a reader might infer from this passage that the organization

HESI A2

Reading Comprehension Practice Test HESI A2

1. A reader might infer from this passage that the organization ___________.

A. succeeded in eradicating malaria
B. has always been led by a medical doctor
C. no longer studies communicable diseases
D. changed its name to match its mission

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The passage never says whether or not the CDC succeeded in its original mission (choice A) or whether it continued to be led by doctors (choice B). Inferring either of those things would be a leap unsupported by the text. Choice C is countered by information in the final

2. Which part of the bridge was built first according to the passage on Golden Gate Bridge?

A. The cables.
B. The anchorages.
C. The roadway.
D. The towers.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, 'The anchorages.' The passage states that construction began by building the anchorages first. After that, the builders moved on to the towers, then the cables, and lastly, the roadway. Building the anchorages was crucial to providing a stable foundation for the bridge. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the passage clearly outlines the sequence of construction starting with the anchorages.

3. What is the meaning of the word 'pathogens' as it is used in the first paragraph?

A. diseases
B. vaccines
C. disease-causing substances
D. foods

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In the context provided, 'pathogens' refers to disease-causing substances such as bacteria and viruses. These microorganisms can contaminate food and lead to foodborne illnesses. Choice A ('diseases') is incorrect as pathogens themselves cause diseases but are not diseases. Choice B ('vaccines') is incorrect as vaccines are used to prevent diseases caused by pathogens. Choice D ('foods') is incorrect as pathogens are not foods, but rather contaminants that can be found in food.

4. What conclusion can you draw from the first sentence of the passage?

A. Osteoporosis is more common than anyone previously imagined.
B. The media give a lot of overall coverage to osteoporosis.
C. Only women are at high risk for developing bone thinning.
D. Thinning bones is not considered a serious medical problem.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. The first sentence suggests that osteoporosis receives significant media coverage, indicating that the media gives a lot of overall coverage to the issue. This conclusion can be drawn as the passage mentions how osteoporosis is a major health concern for women and is widely covered in newspapers and television commercials. Choice A is incorrect because the passage does not mention the prevalence of osteoporosis compared to previous estimates. Choice C is incorrect as the passage highlights that men are being overlooked in terms of bone thinning concerns. Choice D is incorrect as the passage emphasizes the seriousness of bone thinning and the need for preventive measures.

5. What is the author's reason for writing the passage on the White Elephant?

A. To inform readers about Thailand's historical customs.
B. To entertain readers with the origins of the term 'white elephant.'
C. To explain the tradition of giving white elephants.
D. To criticize the tradition of giving white elephants as gifts.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'To explain the tradition of giving white elephants.' The passage provides historical context about the practice of giving white elephants as gifts in ancient Siam, now Thailand. It explains how white elephants were considered sacred, could not be put to work, and became a burden to the recipients. The author's purpose is to shed light on this tradition and its implications, not to inform readers about Thailand in general (choice A), entertain with fun facts (choice B), or criticize the tradition (choice D). Choices A and B are incorrect because the passage focuses specifically on the tradition of giving white elephants, not on broader aspects of Thailand or entertainment. Choice D is incorrect because the passage does not criticize the tradition but rather provides a factual account of its historical significance.