what is the main idea of the passage about microbes

HESI A2

Reading Comprehension HESI A2 Practice Test

1. What is the main idea of the passage about microbes?

A. Recent discoveries are revealing the critical role of microorganisms in maintaining a properly functioning immune system.
B. The human body is host to a staggering number of microorganisms.
C. Bacteriotherapy reintroduces healthy bacteria into a colon lacking the capability to defend against pathogenic agents.
D. Early research has shown remarkable discoveries in the possibilities of bacteriotherapy.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The main idea of the passage is that recent discoveries are shedding light on the pivotal role of microorganisms in maintaining a properly functioning immune system. The passage discusses how the human body hosts a wide array of microorganisms, emphasizes the importance of these bacteria in the development of the immune system, and explores the potential applications of bacteriotherapy. Choice A is the correct answer because it accurately reflects the central theme discussed in the passage. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they focus on specific details or applications mentioned in the passage, rather than capturing the overarching theme of the critical role of microorganisms in immune system function.

2. What statement about global warming is made in the passage on the Amazon Rainforest?

A. Global warming is caused by deforestation.
B. Global warming is unrelated to deforestation.
C. Global warming is exaggerated.
D. Global warming is not a concern.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct statement about global warming in the passage on the Amazon Rainforest is that it is caused by deforestation. The passage explains that cutting down trees in the rainforest increases the amount of carbon dioxide in the air, leading to global warming. This is supported by the fact that the burning of Brazilian rainforests alone produces 200 million metric tons of carbon dioxide a year. Choice B is incorrect as the passage clearly establishes a direct link between deforestation and global warming. Choice C is incorrect as the passage does not suggest that global warming is exaggerated, but rather highlights the harmful effects of deforestation. Choice D is incorrect as the passage emphasizes the serious concern of global warming due to deforestation.

3. What statement from the article is correct?

A. Chopsticks were developed in Europe.
B. China developed chopsticks for eating utensils.
C. Eating with forks is difficult.
D. Space travel eliminated the need for utensils.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. The passage clearly states that China developed chopsticks as an efficient tool for eating, making choice B the correct statement. Choice A is incorrect as chopsticks were not developed in Europe but in China. Choice C is not supported by the passage as it does not discuss the difficulty of eating with forks. Choice D is also incorrect as space travel introduced new challenges but did not eliminate the need for utensils.

4. 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.