after the policeman for several miles he finally caught up with the man who had stolen the purse

HESI A2

Vocabulary HESI A2 Practice Test

1. After the policeman _____ for several miles, he finally caught up with the man who had stolen the purse.

A. ran
B. had run
C. chased
D. drove

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In this sentence, the correct option is 'had run' as it is the past perfect tense, which is used to indicate an action completed before another past action. The sentence structure requires the past perfect form to show that the running occurred before catching up with the man. 'Ran' (choice A) is in simple past tense and does not convey the sequence of events correctly. 'Chased' (choice C) is the simple past tense of the verb 'chase' and does not align with the past perfect tense needed in the sentence. 'Drove' (choice D) is incorrect as it refers to using a vehicle to pursue someone, whereas the context of the sentence indicates running on foot.

2. Choose the meaning of the word quandary in the following sentence: 'Too many potential job choices put Martin in a quandary.'

A. A place where rocks are mined
B. A journey of discovery
C. A state of uncertainty
D. A major attempt or trial

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In this context, the word 'quandary' refers to a state of uncertainty or confusion caused by being faced with a difficult decision or choice. This matches the meaning of option C. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because 'quandary' does not relate to a place where rocks are mined (A), a journey of discovery (B), or a major attempt or trial (D), but rather to a state of uncertainty or confusion.

3. Select the word that means 'a violent seizure.'

A. revelation
B. nutrient
C. contraption
D. paroxysm

Correct answer: D

Rationale: 'Paroxysm' is the correct answer as it refers to a sudden, violent seizure or outburst. The other choices are incorrect because 'revelation' means a surprising and previously unknown fact, 'nutrient' refers to a substance that provides nourishment, and 'contraption' means a machine or device that is strange or unnecessarily complicated.

4. If the sound of the bells could be heard in the entire community, then they could be heard __________.

A. Thorough
B. Thought
C. Through
D. Throughout

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The word 'throughout' means in every part of a place or thing. In this context, if the sound of the bells could be heard in the entire community, then it implies that the sound could be heard throughout the community, making 'Throughout' the most appropriate answer. Choice A 'Thorough' means complete or absolute, which does not fit the context of the sentence. Choice B 'Thought' is a past tense form of the verb 'think,' which is grammatically incorrect in this sentence. Choice C 'Through' is a preposition and does not convey the intended meaning of being heard in every part of the community.

5. What is the correct pronoun to complete the sentence?

A. Her
B. Hers
C. Best
D. More greatest

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The word 'her' is the correct choice because it serves as the object of the preposition 'at.' In this sentence, 'looked at' requires an object pronoun, making 'her' the appropriate choice. Option B, 'Hers,' indicates possession, which is not needed in this context. Options C and D are not pronouns and do not fit grammatically in the sentence.