Reading Comprehension Practice Test HESI A2

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Environmental toxins may have dire health effects over time. This is because the passage likely discusses how exposure to toxins in the environment can negatively impact health. Other choices are incorrect: B focuses on a specific toxin (lead) rather than toxins in general; C mentions a specific location where toxins accumulate rather than the overall impact on health; and D introduces unrelated information about a university rather than the main idea of the passage.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because the passage mentions a link between insufficient sleep and increased risk for obesity. Lack of sleep can disrupt hormones related to appetite regulation, leading to overeating and weight gain. Other choices are incorrect: A is not explicitly stated in the passage, C is contradicted as human growth hormone is mentioned for muscle repair, and D is incorrect as leptin is related to appetite regulation, not muscle building.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: To inform. The author's primary purpose is to provide factual information about High Fructose Corn Syrup. The essay presents data, research findings, and explanations to educate the readers about the topic. The author does not try to convince the audience to take a particular stance (persuade), entertain them with humor or storytelling (entertain), or critically examine the topic in-depth (analyze). Therefore, the correct answer is to inform, as the main goal is to educate and provide knowledge about High Fructose Corn Syrup.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A because it states a subjective belief rather than a factual statement. Barefoot running being natural and advantageous is an opinion as it can vary from person to person based on their experiences and preferences. The other choices (B, C, D) are all factual statements that can be objectively proven or measured. Choice B discusses the increasing cost of running shoes, choice C compares the hardness of concrete sidewalks and dirt paths, and choice D describes the biomechanics of the foot. Hence, the correct answer is A due to its subjective nature compared to the other choices.

Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because the passage highlights the main idea that sickle-cell anemia is a painful, inherited disease. The passage emphasizes the pain associated with the condition and its genetic inheritance. Bone pain is mentioned as a symptom, but it is not the main idea. While sickle-cell anemia does affect oxygen transport in the body, the primary focus of the passage is on the pain and inheritance aspects. Genetic inheritance is mentioned, but the emphasis is on the pain and hereditary nature of the disease. Thus, choice D best summarizes the main idea of the passage.