HESI A2
Reading Comprehension HESI A2 Questions
Extract:
GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE:
Linking San Francisco to Marin County in California, the Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most famous bridges in the world. The bridge crosses over a narrow strait that connects the Pacific Ocean to San Francisco Bay. Prior to the bridge, people traveled by ferry boat across the strait.
Although most people thought a bridge was necessary to expedite travel, some residents of the Bay Area felt the risk of building the bridge was too great. Joseph Strauss believed that nothing was impossible and that dreams would never come to fruition if risks weren't taken. So, he decided to gather the best and brightest builders, architects, and workers to embark on the challenge of building a bridge across the Golden Gate Strait.
With safety nets in place, construction began in 1937. Building the anchorages first, the builders then moved on to the towers on each end, and then to the three-foot-thick cables to support the suspension bridge. Lastly, workers labored to complete the roadway, which became the most dangerous and treacherous part of the entire task. The builders had to keep the bridge balanced so it wouldn't fall into the bay.
Today, over sixty-five years later, the bridge remains a lifeline for the people of the San Francisco Bay Area.
Question 1 of 5
The author's reason for writing this piece seems to be to
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The author likely wrote this piece to inform the reader because the content is focused on providing information about the Golden Gate Bridge's history, construction, and significance. The text presents facts and details without attempting to persuade or entertain. The main purpose appears to be sharing useful or educational information rather than teaching, persuading, or entertaining.
Extract:
THE WHITE ELEPHANT:
Centuries ago, in the country of Siam, now known as Thailand, it was the custom of the rulers to punish those who displeased them by giving the offender a white elephant. Because the animal was considered sacred, it could not be made to work as other elephants did, but still had to be fed hundreds of pounds of fruit and cared for in the most lavish style. The recipient could not give the elephant to anyone else, as it was a gift from the ruler, who would be greatly displeased should the recipient not receive the gift graciously or care for it in a grand style. This monetary burden could be a major liability to the recipient, and in many cases, they became impoverished.
This is the origin of the term "white elephant," as it is used today to denote an unwanted gift. The popular way of gift exchange played during the holiday season is an offshoot of this tradition. In this game, everyone brings a gift, and the gifts are exchanged by drawing numbers and picking a gift in turn. The second person can choose a new gift or steal the first one. It is all in good fun, and people enjoy giving silly gifts and "stealing" someone else's.
Question 2 of 5
What is the meaning of the word impoverished in the first paragraph?
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The word 'impoverished' typically refers to a state of extreme poverty or being financially ruined. In the context of the first paragraph, where it is used to describe the condition of a certain group of people, it indicates that they are lacking in financial resources or are in a state of deprivation.
Choice A 'Honored' is incorrect as it has a positive connotation opposite to the negative meaning of 'impoverished.'
Choice B 'Nobility' is incorrect as it refers to a high social rank or class, which is unrelated to the financial state implied by 'impoverished.'
Choice C 'Rich' is incorrect as it is the opposite of 'impoverished,' denoting wealth and abundance, not financial weakness.
Extract:
VOICE:
What effect does your voice have on others? Does it persuade or irritate, attract or repel? One of the worst qualities is harshness. If you ever get the feeling that people are uncomfortable when you speak, it may be that your harsh tones are jarring their eardrums. your voice will sound unpleasant if it is shrill, grating, hard, piercing, brassy, to loud, or too nasal.
Harsh voice qualities usually come from too much tension in the throat and jaw. Tension tightens muscles and blocks the relaxed voice tones essential to a pleasing impression. Because tension occurs in higher pitched voices, women tend to have shriller voices than men, which usually makes them less desirable public speakers, newscasters, or political candidates.
Question 3 of 5
The information presented is:
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The information is balanced in its approach. While the extract mentions that women tend to have shriller voices, making them less desirable public speakers, newscasters, or political candidates, it does not show bias in favor of newscasters or against people with deep voices. The main focus is on the impact of voice qualities such as harshness, rather than promoting or criticizing any specific group.
Extract:
GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE:
Linking San Francisco to Marin County in California, the Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most famous bridges in the world. The bridge crosses over a narrow strait that connects the Pacific Ocean to San Francisco Bay. Prior to the bridge, people traveled by ferry boat across the strait.
Although most people thought a bridge was necessary to expedite travel, some residents of the Bay Area felt the risk of building the bridge was too great. Joseph Strauss believed that nothing was impossible and that dreams would never come to fruition if risks weren't taken. So, he decided to gather the best and brightest builders, architects, and workers to embark on the challenge of building a bridge across the Golden Gate Strait.
With safety nets in place, construction began in 1937. Building the anchorages first, the builders then moved on to the towers on each end, and then to the three-foot-thick cables to support the suspension bridge. Lastly, workers labored to complete the roadway, which became the most dangerous and treacherous part of the entire task. The builders had to keep the bridge balanced so it wouldn't fall into the bay.
Today, over sixty-five years later, the bridge remains a lifeline for the people of the San Francisco Bay Area.
Question 4 of 5
In the passage the word embark means to:
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The word 'embark' typically means to board a ship or begin a journey. In this context, it means to start or set out on a new undertaking or venture, often including the act of boarding a ship. In the provided passage about the Golden Gate Bridge, it is mentioned that builders, architects, and workers embarked on the challenge of building a bridge across the Golden Gate Strait, which refers to them starting this new undertaking.
Therefore, the correct definition of 'embark' is D. Put or go on board a ship. The other choices are incorrect: A. Removing the covering from a tree is unrelated to the context of the passage. B. Speaking harshly to others and C. Entertaining the reader are also irrelevant to the meaning of 'embark' in this context.
Extract:
FOOD:
Food and drink are necessary and desirable, but their abuse can cause serious physical and metal problem. Many physicians believe that overeating is one of the country's main health problems, since it places a great strain on the heart, can lead to diabetes, and often shortens the individual's life span. To fill an emotional void, people often turn to food when they are bored or lonely.
Another area of concern is alcohol consumption. The results of alcohol abuse are widely publicized. The social drinker who becomes alcoholic, the drunken driver's contribution to highway death, spousal and child abuse, are all concomitant problems associated with alcohol abuse.
Question 5 of 5
What is implied by this paragraph?
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The paragraph implies that overeating and alcohol abuse can lead to serious physical and mental health problems. It highlights the strain on the heart, risk of diabetes, and shortened lifespan due to overeating. It also mentions the negative consequences of alcohol abuse, such as alcoholism, drunk driving leading to accidents, and spousal/child abuse. While emotional eating is mentioned, the main focus is on the health risks of overeating and alcohol abuse.
Therefore, choice A is the correct answer as it captures the essence of the paragraph's message.
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