HESI A2
HESI A2 Version 1 Reading Comprehension Questions
Extract:
Eating
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 1 of 5
What statement can be implied from the content of the article?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A, 'Diversity is interesting to learn about.' The passage discusses how different cultures have developed various tools for eating, such as cutlery in European cultures and chopsticks in China. It highlights the differences in eating practices and how space travel has introduced new challenges for consuming food. The passage's focus on cultural diversity and unique eating tools makes it clear that the implication is about the interest in learning about diverse eating practices, making choice A the most suitable answer.
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 2 of 5
What is the definition of 'habitat' as used in the last paragraph?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: In the context of the passage, 'habitat' refers to the natural environment where various species live and thrive. This aligns with the explanation in the last paragraph regarding the loss of habitat due to deforestation, which threatens the survival of many creatures. The other options do not accurately reflect the meaning of 'habitat.'
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 3 of 5
What seems to be the author's motive for writing the paragraph?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The passage emphasizes how the circus 'calls to the child in each one of us' and describes awe-inspiring performances like 'thundering elephants' and 'glittering sequins.' These vivid descriptions aim to evoke a sense of wonder, reminding readers of the magic and excitement associated with childhood. Thus, the author's motive is to rekindle this childlike awe, rather than providing historical facts, scolding the reader, or promoting attendance at a circus.
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
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 5 of 5
What is the main reason that athletes want to participate in the Olympics?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The passage emphasizes that athletes from different countries participate in the Olympics, and the audience "roots for the athletes from their own country." It highlights the honor and pride associated with representing one's country on a global stage. Thus, the main motivation for athletes is their patriotic pride, making answer A the correct one. The passage does not mention financial rewards, scholarships, or travel as primary motivations.