what was the authors primary purpose for writing this essay

HESI A2

Reading Comprehension HESI A2

1. What was the author's primary purpose for writing this essay?

A. To inform the reader about the stages of the water cycle
B. To explain how rain is formed
C. To persuade readers to preserve water
D. To inform the reader about water's importance in life

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The author's primary purpose for writing this essay is to inform the readers about the stages of the water cycle. The essay explains how water moves through the cycle, including processes like precipitation, runoff, evaporation, and condensation. Choice A is correct because the focus is on educating readers about the water cycle, not just explaining how rain is formed (Choice B), persuading readers to preserve water (Choice C), or discussing water's importance in life (Choice D). The detailed explanation of the water cycle provided in the extract supports the correct answer.

2. Which might be a good title for the passage about Barefoot Running?

A. Everyone Should Run Barefoot.
B. How to Prevent Running Injuries.
C. Modern Road Surfaces Versus Barefoot Running.
D. The Debate over Barefoot Running.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The title 'The Debate over Barefoot Running' captures the main discussion in the passage.

3. What is the purpose of white elephants in the tradition mentioned in the passage?

A. White elephants are symbols of wealth and power.
B. White elephants represent unwanted and burdensome gifts.
C. White elephants are used in religious ceremonies.
D. White elephants are mythological creatures with no real use.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In the tradition mentioned in the passage, white elephants were given as punishment gifts by rulers to those who displeased them. These white elephants were considered burdensome because they were sacred and could not be made to work like other elephants. The recipients had to bear the high maintenance costs and care for the white elephants in a lavish style, leading to financial burdens and sometimes impoverishment. This tradition originated the term 'white elephant' to denote unwanted gifts. Therefore, the correct answer is B. Choice A is incorrect because white elephants were not symbols of wealth and power in this context; they were burdensome gifts. Choice C is incorrect as there is no mention of white elephants being used in religious ceremonies in the passage. Choice D is incorrect as white elephants in the tradition were real elephants, not mythological creatures with no practical use.

4. What statement from the article is correct?

A. Chopsticks were developed in Europe.
B. China developed chopsticks for eating utensils.
C. Eating with forks is difficult.
D. Space travel eliminated the need for utensils.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. The passage clearly states that China developed chopsticks as an efficient tool for eating, making choice B the correct statement. Choice A is incorrect as chopsticks were not developed in Europe but in China. Choice C is not supported by the passage as it does not discuss the difficulty of eating with forks. Choice D is also incorrect as space travel introduced new challenges but did not eliminate the need for utensils.

5. The author describes cosmetics in each of the following cultures EXCEPT ___________.

A. Greek
B. Egyptian
C. Roman
D. Native American

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The author provides descriptions of cosmetic practices in Greek, Egyptian, and Roman cultures but does not mention Native American practices regarding cosmetics. This absence of information about Native American culture leads to the conclusion that option D is correct since it reflects a lack of discussion on that specific culture.