HESI A2
HESI A2 Reading Comprehension Practice Test
1. What is the author's reason for writing the passage on the White Elephant?
- A. To inform readers about Thailand's historical customs.
- B. To entertain readers with the origins of the term 'white elephant.'
- C. To explain the tradition of giving white elephants.
- D. To criticize the tradition of giving white elephants as gifts.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'To explain the tradition of giving white elephants.' The passage provides historical context about the practice of giving white elephants as gifts in ancient Siam, now Thailand. It explains how white elephants were considered sacred, could not be put to work, and became a burden to the recipients. The author's purpose is to shed light on this tradition and its implications, not to inform readers about Thailand in general (choice A), entertain with fun facts (choice B), or criticize the tradition (choice D). Choices A and B are incorrect because the passage focuses specifically on the tradition of giving white elephants, not on broader aspects of Thailand or entertainment. Choice D is incorrect because the passage does not criticize the tradition but rather provides a factual account of its historical significance.
2. What is the meaning of the word 'pathogens' as it is used in the first paragraph?
- A. diseases
- B. vaccines
- C. disease-causing substances
- D. foods
Correct answer: C
Rationale: In the context provided, 'pathogens' refers to disease-causing substances such as bacteria and viruses. These microorganisms can contaminate food and lead to foodborne illnesses. Choice A ('diseases') is incorrect as pathogens themselves cause diseases but are not diseases. Choice B ('vaccines') is incorrect as vaccines are used to prevent diseases caused by pathogens. Choice D ('foods') is incorrect as pathogens are not foods, but rather contaminants that can be found in food.
3. Why did the author write the passage on Getting a Good Night's Sleep?
- A. To explain insomnia and propose solutions for it.
- B. To entertain readers with sleep trivia.
- C. To persuade people to sleep more.
- D. To inform about the benefits of herbs for sleep.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. The author wrote the passage to address the issue of insomnia, offering solutions such as sleep hygiene and non-pharmacological therapies. The passage discusses the challenges of insomnia, its impact on daily life, and emphasizes the importance of seeking help to achieve a good night's sleep. Choice B is incorrect as the passage focuses on a serious topic rather than entertaining with trivia. Choice C is incorrect as the passage does not aim to persuade people to sleep more but to address insomnia specifically. Choice D is incorrect as the passage mentions herbs and spices as part of non-pharmacological therapies for insomnia, not primarily focusing on their benefits.
4. Why did Strauss set up a net during the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge?
- A. For suspension
- B. For balance
- C. For aesthetics
- D. For safety
Correct answer: D
Rationale: Strauss set up a net to ensure the safety of the workers in case of falls during the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge. Safety nets were essential to protect the workers from potential accidents or falls while working on the bridge. Choice A ('For suspension') is incorrect as safety nets were not used for suspension purposes but rather for worker safety. Choice B ('For balance') is incorrect as the balance of the bridge was maintained by other construction elements, not safety nets. Choice C ('For aesthetics') is incorrect as safety nets are not related to the visual appearance of the bridge but rather to the protection of the workers.
5. 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.
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