HESI A2 Reading Exams — HESI A2 Reading Comprehension
1. What is the primary function of the water cycle?
Answer: C
The primary function of the water cycle is to support life and maintain climate.
The water cycle plays a crucial role in sustaining all forms of life and regulating the Earth's climate through the continuous movement and transformation of water.
A) To generate energy
While energy generation can be associated with processes like hydroelectric power, the water cycle itself does not primarily function to generate energy. Instead, it focuses on the movement and distribution of water.
B) To transport nutrients
Although the water cycle does assist in nutrient transport as water moves through the environment, this is not its primary function. The main role of the water cycle is broader, encompassing the support of life and climate regulation.
C) To support life and maintain climate
This option accurately captures the essence of the water cycle's primary function. The cycle is essential for providing water that sustains ecosystems and influences climate patterns, making it vital for life on Earth.
D) To produce oxygen
The water cycle does not produce oxygen directly. While water is essential for photosynthesis, which generates oxygen, the cycle's main role is in water distribution and regulation rather than oxygen production.
Conclusion
The water cycle's primary function is to support life and maintain climate, as it is responsible for the distribution of water essential for various biological and climatic processes. Other options, while related to aspects of the water cycle, do not encompass its primary role as thoroughly as option C. Thus, option C stands out as the most accurate representation of the water cycle's critical functions.
2. What is the derivation of the word 'Jazz'?
Answer: B
The word 'Jazz' is derived from West coast slang.
The term 'Jazz' originated as slang on the West coast, reflecting the cultural and musical influences of that region during the evolution of the genre.
A) East coast slang
This option is incorrect because the derivation of the word 'Jazz' does not trace back to East coast slang. The historical context indicates that the term gained prominence in areas more associated with West coast culture and music.
B) West coast slang
This option is correct as it accurately identifies the derivation of the word 'Jazz'. The term emerged within the context of West coast slang, highlighting the regional influence on the development of jazz music during its formative years.
C) Southern dialect
While Southern dialects contributed to the development of jazz music, they are not the origin of the term 'Jazz'. This option misattributes the word's derivation to a region less influential in coining the term compared to the West coast.
D) Northern jargon
This option is also incorrect as 'Jazz' did not derive from Northern jargon. The term's roots are more closely associated with the cultural expressions found primarily on the West coast, making this option a misrepresentation of its etymology.
Conclusion
In summary, the correct answer is B) West coast slang, as it accurately reflects the origin of the word 'Jazz'. All other options fail to recognize the significant role that the West coast played in the cultural and musical landscape from which the term emerged.
3. According to the passage, which statement is false?
Answer: A
Puffy, cotton clouds are the result of a heating process.
The statement that puffy, cotton clouds are the result of a heating process is false. According to the passage, clouds are formed through the process of condensation, which occurs when water vapor cools and changes back into liquid droplets.
A) Puffy, cotton clouds are the result of a heating process.
This statement is incorrect because the passage explicitly states that clouds are formed by condensation, a cooling process, rather than a heating one. The formation of clouds involves the cooling of water vapor, leading to the creation of liquid droplets.
B) The compound for a single drop of water is H2O.
This statement is correct. The passage describes that a single drop of water is composed of one oxygen atom and two hydrogen atoms, which is the chemical formula H2O. This aligns perfectly with established scientific knowledge about water's molecular structure.
C) Lake water is produced as a result of the runoff.
This statement is accurate. The passage explains that runoff, which is water that is not absorbed after precipitation, flows across the land and collects in various bodies of water, including lakes. Therefore, this option correctly represents a process described in the passage.
D) Water is an essential element for living things.
This statement is true. The passage asserts that water is necessary to sustain practically all life functions on Earth, thus confirming its essential role for living organisms.
Conclusion
The statement regarding clouds being formed by a heating process is definitively incorrect, as the passage clarifies that condensation is the key process involved in cloud formation. In contrast, the other options correctly reflect the information and concepts presented in the passage, highlighting the critical role of water in natural processes and life on Earth.
4. Which statement is a fact rather than an opinion?
Answer: D
Over 600,000 square kilometers (232,000 square miles) of Amazon rainforest have been destroyed since 1970.
This statement is a fact that can be verified through data and research concerning deforestation in the Amazon River Basin.
A) Deforestation causes global warming.
This statement reflects an opinion rather than a universally accepted fact. While many scientists agree there is a correlation between deforestation and climate change, the direct causation of global warming solely from deforestation is debated and not an indisputable fact.
B) The rainforest is essential to life on Earth.
This statement is generally accepted as true but is phrased as an opinion because it reflects a belief about the importance of the rainforest rather than a specific, quantifiable fact. While the ecological role of the rainforest is critical, the statement lacks empirical evidence to be classified strictly as a fact.
