HESI A2
HESI A2 Reading Comprehension Practice Test
1. Why was the roadway of the Golden Gate Bridge so dangerous to build?
- A. It was located above a fast-moving river.
- B. It had to be perfectly balanced to avoid collapse.
- C. The materials used were very unstable.
- D. It was built during bad weather.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B. The passage describes how the road had to be balanced during construction to avoid collapse into the bay. Choice A is incorrect as the Golden Gate Bridge crosses a strait, not a river. Choice C is incorrect as there is no mention of unstable materials. Choice D is incorrect as bad weather is not highlighted as a specific reason for the danger in building the roadway.
2. Why was receiving a white elephant considered a burden in ancient Siam?
- A. People tried to avoid receiving it, as it was a burden.
- B. It was a symbol of honor and wealth.
- C. It was used in ceremonial processes.
- D. The people greatly desired a white elephant as a gift.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: Receiving a white elephant in ancient Siam was considered a burden because the animal, being sacred, couldn't be used for work like other elephants. The recipient had to bear the cost of feeding the elephant large amounts of fruit and maintaining it in a lavish manner. The ruler's displeasure if the gift was not accepted graciously added to the pressure. This financial strain often led recipients to financial ruin. Therefore, people tried to avoid receiving a white elephant to prevent these financial consequences. Choice B is incorrect because the white elephant was not considered a symbol of honor and wealth but rather a burden. Choice C is incorrect as the white elephant was not primarily used in ceremonial processes but was a gift that came with financial responsibilities. Choice D is incorrect as the passage does not mention that people greatly desired a white elephant as a gift, but rather the opposite.
3. 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.
4. What is a major difference in the way baroreceptors and chemoreceptors work from the way the kidneys work?
- A. Baroreceptors and chemoreceptors send impulses from the arteries, while the kidneys control blood volume.
- B. Baroreceptors and chemoreceptors both work to help maintain blood volume, whereas the kidneys take care of salts, water, and waste removal.
- C. Baroreceptors and chemoreceptors must work together to control blood pressure, whereas the kidneys work with the adrenal cortex.
- D. Baroreceptors and chemoreceptors are both located near the adrenal cortex, whereas the kidneys are located near the heart.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. Baroreceptors and chemoreceptors send impulses from the arteries, while the kidneys control blood volume. Baroreceptors and chemoreceptors are responsible for monitoring blood pressure by sensing changes in pressure, oxygen levels, carbon dioxide levels, and pH within the arteries. They send out impulses to raise or lower blood pressure accordingly. On the other hand, the kidneys play a crucial role in regulating blood volume by absorbing salts and water and removing waste products. This key difference highlights that while baroreceptors and chemoreceptors are involved in monitoring and regulating blood pressure, the kidneys primarily focus on controlling blood volume. Choice B is incorrect because it inaccurately states that baroreceptors and chemoreceptors help maintain blood volume, which is not their primary function. Choice C is incorrect as it provides an inaccurate comparison between the roles of baroreceptors, chemoreceptors, and the kidneys. Choice D is incorrect as it wrongly associates the location of baroreceptors and chemoreceptors with the adrenal cortex, which is not accurate.
5. 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.
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