Excerpt: Neurologists and biological psychologists have witnessed a sharp increase in the knowledge and understanding of particular structures of the brain over the past two decades. As technology becomes ever more advanced, scientists are able to isolate the functions of even small regions of the human brain. One noteworthy discovery is the role of the amygdala in human fear and aggression. The amygdala, a small, almond-shaped conglomerate, is just one part of the limbic system. Located at the very center of the brain, the limbic system is the core of our 'emotional brain;' each individual structure in the limbic system is somehow connected to an aspect of human emotion. Scientists have found that electrode stimulation of the amygdala can elicit extreme and aggressive acts. Patients or experimental subjects who experience this utter rage and fearlessness have no rational foundation for their reaction. In other words, this aggression is wholly attributable to electrode stimulation. On the other hand, patients with trauma or damage to this structure exhibit a complete absence of aggression. Researchers find that no amount of poking, prodding, or harassment will evoke even remotely aggressive responses from these subjects
1. The author suggests that persistent passivity and imperturbability may be a direct result of which of the following?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. The passage highlights that damage to the limbic system, specifically the amygdala, can lead to passivity and lack of aggression. This is supported by the statement that patients with trauma or damage to the amygdala exhibit a complete absence of aggression. Thus, a stroke causing severe tissue damage in the limbic system, including the amygdala, can result in persistent passivity and imperturbability. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not directly relate to damage in the limbic system, which is specifically mentioned in the passage as the cause of the described behaviors.
Excerpt: Today, bicycles are so common that it's hard to believe they haven't always been around. But two hundred years ago, bicycles didn't even exist, and the first bicycle, invented in Germany in 1818, was nothing like our bicycles today. It was made of wood and didn't even have pedals. Since then, however, numerous innovations and improvements in design have made the bicycle one of the most popular means of recreation and transportation around the world. In 1839, Kirkpatrick Macmillan, a Scottish blacksmith, dramatically improved upon the original bicycle design. Macmillan's machine had tires with iron rims to keep them from getting worn down. He also used foot-operated cranks like pedals, so his bicycle could be ridden at a quick pace. It didn't look much like a modern bicycle, though, because its back wheel was substantially larger than its front wheel. In 1861, the French Michaux brothers took bicycle design a step further by introducing a metal frame, making bicycles stronger and lighter. They also used rubber tires, which provided better traction and allowed for a more comfortable ride. Finally, in 1874, the first truly modern bicycle appeared on the scene, complete with solid rubber tires, ball bearings, and even a chain drive, which enabled the rider to pedal at a higher speed with less effort. Today bicycles are built, used, and enjoyed all over the world.
2. Why did Macmillan add iron rims to the tires of his bicycle?
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.
Excerpt: The ability to see at a distance, in good light, does not diminish as a result of aging to the extent that other visual acuities do. Myopia, or nearsightedness, is more common to younger eyes, while presbyopia, or farsightedness, more commonly afflicts people as they age. The word presbyopia comes from Greek presbys, "old man," and opia, "eye," and names a condition in which, because the lens of the eye hardens slightly and loses elasticity as a person ages, one cannot as easily focus sharply on nearby objects. This condition leads to the familiar habit of lifting up one's glasses and bringing an object or reading material close to the face so that the eyes can more easily focus on it. The function of the lens is to accommodate different focal points so that sensory data can be correctly directed to the retina for interpretation into images by the brain. Corrective lenses, particularly bifocals or progressive lenses, adjust for the focal point aberration. In essence, they do the work that the eye can no longer do for itself
3. In the context of the passage, 'accommodate' means to
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In this context, 'accommodate' means to make allowances for different focal points of vision. The passage explains that the function of the lens is to adjust for different focal points so that sensory data can be correctly directed to the retina for interpretation into images by the brain. This aligns with the meaning of 'make allowances for' as it indicates adapting to or accommodating different needs or requirements. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because in the context of the passage, 'accommodate' specifically refers to adjusting for different focal points of vision rather than arranging lodging, containing, or excusing.
