HESI A2
HESI A2 Reading Comprehension Practice Test
1. What is the main reason the author wrote the passage about the Electoral College?
- A. To criticize the complexity of the Electoral College.
- B. To explain how the Electoral College works.
- C. To advocate for abolishing the Electoral College.
- D. To promote the benefits of the Electoral College.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. The passage primarily aims to explain how the Electoral College functions in U.S. elections. It provides details on how the Electoral College operates, including the allocation of electoral votes based on states' representation in Congress, the role of senators and representatives, and how electoral votes are cast during presidential elections. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the passage does not criticize, advocate for abolishing, or promote the benefits of the Electoral College. Instead, it focuses on clarifying its mechanism.
2. What is the best definition of 'efficient' as used in the third paragraph?
- A. Slow but steady.
- B. Productive without waste.
- C. Wasteful and careless.
- D. Quick but sloppy.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct definition of 'efficient' in the third paragraph is 'Productive without waste.' In the extract provided, it discusses how different cultures developed tools like cutlery and chopsticks to efficiently eat food. Efficiency here refers to getting something done with the least amount of waste. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not accurately capture the concept of efficiency discussed in the passage.
3. What conclusion can be drawn from the passage on the Amazon Rainforest?
- A. The Amazon Rainforest is shrinking at a rapid pace.
- B. The Amazon Rainforest is not affected by human activity.
- C. The Amazon Rainforest will survive indefinitely.
- D. The Amazon Rainforest has no significant impact on global warming.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct conclusion that can be drawn from the passage on the Amazon Rainforest is that it is shrinking at a rapid pace. The passage explicitly mentions the rapid deforestation and shrinking of the Amazon Rainforest due to human activities like logging and burning. This conclusion is supported by the alarming statistics provided, such as 9,169 square miles of forest being cut down in Brazil in 2003, and an area of rainforest the size of a football field being burned down every minute. This rapid destruction poses a significant threat to the survival of the Amazon Rainforest and its biodiversity. Choice B is incorrect as the passage clearly states that human activities are causing harm to the rainforest. Choice C is incorrect because the passage highlights the current dangers and threats faced by the Amazon Rainforest, indicating that its survival is at risk. Choice D is also incorrect as the passage clearly explains the significant impact of deforestation in the Amazon Rainforest on global warming due to the release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.
4. Which statement from the selection presents a fact rather than an opinion?
- A. One of the worst voice qualities is harshness
- B. Harsh voice qualities usually come from too much tension in the throat and jaw
- C. Your voice will sound unpleasant if it is shrill, grating, hard, piercing, brassy, too loud, or too nasal
- D. Because tension occurs in higher pitched voices, women tend to have shriller voices than men, which usually makes them less desirable public speakers, newscasters, or political candidates
Correct answer: B
Rationale: Statement B, 'Harsh voice qualities usually come from too much tension in the throat and jaw,' presents a fact rather than an opinion. This statement provides a clear and objective observation about the potential cause of harsh voice qualities, based on physical tension in specific areas of the body, which can be objectively measured and identified. Choice A is an opinion as it states 'One of the worst voice qualities is harshness' without providing a verifiable basis. Choice C lists subjective descriptors of an unpleasant voice without stating a definite cause. Choice D introduces a gender-based assertion about voice quality, making it an opinion rather than a factual observation.
5. 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.
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