what is the authors main argument in the passage on the electoral college

HESI A2

HESI A2 Reading Comprehension Practice Test

1. What is the author's main argument in the passage on the Electoral College?

A. The Electoral College ensures that all states have a say in elections.
B. The Electoral College is outdated and needs reform.
C. The Electoral College should be abolished.
D. The Electoral College was created to favor larger states.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'The Electoral College is outdated and needs reform.' The passage discusses the Electoral College system, highlighting its complexities and the discrepancy between the popular vote and electoral vote outcomes. It mentions the confusion and the case of the 2000 election where the popular vote winner did not become president. The main argument is that the system is outdated and requires reforms to align with modern democratic principles. Choice A is incorrect as the passage does not focus on ensuring all states have a say but rather on the need for reform. Choice C is not the main argument presented in the passage; while the passage mentions confusion, it does not explicitly call for abolition. Choice D is incorrect as the passage does not state that the Electoral College was created to favor larger states; instead, it discusses the allocation of electoral votes based on Congressional representation and population.

2. What is the meaning of the word "pulses" as it appears in the first paragraph?

A. The regular throbbing of the arteries caused by successive contractions of the heart
B. The general attitude of the public or a specific population toward health concerns
C. The edible seeds produced by legumes such as peas, beans, or lentils
D. Any type of food with animal origins such as butter, honey, or eggs

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In the context of the passage, "pulses" refers to the edible seeds produced by legumes.

3. All of the following are mentioned in the passage as potential risks from inadequate sleep EXCEPT ___________.

A. Cancer
B. Obesity
C. Diabetes
D. Depression

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Cancer is not mentioned as a risk associated with inadequate sleep in the passage.

4. What is the meaning of the word diminished as used in the passage about Concussions?

A. Miniature.
B. Reduced.
C. Recurrent.
D. Hollow.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In this context, "diminished" means reduced. Substituting the other choices into the sentence does not make sense contextually, whereas "reduced" fits appropriately, confirming B as the correct answer.

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.