what fact is stated about the amazon rainforest in the passage

HESI A2

HESI A2 Reading Comprehension Practice Test

1. What fact is stated about the Amazon Rainforest in the passage?

A. The Amazon Rainforest is shrinking rapidly.
B. The Amazon Rainforest is home to diverse species.
C. The Amazon Rainforest is unaffected by human activity.
D. The Amazon Rainforest contains few animals.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. The passage highlights the incredible biodiversity of the Amazon Rainforest, emphasizing its diverse species of plants and animals. The passage describes the rainforest as home to over 2,000 birds and mammals, with one in every five birds in the world living there. It also mentions the vast variety of insects, trees, and plants present in the rainforest, showcasing its rich ecosystem. Choice A is incorrect as the passage does not directly state that the Amazon Rainforest is shrinking rapidly, although it does mention the dangers it faces. Choice C is incorrect as the passage clearly indicates that human activity, such as deforestation, poses a significant threat to the rainforest. Choice D is incorrect as the passage provides evidence of a high number of animals inhabiting the Amazon Rainforest.

2. What is the author's reason for writing the passage on the White Elephant?

A. To inform readers about Thailand's historical customs.
B. To entertain readers with the origins of the term 'white elephant.'
C. To explain the tradition of giving white elephants.
D. To criticize the tradition of giving white elephants as gifts.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C: 'To explain the tradition of giving white elephants.' The passage provides historical context about the practice of giving white elephants as gifts in ancient Siam, now Thailand. It explains how white elephants were considered sacred, could not be put to work, and became a burden to the recipients. The author's purpose is to shed light on this tradition and its implications, not to inform readers about Thailand in general (choice A), entertain with fun facts (choice B), or criticize the tradition (choice D). Choices A and B are incorrect because the passage focuses specifically on the tradition of giving white elephants, not on broader aspects of Thailand or entertainment. Choice D is incorrect because the passage does not criticize the tradition but rather provides a factual account of its historical significance.

3. 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.

4. What is the meaning of the word leached as used in the last paragraph?

A. Sucked
B. Compressed
C. Seeped
D. Materialized

Correct answer: C

Rationale: "Leached" refers to the process by which substances, such as lead, seep or dissolve out of materials, in this case, water pipes.

5. Which statement from the passage on Voice is a fact rather than an opinion?

A. One of the worst voice qualities is harshness.
B. Harsh voice qualities come from tension in the throat.
C. Your voice will sound unpleasant if it is shrill or grating.
D. Because tension occurs in higher-pitched voices, women tend to have shriller voices than men.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. The fact that harsh voice qualities come from tension in the throat is a verifiable statement based on a scientific explanation provided in the passage. This statement is not subject to personal interpretation or judgment. Choice A is an opinion as it categorizes harshness as one of the worst voice qualities, which is subjective. Choice C is also an opinion as it describes how a voice will sound based on subjective terms like 'unpleasant.' Choice D is an opinion as it makes a generalized statement linking higher-pitched voices with shriller voices in women, which can vary widely among individuals.