HESI A2 Reading Comprehension

Passage: Hand hygiene is the single most effective way to prevent the spread of infections in healthcare settings. The Centers for Disease Control recommends washing hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap is unavailable. Healthcare workers should clean their hands before and after every patient contact. Studies show that proper hand hygiene can reduce hospital-acquired infections by up to 50 percent. Question: What is the main idea of this passage?

• ASoap and water are always better than hand sanitizer.
• BHand hygiene is the most effective way to prevent infections in healthcare.
• CHospital infections are increasing every year.
• DThe CDC creates many healthcare guidelines.

Passage: Hand hygiene is the single most effective way to prevent the spread of infections in healthcare settings. The Centers for Disease Control recommends washing hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap is unavailable. Healthcare workers should clean their hands before and after every patient contact. Studies show that proper hand hygiene can reduce hospital-acquired infections by up to 50 percent. Question: According to the passage, how long should hands be washed with soap and water?

• A10 seconds
• B15 seconds
• C20 seconds
• D60 seconds

Passage: Hand hygiene is the single most effective way to prevent the spread of infections in healthcare settings. The Centers for Disease Control recommends washing hands for at least 20 seconds with soap and water, or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer when soap is unavailable. Healthcare workers should clean their hands before and after every patient contact. Studies show that proper hand hygiene can reduce hospital-acquired infections by up to 50 percent. Question: What can the reader infer from this passage?

• AMany hospital-acquired infections are preventable through simple practices.
• BAlcohol-based sanitizers are dangerous to use.
• CHospitals are dirty places that should be avoided.
• DThe CDC does not allow hand sanitizer in hospitals.

Passage: The human heart is a muscular organ about the size of a closed fist. It pumps approximately 2,000 gallons of blood through the body every day. The heart has four chambers: two atria on top and two ventricles on the bottom. Each side of the heart performs a different job. The right side pumps blood to the lungs to pick up oxygen, while the left side pumps oxygen-rich blood to the rest of the body. Question: What is the author's primary purpose in this passage?

• ATo persuade readers to exercise more frequently
• BTo inform readers about the basic structure and function of the heart
• CTo entertain readers with a story about the human body
• DTo compare the human heart to animal hearts

Passage: The human heart is a muscular organ about the size of a closed fist. It pumps approximately 2,000 gallons of blood through the body every day. The heart has four chambers: two atria on top and two ventricles on the bottom. Each side of the heart performs a different job. The right side pumps blood to the lungs to pick up oxygen, while the left side pumps oxygen-rich blood to the rest of the body. Question: In the passage, the word 'chambers' most nearly means:

• Aprivate rooms
• Binternal compartments
• Ccourtrooms
• Doffice spaces

Passage: The human heart is a muscular organ about the size of a closed fist. It pumps approximately 2,000 gallons of blood through the body every day. The heart has four chambers: two atria on top and two ventricles on the bottom. Each side of the heart performs a different job. The right side pumps blood to the lungs to pick up oxygen, while the left side pumps oxygen-rich blood to the rest of the body. Question: Which structure best describes the organization of this passage?

• AChronological order from past to present
• BCompare and contrast between two unrelated organs
• CGeneral description followed by specific details
• DCause and effect of heart disease

Passage: Vaccines work by training the immune system to recognize and fight specific pathogens. When a vaccine is injected, it introduces a weakened or inactive form of a germ, prompting the body to produce antibodies. These antibodies remain in the bloodstream so that if the real pathogen later enters the body, the immune system can respond quickly. Childhood vaccination programs have eliminated or greatly reduced many once-common diseases, including measles, polio, and whooping cough. Question: What is the central idea of this passage?

• AVaccines cause more harm than good in young children.
• BVaccines train the immune system and have reduced once-common diseases.
• CAntibodies are produced only when people are sick.
• DPolio is the most dangerous childhood disease.

Passage: Vaccines work by training the immune system to recognize and fight specific pathogens. When a vaccine is injected, it introduces a weakened or inactive form of a germ, prompting the body to produce antibodies. These antibodies remain in the bloodstream so that if the real pathogen later enters the body, the immune system can respond quickly. Childhood vaccination programs have eliminated or greatly reduced many once-common diseases, including measles, polio, and whooping cough. Question: In the passage, the word 'pathogens' most nearly means:

• Avitamins
• Bdisease-causing organisms
• Cvaccines
• Dhealthy cells

Passage: Vaccines work by training the immune system to recognize and fight specific pathogens. When a vaccine is injected, it introduces a weakened or inactive form of a germ, prompting the body to produce antibodies. These antibodies remain in the bloodstream so that if the real pathogen later enters the body, the immune system can respond quickly. Childhood vaccination programs have eliminated or greatly reduced many once-common diseases, including measles, polio, and whooping cough. Question: Which statement from the passage is a fact rather than an opinion?

