what was the authors primary purpose for writing this essay

HESI A2

Reading Comprehension HESI A2

1. What was the author's primary purpose for writing this essay?

A. To inform the reader about the stages of the water cycle
B. To explain how rain is formed
C. To persuade readers to preserve water
D. To inform the reader about water's importance in life

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The author's primary purpose for writing this essay is to inform the readers about the stages of the water cycle. The essay explains how water moves through the cycle, including processes like precipitation, runoff, evaporation, and condensation. Choice A is correct because the focus is on educating readers about the water cycle, not just explaining how rain is formed (Choice B), persuading readers to preserve water (Choice C), or discussing water's importance in life (Choice D). The detailed explanation of the water cycle provided in the extract supports the correct answer.

2. What conclusion can a reader draw from this passage?

A. It is advisable to choose unsaturated fats over saturated fats.
B. Saturated fats are more calorically dense than unsaturated fats.
C. Trans fats are more calorically dense than saturated fats.
D. Unsaturated fats are mostly found in animal products.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct conclusion that can be drawn from the passage is that it is advisable to choose unsaturated fats over saturated fats. The passage emphasizes the health benefits of unsaturated fats, such as lowering cholesterol levels and reducing the risk of heart disease. It also mentions that saturated fats, although not as healthy as unsaturated fats, should still be consumed sparingly. Trans fats are highlighted as the least healthy fats, increasing the risk of heart disease. Choice B is incorrect because the passage does not explicitly compare the caloric density of saturated and unsaturated fats. Choice C is incorrect as the passage does not discuss the caloric density of trans fats in comparison to saturated fats. Choice D is incorrect as the passage states that unsaturated fats are found in sources like olive oil, walnut oil, and avocado oil, not mostly in animal products.

3. What does the word 'obligatory' mean in the context of the passage on Daylight Savings Time?

A. Approved.
B. Sparse.
C. Requisite.
D. Aberrant.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In the passage, Daylight Savings Time is presented as something that must be done by law, making it a requirement or something obligatory. 'Requisite' fits this meaning. 'Approved' (choice A) does not convey the sense of necessity as 'obligatory' does. 'Sparse' (choice B) means thinly dispersed and does not relate to the context. 'Aberrant' (choice D) means deviating from the norm, which is not applicable in this context.

4. What is the meaning of the word 'elasticity' in the last paragraph?

A. Something that is able to resist and be flexible
B. Something that is like plastic
C. Something that is dynamic and electrifying
D. Something that is silly

Correct answer: A

Rationale: 'Elasticity' refers to the ability of the arterial walls to resist and be flexible, which affects blood pressure. In the provided extract, it is mentioned that an increase in blood pressure can occur if the arterial walls lose some of their elasticity with age or disease. This demonstrates that elasticity refers to the property of being able to resist and be flexible, supporting choice A as the correct answer. The other choices, B, C, and D, do not accurately reflect the concept of elasticity in the context of arterial walls and blood pressure.

5. What does the word 'integral' mean as used in the first paragraph of the passage?

A. Central
B. Initial
C. Trifling
D. Irrelevant

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In this context, 'integral' means 'central' or essential. The passage discusses the debate around spanking as a method of discipline. Some parents consider it an integral part of teaching right and wrong, highlighting its central importance. Therefore, the correct answer is 'A: Central.' Choice B, 'Initial,' is incorrect as the word 'integral' does not refer to something being at the beginning of a process or sequence. Choice C, 'Trifling,' is incorrect as 'integral' implies significance and importance, opposite to being trivial. Choice D, 'Irrelevant,' is incorrect as the passage clearly states that some parents view spanking as essential, making it relevant and not irrelevant.