To an increased risk of PTSD. This eliminates (0). In paragraph 2, the author states that ‘because ‘women are less likely than men to experience unit cohesion while serving in the miliary, women ae lss likely to develop the social ‘Suppor structures tat wil help prevent them fom developing PTSO. This means (E) i incorrect, 3 £ paucity (noun): scarceness; a small number; inadequacy or lack af something. ‘The author writes in paragraph 2, “One of tha most abvious factors leading fo low unit cohesion] is the relative paucty of females in tho itary: curortly, women make up only 20% ofthe armed forces." Based on ths information, we can understand that thore aro signicaily fewer womer inthe millary than men. Ths tells us that pauotly means a small umber. Since abundance means a large number, ts 8 good antorym, Therefore (E) is corect, Certainty means sureness or convision, While there i a rlative lack oF females in tho mila, it does not make sense to say there is @ relative uncertainty of them. This means (A) isincoreet. Audacity means boldness or daring. The autnor does not in ary way imply that women inthe military lack daring, Rather, tis sentence is about the numberof women in the miliary. Ths makes (B) incorrect. Doforence means respectul submission. The aul doos not in any way imply thal women in the millary are disrespectful or not submissive. Rather, this sentence is about the number of women in the milfary. Tei elminales (C). Contentment means satisfaction. hough the author discusses potental problems for women In ‘the miliary, he or she does not indeate that women inthe military are dssalsfed, Therefore (D) i Incorrect 4 ¢ In paragraph 2, the author states, “Pervasive male pejucice against women is another factor that can diminish unit cohesion for female soldiers. Because women are ess likely than men to experience unit cohesion while serving in the millary. women ae less Tkely to develop the social suppor structures thal vil help prevent them from developing PSO.” This means that male prejudice against women may mit unt cohesion for women and prevent them from forming ciose bonds with thelr units. Low unit cohesion is {ed as @ factor thal may lead to increased risk of PTSD. This suppors option (In paragraph 3, the author stats thal “or ‘women, this heslalon 1 sel-identy as a sufferer of PTSD could be even greater. historically, female sokirs have struggled tobe ‘counted as equals to men onthe batlafilé. Women, streotypcally considered fo possess less emational orttude than men, may be urwiling to adr that they ae sutering rom PTSD lest they appear to conform to tis stereotype." This means that some women hestate to admit they are sufering from PTSD because they do not want fo confarm to sterealypes that portray women 95. ‘weak. The supports eption (i). ough k mighl be true that women's awareness of negative stereotypes may lead to a redaction in sa-esteem, tris not discussed inthe passage. Furthermore, a reduction i self-esteem is cited as a result of PTSD, not a factor that increases the tkelhiod of developing PTSD. Ths eliminates option (i). Therefore (6) corect ye In paragraph 1, the author notes that due to recent changes," there are now “improved treatment options or female veterans suffering fom PTSD. In paragraph 4, the autho discusses a rule change that now makes mental heath counseling availabe to ‘women who nave noi served in combat positions, which increases wome’s eligi for benefits, Despte these improvements, the Author suggests in the final paragraph thatthe amount of care proved i sil insufficient by stating, “More must be dare fo help the ‘women wh have sactficed so much for ter country." Based on this information, we can determine thatthe author elleves the ‘amount of care provided nas improved over the past few years, bu ls sil insufcient. Therefore (E) is corecl, The author does not‘suggest that state and independent agencies have made up for government deficiencies, so (A)s incorrect. Although the authors ‘tical ofthe government, he or she isnot so harsh as to sugges thal the government has dane almost nothing to nelp. This makes (B) incoroct ‘The author clams that mental health care has Been worsa for female velerans as compared to males, not beter, so, (6)is incorrect. The author states n paragraph 3 that there isa “stigma amongst miltary personnel that asking for help for mental health issues makes one weak.” The author goes on to explain that women may be even more hesitant to ask fr help than men Docauee of negative gender stereotypes, However, the author does not suggest that most female vetorans refuse to seek Veatment ‘This eliminates (0) 9D In paragraph 5, the author argues, “Even if female velorans ae eligible for these benefits, the qual of the care a wartime PTSD sufferer receives can vary widely" The inal sentence in paragraph 5 suggests that some doctors dorecelve specialized training to ‘teal those wht sue rom wartme PTSD, but tose doctors are mos often located in urban centers Intense cognitive therapy might be one ofthe special zed treatments refered to in paragraph 5, but most mental health care professionals that veterans have ‘access lo may be trained only to offer prescription drugs as treatment. This plece of evidence would support the author's argument ‘hat ferent veerans receive different reatment, and Val tis treatment can vary ins effectiveness. Therefore (D) fs corect. The number af women serving inthe miary is relevant tote qualty of eare a wartime PTSD sufferer recoives. This makes (A) incorrect. In paragraph 5, the author argues tat the quality of care can vary widely, not that there are benefis to therapy. This means (B) incorrect. The Ikeihood of women experiencing sexual assault while deployed could be evidence used to argue that ‘Women develop PTSD at higher rates than men, Bu the argument in paragraph 5 Is specifealy about the varying quality of care that al sufleres of PTSD receive, malo of female, This makes (C) incorrect. The costs of PTSD to sacely could be evidence used to ‘argue forthe importance of treating, ut this evidence does not specially suppor the argument that quality of care varies widely ‘This eliminates (E), na In paragraph 6, the author's main argument is contained inthe frst sentence: ‘Evan if female vetorans aro elgble for these bene, ‘he quay ofthe care a warime PTSD sufferer reclves can vary widely" Later in the paragraph he or she wrtes: “Therapy provided by non-VA professionals may not be covered by health insurance. Access to mental healt professionals who have boon ‘Specialy rained fo eal warime PTSD is often dificult for those net tving near major urban centers The information in the frst Sentence is one ploco of evidence tha the qualty of care varies widely fo sufferers of PTSD. The information in the second Sentence provides ackitonal or supplemental evidence. Therefore, the conjunction “Furthermore” would be the best cho.ce, bocaue it signals to the reader that further, related information ie frtheaming, This corunction clas the sentence’ olen the paragraph, which sto provide an addltonal reason why care varies widely. Therefore (A) is correct. The conlunctin ‘ncidetaly” indicates thatthe information to flow sn some way a departure from tye previous idea, or ony loosely connected to the main idea. This isnot the case, so (B)isincorect. The conjunction “Although” indicates thatthe information to flaw contains an idea that ‘qualifies or contrasts with the ida presented ether previously or eirocly folowing, This fs notte caso, so (C) is incorrect. The ‘conjunction "Nevertheless indicates that the information to fllow corrasts in some way with the previous point. This isnot ths ase, 50 (0) is incorrect. The conjunction “Therefore indicates that Le information to follow is a conclusion based on the preceding information, The 's net the ease, £0 (E)'s incorrect. 3D In paragraph 1, the author states, “Recent changes made by the United Statos Department of Veterans Afairs have improved ‘teatment options for female veterans living wih PTSD, but ther is sil more that needs tobe done.” Atthe end ofthe nal paragraph, the author reiterates, "On both the research lovel and the policy level, more must e dane to help the women who have Secrficed s0 much fr ther county.” Based on these calls to acton, we can determine that he aanor aavocating for female velerans wha suffer from PTSD, Because the author inkides such cirectslalemanis of advocacy and slates that change is needed, ‘Wo can infor that he or she is most lkely someone wha baleves that advocating for others ean lead to change. Therefore (D) ‘correc, The author Goes no give any incieaLon that he or she doas not beleve that women should be allowed to serve inthe miltary, This eliminates (A), Although the author appears interested in and knowledgeable about mental healthcare, tore is no information inthe passage lo suggest that ne or she is a mental health care professional, This means (B) is incorrec, The author ‘ites studies on PTSD among veterans, but th is not an Indication that he or she personally conducted such stuces, This makes (C)incorrect. Although the subject ofthe passage is female veteran, there is no evidence in the passage aout whelher the author 's male or female, Therefore (E) is Incorec,