what is the main idea of the passage on daylight savings time

HESI A2

HESI A2 Reading Comprehension Practice Test

1. What is the main idea of the passage on Daylight Savings Time?

A. Daylight Savings Time helps save energy.
B. Daylight Savings Time is unnecessary and outdated.
C. Daylight Savings Time is a law to conserve energy during wars.
D. Daylight Savings Time was first implemented in Germany.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: "Daylight Savings Time helps save energy." The passage explains how Daylight Savings Time is implemented to take advantage of more daylight, which results in energy savings. By adjusting clocks ahead in spring, people can make use of additional daylight in the evenings, leading to reduced energy consumption. This measure was introduced to address energy crises and has been shown to save significant amounts of energy. Choice B is incorrect as the passage does not portray Daylight Savings Time as unnecessary or outdated; instead, it highlights its benefits. Choice C is partially correct but not the main idea of the passage, as saving energy is the primary focus. Choice D is mentioned in the passage but is not the main idea; the main idea is about the purpose and benefits of Daylight Savings Time.

2. Which statement would not be inferred by the reader in the passage about Super Foods?

A. Instant oatmeal can be part of a healthful breakfast.
B. Blueberries are an especially healthful food.
C. Certain grains and dairy products are super foods.
D. Super foods are more expensive than processed foods.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The passage does not imply or provide information regarding the cost of superfoods compared to processed foods. Therefore, D is the correct answer, as it identifies a statement that cannot be inferred from the passage.

3. Why was the roadway of the Golden Gate Bridge so dangerous to build?

A. It was located above a fast-moving river.
B. It had to be perfectly balanced to avoid collapse.
C. The materials used were very unstable.
D. It was built during bad weather.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. The passage describes how the road had to be balanced during construction to avoid collapse into the bay. Choice A is incorrect as the Golden Gate Bridge crosses a strait, not a river. Choice C is incorrect as there is no mention of unstable materials. Choice D is incorrect as bad weather is not highlighted as a specific reason for the danger in building the roadway.

4. What is the author's main argument in the passage on the Electoral College?

A. The Electoral College ensures that all states have a say in elections.
B. The Electoral College is outdated and needs reform.
C. The Electoral College should be abolished.
D. The Electoral College was created to favor larger states.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'The Electoral College is outdated and needs reform.' The passage discusses the Electoral College system, highlighting its complexities and the discrepancy between the popular vote and electoral vote outcomes. It mentions the confusion and the case of the 2000 election where the popular vote winner did not become president. The main argument is that the system is outdated and requires reforms to align with modern democratic principles. Choice A is incorrect as the passage does not focus on ensuring all states have a say but rather on the need for reform. Choice C is not the main argument presented in the passage; while the passage mentions confusion, it does not explicitly call for abolition. Choice D is incorrect as the passage does not state that the Electoral College was created to favor larger states; instead, it discusses the allocation of electoral votes based on Congressional representation and population.