HESI A2
HESI A2 Reading Comprehension Practice Test
1. Why was receiving a white elephant considered a burden in ancient Siam?
- A. People tried to avoid receiving it, as it was a burden.
- B. It was a symbol of honor and wealth.
- C. It was used in ceremonial processes.
- D. The people greatly desired a white elephant as a gift.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Receiving a white elephant in ancient Siam was considered a burden because the animal, being sacred, couldn't be used for work like other elephants. The recipient had to bear the cost of feeding the elephant large amounts of fruit and maintaining it in a lavish manner. The ruler's displeasure if the gift was not accepted graciously added to the pressure. This financial strain often led recipients to financial ruin. Therefore, people tried to avoid receiving a white elephant to prevent these financial consequences. Choice B is incorrect because the white elephant was not considered a symbol of honor and wealth but rather a burden. Choice C is incorrect as the white elephant was not primarily used in ceremonial processes but was a gift that came with financial responsibilities. Choice D is incorrect as the passage does not mention that people greatly desired a white elephant as a gift, but rather the opposite.
2. What is the best definition of 'efficient' as used in the third paragraph?
- A. Slow but steady.
- B. Productive without waste.
- C. Wasteful and careless.
- D. Quick but sloppy.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct definition of 'efficient' in the third paragraph is 'Productive without waste.' In the extract provided, it discusses how different cultures developed tools like cutlery and chopsticks to efficiently eat food. Efficiency here refers to getting something done with the least amount of waste. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not accurately capture the concept of efficiency discussed in the passage.
3. What can be inferred from the passage about Daylight Savings Time?
- A. It is primarily used to save energy during certain months.
- B. It was universally accepted upon its introduction.
- C. The US government opposed the idea initially.
- D. It was implemented to prevent jetlag.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: "It is primarily used to save energy during certain months." The passage clearly states that Daylight Savings Time was first put into practice by the German government in 1916 to save energy during the First World War. The US followed suit in 1918. This measure was unpopular initially, but the energy crisis in the 1970s led to making it a law. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Choice B is incorrect as the passage mentions that the British government initially refused the idea, and it was unpopular when first implemented. Choice C is incorrect as it was not the US but the British government that opposed the idea initially. Choice D is incorrect as Daylight Savings Time was not implemented to prevent jetlag, but rather to save energy and make better use of daylight hours.
4. 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.
5. 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.
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