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. What is the meaning of the word touted as used in the first paragraph about Aromatherapy?

A. Revealed.
B. Glorified.
C. Overcome.
D. Deceived.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: "Touted" in this passage means glorified or praised, indicating how aromatherapy has been widely promoted as beneficial. The context implies that while it is marketed positively, recent studies have called its effectiveness into question. Other choices do not capture this promotional aspect accurately, making B the best fit.

3. Which of the following statements is an opinion related to MRSA?

A. Hand-washing stations are one means of combating MRSA infection.
B. Not all Staphylococcus bacteria are resistant to antibiotics.
C. Hospitals in the United States should quickly adopt the use of new germ-fighting textiles.
D. MRSA infection kills more people in the United States than does HIV/AIDS.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because it is an opinion rather than a verifiable fact. The statement suggests a recommendation for hospitals to adopt new germ-fighting textiles swiftly, which is a subjective viewpoint and not objectively measurable. Choices A and B are factual statements regarding combating MRSA infection and antibiotic resistance, respectively. Choice D provides a comparison of MRSA infection with HIV/AIDS, which is a factual statement based on statistical data. Therefore, C is the only choice that presents an opinion rather than a fact.

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. Which of the following is a conclusion that a reader can draw from this passage?

A. Humans are not the only mammals that exhibit symptoms when infected by Borrelia burgdorferi.
B. The life cycle of an uninfected tick includes a dormant phase before the nymph stage, which is not excluded.
C. Unless a tick feeds on an infected mouse or squirrel, it will not spread Lyme disease.
D. The combination of fever, headache, and joint pain is not a definite indication of Lyme disease.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. The passage clearly states that for Lyme disease to spread, a tick must feed on an infected host, such as a mouse or squirrel. This conclusion can be drawn from the information provided in the extract. Choice A is incorrect because the passage does not specify that humans are the only mammals that exhibit symptoms when infected by Borrelia burgdorferi. Choice B is incorrect as the passage mentions that the life cycle of an uninfected tick includes a dormant phase before the nymph stage, without excluding it. Choice D is incorrect because the passage does not state that the combination of fever, headache, and joint pain is a definitive sign of Lyme disease.