C) South American countries must stop deforestation of the rainforest immediately.
This statement is an opinion expressing a moral or ethical imperative rather than a fact. It advocates for action but does not provide factual data or evidence to support the necessity of immediate action, thus making it subjective.
D) Over 600,000 square kilometers (232,000 square miles) of Amazon rainforest have been destroyed since 1970.
This statement is a fact supported by statistical data regarding the extent of deforestation in the Amazon rainforest. It provides specific figures that can be verified through research.
Conclusion
The correct answer, D, is definitively a factual statement that can be backed by empirical data regarding deforestation. In contrast, the other options represent opinions or beliefs that lack the same level of verifiable evidence, thus failing to qualify as objective facts.
5. According to the passage, what is the purpose of lightning rods?
Answer: B
Lightning rods protect buildings by drawing lightning away from them.
Lightning rods serve the essential purpose of protecting buildings by creating a low resistance path for lightning, allowing it to safely travel to the ground rather than entering the building.
A) Increase the frequency of lightning strikes
This option is incorrect because lightning rods do not increase the frequency of strikes. Instead, they are designed to safely channel lightning that does strike in the vicinity, thereby protecting structures.
B) Protect buildings by drawing lightning away from them
This option is correct as lightning rods effectively protect buildings by directing lightning safely into the ground. The passage emphasizes that they form a low resistance path, preventing lightning from entering and damaging the structure.
C) Attract lightning to specific locations
This statement is misleading. While lightning rods can provide a path for lightning when it occurs, they do not attract lightning. Their purpose is to offer a safe route for lightning to follow if it strikes nearby.
D) Store electrical energy from lightning strikes
This option is incorrect because lightning rods do not store electrical energy. They are meant to safely dissipate the energy of a lightning strike into the ground, not to capture or store it.
Conclusion
The correct answer is B, as lightning rods are specifically designed to protect buildings by directing lightning away from them. All other options misinterpret the function of lightning rods or describe purposes they do not serve, highlighting the importance of understanding their role in lightning safety.
6. As used in the last sentence of this paragraph, the term 'concomitant' most nearly means:
Answer: A
'Concomitant' most nearly means 'accompanying'
In the context of the extract, the term 'concomitant' refers to problems that occur alongside alcohol abuse, indicating that these issues are associated or accompanying the primary problem of alcohol consumption.
A) Accompanying
This option is correct because 'concomitant' directly refers to things that occur together or are associated with one another. In the extract, it describes problems that arise as a result of alcohol use, clearly indicating that these issues accompany alcohol abuse.
B) Quiet
This option is incorrect as 'quiet' implies a lack of activity or noise, which does not relate to the context of alcohol abuse and its associated problems. The term 'concomitant' has no connotation of silence or lack of presence.
C) Separate
This option is also incorrect because 'separate' suggests a lack of connection or association. In the extract, the problems mentioned are not independent of alcohol abuse but rather are linked as accompanying issues.
D) Unpredictable
This option is incorrect as 'unpredictable' denotes something that cannot be anticipated. The problems associated with alcohol abuse are well-documented and therefore can be seen as predictable rather than random or unforeseen.
Conclusion
The term 'concomitant' accurately describes issues that occur alongside alcohol abuse, making option A the clear choice. Other options fail to capture the essence of association implied in the term, highlighting that they do not fit the context provided in the extract.
7. Which homophones are mentioned as examples in the text?
Answer: A
The homophones mentioned as examples in the text are "to, two, too", "four, for, fore", "there, their, they're", and "son, sun".
The text provides specific examples of homophones that are commonly encountered by English speakers and learners. Among these, the listed group includes "to, two, too", "four, for, fore", "there, their, they're", and "son, sun", making this option the most comprehensive.
A) "to, two, too", "four, for, fore", "there, their, they're", "son, sun"
This option is correct as it accurately lists the homophones mentioned in the extract. The text explicitly provides these examples, demonstrating the challenges those learning English face with words that sound alike but have different meanings and spellings.
B) "one", "won"
While "one" and "won" are indeed homophones, this option is incorrect because it does not encompass the full range of examples provided in the text. The extract focuses on a broader set of homophones, which this option fails to include.
C) "vibrant", "changing", "dynamic"
This option is incorrect as it lists adjectives that describe the English language rather than homophones. These words are not related to the concept of homophones discussed in the extract and therefore do not fit the criteria of the question.
D) "numeral", "amount"
This option is also incorrect because "numeral" and "amount" are not homophones. Instead, they describe the meanings of the word "one" in the context of the extract, but they do not represent words that sound alike with different meanings.
Conclusion
Option A is definitively the correct answer as it includes all the homophones cited in the extract, demonstrating the complexity of English spelling and pronunciation. Other options either miss the mark by providing unrelated terms or only partial examples, failing to capture the essence of what homophones are.
