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- B. The Electoral College is outdated and needs reform.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Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'The Electoral College is outdated and needs reform.'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 The main argument is that the system is outdated and requires reforms to align with modern democratic principles.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. Why was the roadway of the Golden Gate Bridge so dangerous to build?
- A. It was located above a fast-moving river.
- B. It had to be perfectly balanced to avoid collapse.
- C. The materials used were very unstable.
- D. It was built during bad weather.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. The passage describes how the road had to be balanced during construction to avoid collapse into the bay. Choice A is incorrect as the Golden Gate Bridge crosses a strait, not a river. Choice C is incorrect as there is no mention of unstable materials. Choice D is incorrect as bad weather is not highlighted as a specific reason for the danger in building the roadway.
3. Which claim from the passage best describes the benefits of nanotechnology?
- A. Scientists can develop novel technologies and products.
- B. Nanotechnology is defined as the understanding and control of matter at dimensions of roughly 1 to 100 nanometers.
- C. The different colors can be used in simple medical tests to indicate infection or disease.
- D. Unique properties of materials emerge.
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D because the passage specifically states that at the nanoscale, unique properties of materials emerge, which is a key benefit of nanotechnology. Choice A talks about what scientists can do but does not directly describe the benefits mentioned in the passage. Choice B is the definition of nanotechnology and not a specific benefit. Choice C mentions the use of different colors in medical tests, which is a specific application rather than a general benefit of nanotechnology.
4. Which statement from the selection presents a fact rather than an opinion?
- A. One of the worst voice qualities is harshness
- B. Harsh voice qualities usually come from too much tension in the throat and jaw
- C. Your voice will sound unpleasant if it is shrill, grating, hard, piercing, brassy, too loud, or too nasal
- D. Because tension occurs in higher pitched voices, women tend to have shriller voices than men, which usually makes them less desirable public speakers, newscasters, or political candidates
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Statement B, 'Harsh voice qualities usually come from too much tension in the throat and jaw,' presents a fact rather than an opinion. This statement provides a clear and objective observation about the potential cause of harsh voice qualities, based on physical tension in specific areas of the body, which can be objectively measured and identified. Choice A is an opinion as it states 'One of the worst voice qualities is harshness' without providing a verifiable basis. Choice C lists subjective descriptors of an unpleasant voice without stating a definite cause. Choice D introduces a gender-based assertion about voice quality, making it an opinion rather than a factual observation.
5. Which of the following statements is an opinion related to Super Foods?
- A. Walnuts contain omega-3 fatty acids.
- B. Lentils are high in both protein and fiber.
- C. Pomegranates are delicious and healthful.
- D. Oats move slowly through the digestive tract.
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The statement about pomegranates being delicious and healthful reflects a subjective opinion about taste and health benefits. This contrasts with the other options, which present factual information about the nutritional content of walnuts, lentils, and oats, making C the correct choice for an opinion.
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