what does the passage about the water cycle explain

HESI A2

HESI A2 Reading Comprehension Practice Test

1. What does the passage about the Water Cycle explain?

A. The water cycle consists of precipitation, evaporation, and condensation.
B. The water cycle is a continuous process of recycling water on Earth.
C. Rain is the most important part of the water cycle.
D. Evaporation is the final step in the water cycle.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'The water cycle consists of precipitation, evaporation, and condensation.' The passage explains the stages of the water cycle, starting with precipitation (rain, snow, sleet, or hail) falling to the ground, followed by runoff, evaporation transforming liquid water into water vapor, and finally condensation turning water vapor back into liquid. Choice B is incorrect because it is too broad and doesn't specifically address the stages of the water cycle. Choice C is incorrect as rain is just one part of the water cycle and not the most important. Choice D is incorrect as evaporation is not the final step but one of the stages of the water cycle.

2. All of the following are mentioned in the passage as potential risks from inadequate sleep EXCEPT ___________.

A. Cancer
B. Obesity
C. Diabetes
D. Depression

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Cancer is not mentioned as a risk associated with inadequate sleep in the passage.

3. Which might be a good title for this passage about Barefoot Running?

A. Everyone Should Run Barefoot
B. How to Prevent Running Injuries
C. Modern Road Surfaces Versus Barefoot Running
D. The Debate over Barefoot Running

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The title 'The Debate over Barefoot Running' captures the main discussion in the passage.

4. The term afforded to, as used in the third paragraph, can best be defined as ___________.

A. Traversed by
B. Presented to
C. Removed from
D. Paid for by

Correct answer: B

Rationale: "Afforded to" in this context means "presented to," as it refers to the education options available to women at the time.

5. 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.