identify the euphemism in the following passage today we gather to remember thomas the cat he was the cutest kitten around now that hes gone to the gi

HESI A2

HESI A2 Practice Test Vocabulary

1. Identify the euphemism in the following passage: 'Today we gather to remember Thomas the Cat. He was the cutest kitten around. Now that he's gone to the giant catnip patch in the sky, he'll be missed by everyone.'

A. Giant catnip patch in the sky
B. The cutest kitten around
C. He'll be missed by everyone
D. Today we gather to remember

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is 'A: Giant catnip patch in the sky.' This phrase is a euphemism for death, as it softens the reality of Thomas the Cat's passing. Choice B, 'The cutest kitten around,' is a compliment and not a euphemism. Choice C, 'He'll be missed by everyone,' is a straightforward statement without a euphemistic element. Choice D, 'Today we gather to remember,' is a typical opening statement for a memorial gathering and is not a euphemism.

2. What does concave mean?

A. Rounded inward
B. Rounded outward
C. Straight
D. Flat

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Concave means rounded inward. When something is concave, it curves inwards like the interior of a bowl. Choice B, 'Rounded outward,' is incorrect as this describes a convex shape, not concave. Choice C, 'Straight,' is incorrect as concave refers to a curved shape, not a straight one. Choice D, 'Flat,' is also incorrect as it does not describe the inward curve characteristic of concave shapes.

3. What is another word for acrid?

A. Bitter
B. Smoky
C. Nimble
D. Severe

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Acrid is often used to describe a sharp, unpleasant smell or taste, which is synonymous with bitterness. The word 'bitter' closely relates to the strong and sharp sensation associated with acrid qualities. Choice B, 'Smoky,' does not capture the sharpness or unpleasantness associated with acrid, as it refers more to the presence of smoke. Choice C, 'Nimble,' and choice D, 'Severe,' are unrelated to the meaning of acrid and do not serve as synonyms in this context.

4. A synonym is a word _____ a meaning similar to another word.

A. that has
B. that gives
C. which has
D. which gives

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct phrase to use in this context is 'that has,' indicating possession or similarity between words. Synonyms are words that have meanings similar to those of other words, making choice A the most appropriate selection. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not correctly convey the relationship of possessing similar meanings between words.

5. Select the meaning of the word 'distended' in the sentence: 'Wracked by abdominal pain, the victim of food poisoning moaned and rubbed his distended belly.'

A. concave
B. sore
C. swollen
D. empty

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'swollen.' In the context provided, 'distended' refers to the victim's belly being enlarged or bloated due to abdominal pain. This matches the description of the victim moaning and rubbing his belly, indicating discomfort from swelling. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect. 'Concave' means having an inward curve, opposite to the intended meaning. 'Sore' means experiencing pain or discomfort, which is not directly related to the physical enlargement described in the sentence. 'Empty' means containing nothing, which contrasts with the idea of the belly being visibly enlarged or bloated.