what is the main idea of the passage about super foods

HESI A2

Reading Comprehension Practice Test HESI A2

1. What is the main idea of the passage about Super Foods?

A. Super foods are low in calories but provide essential nutrients that have enormous health benefits.
B. U.S. supermarkets should make a point of stocking up on powerful super foods.
C. Blueberries are a super food that contains a natural inflammatory as well as important vitamins and minerals.
D. Doctors now believe that daily inclusion of super foods in the diet can reverse the aging process.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The main idea emphasizes that superfoods are low in calories yet rich in essential nutrients that provide significant health benefits. This statement captures the overall essence of the passage, while the other options focus too narrowly or introduce unsupported claims, making A the correct answer.

2. In this passage, which of the following is not mentioned as a role of HGH in the human body?

A. Regulating the metabolism.
B. Stimulating the immune system.
C. Regulating leptin, an appetite-controlling hormone.
D. Facilitating calcium retention.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: Regulating leptin, an appetite-controlling hormone. In the provided passage, it is stated that human growth hormone (HGH) is essential for regulating metabolism, building muscle, facilitating calcium retention, and stimulating the immune system. However, leptin is not mentioned as directly regulated by HGH. Instead, the passage discusses how inadequate sleep can lead to lowered levels of leptin, affecting appetite control. Choices A, B, and D are all roles of HGH explicitly mentioned in the passage, making them incorrect answers. Therefore, C is the correct choice as it was not directly linked to HGH in the passage.

3. Which of the following is not listed as a detail in the passage about Concussions?

A. Football and lacrosse players suffer the most concussions.
B. More than a million Americans a year suffer concussions.
C. Concussions may result in diminished alertness.
D. It may take longer to recover from a second concussion.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Skim the passage to identify the detail that does not appear. The sports in choice A are never mentioned, so you do not even need to look at the other choices.

4. What is the main idea of the passage about microbes?

A. Recent discoveries are revealing the critical role of microorganisms in maintaining a properly functioning immune system.
B. The human body is host to a staggering number of microorganisms.
C. Bacteriotherapy reintroduces healthy bacteria into a colon lacking the capability to defend against pathogenic agents.
D. Early research has shown remarkable discoveries in the possibilities of bacteriotherapy.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The main idea of the passage is that recent discoveries are shedding light on the pivotal role of microorganisms in maintaining a properly functioning immune system. The passage discusses how the human body hosts a wide array of microorganisms, emphasizes the importance of these bacteria in the development of the immune system, and explores the potential applications of bacteriotherapy. Choice A is the correct answer because it accurately reflects the central theme discussed in the passage. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they focus on specific details or applications mentioned in the passage, rather than capturing the overarching theme of the critical role of microorganisms in immune system function.

5. What is the passage primarily about?

A. What we know about the Moon and its differences from Earth
B. A comparison of the Moon and Earth
C. The Moon’s effect on Earth
D. The origin of the Moon

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'What we know about the Moon and its differences from Earth.' The passage discusses various aspects of the Moon, including its origin, gravitational influence on Earth, physical characteristics, lack of atmosphere, and surface features. It provides insights into what humans know about the Moon and highlights its differences from Earth. Choice B is incorrect because while the passage does compare certain aspects of the Moon and Earth, it primarily focuses on the Moon itself rather than a direct comparison. Choice C is incorrect as the passage briefly mentions the Moon's effect on Earth in relation to tides but does not primarily focus on this aspect. Choice D is incorrect as the origin of the Moon is mentioned in the passage, but it is not the primary focus of the text.