HESI A2
HESI A2 Reading Comprehension Questions
Extract:
VEGETERIAN DIET:
By studying the role diet might have in the prevention of cancer, recent studies have also noted that a vegetarian, or meatless, diet can help improve a person's overall health. A true vegetarian diet consists of a variety of grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and pulses—edible seeds from legumes such as peas, beans, and lentils. A modified vegetarian diet, known as lacto-ovo vegetarian, may include dairy products and eggs. A vegan diet excludes any food with animal origins, including butter, eggs, and honey.
When properly planned, a true vegetarian diet can provide a person with all essential nutrients, protein, and carbohydrates. In one study, researchers at Oxford University noted that overall, a vegetarian diet is lower in saturated fats and higher in fiber than other diets. The study noted that people who followed a vegetarian diet were generally found to have lower cholesterol and lower BMI (a measure of body fat based on a person's weight and height) and to be at a lower risk for certain types of heart disease. From the evidence presented, researchers suggested that the adoption of a vegetarian diet could prevent more than 30,000 deaths a year that are attributed to heart disease.
Other available information indicates that vegetarians live, on average, seven years longer than meat eaters do. Throughout the world, breast, colon, and prostate cancers are more common among people who have a high-fat, high-meat, low-fiber diet. Former Surgeon General C. Everett Coop has said that diet is a factor in 70 percent of all people who die from disease in the United States. On the whole, vegetarians are less likely to be afflicted with chronic diseases than those who make meat a centerpiece of their diet.
Question 1 of 5
What is the meaning of the word "pulses" as it appears in the first paragraph?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: Failed to generate a rationale of 500+ characters after 5 retries.
Extract:
Without a doubt, one of the biggest risks to the elderly today is falling. It is also one of the most common accidents that people age 65 and older experience. Some just receive a few bumps and bruises, while others are hurt so badly that they cannot ever fully recover. U.S. health officials surveyed thousands of elderly people and found that approximately one in six of them had fallen in the past three months. A third of these people sustained considerable injuries, including the most dreaded break of all, a hip fracture. Approximately 16,000 people even died from the injuries they suffered, whereas even more were left completely disabled.
Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) epidemiologist Judy Stevens stated, "It's a tremendous public health problem because so many older adults are affected." It only takes one fall to completely steal an older person's self-confidence. According to a CDC report, "Even when those injuries are minor, they can seriously affect older adults' quality of life by inducing a fear of falling, which can lead to self-imposed activity restrictions, social isolation, and depression."
Along with an admonition to move slowly and carefully, the CDC also recommends that the elderly get enough gentle exercise or physical therapy to help strengthen their muscles and improve their balance. This will not only reduce the number of falls but also give a real boost to older adults' self-esteem.
Question 2 of 5
What is the meaning of the word 'admonition' as used in the last paragraph?
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: In this context, 'admonition' means a caution or warning, not permission, prescription, or verdict. The excerpt mentions that along with advising the elderly to move slowly and carefully, the CDC also recommends gentle exercise or physical therapy to strengthen muscles and improve balance. This advice aims to reduce the risk of falls and boost the self-esteem of older adults.
Therefore, 'admonition' here refers to a precautionary counsel rather than granting permission, prescribing a treatment, or giving a verdict.
Extract:
SLEEP:
When most people think about taking a nap, they typically envision being down for the count for at least an hour or two. A German stuWhen most people think about taking a nap, they typically envision being down for the count for at least an hour or two. A German study, however, has shown that if you really want to refresh your brain, a six-minute catnap will do it. Not only will you feel better afterward, but your ability to learn and remember will have improved as well.
As described in a recent article in the Journal of Sleep Research, students at the University of Dusseldorf participated in experiments in which they had to memorize a list of words and then either take a nap or play a video game. The ones who napped scored consistently higher than those who stayed awake. The study may help scientists learn more about what happens when people go to sleep. They already know that the brain undergoes a number of significant changes in the process. "There are dramatic shifts in brain chemistry and electrophysiology," said Dr. Matthew Tucker, researcher at Harvard University School of Medicine and the Center for Sleep and Cognition. "For example, we know that levels of the transmitter acetylcholine go down. And we think that when acetylcholine gets to a low point, it should have an enhancing effect on memory."
Experts believe that sleeping is the brain's chance to decide which details and memories from the day need to be placed in permanent storage and which ones need to be thrown out. It has to do this because there is only so much room in the brain for information. Of course, those catnaps may be wonderful, but they can never replace the value of a solid eight hours of sleep. As Dr. Olaf Lahl, the study's lead author, remarks, "A regular sleep schedule still plays an important role in overall well-being and health."dy, however, has shown that if you really want to refresh your brain, a six-minute catnap will do it. Not only will you feel better afterward, but your ability to learn and remember will have improved as well. As described in a recent article in the Journal of Sleep Research, students at the University of Dusseldorf participated in experiments in which they had to memorize a list of words and then either take a nap or play a video game. The ones who napped scored consistently higher than those who stayed awake. The study may help scientists learn more about what happens when people go to sleep. They already know that the brain undergoes a number of significant changes in the process. “There are dramatic shifts in brain chemistry and electrophysiology,†said Dr. Matthew Tucker, researcher at Harvard University School of Medicine and the Center for Sleep and Cognition. “For example, we know that levels of the transmitter acetylcholine go down. And we think that when acetylcholine gets to a low point, it should have an enhancing effect on memory.†Experts believe that sleeping is the brain's chance to decide which details and memories from the day need to be placed in permanent storage and which ones need to be thrown out. It has to do this because there is only so much room in the brain for information. Of course, those catnaps may be wonderful, but they can never replace the value of a solid eight hours of sleep. As Dr. Olaf Lahl, the study's lead author, remarks, “A regular sleep schedule still plays an important role in overall well-being and health.â€
Question 3 of 5
Sleeping apparently helps with everything EXCEPT ___________.
