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
Knowing that the cooling of water vapor results in condensation, one could conclude that ______ is a factor in the evaporation process.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: Heat. The process of evaporation involves the conversion of liquid water into water vapor, which requires heat energy to break the bonds between water molecules. When water vapor cools, it condenses back into liquid form. Therefore, the presence of heat is a crucial factor in the evaporation process, as it provides the energy needed for water molecules to escape into the air as vapor.
Extract:
The Summer Olympic Games. Once every four years the countries of the world send their best and brightest to participate in the Summer Olympic Games. The site for the event is decided years before, and most countries contend strongly for the privilege to host the Games. The 2008 games were held in Bejing, China.
There is a lot of pageantry and tradition attached to the event. The opening ceremony is elaborate and awe-inspiring. China put on a spectacularly beautiful fireworks display to welcome the world's athletes in 2008.
The track events, water events (swimming, diving) and precision activities such as archery and rhythmic gymnastics are wonderful to watch. Seeing these athletes perform their special skills is a treat for those of us who achieve a vicarious satisfaction from it. Everyone roots for the athletes from their own country and we thrill when our anther is played during the medal ceremony. Being an Olympian is an honor every athlete dreams of.
Question 2 of 5
How often are the Summer Olympic Games held?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The Summer Olympic Games are held 'once every four years,' as stated in the text. This timeframe allows countries to send their best athletes to participate. The correct answer is B, 'Every four years,' making it a significant and eagerly anticipated global event. The four-year interval also allows for ample time for countries to prepare, build excitement, and showcase their best talents on a world stage.
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
How does insomnia affect intellectual abilities?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Insomnia affects intellectual abilities by causing a deficit in memory, attention, and concentration. Lack of sleep leads to cognitive impairments that can result in difficulties with memory recall, reduced attention span, and decreased ability to concentrate on tasks. These cognitive deficits can contribute to feelings of irritability and even depression. It is important to address insomnia through proper sleep hygiene practices and non-pharmacological therapies to improve overall cognitive function and well-being.
Extract:
Let's Go to the Circus
Everyone loves a circus! The bright lights, fanciful costumes, and fierce wild animals delight and entertain folks of all ages. The circus calls to the child in each one of us. Ernest Hemingway wrote that it "is the only ageless delight that you can buy for money..."
"Circus" is a magic word inspiring all sorts of exciting, colorful images. It's a theater of mind-boggling feats, elephants thundering around the rings, horses dancing, clowns cavorting and the sequins glittering under the lights.
There are historical references to animal displays and athletic competitions from the earliest days of civilization. The Romans were famous for their extravaganzas in the Coliseum. The shows we see today cannot compare to those great spectacles, but all who go to a circus enjoy the experience. It allows us all to be a child again and watch in awe as the athletes perform on the high wire or control the savage beasts in the center ring.
Question 4 of 5
What sentiment does the author convey about the circus?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The author expresses a positive sentiment toward the circus, emphasizing its enchanting qualities and ability to captivate individuals of all ages. The text conveys a sense of admiration for the circus experience, as seen in phrases like 'Everyone loves a circus!' and 'It allows us all to be a child again.' These lines indicate the author's fondness for the circus and encourage others to partake in its enjoyable offerings.
Extract:
Consumption of food is a universal necessity. Different cultures have developed different methods to accomplish the task. It is interesting to discover these differences and learn new ways
to do things.
European cultures developed cutlery (knives, forks, and spoons) to enable people to efficiently
eat their food. Correct use of this toolā€™s changes with the times-what was polite in 1800 may not
be considered proper manners today.
China developed the chopstick as an efficient tool for eating. Mastery of the use of chopsticks can be difficult for the person not raised in the culture. The attempts of a novice to use
chopsticks can be very amusing to the watcher, but frustrating for the hungry diner. Space travel has created new challenges for consuming food. Squeeze bottles and other unique
packaging have enabled space travelers to get their needed nutrition. Chopsticks and forks do not work well in space.
Question 5 of 5
What is the best definition of efficient as used in the third paragraph?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The term 'efficient' in the context of the third paragraph refers to being 'productive without waste.' When something is efficient, it means it is able to achieve maximum productivity with minimal resources or effort. In this case, the chopstick is described as an efficient tool for eating, implying that it allows individuals to consume food effectively without unnecessary wastage. Hence, option A, 'Productive without waste,' best defines the term 'efficient' in this context.