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 does the author suggest about the Earth's tilt in the passage on Daylight Savings Time?

A. The Earth's tilt has no effect on the seasons.
B. The Earth's tilt affects the amount of sunlight different areas receive.
C. The Earth's tilt is constant throughout the year.
D. The Earth's tilt changes dramatically during the seasons.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The author suggests that the Earth's tilt affects the amount of sunlight different areas receive, influencing the seasons. The passage explains how the tilt of the Earth towards the sun results in different regions receiving varying amounts of sunlight, leading to the existence of seasons. This tilt causes regions near the equator to receive more sunlight consistently, while the Poles experience periods of constant darkness or sunlight, creating different seasons. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the passage clearly states that the Earth's tilt influences sunlight distribution and subsequently impacts the seasons.

3. What is the meaning of the word 'shifts' as used in the third paragraph?

A. Alterations
B. Stints
C. Removals
D. Transfers

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In this context, 'shifts' refers to changes or alterations in brain chemistry and electrophysiology. The word 'alterations' best captures the idea that significant changes are occurring in the brain. 'Stints' (choice B) refer to short periods of time or work, which is not the meaning intended here. 'Removals' (choice C) and 'transfers' (choice D) do not fit the context of the sentence and are not related to the changes happening in the brain as described in the extract.

4. 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.

5. What does the word 'composed' mean in the passage on the Water Cycle?

A. To consist of.
B. To create.
C. To separate.
D. To destroy.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In the context of the Water Cycle, 'composed' means 'to consist of' parts. For instance, water is composed of hydrogen and oxygen atoms. Therefore, the correct meaning of 'composed' in this context is to consist of various components. Choice B, 'To create,' is incorrect as 'composed' refers to the makeup of something rather than the act of making or creating. Choices C and D, 'To separate' and 'To destroy,' are also incorrect as they do not align with the meaning of 'composed' in the passage.