Hesi a2 reading 1

The water cycle

The Water Cycle

Water is needed to sustain practically all of life functions on planet Earth.

A single drop of this compound is comprised of an oxygen atom which 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 not absorbed

immediately from the precipitation is known as runoff. The runoff flows across the land and collects in ground water reservoirs, rivers, streams and the ocean.

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 so heavily laden with liquid droplets, precipitation then ensues.

Which literary genre best defines this passage?

A Narrative nonfiction.

B Essay.

C Realistic fiction.

D Speech

A

According to the passage, which statement is false?

A The compound for a single drop of water is H2O.

B Lake water is produced as a result of the runoff.

C Water is an essential element for living things.

D Puffy, cotton clouds are the result of a heating process

D

Which sentence uses the word "laden" the same as in the passage?

A The laden trumpets sounded when the stadium became crowded with fans.

B When the storm cleared I, you could see the cloudless, laden sky.

C The bowl of cereal overflowed when it became too laden with milk.

D As the rain continued, the water trickled down the empty, laden street

C

that we observe are formed by condensation. When the clouds become so heavily laden with liquid droplets, precipitation then ensues.

Which of the following words is an antonym for the word comprised?

A exclude.

B incorporate.

C encompass.

D embody

A

Which transitional expression best replaces the underlined word in the following sentence:

"Ultimately, condensation happens when water vapor cools."

A Since.

B Furthermore.

C Moreover.

D While

D

The summer Olympic Games

The Summer Olympic Games

Once every four years the countries of the world send their best and brightest to participate in the Summer Olympic Games. The

site for the event is decided years before, and most countries contend strongly for the privilege to host the Games. The 2008 games were

held in Bejing, China.

There is a lot of pageantry and tradition attached to the event. The opening ceremony is elaborate and awe-inspiring. China put on

a spectacularly beautiful fireworks display to welcome the world's athletes in 2008.

The track events, water events (swimming, diving) and precision activities such as archery and rhythmic gymnastics are wonderful to

watch. Seeing these athletes perform their special skills is a treat for those of us who achieve a vicarious satisfaction from it. Everyone roots

for the athletes from their own country and we thrill when our anthem is played during the medal ceremony. Being an Olympian is an

honor every athlete dreams of

honor every athlete dreams of.

What is the meaning of the word "roots" a s used in the third paragraph?

• A The part of a plant under the ground.

• B To dig in the earth with a snout.

• C A musical tone upon which a piece of music is based.

• D To wish the success of

D

How often are the Summer Olympic Games held?

A Every two years.

B Once a decade.

C Annually.

D Every four years.

D

What is the main reason that athletes want to participate in the Olympics?

A They can win a scholarship for future education.

B They get a sizable stipend for their performance.

C Travel to foreign countries.

D They have a patriotic pride in their performance

D

Food

Food and drink are necessary and desirable, but their abuse can cause serious physical and mental problems. 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 deaths, spousal and child abuse, are all concomitant problems associated with

alcohol abuse

As used in the last sentence of this paragraph, the term "concomitant" means

A quiet.

B separate.

C accompanying.

D unpredictable.

C

What is implied by this paragraph?

A We should eat and drink in reasonable quantities.

B Alcohol should be banned.

C Obesity is a more serious problem than alcoholism.

D We need stronger laws to control drunk drivers.

A

The author seems to

A favor moderation.

B oppose drinking alcohol.

C favor a strict diet.

D oppose regulation of personal habits

A

The author's motive for writing the paragraph seems to have been to

A urge strict legislation of alcohol.

B describe the social consequences of overeating.

C explain the need for physical exercise.

D urge self-control.

D

Exams

Subjective exams measure your ability in several areas. Besides recall information, you must be able to organize content logically

and intelligently express yourself in a clearly understood manner. Subjective tests provide a greater opportunity for students to show their

broad knowledge of a subject area. Answers may be in the form of paragraphs or lengthy essays.

When you review for an essay exam, concentrate on main ideas rather than details. Since essay tests are limited to a few questions,

they are likely to deal with more important ideas of a subject. Prepare a list of questions that you think might be asked. Write an answer to

each of your questions. Rather than writing complete sentences, jot down your thoughts in outline form. Doing so will help you organize

the information so that you can express yourself clearly.

When you take the test, read through all the questions before you start to write. Allot time for each question, allowing more time for

questions worth the most points. Read each question carefully to determine exactly what is being asked. Pay attention to words such as

define, illustrate, explain, list, compare, and contrast. Each word requires a different type of response. Write a brief outline of your answer

on scrap paper or the back of the test page. Make sure you include all the important ideas that are within the limits of the question. In

other words, do not give more than is asked for each answer. When you write your answer, keep it specific and as brief as possible. In the introductory sentence it is often helpful to make a general statement that includes important points addressed in the question such as topic sentence serves as a framework for your answer. Then use your outline to develop the key points and subtopics. Add substance to your

answer by including as many facts as possible to

Compared to objective exams, essay tests contain

A more questions.

