what is the main idea of the passage about super foods

HESI A2

Reading Comprehension Practice Test HESI A2

1. What is the main idea of the passage about Super Foods?

A. Super foods are low in calories but provide essential nutrients that have enormous health benefits.
B. U.S. supermarkets should make a point of stocking up on powerful super foods.
C. Blueberries are a super food that contains a natural inflammatory as well as important vitamins and minerals.
D. Doctors now believe that daily inclusion of super foods in the diet can reverse the aging process.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The main idea emphasizes that superfoods are low in calories yet rich in essential nutrients that provide significant health benefits. This statement captures the overall essence of the passage, while the other options focus too narrowly or introduce unsupported claims, making A the correct answer.

2. What was the author's primary purpose for writing this essay?

A. To inform the reader about the stages of the water cycle
B. To explain how rain is formed
C. To persuade readers to preserve water
D. To inform the reader about water's importance in life

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The author's primary purpose for writing this essay is to inform the readers about the stages of the water cycle. The essay explains how water moves through the cycle, including processes like precipitation, runoff, evaporation, and condensation. Choice A is correct because the focus is on educating readers about the water cycle, not just explaining how rain is formed (Choice B), persuading readers to preserve water (Choice C), or discussing water's importance in life (Choice D). The detailed explanation of the water cycle provided in the extract supports the correct answer.

3. What is stated in the passage?

A. Physical illness can cause insomnia.
B. Exercise causes insomnia.
C. There is no solution to insomnia.
D. Sleep is unnecessary for good health.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Physical illness can cause insomnia.' The passage mentions that chronic insomnia can result from a medical illness, among other conditions. This indicates a direct link between physical illness and insomnia. Choice B is incorrect as the passage does not mention exercise causing insomnia but actually suggests developing good sleep habits as a solution. Choice C is incorrect as the passage provides solutions to insomnia, such as sleep hygiene and non-pharmacological therapies. Choice D is incorrect as the passage emphasizes the importance of getting a good night's sleep for good health, implying that sleep is necessary.

4. Which of the following statements is an opinion related to MRSA?

A. Hand-washing stations are one means of combating MRSA infection.
B. Not all Staphylococcus bacteria are resistant to antibiotics.
C. Hospitals in the United States should quickly adopt the use of new germ-fighting textiles.
D. MRSA infection kills more people in the United States than does HIV/AIDS.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C because it is an opinion rather than a verifiable fact. The statement suggests a recommendation for hospitals to adopt new germ-fighting textiles swiftly, which is a subjective viewpoint and not objectively measurable. Choices A and B are factual statements regarding combating MRSA infection and antibiotic resistance, respectively. Choice D provides a comparison of MRSA infection with HIV/AIDS, which is a factual statement based on statistical data. Therefore, C is the only choice that presents an opinion rather than a fact.

5. What is the meaning of the word duration as used in the last paragraph?

A. Basis
B. Extent
C. Cure
D. Solidity

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The word "duration" in the context of sleep refers to the length of time that children should sleep. It suggests a focus on the amount of sleep necessary for healthy development, making option B the correct choice as it aligns with the emphasis on recommended sleep hours for children.