choose the best summary of the passage

HESI A2

Reading Comprehension HESI A2 Practice Test

1. Choose the best summary of the passage.

A. We often think of all fat as bad, but it is clear that certain fats, especially the more healthful unsaturated fats, are important for bodily function.
B. If you must consume some fat, be sure to choose unsaturated fats such as oils rather than saturated fats found in prepackaged snacks or animal products.
C. Doctors and researchers have discovered that without the calories found in fat, people would not have functioning metabolisms.
D. Some intake of saturated fat is necessary, but you should stay away from the kind of fat found in fried food, which can lead to heart disease.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The best summary of the passage emphasizes the importance of certain fats, particularly unsaturated fats, for bodily function. It highlights that after years of negative publicity, experts now recognize the significance of consuming fats for overall health. The passage discusses how fat is essential for cell health, vitamin absorption, and various bodily functions. It also distinguishes between healthier unsaturated fats like olive oil and detrimental trans fats. Choice B is not the best summary as it focuses more on the choice between unsaturated and saturated fats rather than the overall importance of fats. Choice C is incorrect as the passage doesn't solely attribute functioning metabolisms to fat calories. Choice D is not the best summary as it only briefly mentions saturated fats and fried foods, missing the broader context provided in the passage.

2. A reader might infer from this passage that ___________.

A. Obesity can be detrimental to a long life
B. Car crashes are most frequent in the United States
C. The Second Amendment should be overturned
D. People in Asia and Africa have the shortest life spans

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The passage indicates that obesity, along with other health-related issues, contributes to lower life expectancy. This implies that obesity can negatively affect one's lifespan, making option A the correct inference based on the information presented in the text. The other options do not accurately reflect the implications of the passage.

3. What is implied by this paragraph about food and drink?

A. We should eat and drink in reasonable quantities.
B. Alcohol should be banned.
C. People should eat in large quantities.
D. We need stronger laws to control drunk drivers.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The paragraph emphasizes that while food and drink are necessary and desirable, their abuse can lead to serious physical and mental problems. It highlights the negative consequences of overeating and alcohol abuse, such as strain on the heart, diabetes, and other health issues. The text suggests the importance of moderation in consumption to prevent health problems. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because the paragraph does not call for a ban on alcohol, promote eating in large quantities, or specifically discuss the need for stronger laws to control drunk drivers.

4. In this passage, which of the following is not mentioned as a role of HGH in the human body?

A. Regulating the metabolism.
B. Stimulating the immune system.
C. Regulating leptin, an appetite-controlling hormone.
D. Facilitating calcium retention.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Regulating leptin, an appetite-controlling hormone. In the provided passage, it is stated that human growth hormone (HGH) is essential for regulating metabolism, building muscle, facilitating calcium retention, and stimulating the immune system. However, leptin is not mentioned as directly regulated by HGH. Instead, the passage discusses how inadequate sleep can lead to lowered levels of leptin, affecting appetite control. Choices A, B, and D are all roles of HGH explicitly mentioned in the passage, making them incorrect answers. Therefore, C is the correct choice as it was not directly linked to HGH in the passage.

5. Which of the following is not listed as a detail in the passage about Concussions?

A. Football and lacrosse players suffer the most concussions.
B. More than a million Americans a year suffer concussions.
C. Concussions may result in diminished alertness.
D. It may take longer to recover from a second concussion.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Skim the passage to identify the detail that does not appear. The sports in choice A are never mentioned, so you do not even need to look at the other choices.