Reading Comprehension HESI A2 Practice Test

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MICROBES IN HUMAN HEALTH:
There are 10 times more microbes than human cells in the human body. Scientists have long known that the human body hosts a staggering number of microorganisms. Recent discoveries, however, are shedding light on how pivotal these bacteria are in the development of the human immune system. The body supports a wide array of microorganisms specially adapted to survive in particular regions. Remarkably, there is such variation in these microorganisms that few people share the same strains in the same quantities.
The colonization of microbes begins at birth. A newborn infant, emerging from the germ-free environment of the womb, is immediately exposed to germs from its mother's birth canal. These bacteria swiftly begin to breed and colonize the infant's body, which becomes their new host. The most fascinating discovery is not just that the immune system tolerates these millions of harmless organisms, but that it may actually rely on their presence to function properly.
For example, laboratory mice unable to produce a specific inflammation-reducing molecule were injected with a particular strain of bacteria. After the bacteria colonized, the mice's immune systems developed the ability to synthesize the molecule. Essentially, the mice needed the bacteria for their immune systems to function correctly.
This concept is also being applied to humans through a relatively experimental procedure known as fecal bacteriotherapy. This treatment reintroduces healthy bacteria into a colon that has lost its ability to defend against pathogens. While scientists are only beginning to understand the critical role these microorganisms play in human health, early research has yielded remarkable discoveries.

What is the main idea of the passage about microbes?

  • A. Recent discoveries are revealing the critical role of microorganisms in maintaining a properly functioning immune system.
  • B. The human body is host to a staggering number of microorganisms.
  • C. Bacteriotherapy reintroduces healthy bacteria into a colon lacking the capability to defend against pathogenic agents.
  • D. Early research has shown remarkable discoveries in the possibilities of bacteriotherapy.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The main idea of the passage is that recent discoveries are shedding light on the pivotal role of microorganisms in maintaining a properly functioning immune system. The passage discusses how the human body hosts a wide array of microorganisms, emphasizes the importance of these bacteria in the development of the immune system, and explores the potential applications of bacteriotherapy. Choice A is the correct answer because it accurately reflects the central theme discussed in the passage. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they focus on specific details or applications mentioned in the passage, rather than capturing the overarching theme of the critical role of microorganisms in immune system function.

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Modern PE Classes:
In some schools around the country, physical education classes look a lot different than they did a generation or two ago. Kids are still in motion, stretching, running, lifting, and sweating. But instead of everyone doing the same activity at the same time as a team, they are exercising independently. They are being taught movements and activities that their teachers hope they will incorporate into their lives rather than just perform long enough to get a good grade.
By teaching kids the pleasure of exercise, gym teachers hope to instill important lessons about maintaining good health, staying fit, and keeping weight under control. Students can also participate in low-impact sports like yoga, martial arts, and weight lifting. Instead of playing basketball or baseball, they can focus on more general skills like passing the ball.
A growing number of physical education (PE) teachers are also putting more of an emphasis on general nutrition and health. With the continual increase in the number of children who are obese, there is greater pressure to teach students how to stay fit. To do this, gym teachers have to look at new ways to introduce exercise to their students that will not intimidate or overwhelm them but instead intrigue and engage them.
One other difference found in some modern gym classes is the grading system. Instead of being graded on their ability to run laps in a set time or make a certain number of baskets, the students are graded simply on the effort they make in the class. Some even get extra credit if they are the sweatiest students in the room!

What can the reader infer about the 'sweatiest students' referred to in the last sentence in the passage?

  • A. These students are more physically active than others.
  • B. These students have worked harder during class.
  • C. These students do not necessarily perform better academically.
  • D. These students excel in all sports activities.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. The reader can infer that the 'sweatiest students' have worked harder during class. This inference is supported by the context that students are graded based on the effort they make in the class, with some even receiving extra credit for being the sweatiest students in the room. Choice A is incorrect as there is no indication in the passage that the sweatiest students are more physically active than others; they are recognized for their effort, not necessarily for being the most active. Choice C is incorrect as the passage does not discuss the academic performance of the sweatiest students. Choice D is incorrect as there is no evidence to suggest that the sweatiest students excel in all sports activities; they are acknowledged for their effort rather than their overall sports performance.

Modern PE Classes:
In some schools around the country, physical education classes look a lot different than they did a generation or two ago. Kids are still in motion, stretching, running, lifting, and sweating. But instead of everyone doing the same activity at the same time as a team, they are exercising independently. They are being taught movements and activities that their teachers hope they will incorporate into their lives rather than just perform long enough to get a good grade.
By teaching kids the pleasure of exercise, gym teachers hope to instill important lessons about maintaining good health, staying fit, and keeping weight under control. Students can also participate in low-impact sports like yoga, martial arts, and weight lifting. Instead of playing basketball or baseball, they can focus on more general skills like passing the ball.
A growing number of physical education (PE) teachers are also putting more of an emphasis on general nutrition and health. With the continual increase in the number of children who are obese, there is greater pressure to teach students how to stay fit. To do this, gym teachers have to look at new ways to introduce exercise to their students that will not intimidate or overwhelm them but instead intrigue and engage them.
One other difference found in some modern gym classes is the grading system. Instead of being graded on their ability to run laps in a set time or make a certain number of baskets, the students are graded simply on the effort they make in the class. Some even get extra credit if they are the sweatiest students in the room!

Which is not listed as an example of a low-impact sport?

