what can the reader infer about the sweatiest students referred to in the last sentence in the passage

HESI A2

Reading Comprehension HESI A2 Practice Test

1. What can the reader infer about the 'sweatiest students' referred to in the last sentence in the passage?

A. These students are more physically active than others.
B. These students have worked harder during class.
C. These students do not necessarily perform better academically.
D. These students excel in all sports activities.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. The reader can infer that the 'sweatiest students' have worked harder during class. This inference is supported by the context that students are graded based on the effort they make in the class, with some even receiving extra credit for being the sweatiest students in the room. Choice A is incorrect as there is no indication in the passage that the sweatiest students are more physically active than others; they are recognized for their effort, not necessarily for being the most active. Choice C is incorrect as the passage does not discuss the academic performance of the sweatiest students. Choice D is incorrect as there is no evidence to suggest that the sweatiest students excel in all sports activities; they are acknowledged for their effort rather than their overall sports performance.

2. What is the meaning of the word impoverished in the first paragraph?

A. Honored
B. Nobility
C. Rich
D. financially weakened

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The word 'impoverished' typically refers to a state of extreme poverty or being financially ruined. In the context of the first paragraph, where it is used to describe the condition of a certain group of people, it indicates that they are lacking in financial resources or are in a state of deprivation. Choice A 'Honored' is incorrect as it has a positive connotation opposite to the negative meaning of 'impoverished.' Choice B 'Nobility' is incorrect as it refers to a high social rank or class, which is unrelated to the financial state implied by 'impoverished.' Choice C 'Rich' is incorrect as it is the opposite of 'impoverished,' denoting wealth and abundance, not financial weakness.

3. What is the author's main argument in the passage on the Electoral College?

A. The Electoral College ensures that all states have a say in elections.
B. The Electoral College is outdated and needs reform.
C. The Electoral College should be abolished.
D. The Electoral College was created to favor larger states.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'The Electoral College is outdated and needs reform.' The passage discusses the Electoral College system, highlighting its complexities and the discrepancy between the popular vote and electoral vote outcomes. It mentions the confusion and the case of the 2000 election where the popular vote winner did not become president. The main argument is that the system is outdated and requires reforms to align with modern democratic principles. Choice A is incorrect as the passage does not focus on ensuring all states have a say but rather on the need for reform. Choice C is not the main argument presented in the passage; while the passage mentions confusion, it does not explicitly call for abolition. Choice D is incorrect as the passage does not state that the Electoral College was created to favor larger states; instead, it discusses the allocation of electoral votes based on Congressional representation and population.

4. Which of the following is not mentioned as a detail in the passage about High Fructose Corn Syrup?

A. HFCS and sugar share a biological structure.
B. HFCS is cheaper to use than sugar.
C. HFCS is now used to sweeten a variety of products.
D. HFCS contains more calories than aspartame.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because the passage does not mention that HFCS contains more calories than aspartame. While the passage discusses the concerns and implications of high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), it does not compare its caloric content to aspartame. Detail A is supported by the passage as both HFCS and sugar share a biological structure. Detail B is also mentioned in the passage, stating that HFCS is cheaper to use than sugar. Detail C is supported by the text, which mentions that HFCS is now used to sweeten a variety of products. However, detail D is never discussed in the passage, making it the correct answer.

5. 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.