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 conclusion can the reader draw after reading the passage about The Sleep Workout?

A. Getting uninterrupted sleep is more important than getting enough sleep.
B. Insufficient sleep may result in an increased risk for obesity.
C. Human growth hormone is not essential for muscle development.
D. Leptin is essential for building muscle.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because the passage highlights that insufficient sleep could lead to an increased risk of obesity. The passage emphasizes the importance of uninterrupted sleep in muscle development and mentions that inadequate sleep is linked to lowered levels of leptin, a hormone that controls appetite. This imbalance in leptin due to lack of sleep can lead to increased cravings for carbohydrates, contributing to obesity. Choice A is incorrect as the passage stresses the significance of both uninterrupted sleep and getting enough sleep for muscle growth. Choice C is incorrect because the passage clearly states that human growth hormone (HGH) is essential for muscle development. Choice D is incorrect as leptin is not essential for building muscle but is mentioned in the passage as a hormone related to controlling appetite and its link to inadequate sleep and obesity.

3. Which of the following is not mentioned as being important for seniors?

A. Vitamin B12
B. Calcium
C. Nitrates
D. Exercise

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The passage lists important nutrients for seniors, including fiber, calcium, vitamin D, and B12, while exercise is also discussed as crucial for health. However, nitrates are not mentioned at all, making option C correct since it stands out as the only nutrient not discussed in the context of seniors’ health

4. Which of the following is not listed as a detail in the passage about Concussions?

A. Football and lacrosse players suffer the most concussions.
B. More than a million Americans a year suffer concussions.
C. Concussions may result in diminished alertness.
D. It may take longer to recover from a second concussion.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Skim the passage to identify the detail that does not appear. The sports in choice A are never mentioned, so you do not even need to look at the other choices.

5. The author seems to?

A. Oppose drinking alcohol
B. Favor a strict diet
C. Oppose regulation of personal habits
D. Advocate moderation and balance

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The passage does not explicitly state the author's stance on alcohol consumption or dieting. However, the description of playing Bridge emphasizes qualities like time, effort, and attention to become proficient. This suggests that the author likely favors moderation and balance in one's approach to activities, rather than extremes like excessive drinking or strict dieting. Choice A is incorrect because the author does not express opposition to drinking alcohol. Choice B is incorrect as there is no indication of the author favoring a strict diet. Choice C is incorrect as there is no direct mention of opposing regulation of personal habits in the passage.