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B. The Electoral College is outdated and needs reform.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Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'The Electoral College is outdated and needs reform.'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 The main argument is that the system is outdated and requires reforms to align with modern democratic principles.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 sleep apnea cause?

A. Chronic illness.
B. Good sleep.
C. Improved memory.
D. Reduced physical illness.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Sleep apnea causes chronic illness. The passage specifically mentions that sleep apnea can result in chronic insomnia, indicating it can cause long-term health problems. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as sleep apnea does not lead to good sleep, improved memory, or reduced physical illness.

3. What is implied by the article?

A. Siam was renamed Thailand in the past
B. The author dislikes parlor games
C. Elephants are difficult to take care of and train
D. White elephants were considered sacred and a burden to their recipients

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. The article explicitly states that centuries ago, Siam, now known as Thailand, had the custom of giving white elephants as punishment. This implies that Siam was renamed Thailand in the past. The other choices (B, C, D) are not supported by the content of the article. Choice B is incorrect as the author does not express any dislike for parlor games. Choice C is incorrect as the article does not mention that elephants are easy or difficult to take care of and train. Choice D is incorrect as the article describes white elephants as sacred and a burden to their recipients, not as hard workers in the cane fields.

4. Which sound waves have a lower pitch?

A. Those waves that are closer together
B. Those waves that are farther apart
C. Those waves that travel a long distance
D. Those waves that travel a short distance

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Sound waves that are farther apart have a lower pitch. The Doppler Effect explains that as objects emitting sound move away, the sound waves become more spaced out, resulting in a lower frequency and a lower pitch. Choice A is incorrect because waves that are closer together have a higher frequency and a higher pitch. Choices C and D are not directly related to determining the pitch of sound waves.