  • A. Martial arts
  • B. Basketball
  • C. Yoga
  • D. Weight lifting
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: Basketball is not listed as a low-impact sport in the extract provided; the others (martial arts, yoga, and weight lifting) are considered low-impact activities. The extract mentions that students can participate in low-impact sports like yoga, martial arts, and weight lifting in modern PE classes, emphasizing their benefits and the focus on general skills. Basketball, on the other hand, is not included in the list of low-impact sports mentioned in the extract, making it the correct answer. This demonstrates the importance of understanding the difference between high-impact and low-impact sports for maintaining fitness and health.

BEAUTY THE BEAST:
In recent years, there have been frightening headlines about harmful ingredients such as mercury and lead in ordinary cosmetics. However, these are hardly the first examples of people paying a heavy price to conform to cultural ideals of beauty. This tradition has been around for centuries.
Ancient Egyptians decorated their eyes with malachite (a green ore of copper), galena (a lead sulfide), and kohl (a paste made from soot, fat, and metals such as lead). While these cosmetics may have enhanced their appearance, they also led to health problems such as insomnia and mental confusion.
The ancient Greeks took these practices even further. They applied lead to their entire faces to clear their complexions and improve skin coloration. This practice resulted in health issues ranging from infertility to insanity. The lead ointment whitened their faces�a sign of beauty�while red lead was added to the cheeks for a rosy glow. To make matters worse, they also used hair dyes containing lead.
The Romans adopted these toxic beauty practices, and some historians suspect that lead poisoning contributed to the decline of the Roman Empire. As recently as 2007, lipsticks and mascaras were found to contain lead and mercury. Additionally, phthalates�industrial chemicals that can cause birth defects and infertility�are present in personal care products such as shampoos, lotions, perfumes, and deodorants.
An old saying states that beauty has a price, and sometimes that price may be much higher than consumers realize. It is important to be aware of what you are putting on your face.

The author describes cosmetics in each of the following cultures EXCEPT ___________.

  • A. Greek
  • B. Egyptian
  • C. Roman
  • D. Native American
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The author provides descriptions of cosmetic practices in Greek, Egyptian, and Roman cultures but does not mention Native American practices regarding cosmetics. This absence of information about Native American culture leads to the conclusion that option D is correct since it reflects a lack of discussion on that specific culture.

SLEEP:
Most people get a little grumpy when they do not get enough sleep, but for children, the issue may extend beyond mere irritability. Lack of sleep can affect their weight and overall behavior. A study conducted in New Zealand at the University of Auckland and published in the medical journal Sleep followed almost 600 children from infancy through seven years of age. Researchers observed the children�s sleep patterns and found that they generally slept less on weekends than during the week, and even less during the summer months.
According to the findings, children who slept the least were at a greater risk for being overweight and experiencing behavioral problems. Those who regularly slept less than nine hours a night were three times more likely to be obese and to show signs of attention deficit disorder (ADD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) compared to those who slept more. These results were based on questionnaires completed by the children�s parents and teachers.
The connection between sleep and weight is still not fully understood, but experts suspect that chronic sleep deprivation may alter hormones involved in appetite control and metabolism. This is a connection that needs further exploration to be fully understood.
Experts recommend that preschoolers get 11 to 13 hours of sleep each night, while school-age children should get between 10 and 11 hours per night. However, many children average only 8 hours of sleep. The study concluded that adjusting sleep duration is a manageable risk factor that can help prevent future health problems for today�s young people.

What conclusion can a reader draw about the connection between sleep and young children?

  • A. Lack of sleep causes children to fail in school.
  • B. Inadequate rest raises the risk of behavioral and physical problems.
  • C. Sleeping less than 10 hours a night is guaranteed to result in obesity.
  • D. Eight hours of sleep each night meets the requirements of most children.
Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The study outlined in the passage indicates that children who lack adequate sleep are at a higher risk for behavioral and physical issues, such as obesity and attention disorders. This conclusion is derived from the evidence provided in the passage, suggesting a direct link between sleep deprivation and negative outcomes, thus supporting option B..

SLEEP:
Most people get a little grumpy when they do not get enough sleep, but for children, the issue may extend beyond mere irritability. Lack of sleep can affect their weight and overall behavior. A study conducted in New Zealand at the University of Auckland and published in the medical journal Sleep followed almost 600 children from infancy through seven years of age. Researchers observed the children�s sleep patterns and found that they generally slept less on weekends than during the week, and even less during the summer months.
According to the findings, children who slept the least were at a greater risk for being overweight and experiencing behavioral problems. Those who regularly slept less than nine hours a night were three times more likely to be obese and to show signs of attention deficit disorder (ADD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) compared to those who slept more. These results were based on questionnaires completed by the children�s parents and teachers.
The connection between sleep and weight is still not fully understood, but experts suspect that chronic sleep deprivation may alter hormones involved in appetite control and metabolism. This is a connection that needs further exploration to be fully understood.
Experts recommend that preschoolers get 11 to 13 hours of sleep each night, while school-age children should get between 10 and 11 hours per night. However, many children average only 8 hours of sleep. The study concluded that adjusting sleep duration is a manageable risk factor that can help prevent future health problems for today�s young people.

Which of the following statements is an opinion?

  • A. The connection between sleep and weight should be explored.
  • B. Many young children average only eight hours of sleep a night.
  • C. People who sleep less are more likely to be obese.
  • D. Researchers in New Zealand studied almost 600 children.
Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The statement that the connection between sleep and weight should be explored reflects a personal viewpoint rather than an objective fact. It indicates a belief that further research is warranted to understand this relationship better, making it an opinion and distinguishing it from the other factual statements presented in the passage.

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