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. Which of the following is not listed as a detail in the passage about A Short History of the CDC?

A. Where the organization began.
B. Who first ran the organization.
C. When the organization changed its name.
D. What divisions make up the current CDC.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The passage does not provide specific details about the divisions that currently make up the CDC. Instead, it focuses on the organization's historical context, original goals, and overall mission. Thus, D is correct as it identifies information not covered in the passage.

3. What is the main idea of the passage about MRSA?

A. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a significant problem both within and outside of hospitals, and there are ways to mitigate the risk.
B. A new textile made of nanomaterials could significantly reduce the spread of hospital-associated MRSA infections.
C. There are multiple strains of MRSA, and they pose various risks beyond just fatality.
D. MRSA is a significant problem both within and outside of hospitals, but there are ways to mitigate the risk.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The main idea of the passage is that MRSA is a significant issue both within and outside of hospitals. It highlights the challenges posed by MRSA, including its resistance to antibiotics, high mortality rates, and widespread presence in various settings. While the development of new technologies like nanomaterial textiles shows promise in reducing hospital-associated MRSA, the passage also emphasizes the importance of practicing good hygiene to prevent community-associated MRSA infections. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because they do not capture the comprehensive overview of MRSA provided in the passage. Choice A encompasses the main idea by emphasizing the significance of MRSA and ways to mitigate the risk. Choice B focuses on a specific solution rather than the broader issue of MRSA. Choice C is incorrect as it oversimplifies the risks associated with MRSA strains by only mentioning fatality.

4. What is the meaning of the word 'popular' as it is used in the third paragraph?

A. complicated
B. old-fashioned
C. beloved
D. for the general public

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In the context provided, 'popular' refers to magazines intended for the general public. The paragraph mentions that Infotrac indexes hundreds of popular magazines and newspapers, including medical journals such as the Journal of the American Medical Association and New England Journal of Medicine. These magazines target a wide audience, making choice D ('for the general public') the correct answer. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not align with the context of the paragraph.

5. What is the author's primary purpose for writing the passage on the Amazon Rainforest?

A. To entertain readers with facts about the rainforest.
B. To inform readers about the deforestation of the Amazon.
C. To persuade readers to visit the Amazon Rainforest.
D. To criticize the farming practices in the Amazon.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The author's primary purpose for writing the passage on the Amazon Rainforest is to inform readers about the deforestation and environmental challenges facing the Amazon. The passage provides detailed information about the Amazon Rainforest, its biodiversity, the impact of deforestation on the environment, and the dangers associated with the destruction of the rainforest. Choice A is incorrect because the author's goal is not to entertain but to educate readers. Choice C is incorrect as there is no persuasive language used to encourage readers to visit the Amazon Rainforest. Choice D is also incorrect as the passage does not focus on criticizing farming practices but rather on highlighting the environmental threats and consequences of deforestation.