which statement could be inferred from the passage

HESI A2

HESI A2 Reading Comprehension

1. Which statement could be inferred from the passage?

A. The Georgia lab had conducted a previous study on the connection between exercise and energy.
B. Exercise regimes are not recommended for patients with serious health problems.
C. An increase in energy levels does not always correspond directly to a reduction in fatigue.
D. There were fewer than 10 participants in each group in the Georgia study.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. The passage mentions a previous study by the same team on the connection between exercise and energy, indicating that the lab had conducted such research before. Choice B is incorrect because the passage actually states that low-impact exercise can help reduce fatigue in patients with serious health conditions. Choice C is incorrect as the passage indicates that an increase in energy levels does correspond to a reduction in fatigue. Choice D is incorrect as the passage does not provide information on the exact number of participants in each group.

2. What does the word 'suit' mean in the passage about Bridge?

A. A set of clothing to be worn together.
B. Any of the four sets into which a deck of cards is divided.
C. To request or appeal persistently.
D. To be convenient or right for.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Any of the four sets into which a deck of cards is divided.' In the context of card games like Bridge, 'suit' refers to one of the four divisions of a deck of cards - spades, hearts, diamonds, or clubs. Each suit contains cards of different ranks, and during the game, players must follow suit if possible, meaning they must play a card of the same suit that was led. This is crucial for understanding card hierarchy and gameplay in Bridge. Choice A is incorrect because it defines 'suit' in terms of clothing, which is not relevant to the context of the passage. Choice C is incorrect as it defines 'suit' as a verb meaning to request persistently, which is unrelated to the card game. Choice D is also incorrect as it defines 'suit' as an adjective meaning to be convenient or right for, which is not the meaning intended in the passage about Bridge.

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 is the author’s attitude toward the use of cosmetics?

A. Sympathetic
B. Mocking
C. Tolerant
D. Disapproving

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The author’s tone is disapproving, as evidenced by the focus on the negative consequences of using cosmetics with harmful ingredients. The passage discusses historical and contemporary health issues related to beauty practices, indicating a critical stance on the use of cosmetics that compromise health, which supports option D.

5. What does the passage on Bridge imply about playing the game?

A. Playing bridge requires concentration.
B. Bridge is only for older people.
C. Bridge is extremely easy to learn.
D. Bridge is too hard for beginners to learn.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The passage implies that playing bridge requires concentration, focus, and mental effort. It mentions that Bridge can be complicated for beginners but with time, effort, and a good teacher, even novices can become proficient. The description of the game's components, such as bidding and playing, highlights the need for the player's undivided attention. The passage doesn't suggest that Bridge is exclusively for older people (B), extremely easy to learn (C), or too hard for beginners to learn (D).