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 is the best summary of this passage?

A. The heart regulates oxygen flow and waste disposal, with the kidneys aiding in salt and water absorption.
B. The cardiovascular system regulates blood pressure through baroreceptors, chemoreceptors, and the kidneys.
C. Baroreceptors send impulses to regulate blood pressure by affecting the heart, arteries, and veins.
D. Chemoreceptors monitor oxygen levels to impact blood pressure.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because it provides a comprehensive summary of the passage, explaining how the cardiovascular system regulates blood pressure through baroreceptors, chemoreceptors, and the kidneys. Choice A is incorrect as it only focuses on the heart and kidneys without mentioning the broader cardiovascular system. Choice C is incorrect as it solely emphasizes the role of baroreceptors in regulating blood pressure. Choice D is incorrect as it oversimplifies the role of chemoreceptors in monitoring oxygen levels without mentioning their impact on blood pressure regulation.

3. All of the following are mentioned in the passage as potential risks from inadequate sleep EXCEPT ___________.

A. Cancer
B. Obesity
C. Diabetes
D. Depression

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Cancer is not mentioned as a risk associated with inadequate sleep in the passage.

4. In the passage, a trick is described as?

A. A special look given to your partner across the table
B. A book that gives strategies on how to win at Bridge
C. A specific card the dealer gives to the person to her right
D. A round in which each player plays a card, and the highest card wins

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In the passage, a trick is described as a specific card played by each player, forming a collection of four cards. This is a fundamental concept in the game of Bridge, where players take turns playing cards to create a trick. The trick is won by the player with the highest card of the lead suit or the trump suit if applicable. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not align with the definition of a trick as provided in the passage.

5. Which of the following describes the purpose of the passage?

A. To describe the causes of cystic fibrosis
B. To explain how cystic fibrosis is passed down through families
C. To provide an overview of CF and how it is inherited
D. To review why some Americans have CF, but others do not

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. The passage aims to provide an overview of cystic fibrosis (CF) and how it is inherited. It explains that CF is passed down through families due to a defective gene, detailing how this gene affects the body and who is most commonly affected by the disease. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because the passage does not solely focus on describing the causes of CF, explaining how it is passed down through families, or reviewing why some Americans have CF while others do not. Instead, it provides a broader perspective on CF and its inheritance.