HESI A2 Reading Exams — Reading Comprehension HESI A2 Practice Test
1. What word means the same as relinquishing as it is used in the last paragraph?
Answer: D
Surrendering means the same as relinquishing in this context.
Relinquishing refers to giving up or surrendering rights or control over something. In the context of the paragraph, Tesla gave up his royalty rights, which aligns closely with the meaning of surrendering.
A) Maintaining
Maintaining denotes keeping or preserving something in its current state. This option is incorrect as it implies the opposite of relinquishing, which involves giving up or letting go of rights rather than holding on to them.
B) Retaining
Retaining refers to keeping possession of something. This choice is also incorrect because it contradicts the meaning of relinquishing, which is about giving up rights rather than maintaining them.
C) Selling
Selling involves the exchange of something for money or value. While it may seem related to relinquishing ownership, it does not encompass the broader concept of giving up rights or control without a financial transaction, making it an inaccurate synonym in this context.
D) Surrendering
Surrendering means to give up possession or control over something, which is identical to the meaning of relinquishing as used in the passage. This option accurately reflects Tesla's decision to give up his royalty rights for funding.
Conclusion
The correct answer, surrendering, captures the essence of relinquishing as it relates to giving up rights. In contrast, the other options fail to convey this meaning accurately; they either imply retention or involve a different action altogether, making them unsuitable as synonyms.
Answer: A
While condensation happens when water vapor cools
Using "While" in the sentence indicates a contrast or a simultaneous occurrence, suggesting that condensation occurs concurrently with other processes in the water cycle.
A) While
"While" is the most appropriate transitional expression in this context, as it conveys that condensation occurs at the same time or as part of a process involving other elements of the water cycle. It effectively links the processes without implying a sequential relationship.
B) Furthermore
"Furthermore" suggests an addition or continuation of an idea, which does not fit the context. The sentence describes a specific occurrence in the water cycle rather than adding to a previous point.
C) Since
"Since" implies causation or a reason, which does not accurately reflect the relationship in the sentence. The cooling of water vapor leads to condensation, but using "since" would inaccurately suggest that condensation is solely a result of the cooling process without acknowledging its role in the cycle.
D) Moreover
"Moreover" also indicates an addition to a previous statement, which does not align with the intended meaning of the sentence. The focus is on the occurrence of condensation rather than introducing new information about the water cycle.
Conclusion
The use of "While" effectively captures the concurrent nature of condensation within the water cycle, making it the best choice. The other options fail to accurately represent the relationship of condensation to the processes described, either by suggesting causation or by implying an additive structure where none exists.
3. Based on the passage, which statement is supported?
Answer: D
There is no reported evidence of any link between coffee consumption and stroke.
The extract does not mention any relationship between coffee consumption and stroke, supporting the assertion that there is no reported evidence of such a link.
A) Recent studies indicate that coffee consumption increases the risk of liver cancer.
This option is incorrect as the extract specifically discusses a 2001 meta-study that indicated coffee was linked to urinary tract cancer, not liver cancer. There is no mention of liver cancer in the provided context.
B) There is some scientific evidence that drinking coffee reduces indigestion.
This statement is inaccurate based on the extract. The passage mentions that coffee consumption was blamed for a variety of ailments, including indigestion, indicating that it is not viewed as a remedy for this condition.
C) Published studies have found that drinking coffee may increase the risk of heart attack.
While this option references past concerns, it is not supported by the most recent studies mentioned in the extract. The statement is outdated, as the more recent meta-studies have shifted towards viewing coffee more positively.
D) There is no reported evidence of any link between coffee consumption and stroke.
This statement is correct, as the extract does not provide any information or studies linking coffee to stroke. It emphasizes the changing perspectives on coffee without mentioning stroke.
Conclusion
Option D is definitively correct because the extract explicitly states that there is no evidence linking coffee consumption to stroke. In contrast, Options A, B, and C either misrepresent the findings or refer to outdated concerns that the extract addresses. Hence, D is the only statement that aligns with the current understanding presented in the passage.
4. According to the passage, what did Fred Rogers believe in?
Answer: C
Fred Rogers believed in uniqueness.
Fred Rogers emphasized the idea that each person is unique and wonderful in their own way. His teachings encouraged acceptance of others without the need for change or improvement.
A) Uniformity
Uniformity implies that everyone should be the same or conform to a standard, which contradicts Mr. Rogers' belief in celebrating individual differences. His message was about recognizing and appreciating uniqueness, making this option incorrect.
B) Conformity
Conformity suggests adhering to societal norms and expectations, which directly opposes Mr. Rogers' philosophy. He advocated for acceptance of individuality rather than urging people to conform, thus rendering this option incorrect.
