HESI A2 Reading Comprehension
HESI A2 Reading Comprehension – Practice Questions With Answers
Build your test-taking confidence with ULOSCA’s HESI A2 Reading Comprehension practice questions. This guide is designed for pre-nursing students aiming to master the verbal section of the HESI entrance exam.
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Covers all HESI A2 reading topics including main idea, supporting details, inference, and tone
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Features timed practice passages with high-yield comprehension questions
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Strengthens critical thinking, vocabulary-in-context skills, and paragraph analysis
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Fully aligned with HESI A2 exam blueprint and competitive nursing program requirements
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Free HESI A2 Reading Comprehension Questions
The information presented is
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.
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Slanted against people with deep voices.
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Slanted against people with piercing voices.
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Balanced in its approach.
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Slanted in favor of newscasters.
Explanation
Correct Answer:
Slanted against people with piercing voices.
Explanation:
The passage criticizes vocal qualities such as “piercing,” “shrill,” “grating,” and “too nasal.” These descriptors paint such voices in a negative light, showing a clear bias.
Why Other Options are Wrong:
Slanted against people with deep voices:
Deep voices are not criticized. In fact, deeper, relaxed tones are implied to be preferable.
Balanced in its approach:
The passage focuses primarily on harsh, high-pitched, or tense voices and doesn’t offer an equally neutral or positive discussion of all vocal types.
Slanted in favor of newscasters:
Newscasters are mentioned, but not praised. The focus is on how certain vocal qualities might make someone less suited for such roles.
The information presented in this article is
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.
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Against eating and drinking.
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Against drinking alcohol.
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Unbiased in its approach.
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Against eating rich foods.
Explanation
Correct Answer:
Unbiased in its approach.
Explanation:
The article takes a balanced view of both food and alcohol. It begins by acknowledging that food and drink are necessary and desirable, then discusses the problems that arise from abuse. Rather than taking a judgmental or one-sided stance, it presents the facts and concerns supported by physicians and public reports.
Why Other Options are Wrong:
Against eating and drinking:
The article clearly states that food and drink are necessary and desirable, which shows that it does not oppose them in general — only their abuse.
Against drinking alcohol:
Although it discusses problems related to alcohol abuse, it does not condemn alcohol itself or suggest abstinence. It focuses on the consequences of excessive use.
Against eating rich foods:
There is no mention of rich foods specifically. The passage speaks about overeating in general and its health risks, not specific types of food.
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 transitional expression best replaces the underlined word in the following sentence:
"Ultimately, condensation happens when water vapor cools."
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Furthermore
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Moreover
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While
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Since
Explanation
Correct Answer: C. While
Detailed Explanation of the Correct Answer:
The original sentence uses the word "Ultimately" to indicate a sequence or conclusion in the process. However, if we're replacing it with a transitional expression that fits logically and grammatically with the idea of cause or timing, the best choice is C. While.
Using "While" shifts the focus from sequence to timing, showing that condensation happens at the same time as water vapor cooling. The revised sentence would read:
"While condensation happens, water vapor cools" or more clearly,
"Condensation happens while water vapor cools."
This keeps the sentence scientifically accurate and maintains a logical connection between the cooling and the condensation that results from it.
Explanation of Why the Other Options Are Incorrect:
A. Furthermore – Adds additional information, but does not express cause or timing. It would be illogical in this context.
B. Moreover – Like "furthermore," it emphasizes addition, not timing or causation.
D. Since – Could imply cause, but in this sentence, it would awkwardly change the meaning to suggest condensation happens because water vapor cools, which is less fluid and natural than "while" in this context.
From the article the reader can conclude that a test containing true-false questions is called
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 as 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 a 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 support your answer.
Check your paper before you submit it. Look for mistakes in grammar, spelling, sentence structure, and punctuation. Unless you are certain an answer is wrong, do not change it. Your answer is an educated guess and is usually your best chance of answering correctly.
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Dejective.
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Rejective.
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Objective.
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Subjective.
Explanation
Correct Answer:
Objective.
Explanation:
The article explains that subjective exams require students to write full answers, essays, or paragraphs and demonstrate broad understanding and clear expression. This contrasts with objective tests, which typically consist of multiple-choice, true-false, or matching items—questions with fixed answers. The presence of true-false questions indicates a structured format that does not rely on personal expression, which aligns with the definition of objective tests.
Why Other Options are Wrong:
Dejective:
This is not a valid testing term. “Dejective” is not used in educational contexts and does not relate to test types.
Rejective:
Also not a recognized term for any kind of assessment. It is unrelated to testing formats.
Subjective:
Subjective tests involve open-ended responses such as essays and require interpretation or explanation. Since true-false questions have fixed answers, they are not subjective.
In the above passage, the word "subjective" refers to test questions that
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 as 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 a 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 support your answer.
Check your paper before you submit it. Look for mistakes in grammar, spelling, sentence structure, and punctuation. Unless you are certain an answer is wrong, do not change it. Your answer is an educated guess and is usually your best chance of answering correctly.
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Allow you to choose an answer.
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Are matching.
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Are true or false.
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Require you to write your own answer.
Explanation
Correct Answer:
Require you to write your own answer.
Explanation:
The passage defines subjective exams as those that require students to “organize content” and “express yourself in a clearly understood manner.” It also mentions that answers are written in paragraphs or essays. This indicates that students are expected to generate their own responses, rather than selecting from predetermined choices.
Why Other Options are Wrong:
Allow you to choose an answer:
This describes objective tests, like multiple-choice questions, not subjective ones.
