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. As used in the last sentence of this paragraph, the term 'concomitant' means?

A. Accompanying
B. Quiet
C. Frustrated
D. Prefer low-pitched tones

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In the provided extract, the term 'concomitant' is used to describe problems associated with alcohol abuse, such as the individual becoming alcoholic, contribution to highway deaths by drunken drivers, and spousal and child abuse. Therefore, in this context, 'concomitant' means accompanying, or going along with something else. The other choices of 'Quiet,' 'Frustrated,' and 'Prefer low-pitched tones' do not align with the meaning of 'concomitant' as used in the paragraph.

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. The term exacerbate, as used in the last paragraph, can best be defined as ___________.

A. To soothe
B. To intensify
C. To adapt
D. To disclose

Correct answer: B

Rationale: "Exacerbate" means to intensify or worsen, especially in the context of medical conditions worsening heat exhaustion.

5. What is the meaning of the word 'enlist' as it is used in the second paragraph?

A. call into service
B. write down
C. send away
D. put across

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In the context of the immune system, 'enlist' means to call into service. Immune cells recruit other cells to fight infection by producing chemicals that regulate their growth, behavior, and direct new recruits to trouble spots. This process is essential for the immune system's defense mechanism. The other choices are incorrect: 'write down' and 'put across' do not capture the action of mobilizing immune cells, and 'send away' is opposite in meaning to what is happening in the immune response.