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 motivates athletes to participate in the Summer Olympic Games?

A. Athletes strive for winning medals.
B. Athletes seek opportunities to travel the world.
C. Athletes aim for financial gain.
D. Athletes feel patriotic pride.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The main reason athletes want to participate in the Summer Olympic Games is often driven by a sense of patriotic pride. Representing their country and showcasing their skills on an international platform instills a deep sense of national pride in athletes. While winning medals is a significant goal for many athletes, the primary motivation to participate in the Olympics is often rooted in representing their nation. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because although athletes may aspire to win medals, travel the world, or earn money through endorsements, the core driving factor for most athletes in the Summer Olympics is the patriotic pride of representing their country.

3. In the passage the word embark means to:

A. Remove the covering from a tree
B. Speak harshly to others
C. Entertain the reader
D. Put or go on board a ship

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The word 'embark' typically means to board a ship or begin a journey. In this context, it means to start or set out on a new undertaking or venture, often including the act of boarding a ship. In the provided passage about the Golden Gate Bridge, it is mentioned that builders, architects, and workers embarked on the challenge of building a bridge across the Golden Gate Strait, which refers to them starting this new undertaking. Therefore, the correct definition of 'embark' is D. Put or go on board a ship. The other choices are incorrect: A. Removing the covering from a tree is unrelated to the context of the passage. B. Speaking harshly to others and C. Entertaining the reader are also irrelevant to the meaning of 'embark' in this context.

4. What conclusion can be drawn from the article on Eating?

A. The author thinks chopsticks are funny.
B. Space flight is fun and exciting.
C. The author enjoys trying new food.
D. Diversity is interesting to learn about.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. The author highlights cultural diversity and the variety of eating habits in the article. The passage discusses the different eating methods developed by various cultures, such as cutlery in European cultures and chopsticks in China. It emphasizes the interest in discovering these cultural differences and learning new ways of doing things, showcasing the importance of diversity. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not align with the main focus of the article, which is cultural diversity and eating habits, rather than the author's opinion on chopsticks, space flight, or personal food preferences.

5. 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.