what is the main reason the author wrote the passage about the electoral college

HESI A2

HESI A2 Reading Comprehension Practice Test

1. What is the main reason the author wrote the passage about the Electoral College?

A. To criticize the complexity of the Electoral College.
B. To explain how the Electoral College works.
C. To advocate for abolishing the Electoral College.
D. To promote the benefits of the Electoral College.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. The passage primarily aims to explain how the Electoral College functions in U.S. elections. It provides details on how the Electoral College operates, including the allocation of electoral votes based on states' representation in Congress, the role of senators and representatives, and how electoral votes are cast during presidential elections. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the passage does not criticize, advocate for abolishing, or promote the benefits of the Electoral College. Instead, it focuses on clarifying its mechanism.

2. What does the passage about the Water Cycle explain?

A. The water cycle consists of precipitation, evaporation, and condensation.
B. The water cycle is a continuous process of recycling water on Earth.
C. Rain is the most important part of the water cycle.
D. Evaporation is the final step in the water cycle.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'The water cycle consists of precipitation, evaporation, and condensation.' The passage explains the stages of the water cycle, starting with precipitation (rain, snow, sleet, or hail) falling to the ground, followed by runoff, evaporation transforming liquid water into water vapor, and finally condensation turning water vapor back into liquid. Choice B is incorrect because it is too broad and doesn't specifically address the stages of the water cycle. Choice C is incorrect as rain is just one part of the water cycle and not the most important. Choice D is incorrect as evaporation is not the final step but one of the stages of the water cycle.

3. What statement from the article draws a conclusion?

A. Chopsticks can be hard to use.
B. Eating with cutlery was invented in Europe.
C. It is interesting to discover new ways to do things.
D. Space travel has created new challenges for eating.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'It is interesting to discover new ways to do things.' This statement draws a conclusion by summarizing the learning experience mentioned throughout the article. It reflects on the diversity of eating habits across cultures and the fascination in discovering and adapting to new methods of accomplishing tasks. Choice A is incorrect as it describes a fact rather than drawing a conclusion. Choice B is incorrect as it also presents a historical fact without concluding or summarizing any information. Choice D is incorrect because it states a fact about the challenges of space travel without offering a concluding remark or summarizing the topic.

4. What is the meaning of the word 'ideal' as it is used in the first paragraph?

A. thoughtful
B. confined
C. hostile
D. perfect

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In this context, 'ideal' means perfect. The human body provides a perfect environment for many microbes, as stated in the extract. It is the immune system's role to keep these microbes out or destroy them. The other choices are incorrect: 'thoughtful' does not fit the context of the sentence, 'confined' and 'hostile' are not synonymous with 'ideal' in this context.

5. Which of the following statements is an opinion related to MRSA?

A. Hand-washing stations are one means of combating MRSA infection.
B. Not all Staphylococcus bacteria are resistant to antibiotics.
C. Hospitals in the United States should quickly adopt the use of new germ-fighting textiles.
D. MRSA infection kills more people in the United States than does HIV/AIDS.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because it is an opinion rather than a verifiable fact. The statement suggests a recommendation for hospitals to adopt new germ-fighting textiles swiftly, which is a subjective viewpoint and not objectively measurable. Choices A and B are factual statements regarding combating MRSA infection and antibiotic resistance, respectively. Choice D provides a comparison of MRSA infection with HIV/AIDS, which is a factual statement based on statistical data. Therefore, C is the only choice that presents an opinion rather than a fact.