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 can the reader conclude from this passage about ponds and lakes?

A. They are examples of groundwater reservoirs.
B. They are part of the evaporation process.
C. They are formed by runoff.
D. They are formed by condensation.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'They are examples of groundwater reservoirs.' The passage mentions that runoff collects in groundwater reservoirs, among other places. Ponds and lakes are typically reservoirs of groundwater, as stated in the passage. Choice B is incorrect because ponds and lakes are not directly mentioned as part of the evaporation process. Choice C is incorrect as ponds and lakes are not stated to be formed by runoff. Choice D is incorrect as ponds and lakes are not formed by condensation.

3. What was the author’s primary purpose for writing this essay?

A. To persuade the reader to conserve water
B. To persuade the reader that runoff is not the best way to collect water
C. To analyze different types of runoff
D. To inform the reader about the stages of the water cycle

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. The author's primary purpose for writing the essay is to inform the reader about the stages of the water cycle. The essay discusses the various stages of the water cycle, including precipitation, runoff, evaporation, and condensation. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because the essay focuses on explaining the water cycle stages rather than persuading the reader to conserve water, discussing the effectiveness of runoff, or analyzing different types of runoff.

4. As used in the second paragraph, what does the term ubiquitous mean?

A. Indigenous
B. Often ignored
C. Found everywhere
D. Dangerous

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'Found everywhere.' Ubiquitous in this context means widespread presence. In the provided extract, it is mentioned that MRSA bacteria have become ubiquitous not only in hospitals but also in various other settings, indicating they are found everywhere. Choice A, 'Indigenous,' is incorrect as it refers to something native or originating from a specific place, which is not the intended meaning in the context. Choice B, 'Often ignored,' is incorrect as ubiquitous means something that is widely present, not something that is ignored. Choice D, 'Dangerous,' is incorrect as ubiquitous does not directly imply danger, but rather the widespread presence of something.

5. What is the author’s primary purpose in writing this essay about microbes?

A. To persuade
B. To inform
C. To entertain
D. To analyze

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The author's primary purpose is to inform readers about the crucial role of microorganisms in the immune system. The essay focuses on presenting factual information and recent discoveries regarding the impact of microbes on human health. The author aims to educate the readers on the significance of microbes in human health rather than persuade them of a particular viewpoint (Choice A), entertain them with light-hearted content (Choice C), or analyze in-depth data and findings (Choice D). The essay's emphasis on informing readers about the role of microorganisms in the immune system makes 'To inform' the correct choice.