Question

question 16
a social network usually acts as a support system for its members. it helps members maintain good physical and mental health or prevent physical and mental breakdown. it also reduces the risk of dying prematurely or committing suicide. there are several reasons for this. our social network of friends, relatives, and coworkers can make us feel good by boosting our self - esteem despite our weaknesses and difficulties. because they are more objective than we are about our problems, they can open our eyes to solutions that we are too emotionally distressed to see. the companionship from our network, strengthened by our frequent participation in recreational activities, can bring us joy while chasing away loneliness and worries. finally, our friends and relatives often give us instrumental support—money and other aid—to help us cope with our problems. all these social and psychological factors have an impact on our bodily health. they keep our blood pressure and heart rate at low levels by reducing our brain’s secretion of stress hormones.
in contrast, our loved ones place many demands on our time and personal resources. they can irritate us by criticizing us or invading our privacy. this is shown in a study of the social networks of 120 widows. in this study, the women reported that more than two - thirds of the people who made their lives more difficult were their friends and relatives. in fact, these negative experiences may drag down people’s sense of well - being more than the positive social support can raise it up. negative encounters usually have a stronger impact than positive ones: an argument stands out against a background of pleasant experiences. thus, an isolated friendly exchange at a wedding that is already filled with strife between in - laws can restore only a little peacefulness. on the other hand, a single heated exchange at an otherwise tranquil wedding can ruin the whole experience. in sum, social networks can have both positive and negative consequences for people’s lives.
the main idea of this reading is stated in the
a first sentence.
b last sentence of the first paragraph.
c first sentence of the second paragraph.
d last sentence of the second paragraph.

Explanation:

The main idea of the reading is that social networks can have both positive and negative consequences for people's lives. We need to find where this main idea is stated. Let's analyze each option:

• Option A: The first sentence of the first paragraph talks about social networks as a support system (positive aspects), but not the negative ones yet. So it's not the main idea statement.
• Option B: The last sentence of the first paragraph continues to talk about positive aspects of social networks (like companionship, reducing loneliness, etc.), still not the main idea.
• Option C: The first sentence of the second paragraph starts talking about the negative side (loved ones demanding time, invading privacy), but it's only part of the main idea.
• Option D: The last sentence of the second paragraph says "In sum, social networks can have both positive and negative consequences for people’s lives." This sums up the main idea, as the passage first discussed positive impacts and then negative impacts of social networks.

Answer:

D. last sentence of the second paragraph.