HESI A2 Reading Comprehension Diagnostic

When Dinosaurs Coughed

What is the main idea of the paragraph?

Research shows that some dinosaurs likely dealt with respiratory illnesses with symptoms similar to the common cold.

When Dinosaurs Coughed

Which of the following is true, based on the passage?

The anatomy of the Diplodocid dinosaur had an impact on how it drew in and transported air to the rest of its body.

When Dinosaurs Coughed

What is the best summary of the passage?

Although the reason is unknown, a discovery has shown that at least one Diplodocid dinosaur was infected by a pathogen that attacked its respiratory system, producing symptoms similar to the common cold.

Understanding Rare Diseases

What is the best summary of the passage?

Diagnosing a rare disease with certainty can be problematic due to the scarcity of information available as well as a lack of consensus within the healthcare community.

Understanding Rare Diseases

Which of the following ideas can be inferred from the passage?

There is a higher chance that a disease could be considered rare under the United States’ definition as compared to that of the European Union.

Understanding Rare Diseases

Which supporting detail is an example of opinion rather than fact?

General practitioners must always be supportive of patients suffering from rare diseases.

A True Renaissance Man

Based on the passage, what can be inferred regarding the acceptance of ideas that challenged existing principles during the time of Galileo?

Ideas that challenged existing theories at the time were heavily investigated and abolished if they contradicted existing religious teachings.

A True Renaissance Man

What is the author’s purpose for writing this paragraph?

To persuade the reader that Galileo was a great example of a “Renaissance Man” who was unjustly treated.

A True Renaissance Man

Which of the following statements would the author most likely agree with?

Galileo Galilei and other similar scholars were treated unfairly for their revolutionary ideas during the Renaissance period.

Scary Science

What is the main idea of the passage?

Social conditioning and evolutionary tendencies play a part in why certain scary movies are frightening or sought-after.

Scary Science

Based on the text, what is true regarding elements in horror movies that provoke a “fight or flight” response? 

They could be connected to situations that audiences recall from an earlier time in life, thus producing powerful reactions.

Scary Science

What is the meaning of the word “negligible” as it is used in the paragraph?

So small and unimportant that it is not worth considering

The Science of Ski Jumping

Which of the following ideas can be inferred from the passage?

The greater an athlete’s body mass is, the more difficult it could be for them to reduce the resistance of gravity in the air.

The Science of Ski Jumping
What is the best summary of the passage?

Concepts from physics and aerodynamics play a large part in the mechanics behind the sport of ski jumping, ranging from gravitational force to the resistance between the body and the air.

The Science of Ski Jumping

Which of the following is a synonym for the word “compensate” as it is used at the end of the paragraph?

Make up for

Pincherle’s Penicillin

What is the main idea of the passage?

When he realized that a disproportionate number of children were dying from the limited availability of Penicillin, Pincherle organized free distribution of the medicine.

Pincherle’s Penicillin

Which supporting detail is an example of opinion, rather than fact?

Dr. Pincherle’s continuous support of communities in need is worthy of admiration.

Pincherle’s Penicillin

Why does the author include the detail, “This act was truly unprecedented for the time, especially given the fact that resources were limited and poverty was at an all-time high,” in the paragraph?

To support the idea that Dr. Pincherle’s advocacy work was important and remarkable for the time period.

Royal Influence

Based on the passage, which of the following inferences can be made about the monarchs that preceded Margherita and Umberto I?

They were not popular and likely did not have the general support of their subjects.

Royal Influence

Which of the following details supports the idea that Margherita of Savoy helped create a sense of cohesion in the kingdom of Italy?

She was responsible for the circulation of different cultural aspects from various places around the kingdom.

Royal Influence

Which of the following statements would the author most likely agree with?

Margherita of Savoy’s influence was strong enough to withstand centuries.

The Mysterious Spine

Which of the following inferences can be made from the passage?

Other civilizations, in addition to the Chincha, have disassembled human remains for symbolic rites and ceremonies.

The Mysterious Spine

What is the author’s purpose for writing this paragraph?

To inform the reader of a recent unsolved discovery and its potential explanations.

The Mysterious Spine

What is the meaning of the word “arbitrarily” as it is used in the last sentence of the paragraph?

Placed randomly

The Digital Divide

Which statement best summarizes the paragraph?

Although many people in developing countries do not have access to the Internet, initiatives are being put in place to solve the problems associated with this imbalance.

The Digital Divide

Which supporting detail is an example of the author’s opinion, rather than a fact?

