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- B. The Electoral College is outdated and needs reform.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Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'The Electoral College is outdated and needs reform.'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 The main argument is that the system is outdated and requires reforms to align with modern democratic principles.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. Which statement from the selection presents a fact rather than an opinion?
- A. One of the worst voice qualities is harshness
- B. Harsh voice qualities usually come from too much tension in the throat and jaw
- C. Your voice will sound unpleasant if it is shrill, grating, hard, piercing, brassy, too loud, or too nasal
- D. Because tension occurs in higher pitched voices, women tend to have shriller voices than men, which usually makes them less desirable public speakers, newscasters, or political candidates
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Statement B, 'Harsh voice qualities usually come from too much tension in the throat and jaw,' presents a fact rather than an opinion. This statement provides a clear and objective observation about the potential cause of harsh voice qualities, based on physical tension in specific areas of the body, which can be objectively measured and identified. Choice A is an opinion as it states 'One of the worst voice qualities is harshness' without providing a verifiable basis. Choice C lists subjective descriptors of an unpleasant voice without stating a definite cause. Choice D introduces a gender-based assertion about voice quality, making it an opinion rather than a factual observation.
3. Which of the following is not listed as a detail in the passage about microbes?
- A. Babies are born coated with germs from the birth canal.
- B. Mice and humans respond to microbes differently.
- C. Few people share the same microbes in the same quantities.
- D. Human bodies contain far more microbes than they do cells.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B because the passage does not detail that mice and humans respond to microbes differently. The passage discusses how laboratory mice required a particular strain of bacteria to help their immune systems function correctly, indicating a difference in how mice and humans respond to microbes. Choices A, C, and D are all details mentioned in the passage: A discusses babies being coated with germs from the birth canal, C talks about the variation in microbes among individuals, and D states that human bodies contain more microbes than cells.
4. What is the major difference between matter at the nanoscale and matter at larger scales such as millimeters or inches?
- A. At the nanoscale, metals are rigid, and at larger scales, they are bendable.
- B. Matter has different and special characteristics at the nanoscale.
- C. At the nanoscale, matter has different properties than matter at the atomic level.
- D. There is no difference.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. Matter at the nanoscale exhibits unique and special characteristics that distinguish it from matter at larger scales. This can include properties like increased surface area, different melting points, altered conductivity, and enhanced reactivity. Choice A is incorrect as metals at the nanoscale can be more rigid compared to their larger scale counterparts. Choice C is incorrect because matter at the nanoscale has properties that are distinct from both atomic and larger scales. Choice D is incorrect as there are significant differences in how matter behaves and interacts at the nanoscale compared to larger scales.
5. 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.
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