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B. The Electoral College is outdated and needs reform.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Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'The Electoral College is outdated and needs reform.'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 The main argument is that the system is outdated and requires reforms to align with modern democratic principles.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. A reader might infer from this passage that the organization ___________.

A. succeeded in eradicating malaria
B. has always been led by a medical doctor
C. no longer studies communicable diseases
D. changed its name to match its mission

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The passage never says whether or not the CDC succeeded in its original mission (choice A) or whether it continued to be led by doctors (choice B). Inferring either of those things would be a leap unsupported by the text. Choice C is countered by information in the final

3. What is the meaning of the word 'phenomenon' in the second paragraph?

A. Something that is lifeless to the senses
B. Something that is nonchalant
C. Something that is significant but unusual
D. Something that is chemical in origin

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In the context of the second paragraph, 'phenomenon' refers to something significant and unusual, specifically describing the scientific phenomenon known as the Doppler Effect. This effect explains the change in frequency of sound waves when a source of sound and the observer are in relative motion. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not accurately reflect the meaning of 'phenomenon' in this context. 'Lifeless to the senses,' 'nonchalant,' and 'chemical in origin' do not align with the description of the Doppler Effect, which is a notable and uncommon scientific occurrence.

4. What is the author’s primary purpose in writing the essay about High Fructose Corn Syrup?

A. To inform.
B. To persuade.
C. To entertain.
D. To analyze.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'To inform.' The essay provides detailed information about High Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS), discussing its impact on health, how it is derived, its link to health issues like obesity, and the ongoing debates surrounding its consumption and health implications. The primary goal of the author is to educate the readers about HFCS and its effects, rather than persuade them to take a particular stance (choice B), entertain them (choice C), or analyze the topic in depth (choice D). The essay presents facts, studies, and expert opinions to inform the audience about the controversies and health risks associated with HFCS consumption, aiming to enhance the readers' knowledge and understanding of this sweetener's implications on health.

5. What is the passage primarily about?

A. What we know about the Moon and its differences from Earth
B. A comparison of the Moon and Earth
C. The Moon’s effect on Earth
D. The origin of the Moon

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'What we know about the Moon and its differences from Earth.' The passage discusses various aspects of the Moon, including its origin, gravitational influence on Earth, physical characteristics, lack of atmosphere, and surface features. It provides insights into what humans know about the Moon and highlights its differences from Earth. Choice B is incorrect because while the passage does compare certain aspects of the Moon and Earth, it primarily focuses on the Moon itself rather than a direct comparison. Choice C is incorrect as the passage briefly mentions the Moon's effect on Earth in relation to tides but does not primarily focus on this aspect. Choice D is incorrect as the origin of the Moon is mentioned in the passage, but it is not the primary focus of the text.