what is the main idea of the passage about toxins and your health

HESI A2

Reading Comprehension Practice Test HESI A2

1. What is the main idea of the passage about Toxins and Your Health?

A. Environmental toxins may have dire health effects over time.
B. Of three toxins studied, lead has the worst effect on health.
C. Toxins may accumulate in the bones of older patients.
D. Johns Hopkins University has discovered a new use for lead.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The passage emphasizes the long-term effects of environmental toxins such as lead, pesticides, and mercury on brain health, particularly as individuals age. Dr. Brian Schwartz's quote highlights the link between environmental exposure and cognitive decline, framing the entire discussion around the potential health ramifications of such exposure over time. This clearly aligns with choice A, making it the main idea of the passage.

2. The term afforded to, as used in the third paragraph, can best be defined as ___________.

A. Traversed by
B. Presented to
C. Removed from
D. Paid for by

Correct answer: B

Rationale: "Afforded to" in this context means "presented to," as it refers to the education options available to women at the time.

3. What is the meaning of the word diminished as used in the passage about Concussions?

A. Miniature.
B. Reduced.
C. Recurrent.
D. Hollow.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In this context, "diminished" means reduced. Substituting the other choices into the sentence does not make sense contextually, whereas "reduced" fits appropriately, confirming B as the correct answer.

4. What is the meaning of the word 'admonition' as used in the last paragraph?

A. Permission
B. Prescription
C. Caution
D. Verdict

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In this context, 'admonition' means a caution or warning, not permission, prescription, or verdict. The excerpt mentions that along with advising the elderly to move slowly and carefully, the CDC also recommends gentle exercise or physical therapy to strengthen muscles and improve balance. This advice aims to reduce the risk of falls and boost the self-esteem of older adults. Therefore, 'admonition' here refers to a precautionary counsel rather than granting permission, prescribing a treatment, or giving a verdict.

5. What is implied by the author's mention of the Kayapo people in the passage on the Amazon Rainforest?

A. The Kayapo people destroy the environment for farming.
B. The Kayapo people farm in an environmentally friendly way.
C. The Kayapo people contribute to deforestation.
D. The Kayapo people hunt animals for survival.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The mention of the Kayapo people in the passage highlights how they farm in an environmentally friendly manner. Instead of using chemicals, they enrich the soil by burning wood and plant banana trees, attracting wasps that feed on harmful insects. This sustainable farming practice showcases their efforts to coexist with the rainforest ecosystem without causing harm. The other choices are incorrect: A is refuted by the passage as the Kayapo people are described as farming in an environmentally friendly way, C is incorrect as the passage does not mention the Kayapo people contributing to deforestation, and D is not supported by the text as there is no mention of the Kayapo people hunting animals for survival.