Read the following passage about the Period Poverty: A Hidden Crisis Affecting Millions and mark the letter A, B, C or D on your answer sheet to indicate the best answer to each of the following questions from 31 to 40.
Recent findings from Dignity Grows paint a clear picture of an overlooked issue impacting American women. Their comprehensive study surveyed 2,000 females across the nation, revealing that menstrual product insecurity affects nearly 42% of respondents. This widespread problem goes beyond mere inconvenience—it represents a genuine public health emergency that demands immediate attention. [I] The data shows that one in five participants has foregone essential hygiene items due to financial limitations, while transportation barriers and domestic violence further compound accessibility challenges.
Certain demographics face disproportionate hardship regarding menstrual supply availability. Young adults under twenty-five encounter these difficulties at alarming rates, with two-thirds experiencing some form of deprivation. [II] Hispanic communities show particularly concerning statistics at 59%, while households earning below $30,000 annually struggle significantly. Their educational background also plays a crucial role, as those without university qualifications face higher vulnerability. These disparities highlight how socioeconomic factors intersect to create multiple layers of disadvantage for already marginalized groups.
The consequences extend far beyond physical discomfort, creating ripple effects throughout various life domains. Among currently afflicted individuals, psychological well-being deteriorates substantially, with 57% reporting emotional distress. Professional performance suffers considerably—42% acknowledge workplace difficulties, while educational outcomes decline through reduced attendance and participation. Nearly half of those experiencing ongoing scarcity develop medical complications, many requiring serious intervention. [III] Daily routines become increasingly difficult to maintain, affecting everything from social interactions to personal relationships.
Addressing this multifaceted challenge requires comprehensive policy reform and innovative distribution methods. Researchers emphasize the necessity for dignified access points that preserve privacy and autonomy, particularly within residential settings. [IV] Community-based solutions must consider cultural sensitivities while ensuring consistent availability. Investment in research remains vital for understanding long-term implications and developing effective interventions. Only through coordinated efforts between government agencies, healthcare providers, and advocacy organizations can society begin dismantling the structural barriers perpetuating this crisis.
https://dignitygrows.org/am
Question 31: The phrase “paint a clear picture” in paragraph 1 has the closest meaning to _________.
A. lay out B. cover up C. turn down D. put off
Question 32: According to the passage, all of the following are mentioned as consequences EXCEPT _________.
A. increased dropout rates
B. emotional distress
C. medical complications
D. workplace difficulties
Question 33: Where in the paragraph does the following sentence best fit?
Furthermore, 48% report struggling with routine tasks.
A. [I]
B. [II]
C. [III]
D. [IV]
Question 34: The word “Their” in paragraph 2 refers to _________.
A. researchers
B. American women
C. respondents
D. certain demographics
Question 35: Which of the following best summarises paragraph 3?
A. Physical complications emerge as primary concern for individuals experiencing ongoing menstrual product scarcity.
B. Menstrual product insecurity creates widespread impacts across psychological, professional, educational, medical, and personal domains.
C. Educational performance experiences most severe decline followed by workplace productivity and interpersonal relationship quality.
D. Emotional distress emerges as predominant effect while medical complications and routine difficulties remain secondary.
Question 36: The word “afflicted” in paragraph 3 is OPPOSITE in meaning to _________.
A. troubled B. harmed C. thriving D. distressed
Question 37: Which of the following best paraphrases the underlined sentence in paragraph 4?
A. Research funding is crucial for analyzing immediate effects and using current solutions.
B. Research investment continues to be essential for grasping future consequences and creating successful interventions.
C. Financial support stays important for documenting present trends and improving existing methods.
D. Investigation backing proves necessary for studying past patterns and strengthening established responses.
Question 38: Which of the following is TRUE according to the passage?
A. Hispanic populations experience supply shortages at approximately forty-two percent nationwide annually.
B. Workplace performance difficulties affect fifty-seven percent of menstrually insecure individuals regularly.
C. Transportation barriers primarily impact twenty percent of economically disadvantaged household members.
D. Medical complications develop among nearly half of those experiencing ongoing menstrual scarcity.
Question 39: Which of the following can be inferred from the passage?
A. Educational attainment correlates with reduced vulnerability to menstrual product insecurity nationwide.
B. Transportation difficulties constitute the primary barrier preventing adequate menstrual supply accessibility universally.
C. Psychological distress emerges exclusively after prolonged exposure to menstrual product scarcity situations.
D. Government intervention alone sufficiently addresses structural barriers perpetuating menstrual product crisis effectively.
Question 40: Which of the following best summarises the passage?
A. Menstrual supply scarcity primarily results from transportation barriers affecting marginalized communities, causing workplace difficulties that require exclusive governmental policy interventions.
B. Financial hardship prevents American females from obtaining hygiene products, leading exclusively to psychological distress that requires healthcare providers developing treatments.
C. Menstrual product insecurity disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, creating widespread health and social consequences that demand coordinated intervention from multiple sectors.
D. Hispanic communities and younger demographics experience menstrual shortages primarily from domestic violence, requiring advocacy organizations to establish residential distribution programs.