Question

identifying main ideas
the misuse of prescription drugs, especially by teens, has become a national public health problem. there are almost as many new users of prescriptions drugs as new users of marijuana. prescriptions drugs are the second most common drugs used by teenagers to get high; marijuana is the most common. experts believe that teens abuse prescription drugs in order to get high because they believe they are safer than streets drugs. however, this is not true.
based on the information presented, what is idea concerning teen drug use?

• prescription drugs are safer than street drugs.
• prescription drug abuse is increasing among teens.
• prescription drug misuse is a minor national health problem.
• prescription drugs are the most commonly abused drugs among teens.

Explanation:

• Analyze Option 1: The passage says “this is not true” about teens’ belief that prescription drugs are safer, so this is incorrect.
• Analyze Option 2: The passage states misuse of prescription drugs by teens is a national public health problem, new users of prescription drugs are almost as many as new marijuana users, and prescription drugs are the second most common drug teens use to get high. This implies abuse is increasing among teens.
• Analyze Option 3: The passage says it's a “national public health problem”, not minor, so this is incorrect.
• Analyze Option 4: The passage says marijuana is the most common, so this is incorrect.

Answer:

B. Prescription drug abuse is increasing among teens.