what does the author imply about the importance of water vapor in the passage on the water cycle

HESI A2

HESI A2 Reading Comprehension Practice Test

1. 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.

2. What is the author’s attitude toward the use of cosmetics?

A. Sympathetic
B. Mocking
C. Tolerant
D. Disapproving

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The author’s tone is disapproving, as evidenced by the focus on the negative consequences of using cosmetics with harmful ingredients. The passage discusses historical and contemporary health issues related to beauty practices, indicating a critical stance on the use of cosmetics that compromise health, which supports option D.

3. What is the purpose of white elephants in the tradition mentioned in the passage?

A. White elephants are symbols of wealth and power.
B. White elephants represent unwanted and burdensome gifts.
C. White elephants are used in religious ceremonies.
D. White elephants are mythological creatures with no real use.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In the tradition mentioned in the passage, white elephants were given as punishment gifts by rulers to those who displeased them. These white elephants were considered burdensome because they were sacred and could not be made to work like other elephants. The recipients had to bear the high maintenance costs and care for the white elephants in a lavish style, leading to financial burdens and sometimes impoverishment. This tradition originated the term 'white elephant' to denote unwanted gifts. Therefore, the correct answer is B. Choice A is incorrect because white elephants were not symbols of wealth and power in this context; they were burdensome gifts. Choice C is incorrect as there is no mention of white elephants being used in religious ceremonies in the passage. Choice D is incorrect as white elephants in the tradition were real elephants, not mythological creatures with no practical use.

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 was the author's primary purpose for writing this essay?

A. To inform the reader about the stages of the water cycle
B. To explain how rain is formed
C. To persuade readers to preserve water
D. To inform the reader about water's importance in life

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The author's primary purpose for writing this essay is to inform the readers about the stages of the water cycle. The essay explains how water moves through the cycle, including processes like precipitation, runoff, evaporation, and condensation. Choice A is correct because the focus is on educating readers about the water cycle, not just explaining how rain is formed (Choice B), persuading readers to preserve water (Choice C), or discussing water's importance in life (Choice D). The detailed explanation of the water cycle provided in the extract supports the correct answer.