HESI A2
HESI A2 Reading Comprehension Practice Test
1. What does the author of the passage on the Electoral College seem to suggest?
- A. The Electoral College should be abolished.
- B. The Electoral College works as intended.
- C. The Electoral College needs reform.
- D. The Electoral College confuses voters.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. The author of the passage suggests that the Electoral College works as intended. Despite acknowledging its confusing nature and the possibility of results differing from the popular vote, the author highlights that the founding fathers had a purpose behind its design. Therefore, the Electoral College is viewed as functioning as intended. Choice A is incorrect because the author does not advocate for abolishing the Electoral College. Choice C is incorrect as there is no explicit mention of the need for reform. Choice D is incorrect as the author does not focus on the confusion caused to voters but rather on the system's original purpose.
2. What role does water vapor play in the Water Cycle, as described in the passage?
- A. Water vapor is unnecessary in the water cycle.
- B. Water vapor plays a key role in precipitation.
- C. Water vapor is harmful to the environment.
- D. Water vapor cools the Earth's surface.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Water vapor plays a key role in precipitation.' The passage clearly outlines the importance of water vapor in the water cycle. It explains that water vapor returns to the air from surface water and plants, and condenses back into droplets of liquid, forming clouds. These clouds eventually lead to precipitation like rain, snow, sleet, or hail. Choice A is incorrect as water vapor is crucial in the water cycle. Choice C is also incorrect as there is no mention of water vapor being harmful in the passage. Choice D is incorrect as the passage does not state that water vapor cools the Earth's surface; instead, it highlights its role in the formation of precipitation.
3. What is the purpose of white elephants in the tradition mentioned in the passage?
- A. White elephants are symbols of wealth and power.
- B. White elephants represent unwanted and burdensome gifts.
- C. White elephants are used in religious ceremonies.
- D. White elephants are mythological creatures with no real use.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: In the tradition mentioned in the passage, white elephants were given as punishment gifts by rulers to those who displeased them. These white elephants were considered burdensome because they were sacred and could not be made to work like other elephants. The recipients had to bear the high maintenance costs and care for the white elephants in a lavish style, leading to financial burdens and sometimes impoverishment. This tradition originated the term 'white elephant' to denote unwanted gifts. Therefore, the correct answer is B. Choice A is incorrect because white elephants were not symbols of wealth and power in this context; they were burdensome gifts. Choice C is incorrect as there is no mention of white elephants being used in religious ceremonies in the passage. Choice D is incorrect as white elephants in the tradition were real elephants, not mythological creatures with no practical use.
4. Choose the best summary of the passage.
- A. We often think of all fat as bad, but it is clear that certain fats, especially the more healthful unsaturated fats, are important for bodily function.
- B. If you must consume some fat, be sure to choose unsaturated fats such as oils rather than saturated fats found in prepackaged snacks or animal products.
- C. Doctors and researchers have discovered that without the calories found in fat, people would not have functioning metabolisms.
- D. Some intake of saturated fat is necessary, but you should stay away from the kind of fat found in fried food, which can lead to heart disease.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The best summary of the passage emphasizes the importance of certain fats, particularly unsaturated fats, for bodily function. It highlights that after years of negative publicity, experts now recognize the significance of consuming fats for overall health. The passage discusses how fat is essential for cell health, vitamin absorption, and various bodily functions. It also distinguishes between healthier unsaturated fats like olive oil and detrimental trans fats. Choice B is not the best summary as it focuses more on the choice between unsaturated and saturated fats rather than the overall importance of fats. Choice C is incorrect as the passage doesn't solely attribute functioning metabolisms to fat calories. Choice D is not the best summary as it only briefly mentions saturated fats and fried foods, missing the broader context provided in the passage.
5. What is the meaning of the word serendipity as it is used in the first paragraph?
- A. Chance
- B. Persistence
- C. Foreboding
- D. Expertise
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The word "serendipity" refers to a fortunate coincidence or chance, describing how Beto Pérez invented Zumba accidentally.
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