what does the passage about the water cycle explain

HESI A2

HESI A2 Reading Comprehension Practice Test

1. What does the passage about the Water Cycle explain?

A. The water cycle consists of precipitation, evaporation, and condensation.
B. The water cycle is a continuous process of recycling water on Earth.
C. Rain is the most important part of the water cycle.
D. Evaporation is the final step in the water cycle.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'The water cycle consists of precipitation, evaporation, and condensation.' The passage explains the stages of the water cycle, starting with precipitation (rain, snow, sleet, or hail) falling to the ground, followed by runoff, evaporation transforming liquid water into water vapor, and finally condensation turning water vapor back into liquid. Choice B is incorrect because it is too broad and doesn't specifically address the stages of the water cycle. Choice C is incorrect as rain is just one part of the water cycle and not the most important. Choice D is incorrect as evaporation is not the final step but one of the stages of the water cycle.

2. What was the most dangerous part of building the Golden Gate Bridge?

A. Balancing the road to prevent collapse.
B. Constructing the towers due to their height.
C. Suspending the cables with difficulty.
D. Ensuring the critical balance of the bridge.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The most dangerous part of building the Golden Gate Bridge, as mentioned in the passage, was keeping the road balanced to prevent it from collapsing. While constructing the towers and suspending the cables were challenging tasks, the passage specifically highlights the balancing of the bridge as the most treacherous aspect of the construction. Therefore, choice A is the correct answer. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not reflect the primary danger emphasized in the passage.

3. Which statement would not be inferred by the reader?

A. Some forms of phototherapy have been around for decades.
B. New applications of phototherapy continue to be developed.
C. Phototherapy is most often used to treat skin problems.
D. Ultraviolet rays can cause damage to eyes and skin.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. While the passage extensively discusses the benefits and applications of phototherapy, it does not mention that ultraviolet rays can cause damage to eyes and skin. This statement goes beyond the information provided in the passage and cannot be inferred. A. The passage mentions that phototherapy has been around for more than a century, supporting the statement that some forms of phototherapy have been around for decades. B. The passage discusses how new applications of phototherapy, like the phototherapy blanket, are being developed, making this statement valid as it aligns with the information provided. C. Phototherapy being most often used to treat skin problems is supported by the passage, which mentions its applications in treating acne, psoriasis, and eczema. Therefore, this statement can be inferred from the passage.

4. What is the main idea of the passage?

A. Bicycles have become a common mode of transportation worldwide.
B. The first modern bicycle was invented in 1818 in Germany.
C. Innovations and improvements in bicycle design have made bicycles popular for recreation and transportation globally.
D. Bicycles are now built, used, and enjoyed globally.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The main idea of the passage is that innovations and improvements in bicycle design have made bicycles one of the most popular means of recreation and transportation worldwide. The passage outlines the evolution of bicycles from their early designs to the modern versions, emphasizing how these changes have contributed to their popularity. Choice A is incorrect because it focuses only on the current status of bicycles, while the main idea encompasses the evolution and improvements in design. Choice B is incorrect as it mentions the invention of the first modern bicycle but does not address the overall impact of innovations on bicycle popularity. Choice D is incorrect as it simply states a fact without capturing the essence of the passage, which is about the impact of design improvements.

5. What is the meaning of the word 'abstain' as used in the last paragraph?

A. Dishonor
B. Go without
C. Connect to
D. Liberate

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In the context of the passage, 'abstain' means to refrain from or go without. The passage discusses the challenges of treating individuals with both eating disorders and substance abuse issues. It mentions that while treatment for addiction involves abstinence, it is not possible to completely abstain from food. This highlights the meaning of 'abstain' as 'go without' in this context. The other choices are incorrect: 'Dishonor' does not relate to abstain, 'Connect to' is not synonymous with abstain, and 'Liberate' does not align with the context of the passage.