HESI A2
HESI A2 Version 1 Reading Comprehension Questions
Extract:
Homonyms: English is a vibrant, changing, dynamic language. It allows people to express their thoughts in diverse ways, as there are many synonyms and antonyms to choose from. The hardest part for the English speaker—or those learning English as a second language—
is learning about homonyms. These are words that sound alike but are spelled different ways, with different meanings.
One example is 'Our'. This word, spelled 'one' means the numeral 1, an amount. If spelled 'won,' it means to be victorious. Now words spelling is a difficult skill to master.
Other homonyms encountered by the beginning English speaker are 'To, two, too,' 'four, for, fore,' 'there, their, they're' and 'son, sun' to name just a few. This is one reason that 'spell check' programs on word processing computers cannot be completely accurate, because the way a word is spelled depends on the context of the sentence. Proofreaders will always be in demand.
Question 1 of 5
What inference can be drawn from the article?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: English is a difficult language to master. The rationale behind this is based on the content of the article, which highlights the challenges of learning English, particularly in relation to homonyms. The article mentions that homonyms, words that sound alike but are spelled differently with different meanings, pose a challenge for English speakers and learners. It emphasizes that mastering words' spelling can be difficult. This indicates that English is not an easy language to learn, as highlighted by the complexities of homonyms and spelling variations. Choice A is incorrect because the article does not explicitly state that English should be learned by all people. Choice B is incorrect as the article emphasizes that spelling, especially with homonyms, is a difficult skill to master. Choice C is incorrect as the article does not focus on the use of spell check programs but rather on the challenges of spelling and homonyms in English.
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.