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Based on the provided extract, sleeping helps with fatigue, memory, and learning. The passage mentions how a nap can refresh the brain, improve the ability to learn and remember, and enhance memory. However, the extract does not mention anything about sleeping helping with appetite.
Therefore, the correct answer is D.
Choices A, B, and C are supported by the content of the passage, emphasizing the positive effects of sleep on fatigue, memory, and learning.
Extract:
SPANKING:
Put a dozen parents together in a room, and you will most likely have a dozen different theories of parenting. One of the most debated issues in raising kids is how to discipline them, especially when it comes to the question of to spank or not to spank. Some moms and dads are sure that it is an integral part of showing their kids what is right and wrong. Others are equally sure that spanking is a cruel act of violence against kids. Which is it?
According to a new study reported at the American Psychological Association Summit Conference on Violence and Abuse in Relationships, spanking or other forms of corporal punishment apparently increase the risk of future sexual problems such as violent or coercive sex with partners. "The more children are spanked, the more aggressive they are and the more likely they are to engage in delinquent or at-risk behaviors," says Elizabeth Gershoff from the University of Michigan's School of Social Work. "Kids may learn that sometimes there's pain and fear involved in loving relationships."
Naturally, there are those who disagree as well. Some scientists believe that spanking two- to six-year-old children can be very helpful as long as parents are not angry or out of control emotionally. Human development researcher Robert Larzelere adds that parents simply must be able to differentiate between appropriate and inappropriate use. Although opinion on spanking remains divided, research continues on this contentious issue. In the meantime, however, the American Academy of Pediatrics advises parents to use other methods of discipline.
Question 4 of 5
Which is not mentioned as a possible result of being spanked in childhood?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D: 'Incontinence.' The passage discusses the negative consequences of spanking in childhood, such as increased aggression, delinquent behavior, and future sexual problems like coercive sex. However, incontinence is not mentioned as a possible result of being spanked.
Therefore, it is the correct choice.
Choices A, B, and C are all supported by the passage, making them incorrect answers.
Extract:
SLEEP:
When most people think about taking a nap, they typically envision being down for the count for at least an hour or two. A German stuWhen most people think about taking a nap, they typically envision being down for the count for at least an hour or two. A German study, however, has shown that if you really want to refresh your brain, a six-minute catnap will do it. Not only will you feel better afterward, but your ability to learn and remember will have improved as well.
As described in a recent article in the Journal of Sleep Research, students at the University of Dusseldorf participated in experiments in which they had to memorize a list of words and then either take a nap or play a video game. The ones who napped scored consistently higher than those who stayed awake. The study may help scientists learn more about what happens when people go to sleep. They already know that the brain undergoes a number of significant changes in the process. "There are dramatic shifts in brain chemistry and electrophysiology," said Dr. Matthew Tucker, researcher at Harvard University School of Medicine and the Center for Sleep and Cognition. "For example, we know that levels of the transmitter acetylcholine go down. And we think that when acetylcholine gets to a low point, it should have an enhancing effect on memory."
Experts believe that sleeping is the brain's chance to decide which details and memories from the day need to be placed in permanent storage and which ones need to be thrown out. It has to do this because there is only so much room in the brain for information. Of course, those catnaps may be wonderful, but they can never replace the value of a solid eight hours of sleep. As Dr. Olaf Lahl, the study's lead author, remarks, "A regular sleep schedule still plays an important role in overall well-being and health."dy, however, has shown that if you really want to refresh your brain, a six-minute catnap will do it. Not only will you feel better afterward, but your ability to learn and remember will have improved as well. As described in a recent article in the Journal of Sleep Research, students at the University of Dusseldorf participated in experiments in which they had to memorize a list of words and then either take a nap or play a video game. The ones who napped scored consistently higher than those who stayed awake. The study may help scientists learn more about what happens when people go to sleep. They already know that the brain undergoes a number of significant changes in the process. “There are dramatic shifts in brain chemistry and electrophysiology,†said Dr. Matthew Tucker, researcher at Harvard University School of Medicine and the Center for Sleep and Cognition. “For example, we know that levels of the transmitter acetylcholine go down. And we think that when acetylcholine gets to a low point, it should have an enhancing effect on memory.†Experts believe that sleeping is the brain's chance to decide which details and memories from the day need to be placed in permanent storage and which ones need to be thrown out. It has to do this because there is only so much room in the brain for information. Of course, those catnaps may be wonderful, but they can never replace the value of a solid eight hours of sleep. As Dr. Olaf Lahl, the study's lead author, remarks, “A regular sleep schedule still plays an important role in overall well-being and health.â€
Question 5 of 5
What is the meaning of the word 'shifts' as used in the third paragraph?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In this context, 'shifts' refers to changes or alterations in brain chemistry and electrophysiology. The word 'alterations' best captures the idea that significant changes are occurring in the brain. 'Stints' (choice
B) refer to short periods of time or work, which is not the meaning intended here. 'Removals' (choice
C) and 'transfers' (choice
D) do not fit the context of the sentence and are not related to the changes happening in the brain as described in the extract.