what conclusion can be drawn from the passage on the amazon rainforest

HESI A2

HESI A2 Reading Comprehension Practice Test

1. What conclusion can be drawn from the passage on the Amazon Rainforest?

A. The Amazon Rainforest is shrinking at a rapid pace.
B. The Amazon Rainforest is not affected by human activity.
C. The Amazon Rainforest will survive indefinitely.
D. The Amazon Rainforest has no significant impact on global warming.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct conclusion that can be drawn from the passage on the Amazon Rainforest is that it is shrinking at a rapid pace. The passage explicitly mentions the rapid deforestation and shrinking of the Amazon Rainforest due to human activities like logging and burning. This conclusion is supported by the alarming statistics provided, such as 9,169 square miles of forest being cut down in Brazil in 2003, and an area of rainforest the size of a football field being burned down every minute. This rapid destruction poses a significant threat to the survival of the Amazon Rainforest and its biodiversity. Choice B is incorrect as the passage clearly states that human activities are causing harm to the rainforest. Choice C is incorrect because the passage highlights the current dangers and threats faced by the Amazon Rainforest, indicating that its survival is at risk. Choice D is also incorrect as the passage clearly explains the significant impact of deforestation in the Amazon Rainforest on global warming due to the release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

2. What is the main reason the author wrote the passage about the Electoral College?

A. To criticize the complexity of the Electoral College.
B. To explain how the Electoral College works.
C. To advocate for abolishing the Electoral College.
D. To promote the benefits of the Electoral College.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. The passage primarily aims to explain how the Electoral College functions in U.S. elections. It provides details on how the Electoral College operates, including the allocation of electoral votes based on states' representation in Congress, the role of senators and representatives, and how electoral votes are cast during presidential elections. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the passage does not criticize, advocate for abolishing, or promote the benefits of the Electoral College. Instead, it focuses on clarifying its mechanism.

3. What role does water vapor play in the Water Cycle, as described in the passage?

A. Water vapor is unnecessary in the water cycle.
B. Water vapor plays a key role in precipitation.
C. Water vapor is harmful to the environment.
D. Water vapor cools the Earth's surface.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Water vapor plays a key role in precipitation.' The passage clearly outlines the importance of water vapor in the water cycle. It explains that water vapor returns to the air from surface water and plants, and condenses back into droplets of liquid, forming clouds. These clouds eventually lead to precipitation like rain, snow, sleet, or hail. Choice A is incorrect as water vapor is crucial in the water cycle. Choice C is also incorrect as there is no mention of water vapor being harmful in the passage. Choice D is incorrect as the passage does not state that water vapor cools the Earth's surface; instead, it highlights its role in the formation of precipitation.

4. What is the meaning of the word satiety as used in the last paragraph about The Sleep Workout?

A. A state of tiredness.
B. A state of being satisfied.
C. A state of being overloaded.
D. A state of confusion.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Satiety refers to a state of being satisfied, particularly in terms of appetite. In the context of the excerpt provided, it explains that individuals who lack adequate sleep may experience lowered levels of leptin, a hormone that controls appetite. As a result, even after meeting their caloric needs, they may still crave carbohydrates, indicating a lack of satisfaction or satiety. This can lead to obesity and disrupt healthy eating habits. Therefore, choice B, 'A state of being satisfied,' is the correct answer. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not accurately reflect the meaning of satiety in the context of appetite regulation and sleep's impact on food cravings.

5. What is the best summary of the passage?

A. Electric currents within the body are due to electrostatic charges set off by the heart. Medical staff are trained to recognize any abnormalities within the heart.
B. Every individual has unique electric currents on the surface of the body. The ECG measures and records these electric currents.
C. The ECG systematically and rather quickly measures the stages at which the 'wave of excitation' occurs within the heart and records them. This wave has three distinct steps that spread from the SA node to the AV node.
D. The ECG measures the electric currents within the body. These currents are detected on the surface of the body when the body is connected to an amplifier.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct summary of the passage is option C. The passage explains how the ECG systematically measures and records the 'wave of excitation' that occurs within the heart in three distinct steps, spreading from the SA node to the AV node. This summary effectively captures the main focus of the passage. Option A is incorrect because it only mentions the detection of electric currents in the body and recognizing abnormalities by medical staff, missing the key information about the 'wave of excitation' and its stages. Option B is incorrect as it focuses solely on the measurement and recording of unique electric currents on the body's surface, neglecting the specific process described in the passage. Option D is also incorrect as it provides a general description of how the ECG measures electric currents without emphasizing the specific stages of the 'wave of excitation' as detailed in the passage.