Reading Binge Drinking and experimental Drug use in college students

TEAS 7 Reading Comprehension Diagnostic Test (45 Questions)

All college students are exposed to unprecedented levels of binge drinking and illicit drug use. Early on, they are tempted to engage in these risky behaviors because substances are all around them.  Distracting from their studies and contributing to declining mental health, drug and alcohol use is inherently a major problem across college campuses in the United States.  One study from the American Addiction Centers found that almost half of all college students nationally displayed symptoms of at least one substance abuse disorder. A 2019 Monitoring the Future Survey discovered the highest instances of the use of marijuana, cocaine, hallucinogens, and MDMA to be among college-aged young adults. 

Why are college students so likely to engage in binge drinking and drug use? The answer may lie in turmoil experienced while adapting to a major life change and living in new circumstances.  Many college students travel a great distance to their colleges, and live without their families, in particular, older, more responsible adults, for the first time.  A desire to experiment is a natural inclination, as is the pressure to fit in and assimilate with new peers.  College students are also bridled with the double pressure of deadlines, challenging classes, and the novel responsibility to handle it all on their own. Many, unwisely, turn to the temporary escape offered by drugs and alcohol. 

Binge Drinking and Experimental Drug Use in College Students 

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Which of the following is a logical conclusion that could be made about the experience of college students?

• College students that engage in risky behavior will ultimately suffer from mental health issues.
• College students engage with drugs and alcohol as it is more readily available.
• College students that engage in risky behavior will perform lower academically.
• Most college students are able to resist the lure of drugs and alcohol.

End Quiz

Answer Explanation

Incorrect

College students engage with drugs and alcohol as it is more readily available.

This answer is correct. We can reasonably infer that students are able to engage with drugs and alcohol at a high rate because it is available for use. 

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Most college students are able to resist the lure of drugs and alcohol. 

This answer is incorrect because there is no evidence in the passage to support this statement. The passage focuses on the negative aspects of drug and alcohol use that is very common on college campuses. The article states that nearly half of college students show signs of substance abuse.  

College students that engage in risky behavior will perform lower academically. 

This answer is incorrect because while this may be true for some, the phrase “distracting from their studies” is not enough evidence to infer that most or even all students will perform lower academically as a result of drug and alcohol use. 

College students that engage in risky behavior will ultimately suffer from mental health issues. 

This answer is incorrect because while this may be true for some, the phrase “contributing to declining mental health” is not enough to conclude that all or even most students will ultimately suffer from mental health issues as a result of drug and alcohol use. There is a better answer.