Passage 1 Regular physical exercise is a cornerstone of cardiovascular health. Activities like running, swimming, and cycling strengthen the heart muscle, improve blood circulation, and help maintain healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Consistent aerobic exercise reduces the risk of heart disease, which remains a leading cause of death worldwide. The physiological benefits are undeniable; an active lifestyle is one of the most effective ways to ensure a long and healthy life.
Passage 2 The benefits of physical exercise extend far beyond the heart. Regular physical activity is a powerful tool for improving mental health. Exercise triggers the release of endorphins, which act as natural mood elevators and can reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. It can also improve sleep quality and boost cognitive function, including memory and concentration. For many, the psychological uplift and mental clarity gained from exercise are just as important as the physical advantages.
Which statement best describes the relationship between the two passages?
- Passage 2 proves that the claims in Passage 1 are exaggerated.
- Both passages argue that mental health is more important than physical health.
- Passage 1 discusses difficult exercises, while Passage 2 discusses easier ones.
- Passage 1 focuses on one major benefit of exercise, while Passage 2 introduces another. (correct answer)
Explanation: When you encounter questions asking about the relationship between two passages, focus on identifying each passage's main purpose and how they connect to each other. Passage 1 centers entirely on cardiovascular benefits of exercise—strengthening the heart muscle, improving circulation, and reducing heart disease risk. It presents physical health as exercise's primary advantage. Passage 2 shifts focus completely, exploring exercise's mental health benefits like endorphin release, stress reduction, and improved cognitive function. The key phrase "benefits of physical exercise extend far beyond the heart" signals that Passage 2 is expanding the discussion to include additional advantages beyond what Passage 1 covered. Choice D correctly captures this relationship: Passage 1 focuses on one major benefit (cardiovascular health), while Passage 2 introduces another major benefit (mental health). Choice A is wrong because Passage 2 doesn't contradict or disprove Passage 1's claims—it simply discusses different benefits. Choice B misrepresents both passages; neither argues that mental health is more important than physical health. Passage 2 states that psychological benefits are "just as important" as physical ones, suggesting equality, not superiority. Choice C incorrectly focuses on exercise difficulty when neither passage emphasizes how challenging different activities are—they discuss different types of benefits, not difficulty levels. For reading comprehension questions about passage relationships, always identify each passage's central focus first, then look for words like "beyond," "also," "however," or "additionally" that signal how the second passage relates to the first.