Excerpt: The Moon has been worshipped by primitive peoples and has inspired humans to create everything from lunar calendars to love sonnets, but what do we really know about it? The most accepted theory about the origin of the Moon is that it was formed of the debris from a massive collision with the young Earth about 4.6 billion years ago. A huge body, perhaps the size of Mars, struck the Earth, throwing out an immense amount of debris that coalesced and cooled in orbit around the Earth.The development of Earth is inextricably linked to the Moon; the Moon’s gravitational influence upon the Earth is the primary cause of ocean tides. In fact, the Moon has more than twice the effect upon the tides than does the Sun. The Moon makes one rotation and completes a revolution around the Earth every 27 days, 7 hours, and 43 minutes. This synchronous rotation is caused by an uneven distribution of mass in the Moon (essentially, it is heavier on one side than the other) and has allowed the Earth’s gravity to keep one side of the Moon permanently facing Earth. It is an average distance from Earth of 384,403 km.The Moon has no atmosphere; without an atmosphere, the Moon has nothing to protect it from meteorite impacts, and thus the surface of the Moon is covered with impact craters, both large and small. The Moon also has no active tectonic or volcanic activity, so the erosive effects of atmospheric weathering, tectonic shifts, and volcanic upheavals that tend to erase and reform the Earth’s surface features are not at work on the Moon. In fact, even tiny surface features such as the footprint left by an astronaut in the lunar soil are likely to last for millions of years, unless obliterated by a chance meteorite strike. The surface gravity of the Moon is about one-sixth that of the Earth’s. Therefore, a man weighing 82 kilograms on Earth would only weigh 14 kilograms on the Moon.
4. Why does the author mention 'impact craters' in line 16?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The mention of impact craters in the text is to highlight the consequence of the Moon lacking an atmosphere. The absence of an atmosphere on the Moon leaves it vulnerable to meteorite impacts, resulting in the multitude of impact craters on its surface. Choice A is incorrect because the mention of impact craters is not related to atmospheric weathering but rather to the lack of an atmosphere. Choice B is incorrect as it misinterprets the reason for the absence of plant life on the Moon. Choice D is incorrect as the text explicitly states that the Moon lacks tectonic or volcanic activity, which is not the focus of the mention of impact craters.
Excerpt: Today, bicycles are so common that it's hard to believe they haven't always been around. But two hundred years ago, bicycles didn't even exist, and the first bicycle, invented in Germany in 1818, was nothing like our bicycles today. It was made of wood and didn't even have pedals. Since then, however, numerous innovations and improvements in design have made the bicycle one of the most popular means of recreation and transportation around the world. In 1839, Kirkpatrick Macmillan, a Scottish blacksmith, dramatically improved upon the original bicycle design. Macmillan's machine had tires with iron rims to keep them from getting worn down. He also used foot-operated cranks like pedals, so his bicycle could be ridden at a quick pace. It didn't look much like a modern bicycle, though, because its back wheel was substantially larger than its front wheel. In 1861, the French Michaux brothers took bicycle design a step further by introducing a metal frame, making bicycles stronger and lighter. They also used rubber tires, which provided better traction and allowed for a more comfortable ride. Finally, in 1874, the first truly modern bicycle appeared on the scene, complete with solid rubber tires, ball bearings, and even a chain drive, which enabled the rider to pedal at a higher speed with less effort. Today bicycles are built, used, and enjoyed all over the world.
5. What is the main idea of the passage?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The main idea of the passage is that innovations and improvements in bicycle design have made bicycles one of the most popular means of recreation and transportation worldwide. The passage outlines the evolution of bicycles from their early designs to the modern versions, emphasizing how these changes have contributed to their popularity. Choice A is incorrect because it focuses only on the current status of bicycles, while the main idea encompasses the evolution and improvements in design. Choice B is incorrect as it mentions the invention of the first modern bicycle but does not address the overall impact of innovations on bicycle popularity. Choice D is incorrect as it simply states a fact without capturing the essence of the passage, which is about the impact of design improvements.
HESI A2 Basic
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HESI A2 Premium
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