C) Uniqueness
Uniqueness is at the core of Fred Rogers' message, as he believed in the inherent value of each individual. His teachings focused on embracing personal differences and celebrating what makes each person special, making this the correct answer.
D) Obedience
Obedience relates to following rules or directives, which does not align with Mr. Rogers' focus on personal acceptance and individuality. He encouraged children to be themselves rather than simply obeying societal expectations, indicating that this option is incorrect.
Conclusion
Fred Rogers' belief in uniqueness is evident in his efforts to promote acceptance and kindness. All other options—uniformity, conformity, and obedience—fail to capture his core message of valuing individual differences and celebrating what makes each person special. This distinction is crucial in understanding the impact of his teachings.
5. Which statement is not listed as a detail in the passage?
Answer: B
Option B is not listed as a detail in the passage.
The statement that the oncoming sound waves have a higher pitch because of low frequency and closeness of waves is inaccurate and not mentioned in the extract. According to the passage, higher frequency is associated with higher pitch and closer sound waves, making Option B incorrect.
A) The oncoming sound waves have a higher pitch because of high frequency and closeness of waves.
This statement is consistent with the passage, which explains that as the train or ambulance approaches, the sound waves are pulled closer together, resulting in a higher frequency and subsequently a higher pitch. Therefore, this option is correct and aligns with the details provided.
B) The oncoming sound waves have a higher pitch because of low frequency and closeness of waves.
This statement is incorrect as it contradicts the information in the passage. The passage clearly states that higher pitch is associated with higher frequency, not low frequency, making this option the correct answer to the question.
C) The whistling sound of the locomotive as it approaches and passes can be explained by the Doppler effect.
This statement accurately reflects a detail in the passage discussing how the Doppler effect explains the changes in pitch of the locomotive's sound as it approaches and then moves away. Thus, this option is correct and in line with the extract.
D) The high-pitched sound of the ambulance as it approaches and passes can be explained by the Doppler effect.
This statement is also valid and corresponds with the details shared in the passage. It explains how the Doppler effect accounts for the perceived change in pitch of the ambulance's siren as it moves towards and then away from the listener. Therefore, this option is correct.
Conclusion
Option B is definitively not listed in the passage because it incorrectly states that a higher pitch results from low frequency, contradicting the scientific explanation provided. All other options (A, C, and D) accurately reflect details from the passage regarding the Doppler effect and the relationship between sound frequency and pitch. Thus, Option B is the only choice that fails to align with the information presented.
6. What is the purpose of lightning rods according to the passage?
Answer: B
Lightning rods protect buildings by drawing lightning away from them.
Lightning rods serve to protect buildings by providing a low resistance path for lightning to follow, thereby preventing the lightning from entering the structure and causing damage.
A) Attract lightning to specific locations
This option is incorrect because lightning rods do not attract lightning; rather, they provide a safe pathway for lightning to reach the ground. Their purpose is to minimize the risk of damage to buildings, not to lure lightning.
B) Protect buildings by drawing lightning away from them
This option is correct as it accurately describes the function of lightning rods. They are designed to divert lightning strikes safely into the ground, thus protecting the integrity of the building.
C) Increase the frequency of lightning strikes
This option is incorrect because lightning rods do not influence the frequency of lightning strikes. Their function is solely to protect structures from existing lightning strikes rather than to cause more strikes.
D) Store electrical energy from lightning strikes
This option is incorrect as lightning rods do not store electrical energy. Their role is to safely conduct lightning to the ground rather than to accumulate or store any energy generated from a strike.
Conclusion
The correct answer is B, as it succinctly captures the purpose of lightning rods in protecting buildings by safely directing lightning strikes away from them. All other options misinterpret the role of lightning rods, either by suggesting they attract lightning, increase strike frequency, or store energy which is not their intended function.
7. Not only the students but also the professor ___ stunned by the test results.
Answer: A
Not only the students but also the professor was stunned by the test results.
In this sentence, the correct verb form to use is "was," as it agrees with the singular subject "professor," which is the closer subject in the correlative structure.
A) was
This option is correct because the subject of the sentence is a compound subject where "the professor" is singular and closer to the verb. According to grammatical rules, when using "not only... but also," the verb should agree with the nearest subject, which in this case is "professor."
B) were
This option is incorrect because "were" is a plural verb form. Since the nearest subject "professor" is singular, the verb must also be singular to maintain grammatical agreement.
C) are
This option is also incorrect as "are" is present tense and plural. The sentence requires a past tense verb to match the context of being "stunned by the test results," which implies an action that has already occurred.
D) be
This option is incorrect because "be" is the base form of the verb and does not fit the past tense context of the sentence. Additionally, it does not agree with the singular subject "professor."