Most people would not want to spend one day without the Internet.

The Digital Divide

Which of the following statements best describes the point of view of the author?

Access to the Internet should not be limited to those in industrialized nations because it is a useful tool that can help people in different ways.

Ice Cubes for the Environment

What is the main idea of the paragraph?

Jelly Ice Cubes could have a positive impact on the environment and curb the spread of certain illnesses.

Ice Cubes for the Environment

What can be inferred regarding the food-processing factories mentioned in the passage? 

They have placed more importance on cost-cutting measures rather than food safety

Ice Cubes for the Environment

What is the author’s general opinion regarding those who question the need for Jelly Ice Cubes?

Once they investigate further into the matter, they will end up supporting the idea.

The Cursed Lake

Which of the following ideas can be inferred regarding the solution to the problem?

The solution could not salvage users’ mobile phone settings and preferences.

The Cursed Lake

Which of the following statements best describes the point of view of the author?

What appeared to be a simple photograph on the surface turned out to have catastrophic consequences.

The Cursed Lake

What is the meaning of the word “impediments” as it is used at the end of the paragraph?

Hindrances or complications in doing something

To: All Staff
From: John Griston, HR Manager
Subject: Dress Code Reminder

Based on the memo, what should employees do if they are unsure of the dress code?

They should check their company’s reference manual for more information.

To: All Staff
From: John Griston, HR Manager
Subject: Dress Code Reminder

Which of the following inferences can be made from the memo?

Griston Enterprises places importance on how external visitors view their employees’ professional appearance.

To: All Staff
From: John Griston, HR Manager
Subject: Dress Code Reminder

What is the purpose of the memo?

To remind employees that they must abide by the dress code.

Motivated Summer Interns Wanted

Which of the following inferences can be made about candidates who will be selected for an interview?

At least one person in their university’s faculty agreed to write something in their favor.

Motivated Summer Interns Wanted

Why does the author include the detail, “Please note that due to high demand, we are only able to respond to candidates we are interested in interviewing at this time”?

To explain the next step in the application process to candidates.

Motivated Summer Interns Wanted

Which of the following statements would the author most likely agree with?

Job-shadowing is an effective and useful method to gain knowledge regarding one’s future career.

A Misplaced Drop in the Ocean

What is the main idea of the passage?

In a recent discovery, a mammoth tusk was found in the depths of the ocean in a rare, pristine condition.

A Misplaced Drop in the Ocean

Which of the following supports the idea that the Mammuthus columbi discovery was surprising?

It was in pristine condition.

A Misplaced Drop in the Ocean

Which of the following statements can be inferred from the passage?

Previous findings of fossils closer to the water’s surface were not as well preserved as the recent tusk found 10,000 meters below the surface.

A Misplaced Drop in the Ocean

Which of the following would best replace “remnants”, as it is used in the second paragraph?

Remains

The Video Game Impulse

Which statement best summarizes the second paragraph?

The development of the prefrontal cortex influences how people respond to increasing dopamine levels, as well as their ability to move on to a different activity.

The Video Game Impulse

Which of the following can be inferred regarding video game addiction?

It is an inaccurate explanation for why children spend a lot of time playing video games.

The Video Game Impulse

Which of the following is an example of opinion, rather than fact?

Parents should set a time limit for their children to abide by when they play video games.

The Video Game Impulse

Which of the following statements would the author most likely agree with?

Rather than immediately assuming that a child has a video game addiction, it would be a good idea to understand how their brain controls impulses.

Choices

Which of the following is the main idea of the paragraph?

Selecting the right college involves considering your interests, goals, and personality to find the best fit.

Choices

Which of the following is the author’s purpose of the paragraph?

To inform the reader about how to think about college applications.

The Forest

What is the definition of “enigma” as used in the paragraph?

A puzzle or mystery that is difficult to solve

The Forest

Which of the following details supports the idea that Maria is curious?

Maria was intrigued by peculiar footprints in the dirt.

Health and Vapes

Which of the following is an opinion about the paragraph?

It's important for middle school students to be aware of these risks and make informed choices about their health.

Health and Vapes
What inference can be made about middle school students?

Vaping is popular amongst young people.

Coffee Vs. Tea
Which of the following is the best summary of the paragraph? 

Coffee has more caffeine than tea, and they differ in flavor, preparation methods, and the effects they offer.

Coffee Vs. Tea

Which of the following is a logical inference about the paragraph?

Coffee and tea appeal to different tastes and offer unique characteristics.