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 does the passage about the Water Cycle explain?

A. The water cycle consists of precipitation, evaporation, and condensation.
B. The water cycle is a continuous process of recycling water on Earth.
C. Rain is the most important part of the water cycle.
D. Evaporation is the final step in the water cycle.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'The water cycle consists of precipitation, evaporation, and condensation.' The passage explains the stages of the water cycle, starting with precipitation (rain, snow, sleet, or hail) falling to the ground, followed by runoff, evaporation transforming liquid water into water vapor, and finally condensation turning water vapor back into liquid. Choice B is incorrect because it is too broad and doesn't specifically address the stages of the water cycle. Choice C is incorrect as rain is just one part of the water cycle and not the most important. Choice D is incorrect as evaporation is not the final step but one of the stages of the water cycle.

3. Which of the following statements is an opinion related to Super Foods?

A. Walnuts contain omega-3 fatty acids.
B. Lentils are high in both protein and fiber.
C. Pomegranates are delicious and healthful.
D. Oats move slowly through the digestive tract.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The statement about pomegranates being delicious and healthful reflects a subjective opinion about taste and health benefits. This contrasts with the other options, which present factual information about the nutritional content of walnuts, lentils, and oats, making C the correct choice for an opinion.

4. What is the meaning of the word 'phenomenon' in the second paragraph?

A. Something that is lifeless to the senses
B. Something that is nonchalant
C. Something that is significant but unusual
D. Something that is chemical in origin

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In the context of the second paragraph, 'phenomenon' refers to something significant and unusual, specifically describing the scientific phenomenon known as the Doppler Effect. This effect explains the change in frequency of sound waves when a source of sound and the observer are in relative motion. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not accurately reflect the meaning of 'phenomenon' in this context. 'Lifeless to the senses,' 'nonchalant,' and 'chemical in origin' do not align with the description of the Doppler Effect, which is a notable and uncommon scientific occurrence.

5. What is the meaning of the word 'shifts' as used in the third paragraph?

A. Alterations
B. Stints
C. Removals
D. Transfers

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In this context, 'shifts' refers to changes or alterations in brain chemistry and electrophysiology. The word 'alterations' best captures the idea that significant changes are occurring in the brain. 'Stints' (choice B) refer to short periods of time or work, which is not the meaning intended here. 'Removals' (choice C) and 'transfers' (choice D) do not fit the context of the sentence and are not related to the changes happening in the brain as described in the extract.