what does the word composed mean in the passage on the water cycle

HESI A2

HESI A2 Reading Comprehension Practice Test

1. What does the word 'composed' mean in the passage on the Water Cycle?

A. To consist of.
B. To create.
C. To separate.
D. To destroy.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In the context of the Water Cycle, 'composed' means 'to consist of' parts. For instance, water is composed of hydrogen and oxygen atoms. Therefore, the correct meaning of 'composed' in this context is to consist of various components. Choice B, 'To create,' is incorrect as 'composed' refers to the makeup of something rather than the act of making or creating. Choices C and D, 'To separate' and 'To destroy,' are also incorrect as they do not align with the meaning of 'composed' in the passage.

2. What is the meaning of the word 'pathogens' as it is used in the first paragraph?

A. diseases
B. vaccines
C. disease-causing substances
D. foods

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In the context provided, 'pathogens' refers to disease-causing substances such as bacteria and viruses. These microorganisms can contaminate food and lead to foodborne illnesses. Choice A ('diseases') is incorrect as pathogens themselves cause diseases but are not diseases. Choice B ('vaccines') is incorrect as vaccines are used to prevent diseases caused by pathogens. Choice D ('foods') is incorrect as pathogens are not foods, but rather contaminants that can be found in food.

3. What is stated in the passage?

A. Physical illness can cause insomnia.
B. Exercise causes insomnia.
C. There is no solution to insomnia.
D. Sleep is unnecessary for good health.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Physical illness can cause insomnia.' The passage mentions that chronic insomnia can result from a medical illness, among other conditions. This indicates a direct link between physical illness and insomnia. Choice B is incorrect as the passage does not mention exercise causing insomnia but actually suggests developing good sleep habits as a solution. Choice C is incorrect as the passage provides solutions to insomnia, such as sleep hygiene and non-pharmacological therapies. Choice D is incorrect as the passage emphasizes the importance of getting a good night's sleep for good health, implying that sleep is necessary.

4. 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.

5. What is the writer’s primary purpose in writing this essay?

A. To inform the reader about the dangers of high blood pressure
B. To inform the reader how high blood pressure leads to a higher risk of heart attack
C. To inform the reader how the cardiovascular system regulates blood pressure
D. To persuade the reader that controlling one’s blood pressure is important

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The primary purpose of the essay is to inform the reader about how the cardiovascular system regulates blood pressure. The essay provides detailed explanations about the components of the cardiovascular system that regulate blood pressure, such as baroreceptors, chemoreceptors, and the kidneys. Choices A and B are incorrect because the essay does not focus on discussing the dangers of high blood pressure or its correlation with a higher risk of heart attack. Choice D is incorrect as the essay does not aim to persuade the reader to control their blood pressure but rather to educate them on the regulatory mechanisms of the cardiovascular system.