the authors motive for writing the paragraph seems to have been to

HESI A2

HESI A2 Reading Comprehension Practice Test

1. What was the author's motive for writing the paragraph?

A. Encourage overeating.
B. Criticize healthy eating habits.
C. Urge self-control.
D. Promote exercise.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The author's motive for writing the paragraph is to urge self-control. The text emphasizes the importance of moderation in food and drink consumption to avoid serious physical and mental health problems. It highlights the negative consequences of overeating and alcohol abuse, pointing out the strain on the heart, diabetes risk, shortened lifespan, and emotional eating habits. By discussing the issues related to overconsumption, the author aims to promote self-control and responsible habits. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because the paragraph focuses on advocating moderation and self-discipline rather than encouraging overeating, criticizing healthy eating habits, or promoting exercise.

2. 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.

3. What is the major difference between matter at the nanoscale and matter at larger scales such as millimeters or inches?

A. At the nanoscale, metals are rigid, and at larger scales, they are bendable.
B. Matter has different and special characteristics at the nanoscale.
C. At the nanoscale, matter has different properties than matter at the atomic level.
D. There is no difference.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. Matter at the nanoscale exhibits unique and special characteristics that distinguish it from matter at larger scales. This can include properties like increased surface area, different melting points, altered conductivity, and enhanced reactivity. Choice A is incorrect as metals at the nanoscale can be more rigid compared to their larger scale counterparts. Choice C is incorrect because matter at the nanoscale has properties that are distinct from both atomic and larger scales. Choice D is incorrect as there are significant differences in how matter behaves and interacts at the nanoscale compared to larger scales.

4. Which of the following is not listed as a detail in the passage about microbes?

A. Babies are born coated with germs from the birth canal.
B. Mice and humans respond to microbes differently.
C. Few people share the same microbes in the same quantities.
D. Human bodies contain far more microbes than they do cells.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because the passage does not detail that mice and humans respond to microbes differently. The passage discusses how laboratory mice required a particular strain of bacteria to help their immune systems function correctly, indicating a difference in how mice and humans respond to microbes. Choices A, C, and D are all details mentioned in the passage: A discusses babies being coated with germs from the birth canal, C talks about the variation in microbes among individuals, and D states that human bodies contain more microbes than cells.

5. What would be the best title for this passage?

A. Being a Team in PE
B. A New Kind of Grade
C. Learning Martial Arts
D. PE for School and Life

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The best title for this passage is 'PE for School and Life' as it encapsulates the broader purpose of physical education described in the extract. The passage emphasizes teaching students lifelong fitness habits, instilling lessons about maintaining good health, staying fit, and introducing exercise that can be incorporated into their lives. The focus is on fitness as a lifelong skill rather than just a short-term activity for a good grade. Choice A, 'Being a Team in PE,' is incorrect as the passage highlights individual exercise and movement rather than team-based activities. Choice B, 'A New Kind of Grade,' is also incorrect as the passage mentions a shift in grading towards effort rather than specific performance tasks. Choice C, 'Learning Martial Arts,' is too narrow as the passage discusses a variety of activities beyond martial arts that are taught in modern PE classes.