8. Why was the roadway so dangerous to build?
Answer: D
The roadway was dangerous to build because if it wasn't balanced, it would collapse.
The construction of the roadway was particularly hazardous due to the necessity of maintaining balance to prevent the bridge from collapsing into the bay. This critical aspect of engineering made the task one of the most dangerous parts of the entire build.
A) There weren't enough materials available to build the road.
This option is incorrect as the extract does not mention any shortage of materials during the construction of the roadway. The focus is on the dangers associated with the construction process itself, not on material availability.
B) The workers might get hit by passing cars.
While the extract discusses dangers involved in building the bridge, it does not indicate that workers were at risk of being struck by vehicles. The primary concern highlighted is related to the balance and structural integrity of the bridge rather than vehicular traffic.
C) The men would fall to their deaths.
Although falling is a significant risk associated with high-altitude construction, this option does not capture the specific reason for the roadway's danger as stated in the extract. The focus is on the balance of the structure, which is a more pressing issue than the threat of falling alone.
D) If the road wasn't balanced, it would collapse.
This is the correct answer because the extract explicitly states that maintaining balance was crucial to ensure the bridge wouldn't fall into the bay. This concern about structural integrity underscores the dangers faced by the workers during the construction of the roadway.
Conclusion
The correct answer emphasizes the importance of balance in the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge's roadway, which was vital to prevent collapse. Other options either misinterpret the risks involved or are not supported by the provided context, making them incorrect. Thus, option D is the only choice that accurately reflects the specific dangers faced by the builders.
9. In context, the word 'defective' in the first sentence of the passage means which of the following?
Answer: D
'Defective' means faulty in the context of cystic fibrosis.
In the context of the passage, the word 'defective' refers to a gene that is not functioning correctly, leading to the production of thick and sticky mucus associated with cystic fibrosis. This clearly indicates that 'defective' aligns with the definition of 'faulty.'
A) Unusual
While 'unusual' could imply something that is not common, it does not convey the specific meaning of malfunction or failure associated with the term 'defective.' Thus, this option is incorrect as it does not capture the essence of a gene that is not working properly.
B) Remarkable
'Remarkable' generally describes something worthy of attention or extraordinary, which is the opposite of what 'defective' signifies. A defective gene would not be considered remarkable; therefore, this option is incorrect.
C) Remarkable
This option is a repetition of the previous choice and carries the same meaning. It inaccurately suggests something positive or extraordinary, which does not align with the negative implications of 'defective.' Hence, this option is also incorrect.
D) Faulty
'Faulty' accurately describes something that is flawed or not working as intended, which is precisely what a 'defective' gene does in the context of cystic fibrosis. This makes option D the correct choice, as it captures the necessary meaning within the passage.
Conclusion
Option D, 'faulty,' is the only choice that correctly aligns with the meaning of 'defective' as it pertains to the gene responsible for cystic fibrosis. All other options fail to convey the critical notion of malfunction or failure inherent in the term 'defective,' making them unsuitable in this context. Therefore, 'faulty' is the definitive answer.
10. Which statement is true about greenhouses?
Answer: A
Greenhouses create tropical conditions at nurseries.
Greenhouses are designed to create controlled environments that can mimic tropical conditions, facilitating the growth of various plants, especially those that thrive in warmer climates.
A) Greenhouses create tropical conditions at nurseries.
This statement is accurate as greenhouses utilize materials like glass or plastic to trap heat and maintain a warm environment, which is essential for the growth of many tropical and subtropical plants. This controlled climate allows nurseries to cultivate plants that may not survive in the local outdoor conditions.
B) Greenhouses are only used for growing rare plants.
This statement is incorrect because greenhouses are not limited to rare plants; they are widely used for a variety of plants, including common vegetables, flowers, and fruits. The primary purpose of a greenhouse is to provide an optimal growing environment rather than focus solely on rare species.
C) Greenhouses are a waste of resources and are never used in nurseries.
This statement is false as greenhouses are valuable tools in nurseries, allowing for year-round plant production and better management of growing conditions. They are widely recognized for their role in enhancing agricultural productivity and sustainability.
D) Greenhouses make all plants grow faster without any exceptions.
This statement is misleading because while greenhouses can enhance growth rates for many plants by providing ideal conditions, not all plants will necessarily grow faster in a greenhouse. Factors such as species requirements, nutrients, and water availability still play significant roles in plant growth.
Conclusion
The correct answer, that greenhouses create tropical conditions at nurseries, highlights their essential role in facilitating optimal plant growth. Other options either misrepresent the purpose of greenhouses or inaccurately limit their application, demonstrating a fundamental misunderstanding of their use in horticulture.