what is the main idea of the passage about sickle cell anemia

HESI A2

Reading Comprehension Practice Test HESI A2

1. What is the main idea of the passage about Sickle-Cell Anemia?

A. Bone pain is a symptom of sickle-cell anemia.
B. Sickle-cell anemia affects oxygen transport in the body.
C. Sickle-cell anemia is a genetically inherited disease.
D. Sickle-cell anemia is a painful, inherited disease.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. The passage focuses on describing sickle-cell anemia as a painful and inherited disease. It details how the abnormal sickle-shaped cells cause symptoms like bone pain, fever, and fatigue. While bone pain is mentioned as a symptom, it is not the main idea of the passage. Choice A is incorrect. Choice B, which mentions oxygen transport, is not the main idea but a general concept. Choice C, stating genetically inherited diseases affect thousands, is too broad and does not focus on the specifics of sickle-cell anemia. Therefore, D is the most precise choice.

2. What is the meaning of the word disparate as used in the first paragraph?

A. Unusual
B. Diverse
C. Trivial
D. Damaging

Correct answer: B

Rationale: "Disparate" means diverse or different. The passage discusses how Lyme disease has various symptoms that mimic other diseases, making it difficult to diagnose.

3. What is stated in this paragraph?

A. Some men have harsh voices
B. Relaxed people often have harsh voices
C. Not everyone finds a harsh voice irritating
D. Harsh voice qualities usually come from too much tension in the throat and jaw

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. The paragraph explains that harsh voice qualities usually result from too much tension in the throat and jaw. It further discusses how tension tightens muscles, leading to unpleasant voice tones. While the paragraph addresses the issue of harsh voices, it does not mention that only some men have harsh voices (choice A) or that relaxed people often exhibit this quality (choice B). Additionally, the paragraph does not touch upon whether everyone finds harsh voices irritating (choice C), only stating that not everyone may be bothered by it.

4. What would be the best title for this passage?

A. Being a Team in PE
B. A New Kind of Grade
C. Learning Martial Arts
D. PE for School and Life

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The best title for this passage is 'PE for School and Life' as it encapsulates the broader purpose of physical education described in the extract. The passage emphasizes teaching students lifelong fitness habits, instilling lessons about maintaining good health, staying fit, and introducing exercise that can be incorporated into their lives. The focus is on fitness as a lifelong skill rather than just a short-term activity for a good grade. Choice A, 'Being a Team in PE,' is incorrect as the passage highlights individual exercise and movement rather than team-based activities. Choice B, 'A New Kind of Grade,' is also incorrect as the passage mentions a shift in grading towards effort rather than specific performance tasks. Choice C, 'Learning Martial Arts,' is too narrow as the passage discusses a variety of activities beyond martial arts that are taught in modern PE classes.

5. The passage implies that?

A. Bridge can be learned with time and effort.
B. Bridge is only for older people
C. Playing bridge requires concentration
D. Bridge is an extremely easy game to play

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C, as the passage indirectly implies that playing bridge requires concentration. This is evident when the passage discusses the custom of giving white elephants in Siam, suggesting that taking care of a white elephant was a burdensome responsibility, requiring focus and concentration. Choice A is incorrect because the passage does not explicitly state that Bridge is easy, but rather mentions that it can be complicated for beginners. Choice B is incorrect as the passage does not mention age as a factor for playing Bridge.