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- B. The Electoral College is outdated and needs reform.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Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'The Electoral College is outdated and needs reform.'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 The main argument is that the system is outdated and requires reforms to align with modern democratic principles.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 main idea of the passage?
- A. Bicycles have become a common mode of transportation worldwide.
- B. The first modern bicycle was invented in 1818 in Germany.
- C. Innovations and improvements in bicycle design have made bicycles popular for recreation and transportation globally.
- D. Bicycles are now built, used, and enjoyed globally.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The main idea of the passage is that innovations and improvements in bicycle design have made bicycles one of the most popular means of recreation and transportation worldwide. The passage outlines the evolution of bicycles from their early designs to the modern versions, emphasizing how these changes have contributed to their popularity. Choice A is incorrect because it focuses only on the current status of bicycles, while the main idea encompasses the evolution and improvements in design. Choice B is incorrect as it mentions the invention of the first modern bicycle but does not address the overall impact of innovations on bicycle popularity. Choice D is incorrect as it simply states a fact without capturing the essence of the passage, which is about the impact of design improvements.
3. What was the author's primary purpose for writing this essay?
- A. To inform the reader about the stages of the water cycle
- B. To explain how rain is formed
- C. To persuade readers to preserve water
- D. To inform the reader about water's importance in life
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The author's primary purpose for writing this essay is to inform the readers about the stages of the water cycle. The essay explains how water moves through the cycle, including processes like precipitation, runoff, evaporation, and condensation. Choice A is correct because the focus is on educating readers about the water cycle, not just explaining how rain is formed (Choice B), persuading readers to preserve water (Choice C), or discussing water's importance in life (Choice D). The detailed explanation of the water cycle provided in the extract supports the correct answer.
4. What is the meaning of the word 'sterile' as it is used in the second paragraph?
- A. free of bacteria
- B. healthy
- C. delicious
- D. impotent
Correct answer: A
Rationale: In the context provided, 'sterile' means free of bacteria. The text mentions that raw foods are not sterile and can be a common source of foodborne illnesses due to contamination with harmful bacteria. 'Healthy' (choice B) is incorrect as the term 'sterile' specifically refers to the absence of bacteria, not overall health. 'Delicious' (choice C) is irrelevant to the context of bacteria contamination. 'Impotent' (choice D) is also incorrect as it does not relate to the concept of being free from bacteria.
5. What conclusion can you draw from the first sentence of the passage?
- A. Osteoporosis is more common than anyone previously imagined.
- B. The media give a lot of overall coverage to osteoporosis.
- C. Only women are at high risk for developing bone thinning.
- D. Thinning bones is not considered a serious medical problem.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. The first sentence suggests that osteoporosis receives significant media coverage, indicating that the media gives a lot of overall coverage to the issue. This conclusion can be drawn as the passage mentions how osteoporosis is a major health concern for women and is widely covered in newspapers and television commercials. Choice A is incorrect because the passage does not mention the prevalence of osteoporosis compared to previous estimates. Choice C is incorrect as the passage highlights that men are being overlooked in terms of bone thinning concerns. Choice D is incorrect as the passage emphasizes the seriousness of bone thinning and the need for preventive measures.
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