in the passage the word embark means to aput or go on board a ship

HESI A2

Reading Comprehension HESI A2

1. In the passage the word embark means to:

A. Remove the covering from a tree
B. Speak harshly to others
C. Entertain the reader
D. Put or go on board a ship

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The word 'embark' typically means to board a ship or begin a journey. In this context, it means to start or set out on a new undertaking or venture, often including the act of boarding a ship. In the provided passage about the Golden Gate Bridge, it is mentioned that builders, architects, and workers embarked on the challenge of building a bridge across the Golden Gate Strait, which refers to them starting this new undertaking. Therefore, the correct definition of 'embark' is D. Put or go on board a ship. The other choices are incorrect: A. Removing the covering from a tree is unrelated to the context of the passage. B. Speaking harshly to others and C. Entertaining the reader are also irrelevant to the meaning of 'embark' in this context.

2. What is the overall tone of the essay?

A. Apathetic
B. Fascinated
C. Discouraged
D. Hopeful

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The overall tone of the essay is discouraged, as it conveys concern over the United States’ lower ranking in life expectancy and highlights various health issues contributing to this situation. The language used suggests frustration and disappointment regarding the country's health statistics, supporting option C as the correct answer.

3. A vegetarian diet is said to lower all of the following EXCEPT ___________.

A. The need for protein
B. The percentage of body fat
C. The risk of heart disease
D. Cholesterol

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The passage suggests that a vegetarian diet can provide sufficient protein and lower body fat, heart disease risk, and cholesterol, but it does not suggest that it lowers the need for protein.

4. What is the meaning of the phrase 'phased in' as it is used in the third paragraph?

A. stunned into silence
B. confused
C. implemented in stages
D. legalized

Correct answer: C

Rationale: 'Phased in' means implemented in stages, referring to the gradual implementation of good manufacturing practices. In the provided extract, it mentions that requirements for good manufacturing practices (GMPs) were phased in for small manufacturers through 2010, indicating a gradual implementation process. The other choices, 'stunned into silence,' 'confused,' and 'legalized,' do not accurately reflect the meaning of 'phased in' in the context of the paragraph.

5. How does the author want the reader to feel after reading about Bridge?

A. As though the game of Bridge is too hard for novices to learn
B. Frustrated and confused about playing bridge
C. Confident and excited about learning Bridge
D. Overwhelmed by all the rules for the game of Bridge

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The author wants the reader to feel confident and excited about learning the game of Bridge. In the text, the author acknowledges that Bridge can be complicated for beginners but emphasizes that with time, effort, and a good teacher, even novices can become proficient. The tone of the writing is encouraging and informative, providing tips and explanations to help the reader understand the game better and increase their interest in playing Bridge. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because the text does not convey that the game is too hard for novices, aims to frustrate or confuse the reader, or overwhelm them with rules. Instead, the author's intention is to inspire confidence and excitement in learning this exciting card game.