HESI A2
Reading Comprehension Practice Test HESI A2
1. 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.
2. Choose the best summary of the passage about microbes.
- A. Scientists have discovered the importance of certain bacteria for a well-functioning immune system, especially in defending against pathogens. The colonization of microbes in the body begins at birth, with the immune system relying on these bacteria for proper function.
 - B. The passage discusses the role of bacteria in the development of the human immune system. It highlights that the body supports various microorganisms crucial for immunity, starting from birth. The presence of harmless bacteria is essential for the immune system to work effectively.
 - C. The body hosts a vast number of microorganisms critical for immune system development. Harmless bacteria are necessary for the immune system to defend against pathogens effectively. Early research shows promising results in fecal bacteriotherapy for restoring the immune system's ability to fight off harmful invaders.
 - D. Microbes play a pivotal role in human health, particularly in immune system development. The introduction of healthy bacteria is essential for the immune system to function correctly. Fecal bacteriotherapy is a novel approach to reintroducing beneficial bacteria into a compromised colon to enhance immune response.
 
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C. The passage emphasizes the importance of certain bacteria for a properly functioning immune system. It discusses how harmless bacteria play a crucial role in defending the body against pathogens. Choice A is incorrect as it focuses on the immune system's response to certain types of bacteria in lower organisms, not the overall importance of bacteria for immunity. Choice B is incorrect as it mainly discusses bacteriotherapy in relation to the reconstruction of a damaged colon, rather than the broader role of bacteria in immune system health. Choice D is incorrect as it only talks about the process of replacing harmful bacteria with harmless ones, missing the key point about the necessity of certain bacteria for immune system function.
3. What is the writer’s primary purpose in writing this essay?
- A. To inform the reader about the dangers of high blood pressure
 - B. To inform the reader how high blood pressure leads to a higher risk of heart attack
 - C. To inform the reader how the cardiovascular system regulates blood pressure
 - D. To persuade the reader that controlling one’s blood pressure is important
 
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The primary purpose of the essay is to inform the reader about how the cardiovascular system regulates blood pressure. The essay provides detailed explanations about the components of the cardiovascular system that regulate blood pressure, such as baroreceptors, chemoreceptors, and the kidneys. Choices A and B are incorrect because the essay does not focus on discussing the dangers of high blood pressure or its correlation with a higher risk of heart attack. Choice D is incorrect as the essay does not aim to persuade the reader to control their blood pressure but rather to educate them on the regulatory mechanisms of the cardiovascular system.
4. What is the meaning of the word 'elasticity' in the last paragraph?
- A. Something that is able to resist and be flexible
 - B. Something that is like plastic
 - C. Something that is dynamic and electrifying
 - D. Something that is silly
 
Correct answer: A
Rationale: 'Elasticity' refers to the ability of the arterial walls to resist and be flexible, which affects blood pressure. In the provided extract, it is mentioned that an increase in blood pressure can occur if the arterial walls lose some of their elasticity with age or disease. This demonstrates that elasticity refers to the property of being able to resist and be flexible, supporting choice A as the correct answer. The other choices, B, C, and D, do not accurately reflect the concept of elasticity in the context of arterial walls and blood pressure.
5. What is stated about Benjamin Franklin's role in Daylight Savings Time?
- A. Benjamin Franklin invented Daylight Savings Time.
 - B. Benjamin Franklin proposed the concept of Daylight Savings Time.
 - C. Benjamin Franklin opposed Daylight Savings Time.
 - D. Benjamin Franklin had no connection to Daylight Savings Time.
 
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Benjamin Franklin is credited with proposing the idea of Daylight Savings Time, as stated in the extract. However, it was not implemented during his lifetime. Choice A is incorrect because he proposed, not invented, Daylight Savings Time. Choice C is incorrect as there is no mention of Franklin opposing it. Choice D is incorrect as the extract clearly states his connection to the proposal of Daylight Savings Time.
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