HESI A2
HESI A2 Version 1 Reading Comprehension Questions
Extract:
The Water Cycle Water is needed to sustain practically all life functions on planet Earth. A single drop of this compound is composed of an oxygen atom that shares its electrons with each of the two hydrogen atoms. The cycle starts when precipitation, such as rain, snow, sleet, or hail, descends from the sky onto the ground. Water that is not absorbed immediately from the precipitation is known as runoff. The runoff flows across the land and collects in groundwater reservoirs, rivers, streams, and oceans. Evaporation takes place when liquid water changes into water vapor, which is a gas. Water vapor returns to the air from surface water and plants. Ultimately, condensation happens when this water vapor cools and changes back into droplets of liquid. In fact, the puffy, cotton clouds that we observe are formed by condensation. When the clouds become heavily laden with liquid droplets, precipitation ensues.
Question 1 of 5
According to the passage, which statement is false?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Statement A is false because "putty, cotton clouds" is not a recognized scientific term or phenomenon related to heat transfer processes. The other statements are true according to the passage, where it discusses the composition of water, its essential role in life, and the process of runoff.
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
What does the author want the reader to know about phobias?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The passage emphasizes that phobias are severe and unreasonable fears that can lead to debilitating physical and emotional symptoms, such as sickness and high blood pressure. While the author also mentions that people can gain control over phobias, the primary focus of the passage is to highlight their debilitating nature. Therefore, the correct answer is B, as it accurately reflects the author's intent to inform readers about the debilitating effects of phobias.
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 3 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:
The Water Cycle
Water is needed to sustain practically all life functions on planet Earth. A single drop of this compound is composed of an oxygen atom that shares its electrons with each of the two hydrogen atoms.
The cycle starts when precipitation, such as rain, snow, sleet, or hail, descends from the sky onto the ground. Water that is not absorbed immediately from the precipitation is known as runoff. The runoff flows across the land and collects in groundwater reservoirs, rivers, streams, and oceans.
Evaporation takes place when liquid water changes into water vapor, which is a gas. Water vapor returns to the air from surface water and plants.
Ultimately, condensation happens when this water vapor cools and changes back into droplets of liquid. In fact, the puffy, cotton clouds that we observe are formed by condensation. When the clouds become heavily laden with liquid droplets, precipitation ensues.
Question 4 of 5
Which literary genre best describes this passage?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The passage describes the water cycle in a factual and informative manner, making it an essay. It presents scientific concepts clearly without storytelling elements or fictional narratives, which distinguishes it from narrative nonfiction or realistic fiction. Additionally, the passage does not aim to persuade or motivate an audience, as would be characteristic of a speech.
Extract:
The Rainforest
The Amazon River Basin is home to the largest rainforest on Earth. The basin -- roughly the size of the forty-eight contiguous United States -- covers some 40% of the South American continent, and portions of eight countries. The basin is drained by the Amazon River, the world's largest river in terms of discharge, and the second longest river in the world after the Nile.
Since 1970, over 600,000 square kilometers (232,000 square miles) of Amazon rainforest have been destroyed. This deforestation is mainly due to land clearing for pastureland by commercial and speculative interests, misguided government policies, and commercial exploitation of forest resources.
Deforestation of the rainforest has long-term implications. The loss of habitat for many creatures ensures their extinction. The loss of vegetation depletes the oxygen in the atmosphere, which some say causes global warming.
Question 5 of 5
Which statement is a fact rather than an opinion?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Option D states a measurable fact: 'A vast amount of square mileage of Amazon rainforest has been destroyed since 1970,' supported by the specific figure provided in the passage (over 600,000 square kilometers or 232,000 square miles). The other options express opinions or interpretations about the consequences of deforestation rather than stating factual information. It is crucial for students to differentiate between facts, which are objective and verifiable, and opinions, which are subjective beliefs or interpretations.