Conclusion
The correct answer "was" accurately reflects the proper subject-verb agreement in the sentence, as it corresponds with the singular noun "professor." All other options fail to adhere to this grammatical rule, making them unsuitable for the context provided.
8. What is the definition of 'brittle'?
Answer: B
Brittle is defined as easily broken.
The term 'brittle' refers to materials that are prone to breaking or shattering under stress rather than bending or deforming. In this context, it accurately captures the nature of glass, which, while hard, can break easily upon impact.
A) Flexible and resilient
This option is incorrect as it describes materials that can bend and absorb stress without breaking. Brittle materials, by definition, lack this ability and instead fracture easily when subjected to force.
B) Easily broken
This option is correct. 'Brittle' specifically characterizes materials that do not deform under stress but rather fracture when that stress exceeds a certain limit. Glass is a prime example of a brittle material, as it can shatter upon impact.
C) Hard and fragile
While this option contains elements of truth, as glass is hard, the term 'fragile' does not fully encapsulate the definition of 'brittle.' Fragility implies a tendency to break, but 'brittle' emphasizes the mechanism of breaking easily without deformation, making this option only partially correct.
D) Tough and sturdy
This option is incorrect because 'tough' and 'sturdy' refer to materials that can withstand stress without breaking, which is the opposite of what 'brittle' signifies. Brittle materials, such as glass, do not possess these qualities.
Conclusion
The correct definition of 'brittle' as 'easily broken' highlights the inherent characteristics of materials like glass. Other options either misrepresent the concept or fail to capture the essence of what makes a material brittle, reinforcing the importance of understanding material properties in various contexts.
9. Which statement is supported by the passage?
Answer: A
In the 2000s, studies showed negative health effects of coffee consumption.
The passage indicates that prior to the 2000s, there were various studies connecting coffee consumption with negative health effects, including a 2001 meta-study that linked coffee to a 20% increase in risk for urinary tract cancer. This context supports the assertion that studies during this period highlighted adverse health implications associated with coffee.
A) In the 2000s, studies showed negative health effects of coffee consumption.
This statement is supported by the passage, which mentions that a meta-study in 2001 indicated coffee's responsibility for an increased risk of urinary tract cancer. This aligns directly with the idea that negative health effects were documented in studies from that time.
B) In the 1600s, some believed that coffee caused erectile dysfunction.
While the passage does mention that some women in the 1600s complained about coffee causing impotence in their husbands, it does not indicate that this was a widely accepted belief or that it was scientifically supported. Therefore, this statement is not fully supported by the passage.
C) In the late 1900s, public opinion on coffee shifted from positive to negative.
The passage states that by the early 1900s, there was growing public concern regarding coffee, but it does not detail a specific shift in opinion during the late 1900s. Rather, it focuses on the concerns that emerged in the 1970s. As such, this statement does not accurately reflect the content of the passage.
D) In the 1800s, American colonists saw coffee as a healthy stimulant.
The passage discusses coffeehouses opening in colonial America in the late 1700s, where coffee was viewed positively as a stimulant. However, it makes no mention of the 1800s, thus making this statement incorrect regarding the specified timeframe.
Conclusion
The correct answer is supported by the historical context provided in the passage, which clearly outlines the negative health implications associated with coffee consumption during the 2000s. Other options either misinterpret the timeline or lack sufficient evidence from the text to support their claims, making them incorrect in relation to the passage.
10. In line 5, the word 'ancestry' is closest in meaning to
Answer: A
Origins
In line 5, the word 'ancestry' is closest in meaning to 'origins,' referring to one's family lineage or heritage. This is consistent with the context in which the ancestry of white citizens is discussed in terms of their historical roots.
A) origins
Option A is correct because 'origins' directly relates to the concept of ancestry, which encompasses the familial and historical background of an individual or group. In the context provided, it accurately describes the lineage of the white citizens who traced their ancestry back to England.
B) inheritance
Option B is incorrect as 'inheritance' typically refers to the assets or property passed down from one generation to another, rather than the broader concept of family history or lineage that 'ancestry' implies.
C) color
Option C is incorrect because 'color' does not relate to familial background or lineage. Instead, it generally pertains to physical attributes or racial identity, which is not the focus of the term 'ancestry'.
D) freedom
Option D is incorrect as 'freedom' refers to the state of being free or having liberty. This concept does not connect to the idea of ancestry, which concerns historical and familial connections rather than personal liberties.
Conclusion
The correct answer is 'origins' because it encapsulates the idea of ancestry as a reference to family lineage and historical roots. All other options fail to convey this essential meaning, as they pertain to different concepts that do not align with the definition of ancestry.