what is the authors main argument in the passage on the electoral college

HESI A2

HESI A2 Reading Comprehension Practice Test

1. What is the author's main argument in the passage on the Electoral College?

A. The Electoral College ensures that all states have a say in elections.
B. The Electoral College is outdated and needs reform.
C. The Electoral College should be abolished.
D. The Electoral College was created to favor larger states.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'The Electoral College is outdated and needs reform.' The passage discusses the Electoral College system, highlighting its complexities and the discrepancy between the popular vote and electoral vote outcomes. It mentions the confusion and the case of the 2000 election where the popular vote winner did not become president. The main argument is that the system is outdated and requires reforms to align with modern democratic principles. Choice A is incorrect as the passage does not focus on ensuring all states have a say but rather on the need for reform. Choice C is not the main argument presented in the passage; while the passage mentions confusion, it does not explicitly call for abolition. Choice D is incorrect as the passage does not state that the Electoral College was created to favor larger states; instead, it discusses the allocation of electoral votes based on Congressional representation and population.

2. Why did Macmillan add iron rims to the tires of his bicycle?

A. Increase the weight of the bicycle.
B. Enhance the durability of the tires.
C. Reduce the bumpiness of the ride.
D. Decrease the level of fatigue during the ride.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Macmillan added iron rims to his bicycle tires to enhance their durability and make them last longer. This innovation aimed to prevent the tires from getting worn down quickly. Adding weight to the bicycle (Choice A) was not the purpose of adding iron rims. While adding iron rims could potentially reduce the bumpiness of the ride (Choice C) by providing more stability, the main objective was to improve tire longevity. Similarly, reducing the level of fatigue during the ride (Choice D) was not the primary reason for adding iron rims.

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. Why was the roadway of the Golden Gate Bridge so dangerous to build?

A. It was located above a fast-moving river.
B. It had to be perfectly balanced to avoid collapse.
C. The materials used were very unstable.
D. It was built during bad weather.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. The passage describes how the road had to be balanced during construction to avoid collapse into the bay. Choice A is incorrect as the Golden Gate Bridge crosses a strait, not a river. Choice C is incorrect as there is no mention of unstable materials. Choice D is incorrect as bad weather is not highlighted as a specific reason for the danger in building the roadway.