HESI A2
HESI A2 Reading Comprehension Practice Test
1. What is the purpose of white elephants in the tradition mentioned in the passage?
- A. White elephants are symbols of wealth and power.
- B. White elephants represent unwanted and burdensome gifts.
- C. White elephants are used in religious ceremonies.
- D. White elephants are mythological creatures with no real use.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: In the tradition mentioned in the passage, white elephants were given as punishment gifts by rulers to those who displeased them. These white elephants were considered burdensome because they were sacred and could not be made to work like other elephants. The recipients had to bear the high maintenance costs and care for the white elephants in a lavish style, leading to financial burdens and sometimes impoverishment. This tradition originated the term 'white elephant' to denote unwanted gifts. Therefore, the correct answer is B. Choice A is incorrect because white elephants were not symbols of wealth and power in this context; they were burdensome gifts. Choice C is incorrect as there is no mention of white elephants being used in religious ceremonies in the passage. Choice D is incorrect as white elephants in the tradition were real elephants, not mythological creatures with no practical use.
2. Why did Macmillan add iron rims to the tires of his bicycle?
- A. Increase the weight of the bicycle.
- B. Enhance the durability of the tires.
- C. Reduce the bumpiness of the ride.
- D. Decrease the level of fatigue during the ride.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Macmillan added iron rims to his bicycle tires to enhance their durability and make them last longer. This innovation aimed to prevent the tires from getting worn down quickly. Adding weight to the bicycle (Choice A) was not the purpose of adding iron rims. While adding iron rims could potentially reduce the bumpiness of the ride (Choice C) by providing more stability, the main objective was to improve tire longevity. Similarly, reducing the level of fatigue during the ride (Choice D) was not the primary reason for adding iron rims.
3. What does the author of the passage on the Electoral College seem to suggest?
- A. The Electoral College should be abolished.
- B. The Electoral College works as intended.
- C. The Electoral College needs reform.
- D. The Electoral College confuses voters.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. The author of the passage suggests that the Electoral College works as intended. Despite acknowledging its confusing nature and the possibility of results differing from the popular vote, the author highlights that the founding fathers had a purpose behind its design. Therefore, the Electoral College is viewed as functioning as intended. Choice A is incorrect because the author does not advocate for abolishing the Electoral College. Choice C is incorrect as there is no explicit mention of the need for reform. Choice D is incorrect as the author does not focus on the confusion caused to voters but rather on the system's original purpose.
4. 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.
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.
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