HESI A2
HESI A2 Version 1 Reading Comprehension Questions
Extract:
Lightning Strikes
The old wives' tale of "Lightning never strikes twice" has been proven untrue time and time again. Lightning forms from negative and positive charges within clouds and from the earth below. When these charges react with each other, the air between the cloud and the earth ionizes, which produces a lightning flash. Lightning is actually a series of multiple events consisting of a leader stroke of lightning, followed by as many as 40 smaller strokes of lightning. Being just split seconds apart, these strokes of lightning often reflect off the lining of the clouds.
Lightning rods that extend from above the roof to the ground protect buildings by forming a low resistance path for the lightning so that the lightning does not enter the building, but rather defuses as it penetrates the ground.
Some myths about lightning need to be explained. Lightning does strike tall buildings often, and during a particularly violent storm, a tall building may be hit by lightning several times. The safest place during a thunder and lightning storm is in a metal car or lying flat, face down, in the open, not under a tree as the myth suggests.
Many people believe that thunder and lightning are connected; however, this proves to be true only about 50% of the time, so if you're waiting for the clap of thunder, you're missing out on some exciting strokes of lightning!
Lightning causes injuries, deaths, and forest fires each year. However, some scientists reveal the positive aspects of lightning because it releases nitrogen into the atmosphere which the raindrops then deliver to earth to fertilize our soil.
Question 1 of 5
What is the meaning of the word 'penetrates'?
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'To pierce.' To penetrate means to pass into or through something. In the context provided, the sentence 'defuses as it penetrates the ground' suggests that the lightning dissipates or spreads out as it passes through the ground. Therefore, 'pierce' accurately captures the meaning of 'penetrates' in this context.
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 2 of 5
Which of the following words is an antonym for the word 'comprised'?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The term 'comprised' means to include or contain. An antonym would be a word that signifies the opposite of including or containing. The correct answer, 'Exclude,' means to leave out or omit, which is the opposite of comprising.
Question 3 of 5
Which transitional expression best replaces 'ultimately' in the following sentence: 'Ultimately, condensation happens when water vapor cools'?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The word 'ultimately' is used to indicate the final step in a process. 'While' can serve as a transition that suggests a time-based connection, which works well in the context of the water cycle's progression. The other options, such as 'furthermore' and 'moreover,' are used to add information, and 'since' indicates causality, none of which is appropriate in this context.
Extract:
Have you ever found yourself staring at the ceiling at 2:00 a.m.? Have you kicked the blankets off to the floor from tossing and turning? Many longtime suffers of Insomnia know these situations all too well. As many as 17% of Americans find the restful break of sleep hard to achieve.
Lack of sleep affects intellectual abilities at work or school by causing a deficit in memory, attention, and concentration which in turn creates a feeling of irritation or depression. Chronic insomnia can result from a medical illness, a psychiatric condition, or from sleep apnea, a condition where an individual actually stops breathing during sleep. Sleep hygiene, developing good sleep habits, and non- pharmacological therapies such as herbs and spices are some solutions to Insomnia.
Question 4 of 5
When the author wrote this passage, what was his/her intent?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The passage is factual and aims to inform readers about insomnia, its effects, and possible solutions. The tone is educational rather than satirical, and the intent seems to be to explain the condition and propose non-pharmacological remedies. By discussing the impact of insomnia on intellectual abilities and suggesting solutions like sleep hygiene and non-pharmacological therapies, the author's main goal is to provide information and potential strategies for managing insomnia.
Question 5 of 5
What can sleep apnea cause?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Sleep apnea can cause chronic insomnia. Sleep apnea is a condition where an individual stops breathing during sleep, leading to disruptions in sleep patterns which can result in chronic insomnia. Chronic insomnia is a sleep disorder characterized by difficulty falling and staying asleep over a prolonged period, often leading to various health issues. Therefore, the correct answer is option A, as sleep apnea is a known factor that can contribute to the development of chronic insomnia.