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B. Daylight Savings Time is unnecessary and outdated.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 Choice B is incorrect as the passage does not portray Daylight Savings Time as unnecessary or outdated; instead, it highlights its benefits.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. What is the writer’s primary purpose in writing this essay?

A. To inform the reader about the dangers of high blood pressure
B. To inform the reader how high blood pressure leads to a higher risk of heart attack
C. To inform the reader how the cardiovascular system regulates blood pressure
D. To persuade the reader that controlling one’s blood pressure is important

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The primary purpose of the essay is to inform the reader about how the cardiovascular system regulates blood pressure. The essay provides detailed explanations about the components of the cardiovascular system that regulate blood pressure, such as baroreceptors, chemoreceptors, and the kidneys. Choices A and B are incorrect because the essay does not focus on discussing the dangers of high blood pressure or its correlation with a higher risk of heart attack. Choice D is incorrect as the essay does not aim to persuade the reader to control their blood pressure but rather to educate them on the regulatory mechanisms of the cardiovascular system.

3. What conclusion can you draw from the first sentence of the passage?

A. Osteoporosis is more common than anyone previously imagined.
B. The media give a lot of overall coverage to osteoporosis.
C. Only women are at high risk for developing bone thinning.
D. Thinning bones is not considered a serious medical problem.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. The first sentence suggests that osteoporosis receives significant media coverage, indicating that the media gives a lot of overall coverage to the issue. This conclusion can be drawn as the passage mentions how osteoporosis is a major health concern for women and is widely covered in newspapers and television commercials. Choice A is incorrect because the passage does not mention the prevalence of osteoporosis compared to previous estimates. Choice C is incorrect as the passage highlights that men are being overlooked in terms of bone thinning concerns. Choice D is incorrect as the passage emphasizes the seriousness of bone thinning and the need for preventive measures.

4. The author suggests that persistent passivity and imperturbability may be a direct result of which of the following?

A. Drug-induced stimulation of the amygdala.
B. A stroke that resulted in severe tissue damage in the limbic system.
C. Encephalitis as a result of head trauma.
D. Activation of a strategically implanted electrode in a patient’s amygdala.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. The passage highlights that damage to the limbic system, specifically the amygdala, can lead to passivity and lack of aggression. This is supported by the statement that patients with trauma or damage to the amygdala exhibit a complete absence of aggression. Thus, a stroke causing severe tissue damage in the limbic system, including the amygdala, can result in persistent passivity and imperturbability. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not directly relate to damage in the limbic system, which is specifically mentioned in the passage as the cause of the described behaviors.

5. What was the author’s primary purpose for writing this essay?

A. To persuade the reader to conserve water
B. To persuade the reader that runoff is not the best way to collect water
C. To analyze different types of runoff
D. To inform the reader about the stages of the water cycle

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. The author's primary purpose for writing the essay is to inform the reader about the stages of the water cycle. The essay discusses the various stages of the water cycle, including precipitation, runoff, evaporation, and condensation. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because the essay focuses on explaining the water cycle stages rather than persuading the reader to conserve water, discussing the effectiveness of runoff, or analyzing different types of runoff.