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B. The Electoral College is outdated and needs reform.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Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'The Electoral College is outdated and needs reform.'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 The main argument is that the system is outdated and requires reforms to align with modern democratic principles.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 does the word 'suit' mean in the passage about Bridge?

A. A set of clothing to be worn together.
B. Any of the four sets into which a deck of cards is divided.
C. To request or appeal persistently.
D. To be convenient or right for.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Any of the four sets into which a deck of cards is divided.' In the context of card games like Bridge, 'suit' refers to one of the four divisions of a deck of cards - spades, hearts, diamonds, or clubs. Each suit contains cards of different ranks, and during the game, players must follow suit if possible, meaning they must play a card of the same suit that was led. This is crucial for understanding card hierarchy and gameplay in Bridge. Choice A is incorrect because it defines 'suit' in terms of clothing, which is not relevant to the context of the passage. Choice C is incorrect as it defines 'suit' as a verb meaning to request persistently, which is unrelated to the card game. Choice D is also incorrect as it defines 'suit' as an adjective meaning to be convenient or right for, which is not the meaning intended in the passage about Bridge.

3. The author seems to?

A. Oppose drinking alcohol
B. Favor a strict diet
C. Oppose regulation of personal habits
D. Advocate moderation and balance

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The passage does not explicitly state the author's stance on alcohol consumption or dieting. However, the description of playing Bridge emphasizes qualities like time, effort, and attention to become proficient. This suggests that the author likely favors moderation and balance in one's approach to activities, rather than extremes like excessive drinking or strict dieting. Choice A is incorrect because the author does not express opposition to drinking alcohol. Choice B is incorrect as there is no indication of the author favoring a strict diet. Choice C is incorrect as there is no direct mention of opposing regulation of personal habits in the passage.

4. The author of the passage would probably agree with which of the following statements relating corrective lenses and aging eyes?

A. A carpenter uses wood glue to fix a broken cabinet.
B. A student buys a new notebook for upcoming classes.
C. A chef sharpens knives before starting to cook.
D. An athlete stretches before a game to avoid a potential injury.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct analogy for the role of corrective lenses in helping aging eyes can be compared to an athlete stretching before a game. Just as stretching prepares an athlete's body to perform optimally and avoid injury during a game, corrective lenses help aging eyes adjust and focus properly due to the hardening and loss of elasticity in the eye lens. Choices A, B, and C do not align with the concept of preparing or adjusting to address a specific issue, unlike the use of corrective lenses for aging eyes.

5. FRAX takes into account all of the following factors EXCEPT ___________.

A. Lifestyle choices
B. Exposure to toxins
C. Genetic heritage
D. Exposure to sunlight

Correct answer: B

Rationale: FRAX, a tool used to assess fracture risk, considers various factors like lifestyle choices, genetic heritage, and exposure to sunlight. However, exposure to toxins is not mentioned in the provided extract as a factor considered by FRAX. Therefore, the correct answer is B. Exposure to toxins is unrelated to fracture risk assessment as per the information provided. Lifestyle choices, genetic heritage, and exposure to sunlight are all factors that FRAX takes into consideration to determine the risk of experiencing a fracture within the next decade.