what is the main idea of the passage about aromatherapyfact or fiction

HESI A2

Reading Comprehension Practice Test HESI A2

1. What is the main idea of the passage about Aromatherapy—Fact or Fiction?

A. Aromatherapy is not a legitimate therapy by anyone’s standards.
B. Lemon and lavender are not healthy scents to inhale or use.
C. More studies are needed to determine if aromatherapy is truly beneficial.
D. Adding aromatherapy to regular treatment will help speed healing.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The main idea of the passage revolves around the skepticism regarding the efficacy of aromatherapy. The mention of needing more studies to determine its true benefits suggests that the current findings are inconclusive. This aligns with choice C, which reflects the need for further research to validate the claims associated with aromatherapy.

2. Which is not listed as an example of a low-impact sport?

A. Martial arts
B. Basketball
C. Yoga
D. Weight lifting

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Basketball is not listed as a low-impact sport in the extract provided; the others (martial arts, yoga, and weight lifting) are considered low-impact activities. The extract mentions that students can participate in low-impact sports like yoga, martial arts, and weight lifting in modern PE classes, emphasizing their benefits and the focus on general skills. Basketball, on the other hand, is not included in the list of low-impact sports mentioned in the extract, making it the correct answer. This demonstrates the importance of understanding the difference between high-impact and low-impact sports for maintaining fitness and health.

3. What does the word 'obligatory' mean in the context of the passage on Daylight Savings Time?

A. Approved.
B. Sparse.
C. Requisite.
D. Aberrant.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In the passage, Daylight Savings Time is presented as something that must be done by law, making it a requirement or something obligatory. 'Requisite' fits this meaning. 'Approved' (choice A) does not convey the sense of necessity as 'obligatory' does. 'Sparse' (choice B) means thinly dispersed and does not relate to the context. 'Aberrant' (choice D) means deviating from the norm, which is not applicable in this context.

4. Which statement would not be inferred by the reader in the passage about Barefoot Running?

A. Runners who take their shoes off may face some hazards.
B. Modern running shoes may increase the odds for injury.
C. Walking barefoot is good for the muscles and tendons.
D. Before 1950, even Olympic runners ran barefoot.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The passage does not imply that Olympic runners specifically ran barefoot before 1950. While it discusses historical context regarding running shoes, the claim about Olympic runners is not substantiated within the text, making D the correct answer. It represents an inference that cannot be drawn from the provided information.

5. 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.