B fewer questions.

C no good answers.

D harder questions

B

From the article the reader can conclude that a test containing true-false questions is called

A subjective.

B objective.

C dejective.

D rejective

B

In answering subjective questions, the student should

A write out the words - true or false.

B capitalize the matching letters.

C keep it brief and specific.

D include more than is asked

C

In the above passage, the word "subjective" refers to test questions that

A are matching.

B are true or false.

C allow you to choose an answer.

D require you to write your own answer.

D

Facts about the One Dollar Bill

As Americans, we should all know some statistics about our currency.

The one dollar bill is a fascinating document with a varied historical beginning. Consisting of a cotton and linen blend with minute

red and blue silk fibers woven through it, the one dollar bill debuted in 1957. Due to the fact that the bill is constructed of material,

laundering it does not cause any permanent harm. A special blend of ink created from a secret formula is used to write on the dollar bill,

which acts as a deterrent to counterfeiters.

By sharing these important facts with others, a common understanding and appreciation of the one dollar bill is established.

By writing this passage, the author intended to

A share some little known facts about the one dollar bill.

B entertain with a story about the development of the one dollar bill.

C defend the use of the one dollar bill.

D teach the reader everything there is to know about the one dollar bill

A

Why is making counterfeit copies of the one dollar bill difficult?

A The intricate designs on the seals are hard to copy.

B The paper used is a special blend of materials.

C The formula for the ink used is kept a secret.

D Americans don't know enough about the one dollar bill

C

Getting a good night sleep

Getting a Good Night's Sleep

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

nonpharmacological therapies such as herbs and spices are some solutions to insomnia.

There is no need to live with insomnia, so contact a physician and get a good night's sleep!

What is stated in the passage?

A Physical illnesses can cause chronic insomnia.

B People with insomnia are totally healthy except for the insomnia.

C Insomnia is easily fixed through taking medication.

D There is no cure for insomnia. You just have to live with it

A

Which is a solution t o i n s o m n i a ?

A Developing good sleep habits and taking herbs and spices.

B Taking a restful break and having sleep hygiene.

C Using nonpharmacological therapies and seeing a psychiatrist.

D Kicking off the blankets and concentrating on the ceiling

A

Insomnia affects intellectual abilities because it

A causes a deficit in memory, concentration, and attention.

B causes you to fall asleep at work.

C causes an increased appetite so you gain unwanted weight.

D alters your verbal communication abilities

A

Sleep apnea causes

A Chronic illness.

B Good sleep habits.

C Sleep hygiene.

D Chronic insomnia

D

Game of bridge

The ebb and flow of laughter and silence fills the room as four old friends gather to engage in a round of Bridge playing.

For the beginner, Bridge can be complicated, but with time, effort, and a good teacher, even the novice can become proficient.

Composed of two main parts, bidding and playing, Bridge requires the players' undivided attention. The dealer deals the entire deck

of playing cards evenly between the four players, with each person receiving thirteen cards. In the bidding portion of the game, the four

suits of cards in the deck are ranked highest to lowest as follows: spades, hearts, diamonds, and finally clubs. However, during play all the

suits of cards are considered equal, and they go from highest to lowest from the ace being high to the two card being low. The highest

number of tricks wins. A trick is one card played by each player for a total of four. After the lead player lays down his/her card, the other

players folow suit, if possible. The highest card within the four "same suit" cards played wins the trick and picks up al four cards. If a player

cannot folow suit, he/she plays any card, but to make the game more interesting and challenging, one suit is named a trump suit which

means that if a player plays a card from the trump suit, it always wins the trick. If two cards from the trump suit are played, the highest card

within the trump suit wins the trick. Obviously the team with the most tricks wins the han

The author wants the reader to feel

A as though the game of Bridge is too hard for novices to learn

B confident and excited about learning the game of Bridge.

C frustrated and confused about playing Bridge.

D overwhelmed by all the rules for the game of Bride

B

The author wants the reader to feel

A as though the game of Bridge is too hard for novices to learn

B confident and excited about learning the game of Bridge.

C frustrated and confused about playing Bridge.

D overwhelmed by all the rules for the game of Bride

B

In the passage, a trick is described as

A A collection of one card played by each of four players.

B A book that gives strategies on how to win at Bridge

C A special look given to your partner across the table.

D A specific card the dealer gives to the person to her right

A

The passage explicitly states

A that there is a pile of "leftover" cards that is placed in the middle of the game table.

B that if a player cannot follow suit, she loses her turn to the next player.

C that the highest card within the "trump" suit always wins the trick.

