what is the main idea of the passage about high fructose corn syrup

HESI A2

Reading Comprehension Practice Test HESI A2

1. What is the main idea of the passage about High Fructose Corn Syrup?

A. The passage discusses the potential health risks associated with consuming HFCS.
B. High fructose corn syrup may be contributing to obesity.
C. Manufacturing process of HFCS involves a chemical process.
D. Rats prefer high fructose corn syrup over other sweeteners.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The main idea of the passage about High Fructose Corn Syrup is that it may be contributing to obesity in America. This is evident from the information provided in the extract, which discusses how HFCS has been linked to health issues, including obesity. Choice A is incorrect because the passage primarily focuses on the potential health risks associated with HFCS consumption, not just the examination by the American Medical Association. Choice C is irrelevant as it only talks about the manufacturing process of HFCS, which is not the central theme of the passage. Choice D is incorrect as it emphasizes the preference of rats for HFCS, which is a minor point compared to the potential impact on human health, particularly in relation to obesity.

2. What is the meaning of the word 'established' as used in the first paragraph?

A. Created
B. Ascertained
C. Founded
D. Reputable

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In this context, 'established' means 'founded' or set up for a long time. The word is used to indicate that phototherapy has been a recognized and in place form of medicine for over a century. 'Created' (choice A) is incorrect as it implies the initial invention of phototherapy, which is not the intended meaning here. 'Ascertained' (choice B) means to find out for certain, which does not match the context of how phototherapy has been practiced. 'Reputable' (choice D) means having a good reputation, which is not the same as being long-standing or founded.

3. Choose the best summary of the passage about High Fructose Corn Syrup.

A. After extensive studies, scientists recommend removing HFCS from grocery products.
B. A recent study on rats confirms suspicions that HFCS contributes to unhealthful weight gains.
C. Until more research is done, using HFCS is preferable to replacing it with refined sugar.
D. Avoiding HFCS can have immediate, healthful results on overweight patients, as suggested by the AMA.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The best summary of the passage is choice B. The passage discusses concerns about the impact of high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) on health, particularly its link to obesity. It mentions a recent study on rats that confirms suspicions about HFCS contributing to unhealthful weight gains. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they introduce recommendations or implications not explicitly mentioned in the passage. Choice A goes beyond the information by stating that scientists recommend removing HFCS from grocery products, choice C suggests that using HFCS is preferable until more research is done, and choice D implies immediate healthful results on overweight patients by avoiding HFCS, as suggested by the AMA, which is not supported by the passage.

4. Which detail is not given as a side effect of NSAIDs?

A. Nausea
B. Headache
C. Weight loss
D. Dizziness

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The passage lists several side effects of NSAIDs, including nausea, headache, and dizziness. However, weight loss is not mentioned as a side effect, making option C the correct choice since it does not align with the details provided in the text.

5. What was the most dangerous part of building the Golden Gate Bridge?

A. Balancing the road to prevent collapse.
B. Constructing the towers due to their height.
C. Suspending the cables with difficulty.
D. Ensuring the critical balance of the bridge.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The most dangerous part of building the Golden Gate Bridge, as mentioned in the passage, was keeping the road balanced to prevent it from collapsing. While constructing the towers and suspending the cables were challenging tasks, the passage specifically highlights the balancing of the bridge as the most treacherous aspect of the construction. Therefore, choice A is the correct answer. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not reflect the primary danger emphasized in the passage.