which statement would not be inferred by the reader in the passage about barefoot running

HESI A2

Reading Comprehension Practice Test HESI A2

1. Which statement would not be inferred by the reader in the passage about Barefoot Running?

A. Runners who take their shoes off may face some hazards.
B. Modern running shoes may increase the odds for injury.
C. Walking barefoot is good for the muscles and tendons.
D. Before 1950, even Olympic runners ran barefoot.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The passage does not imply that Olympic runners specifically ran barefoot before 1950. While it discusses historical context regarding running shoes, the claim about Olympic runners is not substantiated within the text, making D the correct answer. It represents an inference that cannot be drawn from the provided information.

2. What does the passage about the Water Cycle explain?

A. The water cycle consists of precipitation, evaporation, and condensation.
B. The water cycle is a continuous process of recycling water on Earth.
C. Rain is the most important part of the water cycle.
D. Evaporation is the final step in the water cycle.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'The water cycle consists of precipitation, evaporation, and condensation.' The passage explains the stages of the water cycle, starting with precipitation (rain, snow, sleet, or hail) falling to the ground, followed by runoff, evaporation transforming liquid water into water vapor, and finally condensation turning water vapor back into liquid. Choice B is incorrect because it is too broad and doesn't specifically address the stages of the water cycle. Choice C is incorrect as rain is just one part of the water cycle and not the most important. Choice D is incorrect as evaporation is not the final step but one of the stages of the water cycle.

3. What is the author's main argument in the passage on the Electoral College?

A. The Electoral College ensures that all states have a say in elections.
B. The Electoral College is outdated and needs reform.
C. The Electoral College should be abolished.
D. The Electoral College was created to favor larger states.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'The Electoral College is outdated and needs reform.' The passage discusses the Electoral College system, highlighting its complexities and the discrepancy between the popular vote and electoral vote outcomes. It mentions the confusion and the case of the 2000 election where the popular vote winner did not become president. The main argument is that the system is outdated and requires reforms to align with modern democratic principles. Choice A is incorrect as the passage does not focus on ensuring all states have a say but rather on the need for reform. Choice C is not the main argument presented in the passage; while the passage mentions confusion, it does not explicitly call for abolition. Choice D is incorrect as the passage does not state that the Electoral College was created to favor larger states; instead, it discusses the allocation of electoral votes based on Congressional representation and population.

4. What is the meaning of the word consensus as it is used in the last paragraph about Barefoot Running?

A. Investigation.
B. Purpose.
C. Trepidation.
D. Unanimity.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: "Consensus" refers to a general agreement or unanimity among individuals, particularly regarding the safety and effectiveness of barefoot running. The passage discusses differing opinions on this subject, indicating that there is not a unanimous agreement. Thus, choice D accurately captures the meaning of "consensus" within the context of the discussion.

5. 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.