what can the reader conclude from this passage about ponds and lakes

HESI A2

Reading Comprehension HESI A2

1. What can the reader conclude from this passage about ponds and lakes?

A. They are examples of groundwater reservoirs.
B. They are part of the evaporation process.
C. They are formed by runoff.
D. They are formed by condensation.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'They are examples of groundwater reservoirs.' The passage mentions that runoff collects in groundwater reservoirs, among other places. Ponds and lakes are typically reservoirs of groundwater, as stated in the passage. Choice B is incorrect because ponds and lakes are not directly mentioned as part of the evaporation process. Choice C is incorrect as ponds and lakes are not stated to be formed by runoff. Choice D is incorrect as ponds and lakes are not formed by condensation.

2. What is the author's reason for writing the passage on the White Elephant?

A. To inform readers about Thailand's historical customs.
B. To entertain readers with the origins of the term 'white elephant.'
C. To explain the tradition of giving white elephants.
D. To criticize the tradition of giving white elephants as gifts.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'To explain the tradition of giving white elephants.' The passage provides historical context about the practice of giving white elephants as gifts in ancient Siam, now Thailand. It explains how white elephants were considered sacred, could not be put to work, and became a burden to the recipients. The author's purpose is to shed light on this tradition and its implications, not to inform readers about Thailand in general (choice A), entertain with fun facts (choice B), or criticize the tradition (choice D). Choices A and B are incorrect because the passage focuses specifically on the tradition of giving white elephants, not on broader aspects of Thailand or entertainment. Choice D is incorrect because the passage does not criticize the tradition but rather provides a factual account of its historical significance.

3. What is the main idea of the passage about High Fructose Corn Syrup?

A. The passage discusses the potential health risks associated with consuming HFCS.
B. High fructose corn syrup may be contributing to obesity.
C. Manufacturing process of HFCS involves a chemical process.
D. Rats prefer high fructose corn syrup over other sweeteners.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The main idea of the passage about High Fructose Corn Syrup is that it may be contributing to obesity in America. This is evident from the information provided in the extract, which discusses how HFCS has been linked to health issues, including obesity. Choice A is incorrect because the passage primarily focuses on the potential health risks associated with HFCS consumption, not just the examination by the American Medical Association. Choice C is irrelevant as it only talks about the manufacturing process of HFCS, which is not the central theme of the passage. Choice D is incorrect as it emphasizes the preference of rats for HFCS, which is a minor point compared to the potential impact on human health, particularly in relation to obesity.

4. Which statement could be inferred by the reader from the last paragraph of the passage?

A. Procedures that Lifewings Partners recommends are always effective.
B. Medical mistakes can happen at even the best hospitals.
C. City hospitals know more than others about cutting-edge medicine.
D. Medical mistakes will one day be completely eradicated.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The inference that medical mistakes can happen even at reputable hospitals is suggested by the warning from Steve Harden about the risks involved. The passage acknowledges that even well-regarded facilities are not immune to errors, thereby supporting option B as a logical conclusion drawn from the text.

5. What is stated in the passage about Sleep Apnea?

A. Sleep apnea causes chronic illness.
B. Sleep apnea affects intellectual abilities.
C. Sleep apnea leads to early death.
D. Sleep apnea causes breathing interruptions.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'D: Sleep apnea causes breathing interruptions.' The passage explicitly mentions sleep apnea as a condition where an individual stops breathing during sleep, indicating breathing interruptions. Choice A is incorrect because the passage does not directly state that sleep apnea causes chronic illness. Choice B is incorrect because the passage discusses how lack of sleep affects intellectual abilities but does not specifically attribute this to sleep apnea. Choice C is incorrect as the passage does not mention sleep apnea leading to early death. Therefore, the most accurate statement about sleep apnea based on the passage is that it causes breathing interruptions.