the term exacerbate as used in the last paragraph can best be defined as

HESI A2

HESI A2 Reading Comprehension 2024

1. The term exacerbate, as used in the last paragraph, can best be defined as ___________.

A. To soothe
B. To intensify
C. To adapt
D. To disclose

Correct answer: B

Rationale: "Exacerbate" means to intensify or worsen, especially in the context of medical conditions worsening heat exhaustion.

2. FRAX takes into account all of the following factors EXCEPT ___________.

A. Lifestyle choices
B. Exposure to toxins
C. Genetic heritage
D. Exposure to sunlight

Correct answer: B

Rationale: FRAX, a tool used to assess fracture risk, considers various factors like lifestyle choices, genetic heritage, and exposure to sunlight. However, exposure to toxins is not mentioned in the provided extract as a factor considered by FRAX. Therefore, the correct answer is B. Exposure to toxins is unrelated to fracture risk assessment as per the information provided. Lifestyle choices, genetic heritage, and exposure to sunlight are all factors that FRAX takes into consideration to determine the risk of experiencing a fracture within the next decade.

3. The information presented is

A. Balanced in its view of public speaking.
B. Favoring people with low-pitched voices.
C. Slanted against people with piercing voices.
D. Neutral toward both high- and low-pitched voices.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. The paragraph is biased against people with piercing or harsh voices, suggesting they are less desirable as public speakers, newscasters, or political candidates. The text explicitly mentions that harsh voice qualities, like being shrill, grating, hard, piercing, brassy, loud, or nasal, are undesirable and may make people uncomfortable when speaking. It also highlights that tension leading to harsh voice qualities is more common in higher-pitched voices, which are typically associated with women, making them less preferred for public speaking roles. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because the text does not suggest a balanced view, favor low-pitched voices, or maintain neutrality towards both high- and low-pitched voices; instead, it emphasizes the negative impact of harsh and piercing voices.

4. What is the author’s primary purpose in writing this essay about microbes?

A. To persuade
B. To inform
C. To entertain
D. To analyze

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The author's primary purpose is to inform readers about the crucial role of microorganisms in the immune system. The essay focuses on presenting factual information and recent discoveries regarding the impact of microbes on human health. The author aims to educate the readers on the significance of microbes in human health rather than persuade them of a particular viewpoint (Choice A), entertain them with light-hearted content (Choice C), or analyze in-depth data and findings (Choice D). The essay's emphasis on informing readers about the role of microorganisms in the immune system makes 'To inform' the correct choice.