which statement could be inferred by the reader from the last paragraph of the passage

HESI A2

Reading Comprehension HESI A2 Practice Test

1. Which statement could be inferred by the reader from the last paragraph of the passage?

A. Procedures that Lifewings Partners recommends are always effective.
B. Medical mistakes can happen at even the best hospitals.
C. City hospitals know more than others about cutting-edge medicine.
D. Medical mistakes will one day be completely eradicated.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The inference that medical mistakes can happen even at reputable hospitals is suggested by the warning from Steve Harden about the risks involved. The passage acknowledges that even well-regarded facilities are not immune to errors, thereby supporting option B as a logical conclusion drawn from the text.

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. What is stated in this paragraph?

A. Some men have harsh voices
B. Relaxed people often have harsh voices
C. Not everyone finds a harsh voice irritating
D. Harsh voice qualities usually come from too much tension in the throat and jaw

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. The paragraph explains that harsh voice qualities usually result from too much tension in the throat and jaw. It further discusses how tension tightens muscles, leading to unpleasant voice tones. While the paragraph addresses the issue of harsh voices, it does not mention that only some men have harsh voices (choice A) or that relaxed people often exhibit this quality (choice B). Additionally, the paragraph does not touch upon whether everyone finds harsh voices irritating (choice C), only stating that not everyone may be bothered by it.

4. 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.

5. What is implied by the article?

A. Siam was renamed Thailand in the past
B. The author dislikes parlor games
C. Elephants are difficult to take care of and train
D. White elephants were considered sacred and a burden to their recipients

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. The article explicitly states that centuries ago, Siam, now known as Thailand, had the custom of giving white elephants as punishment. This implies that Siam was renamed Thailand in the past. The other choices (B, C, D) are not supported by the content of the article. Choice B is incorrect as the author does not express any dislike for parlor games. Choice C is incorrect as the article does not mention that elephants are easy or difficult to take care of and train. Choice D is incorrect as the article describes white elephants as sacred and a burden to their recipients, not as hard workers in the cane fields.