D the Ace card is always the lowest card

C

Phobias

"Don't be afraid." Sounds simple, but for some people it's not. Having the normal reaction of being scared or frightened helps you

to survive threats of all kinds, both physical and verbal. Most mild fears are outgrown during childhood; however, severe fears, called

phobias, are extreme and unreasonable. Phobias cause out-of-control feelings such as sickness, headaches, ulcers, and high blood pressure.

Specific phobias center around things, activities, or situations while people with social phobias feel anxiety over social settings where they

fear embarrassing situations.

Another type of phobia called panic disorder causes people to sweat, tremble, or even faint due to overwhelming panic which may

occur at any time.

By talking, breathing deeply, and visualizing, a person can gain control over debilitating phobias.

According to the passage, which of the following are types of phobias? (Check all that apply.)

A Specific Phobias.

B Panic Disorder.

C Anxiety Phobia.

D Social Phobia

A and d

The passage says that having fears is normal and good. According to the passage, why is having a phobia not normal and good?

Because phobias

A cause harm to other people.

B are terminal, meaning they never go away.

C are extreme and unreasonable.

D always require medication

C

The author suggests several ways to deal with phobias. Which is not a strategy to deal with phobias?

A Taking medication.

B Breathing deeply.

C Talking.

D Visualizing

A

The passage states that phobias can cause physical ailments. Which are examples of those physical ailments?

A Ulcers and high blood pressure.

B Anemia and depression.

C Sore throat and headaches.

D Itching and blurred vision

A

Health care numbers game

The game of health care is a risky one. Today emergency rooms are acting as primary care physicians for thousands of patients. This

trend produces a vicious cycle of hospitals raising emergency room costs and passing that increase along to paying patients, who in turn

pass it along to insurance companies, who in turn raise rates so even more people cannot afford the premium or the co-payment.

For years, indigent people have used emergency rooms for very minor illnesses rather than seeing an outside doctor, but now

emergency rooms are seeing people with insurance, but who cannot afford the co-payment or the deductible for the office visit.

If we don't change the way the healthcare game is played, we're all going to lose

The passage implies that

A insurance companies are getting rich.

B primary care physicians should work out of emergency rooms.

C there is a crisis in numbers management in the healthcare industry.

D indigent people should not be allowed into emergency rooms

C

The information presented in this paragraph is

A slanted against labor.

B balanced in its approach.

C slanted against management.

D slanted against government regulations

B

The author's reasan for writing this composition seems to have been to

A describe a modern factory.

B explain how factories are built.

C persuade people to modernize factory design.

D D persuade management to shorten the work week

C

The 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 which 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 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, the 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 life-line for the people of the San Francisco Bay Area

The author's reason for writing this piece seems to be to

A teach the reader.

B inform the reader.

C persuade the reader.

D entertain the reader

B

In this passage the word embark means to

A speak harshly to others.

B remove the covering from a tree.

C put or go on board a ship.

D begin an undertaking

D

What body of water does The Golden Gate Bridge cross?

A Golden Gate Strait.

B Pacific Ocean.

C Marin Strait.

D San Francisco Bay

A

Why was the roadway so dangerous to build?

A The workers might get hit by passing cars.

B If the road wasn't balanced, it would collapse.

C There weren't enough materials available to build the road.

D The men would fall to their deaths

B

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, too 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.

Which statement from the selection presents a fact rather than an opinion?

A One of the worst voice qualities is harshness.

B Harsh voice qualities usually come from too much tension in the throat and jaw.

C Your voice will sound unpleasant if it is shrill, grating, hard, piercing, brassy, too loud, or too nasal.

D Because tension occurs in higher pitched voices, women tend to have shriller voices than men, which usually makes them less

B

What is stated in this paragraph?

A Not everyone finds a harsh voice irritating.

B Women make less appealing political candidates.

C Some men have harsh voices.

D Relaxed people often have harsh voices

B

The information presented is

A balanced in its approach.

B slanted against people with piercing voices.

C slanted in favor of newscasters.

D slanted against people with deep voices

B

The author seems to

A prefer shrill, grating, and brassy voices.

B be an experienced public speaker.

C prefer low-pitched tones.

D have no particular reactions to different voices

C

The author seems to believe that

A women are less suited for public speaking careers than men.

B more careers in broadcasting should be open to women.

C one's voice defines one's ability to deliver a sound message.

D voice tones are irrelevant if the subject matter is interesting

C

Studies in 2012 and 2013 indicated that coffee reduced the risk of heart failure and heart disease. In 2015, CNN reported

that coffee was viewed by many as "practically a health food." However, CNN also warned that given the long history of flip-flops on the

health effects of coffee, medical and public opinion on coffee could easily turn negative again.

