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 - B. The Electoral College is outdated and needs reform.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Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'The Electoral College is outdated and needs reform.'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 The main argument is that the system is outdated and requires reforms to align with modern democratic principles.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. What conclusion can be drawn about the article?
- A. The author explains differences in eating methods.
 - B. Eating habits vary across different cultures.
 - C. Space travel has posed challenges for eating habits.
 - D. Chopsticks are more suitable than forks for space travel.
 
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. The passage discusses different eating methods in various cultures, focusing on their differences. The author describes the development of cutlery in European cultures, the use of chopsticks in China, and how space travel has influenced eating tools for astronauts. Choice B is incorrect because the passage emphasizes the differences rather than the similarities in eating habits across cultures. Choice C is partially supported by the passage as it mentions that space travel has created new challenges for consuming food, but it is not the main conclusion of the article. Choice D is not directly supported by the passage as it discusses the challenges of using chopsticks and forks in space rather than stating that chopsticks are superior to forks.
3. What is the meaning of the word consensus as it is used in the last paragraph about Barefoot Running?
- A. Investigation.
 - B. Purpose.
 - C. Trepidation.
 - D. Unanimity.
 
Correct answer: D
Rationale: "Consensus" refers to a general agreement or unanimity among individuals, particularly regarding the safety and effectiveness of barefoot running. The passage discusses differing opinions on this subject, indicating that there is not a unanimous agreement. Thus, choice D accurately captures the meaning of "consensus" within the context of the discussion.
4. 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.
5. 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.
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