HESI A2
HESI A2 Version 1 Reading Comprehension Questions
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 1 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.
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
According to the article, which statement is true?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The article mentions that the Amazon River is the second longest river in the world after the Nile. Therefore, the correct statement according to the article is D, that the Nile is the longest river in the world. The other options are either incorrect or not discussed in the passage. This question tests the understanding of the information provided in the passage about the Amazon River and its ranking in terms of length compared to the Nile.
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 3 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:
The most important factor in any highway safety program is the responsible citizen-driver: YOU. Since you are a consumer, drive a car, vote, and pay taxes, you are a power to be considered. Your voice can Influence legislation at the federal, state, and local government levels. You can insist on better roads and safer cars by being a consumer advocate.
Your attitude about driving affects your making safe driving decisions while on the road. Your immediate concern, however, should be to drive safely in a property Inspected car, wear a safety belt, and never mix liquor with driving.
Question 4 of 5
What is stated in this paragraph?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The paragraph emphasizes that the responsible citizen-driver plays a crucial role in highway safety. It highlights that individual driving behavior, such as driving safely in a property inspected car, wearing safety belts, and not driving under the influence of alcohol, is key to automobile safety. While the paragraph mentions the importance of roads, cars, and government influence, it ultimately stresses the significance of the driver's behavior in ensuring safety on the road.
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
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.'