Question

which answer choice best explains why the author wrote this article?
a to argue that walking after a meal should be a once-a-year activity during the holiday season
b to emphasize that irritable bowel syndrome is the main cause of uncomfortable bloating after eating
c to convince readers to avoid holiday meals because they can often lead to uncomfortable bloating
d to explain how mild exercise can help relieve gas and bloating when it is only an occasional dilemma

Explanation:

• Option A: Suggesting walking after meals is a once - a - year activity is illogical as walking after meals is generally beneficial and not limited to holidays.
• Option B: The question is about the author's purpose of writing the article, and emphasizing a single cause of bloating (irritable bowel syndrome) is not likely the main purpose unless the article is specifically about that, which is not indicated here.
• Option C: Convincing readers to avoid holiday meals is extreme and not a typical or reasonable purpose for an article about post - meal bloating.
• Option D: Explaining how mild exercise (like walking) can relieve occasional gas and bloating fits a common purpose of an article related to post - meal discomfort, as it provides a solution - oriented explanation.

Answer:

D. to explain how mild exercise can help relieve gas and bloating when it is only an occasional dilemma