what does the word banal mean

HESI A2

Vocabulary for HESI A2

1. What does the word Banal mean?

A. Interesting
B. Ordinary
C. Boring
D. Creative

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Ordinary.' Banal refers to something that is common, unoriginal, or lacking in originality. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because banal does not mean interesting, boring, or creative; it specifically conveys the idea of being mundane or lacking in freshness.

2. What is the meaning of the word 'placebo' in the following sentence: 'Ten patients will receive the experimental drug while 10 take a placebo'?

A. Fallback
B. Substitute
C. Control
D. Curative

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In the context of the sentence, the word 'placebo' refers to a substance or treatment that resembles a real medical treatment but has no therapeutic effect. It is used as a standard against which the effects of the experimental drug are compared. A placebo is typically included in a control group in medical research to evaluate the actual effects of the experimental drug. Therefore, in this scenario, the placebo serves as a control to gauge the effectiveness of the experimental drug, making choice C the correct answer. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because a placebo is not a fallback, substitute, or curative treatment in this context.

3. What does 'External' refer to?

A. Inside the body
B. Located outside the body
C. Exposed internally
D. Near the skin

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The term 'External' refers to something that is located outside the body. In this context, it specifically denotes a position or location that is beyond the confines of the body's boundaries. Choice A is incorrect as 'External' means outside, not inside. Choice C is incorrect as it confuses the internal exposure with external positioning. Choice D is incorrect as 'External' does not necessarily mean near the skin, but rather outside the body.

4. The _____ student was not well liked by his peers.

A. Geniality
B. Affably
C. Gregarious
D. Detestable

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is 'Detestable.' In this context, 'detestable' means deserving intense dislike, which fits the sentence describing a student who is not well-liked. 'Geniality' (choice A) means warmth and friendliness, which is the opposite of what is described in the sentence. 'Affably' (choice B) means in a friendly and pleasant manner, which doesn't convey the idea of being disliked. 'Gregarious' (choice C) means sociable and outgoing, which is also not suitable for describing someone who is not well-liked.

5. The _____ of this weather was that we all got wet.

A. result
B. effect
C. affect
D. impact

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In this sentence, 'effect' is the correct term to use as it refers to the outcome or consequence of the weather, which was that everyone got wet. 'Effect' is a noun that indicates the result of a particular action or situation. Choice A 'result' is incorrect because it refers to the outcome of an action, not the outcome of weather. Choice C 'affect' is incorrect as it is used as a verb to show influence or make a difference. Choice D 'impact' is incorrect because it refers to a strong influence or effect.