HESI A2
HESI A2 Version 1 Reading Comprehension Questions
Extract:
Exams
Subjective exams measure your ability in several areas. Besides recall information, you must be able to organize content logically and intelligently express yourself in a clearly understood manner. Subjective tests provide a greater opportunity for students to show their broad knowledge of a subject area. Answers may be in the form of paragraphs or lengthy essays.
When you review for an essay exam, concentrate on main ideas rather than details. Since essay tests are limited to a few questions, they are likely to deal with more important ideas of a subject. Prepare a list of questions that you think might be asked. Write an answer to each of your questions. Rather than writing complete sentences, jot down your thoughts in outline form. Doing so will help you organize the information so that you can express yourself clearly.
When you take the test, read through all the questions before you start to write. Allot time for each question, allowing more time for questions worth the most points. Read each question carefully to determine exactly what is being asked. Pay attention to words such as define, illustrate, explain, list, compare, and contrast. Each word requires a different type of response.
Question 1 of 5
In answering subjective questions, the student should
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: When answering subjective questions, it is advised to keep responses brief and specific, as indicated in the passage. While subjective exams allow for detailed answers, focusing on main ideas and organizing thoughts clearly is crucial. This approach suggests that students should provide concise and to-the-point responses while still ensuring they cover the topic adequately. Therefore, option A aligns best with the recommended strategy for answering subjective questions.
Extract:
"Phobias — 'Don’t be afraid.' Sounds simple, but for some people it's not. Having the normal
reaction of being scared or frightened helps you to survive threats of all kinds, both physical
and verbal. Most mild fears are outgrown during childhood; however, severe fears, called
phobias, are extreme and unreasonable. Phobias cause out-of-control feelings such as
sickness, headaches, ulcers, and high blood pressure. Specific phobias center around things,
activities, or situations while people with social phobias feel anxiety over social settings
where they fear embarrassing situations. Another type of phobia called panic disorder causes
people to sweat, tremble, or even faint due to overwhelming panic which may occur at any
time. By talking, breathing deeply, and visualizing, a person can gain control over
debilitating phobias
Question 2 of 5
The passage says that having fears is normal and good. According to the passage, why is having a phobia not normal and good? Because phobias
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The passage differentiates between normal fears, which can be helpful for survival, and phobias, which are described as extreme and unreasonable. Phobias can lead to debilitating feelings and physical symptoms, indicating that they disrupt normal functioning and well-being. Therefore, the correct answer is D, as it highlights that phobias are extreme and unreasonable, making them not normal or good.
Extract:
Have you ever found yourself staring at the ceiling at 2:00 a.m.? Have you kicked the blankets off to the floor from tossing and turning? Many longtime suffers of Insomnia know these situations all too well. As many as 17% of Americans find the restful break of sleep hard to achieve.
Lack of sleep affects intellectual abilities at work or school by causing a deficit in memory, attention, and concentration which in turn creates a feeling of irritation or depression. Chronic insomnia can result from a medical illness, a psychiatric condition, or from sleep apnea, a condition where an individual actually stops breathing during sleep. Sleep hygiene, developing good sleep habits, and non- pharmacological therapies such as herbs and spices are some solutions to Insomnia.
Question 3 of 5
When the author wrote this passage, what was his/her intent?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The passage is factual and aims to inform readers about insomnia, its effects, and possible solutions. The tone is educational rather than satirical, and the intent seems to be to explain the condition and propose non-pharmacological remedies. By discussing the impact of insomnia on intellectual abilities and suggesting solutions like sleep hygiene and non-pharmacological therapies, the author's main goal is to provide information and potential strategies for managing insomnia.
Extract:
Centuries ago, in the country of Siam, now known as Thailand, it was the custom of the rulers
that displeased them by giving the offender a white elephant. Because the animal was could not
be made to work as other elephants did, but still had to be fed hundreds of pounds of fruit and cared for in the most lavish style. The recipient could not give the elephant to anyone else, as it was the ruler, who would be greatly displeased should the recipient not receive the gift graciously or care for in a grand style. This monetary burden could be a major liability to the
recipient and in many cases they became impoverished.
This is the origin of the term "white elephant" as it is used today to denote an unwanted gift. The way of gift exchange played during the holiday season is an offshoot of this. In this game, everyone brings, and the gifts are exchanged by drawing numbers and picking a gift in turn. The
second person can choose or steal the first one. It is all in good fun, and people enjoy giving silly
gifts and "stealing" someone else.
Question 4 of 5
What is implied by the article?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'People enjoy giving and receiving gifts.' The passage discusses the custom of giving unwanted white elephants as gifts in ancient Siam, leading to financial burdens for the recipients. It then transitions to how the term 'white elephant' is used today to denote an unwanted gift and mentions a gift exchange game played during the holiday season. The passage emphasizes the enjoyment people have in giving and receiving gifts, as seen in the holiday gift exchange game described, rather than focusing on disliking parlor games or the ease of taking care of elephants.
Extract:
Facts about the One Dollar Bill
As Americans, we should all know some statistics about our currency.
The one dollar bill is a fascinating document with a varied historical beginning. Consisting of a cotton and linen blend with minute
red and blue silk fibers woven through it, the one dollar bill debuted in 1957. Due to the fact that the bill is constructed of material,
laundering it does not cause any permanent harm. A special blend of ink created from a secret formula is used to write on the dollar bill,
which acts as a deterrent to counterfeiters.
By sharing these important facts with others, a common understanding and appreciation of the one dollar bill is established.
Question 5 of 5
By writing this passage, the author intended to
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The passage presents intriguing details such as the material composition, its historical debut in 1957, and the unique ink used, which suggests the author's intent to share interesting and lesser-known information. The focus is on providing facts about the one dollar bill rather than aiming to teach everything about it, entertain with a story, or defend its use.