For decades, stomach ulcers were attributed to stress and spicy food, and patients were advised to modify their diets and reduce anxiety. When Barry Marshall discovered that most ulcers were caused by the bacterium H. pylori, the medical establishment initially dismissed his findings. Marshall famously infected himself with the bacteria to demonstrate causation. Ulcers are now routinely treated with antibiotics rather than lifestyle changes.
It can be inferred from the text that
stress has no effect on any health condition
established medical beliefs can be overturned by new evidence, despite initial resistance
scientific discoveries are always immediately accepted
antibiotics were used to treat ulcers before Marshall's discovery
Correct Answer: B
Choice B is the best answer. Decades of conventional wisdom was overturned despite initial dismissal.
- Context clues: Long-held belief about stress; new discovery; initial dismissal; eventual acceptance and treatment change.
- Meaning: Even entrenched medical beliefs can be corrected by evidence over time.
- Verify: Marshall had to self-infect to prove his case, showing the resistance he faced.
💡 Strategy: When old beliefs are replaced despite opposition, infer that evidence eventually prevails.
Choice A is incorrect because the passage discusses ulcers specifically, not all conditions. Choice C is incorrect because the establishment "initially dismissed" Marshall's findings. Choice D is incorrect because antibiotics became the treatment after Marshall's discovery.