Are matching:
Matching exercises are also a feature of objective tests. They do not require written explanation or personal reasoning.
Are true or false:
True-false questions have a set answer and do not require elaboration, which makes them objective, not subjective.
What is stated in the passage?
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 sufferers 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!
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There is no cure for insomnia. You just have to live with it.
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People with insomnia are totally healthy except for insomnia.
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Insomnia is easily fixed through taking medication.
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Physical illnesses can cause chronic insomnia.
Explanation
Correct Answer:
Physical illnesses can cause chronic insomnia.
Explanation:
The passage directly states: “Chronic insomnia can result from a medical illness, a psychiatric condition, or from sleep apnea…” This confirms that physical illness is one of the possible causes of insomnia, which is what this question is testing.
Why Other Options are Wrong:
There is no cure for insomnia. You just have to live with it:
This is directly contradicted in the passage, which suggests seeing a physician and offers solutions such as sleep hygiene and non-drug therapies.
People with insomnia are totally healthy except for the insomnia:
The passage specifically links insomnia to other conditions like medical and psychiatric illnesses, so this is inaccurate.
Insomnia is easily fixed through taking medication:
Medication is not mentioned as a cure. Instead, the passage recommends nonpharmacological therapies and lifestyle changes, implying a broader treatment approach.
What is the meaning of the word “roots” as used in the third paragraph?
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The part of a plant under the ground.
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A musical tone upon which a piece of music is based.
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To wish for the success of.
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To dig in the earth with a snout.
Explanation
Correct Answer:
To wish for the success of.
Explanation:
In the third paragraph, the sentence says: “Everyone roots for the athletes from their own country…” Here, the word “roots” is used as a verb to express emotional support and encouragement. It means to cheer for someone or to hope that they succeed. This figurative use is common in sports and competitions, where fans “root for” their team or favorite players.
Why Other Options are Wrong:
The part of a plant under the ground:
This is the literal, botanical definition of “roots,” referring to the underground part of a plant. However, in this passage, “roots” is used as a verb, not a noun, and clearly does not refer to plants.
A musical tone upon which a piece of music is based:
This is a definition used in music theory, where the “root” note is the foundation of a chord. This meaning is unrelated to the context of the Olympics or the act of supporting athletes.
To dig in the earth with a snout:
This meaning refers to the action of animals, like pigs, digging with their snouts. The passage discusses human emotional engagement, not animal behavior, making this definition inapplicable.
As used in the last sentence of this paragraph, the term “concomitant” means
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.
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Unpredictable.
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Separate.
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Quiet.
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Accompanying.
Explanation
Correct Answer:
Accompanying.
Explanation:
In the sentence, “concomitant problems associated with alcohol abuse” refers to the problems that go hand in hand with or occur alongside alcohol abuse. The word “concomitant” means something that accompanies or is associated with another thing. Here, it means that spousal abuse, child abuse, and highway deaths happen in connection with alcohol abuse.
Why Other Options are Wrong:
Unpredictable:
While alcohol abuse can lead to unpredictable behavior, the word “concomitant” does not mean unpredictable. It specifically refers to things that occur together or in relation to one another.
Separate:
“Separate” means not connected, which is the opposite of what “concomitant” implies. The sentence is highlighting problems that are directly associated with alcohol abuse.
Quiet:
“Quiet” has no relevance to the sentence or the idea being conveyed. The issues described are severe and publicized, not quiet or subtle.
Why is making counterfeit copies of the one dollar bill difficult?
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.
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The formula for the ink used is kept a secret.
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The paper used is a special blend of materials.
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Americans don’t know enough about the one dollar bill.
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The intricate designs on the seals are hard to copy.
Explanation
Correct Answer:
The formula for the ink used is kept a secret.
Explanation:
The passage clearly states: “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.” This makes it evident that the secrecy of the ink formula is a major security feature that prevents counterfeiting.
Why Other Options are Wrong:
The paper used is a special blend of materials:
While the bill is made of a cotton and linen blend with silk fibers, the passage does not say this makes counterfeiting difficult. The ink is the specific element mentioned as a deterrent.
Americans don’t know enough about the one dollar bill:
This is irrelevant to the question. Public knowledge has no impact on a counterfeiter’s ability to replicate a bill.
The intricate designs on the seals are hard to copy:
This may be true in general for currency, but the passage does not mention designs or seals as obstacles to counterfeiting.
Which is a solution to insomnia?
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 sufferers 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!
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Using nonpharmacological therapies and seeing a psychiatrist.
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Kicking off the blankets and concentrating on the ceiling.
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Developing good sleep habits and taking herbs and spices.
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Taking a restful break and having sleep hygiene.
Explanation
Correct Answer:
Developing good sleep habits and taking herbs and spices.
Explanation:
The passage specifically lists “developing good sleep habits” and “nonpharmacological therapies such as herbs and spices” as solutions to insomnia. This directly matches the correct option, which combines both elements mentioned.
Why Other Options are Wrong:
Using nonpharmacological therapies and seeing a psychiatrist:
Although both approaches are mentioned in the passage, they are listed as separate causes and solutions. Seeing a psychiatrist is mentioned as a possible cause of insomnia (related to psychiatric conditions), not as a direct solution.
Kicking off the blankets and concentrating on the ceiling:
This behavior is described in the passage as a symptom or consequence of insomnia, not a solution.
Taking a restful break and having sleep hygiene:
“Sleep hygiene” is indeed mentioned, but “taking a restful break” is vague and not referenced in the passage as a treatment. The correct answer includes more direct and specific remedies.
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