Over the last few decades, medical experts have changed their thinking on the health effects of some common foods and beverages. Higher-fat foods and some alcoholic beverages like red wine and beer, once viewed as top threats to a healthy lifestyle, are now seen by many as less harmful and even as having some health benefits. But there is perhaps no topic that the medical community has reversed its thinking on more often than coffee. Since long before the advent of modern medicine, public opinion regarding the health effects of coffee has been diverse and ever-changing.

Opinion on coffee's health effects can be traced back several centuries. In the 1600s, doctors in England touted coffee as a cure for alcoholism, but some women complained that coffee was making their husbands impotent. They may have been correct, as caffeine is a diuretic and can irritate the prostate (dehydration and prostatitis can both lead to erectile dysfunction). In the late 1700s, coffeehouses began opening all over colonial America, where coffee was seen as a healthy stimulant that helped the colonists work longer hours. But by the early 1900s, public concern grew as coffee consumption was blamed for a variety of common ailments, such as nervousness, indigestion, and insomnia. In the 1970s, medical journals published studies that linked coffee consumption with high blood pressure and an increased risk of heart attacks. In 2001, a meta-study indicated that coffee was responsible for a 20%

increase in risk for urinary tract cancer. But starting in 2007, to the surprise of many, meta-studies began to show positive health effects of coffee consumption. A 2007 study revealed that drinking coffee decreased the risk of liver cancer by 43%, and studies in 2011 showed that coffee reduced the risk of stroke and prostate cancer. Studies in 2012 and 20

Which statement is a detail from the passage?

A CNN reported that coffee was viewed as a health food by many.

B A study showed coffee increases the risk of liver cancer.

C Caffeine is an antidiuretic that can strengthen the prostate.

D Doctors in England once believed coffee would cause alcoholism

A

Which statement is supported by the passage?

A There is no reported evidence of any link between coffee consumption and stroke.

B Recent studies indicate that coffee consumption increases the risk of liver cancer.

C There is some scientific evidence that drinking coffee reduces indigestion.

• D Published studies have found that drinking coffee may increase the risk of heart attack

D

What is the main idea of the passage?

A Coffee consumption has been linked to many diseases.

B Public opinion on the health effects of coffee has changed over time.

C More studies are needed to determine the effects of coffee on health.

D Coffee is better for one's health than generally believed

B

The rainforest

The Amazon River Basin is home to the largest rainforest on Earth. The basin -- roughly the size of the forty-eight contiguous United

States -- covers some 40% of the South American continent, and portions of eight countries. The basin is drained by the Amazon River, the

world's largest river in terms of discharge, and the second longest river in the world after the Nile.

Since 1970, over 600,000 square kilometers (232,000 square miles) of Amazon rainforest have been destroyed. This deforestation is

mainly due to land clearing for pastureland by commercial and speculative interests, misguided government policies, and commercial

exploitation of forest resources.

Deforestation of the rainforest has long-term implications. The loss of habitat for many creatures ensures their extinction. The loss

of vegetation depletes the oxygen in the atmosphere, which some say causes global warming

What statement is a fact rather than an opinion?

A The rainforest is essential to life on Earth.

B A vast amount of square mileage of Amazon rainforest has been destroyed since 1970

C South American countries must stop deforestation of the rainforest immediately.

D Deforestation causes global warming

B

What is the definition of "cavorting" in the second paragraph?

A Running and jumping.

B Making balloon animals.

C Squirting water at the audience.

D Hitting each other

A

Let's go to the circus

Everyone loves a circus! The bright lights, fanciful costumes, and fierce wild animals delight and entertain folks of all ages. The

circus calls to the child in each one of us. Ernest Hemingway wrote that it "is the only ageless delight that you can buy for money..."

"Circus" is a magic word inspiring all sorts of exciting, colorful images. It's a theater of mind-boggling feats, elephants thundering

around the rings, horses dancing, clowns cavorting and the sequins glittering under the lights.

There are historical references to animal displays and athletic competitions from the earliest days of civilization. The Romans were

famous for their extravaganzas in the Coliseum. The shows we see today cannot compare to those great spectacles, but all who go to a

circus enjoy the experience. It allows us all to be a child again and watch in awe as the athletes perform on the high wire or control the

savage beasts in the center ring

Which statement best describes the author's feelings about the circus?

A Implies that only children enjoy the experience.

B Recommends attending a circus.

C Thinks that the experience is too intense for children.

D Wants people to avoid the experience

B

What information is given in the paragraph?

A The costumes of the clowns are outrageous.

B Earnest Hemingway did not like circuses.

C The Romans staged extravaganzas.

D "Circus" is an Italian word

C

The author's motive for writing the paragraph seems to

A provide historical facts that are interesting to know.

B berate the reader for not going to the circus.

C encourage people to attend a circus.

D recover the child-like awe for the reader

C