HESI A2
HESI A2 Reading Comprehension Practice Test
1. Why was receiving a white elephant considered a burden in ancient Siam?
- A. People tried to avoid receiving it, as it was a burden.
- B. It was a symbol of honor and wealth.
- C. It was used in ceremonial processes.
- D. The people greatly desired a white elephant as a gift.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Receiving a white elephant in ancient Siam was considered a burden because the animal, being sacred, couldn't be used for work like other elephants. The recipient had to bear the cost of feeding the elephant large amounts of fruit and maintaining it in a lavish manner. The ruler's displeasure if the gift was not accepted graciously added to the pressure. This financial strain often led recipients to financial ruin. Therefore, people tried to avoid receiving a white elephant to prevent these financial consequences. Choice B is incorrect because the white elephant was not considered a symbol of honor and wealth but rather a burden. Choice C is incorrect as the white elephant was not primarily used in ceremonial processes but was a gift that came with financial responsibilities. Choice D is incorrect as the passage does not mention that people greatly desired a white elephant as a gift, but rather the opposite.
2. Why was the roadway of the Golden Gate Bridge so dangerous to build?
- A. It was located above a fast-moving river.
- B. It had to be perfectly balanced to avoid collapse.
- C. The materials used were very unstable.
- D. It was built during bad weather.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. The passage describes how the road had to be balanced during construction to avoid collapse into the bay. Choice A is incorrect as the Golden Gate Bridge crosses a strait, not a river. Choice C is incorrect as there is no mention of unstable materials. Choice D is incorrect as bad weather is not highlighted as a specific reason for the danger in building the roadway.
3. Based on this passage, what can the reader infer about the advice physicians will give their pregnant patients about coffee consumption?
- A. Almost all of them will advise women to stop drinking any caffeine until after the baby is born.
- B. The majority will ignore the study altogether and continue to advise caffeine in moderation as before.
- C. All of them will demand additional research be done before they change what they tell their patients.
- D. Some will continue to make their normal recommendations about caffeine, while others will be more cautious than before.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The passage implies that there is variability in physician responses to the study about caffeine consumption. Some doctors may continue their standard recommendations, while others might advise more caution based on the new evidence. Therefore, option D reflects this variability in professional opinions and is the correct inference.
4. What is the meaning of the word touted as used in the first paragraph about Aromatherapy?
- A. Revealed.
- B. Glorified.
- C. Overcome.
- D. Deceived.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: "Touted" in this passage means glorified or praised, indicating how aromatherapy has been widely promoted as beneficial. The context implies that while it is marketed positively, recent studies have called its effectiveness into question. Other choices do not capture this promotional aspect accurately, making B the best fit.
5. What is the main idea of the passage about microbes?
- A. Recent discoveries are revealing the critical role of microorganisms in maintaining a properly functioning immune system.
- B. The human body is host to a staggering number of microorganisms.
- C. Bacteriotherapy reintroduces healthy bacteria into a colon lacking the capability to defend against pathogenic agents.
- D. Early research has shown remarkable discoveries in the possibilities of bacteriotherapy.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The main idea of the passage is that recent discoveries are shedding light on the pivotal role of microorganisms in maintaining a properly functioning immune system. The passage discusses how the human body hosts a wide array of microorganisms, emphasizes the importance of these bacteria in the development of the immune system, and explores the potential applications of bacteriotherapy. Choice A is the correct answer because it accurately reflects the central theme discussed in the passage. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they focus on specific details or applications mentioned in the passage, rather than capturing the overarching theme of the critical role of microorganisms in immune system function.
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