• AVaccines are the most important medical advance ever made.
• BChildhood vaccination programs have eliminated or greatly reduced many once-common diseas…
• CEveryone should get every vaccine available.
• DAntibody production is the most fascinating biological process.

Passage: Sleep is essential for both physical and mental health. Adults typically need seven to nine hours per night, while teenagers may require closer to ten. During sleep, the body repairs tissues, consolidates memories, and regulates hormones. Chronic sleep deprivation has been linked to obesity, heart disease, weakened immunity, and impaired decision-making. Many sleep specialists argue that prioritizing rest is one of the most important — and most overlooked — health habits. Question: What is the main idea of this passage?

• ATeenagers should sleep more than adults.
• BSleep deprivation only affects mental health.
• CAdequate sleep is essential for physical and mental health.
• DSleep specialists rarely agree on sleep guidelines.

Passage: Sleep is essential for both physical and mental health. Adults typically need seven to nine hours per night, while teenagers may require closer to ten. During sleep, the body repairs tissues, consolidates memories, and regulates hormones. Chronic sleep deprivation has been linked to obesity, heart disease, weakened immunity, and impaired decision-making. Many sleep specialists argue that prioritizing rest is one of the most important — and most overlooked — health habits. Question: According to the passage, which of the following is NOT linked to chronic sleep deprivation?

• AObesity
• BHeart disease
• CHigh blood pressure
• DWeakened immunity

Passage: Sleep is essential for both physical and mental health. Adults typically need seven to nine hours per night, while teenagers may require closer to ten. During sleep, the body repairs tissues, consolidates memories, and regulates hormones. Chronic sleep deprivation has been linked to obesity, heart disease, weakened immunity, and impaired decision-making. Many sleep specialists argue that prioritizing rest is one of the most important — and most overlooked — health habits. Question: The author's tone in this passage can best be described as:

• AHumorous and lighthearted
• BInformative and cautionary
• CAngry and bitter
• DSkeptical and doubtful

Passage: Florence Nightingale, often called the founder of modern nursing, transformed hospital care during the Crimean War in the 1850s. She insisted on sanitary conditions, careful record-keeping, and statistical analysis of patient outcomes. Death rates in military hospitals dropped sharply after her reforms. Nightingale later founded the world's first secular nursing school in London in 1860, establishing nursing as a respected profession. Question: What is the best summary of this passage?

• AFlorence Nightingale was a British soldier who served in the Crimean War.
• BFlorence Nightingale reformed nursing through sanitation, statistics, and education.
• CHospitals in the 1800s were always unsafe and unhealthy.
• DNursing schools were common before Florence Nightingale.

Passage: Florence Nightingale, often called the founder of modern nursing, transformed hospital care during the Crimean War in the 1850s. She insisted on sanitary conditions, careful record-keeping, and statistical analysis of patient outcomes. Death rates in military hospitals dropped sharply after her reforms. Nightingale later founded the world's first secular nursing school in London in 1860, establishing nursing as a respected profession. Question: In the passage, the word 'secular' most nearly means:

• AReligious
• BNon-religious
• CExpensive
• DPrivate

Passage: Florence Nightingale, often called the founder of modern nursing, transformed hospital care during the Crimean War in the 1850s. She insisted on sanitary conditions, careful record-keeping, and statistical analysis of patient outcomes. Death rates in military hospitals dropped sharply after her reforms. Nightingale later founded the world's first secular nursing school in London in 1860, establishing nursing as a respected profession. Question: Which inference is best supported by this passage?

• ABefore Nightingale, nursing was not regarded as a respected profession.
• BCrimean War soldiers refused nursing care.
• CNightingale's school still operates in London today.
• DStatistics were never used in medicine before 1860.

Passage: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic condition in which the body cannot properly regulate blood sugar. In Type 1 diabetes, the immune system attacks the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas, so patients must take insulin daily. In Type 2 diabetes, the body becomes resistant to insulin or does not produce enough; this form is often associated with lifestyle factors such as diet and physical activity. Both types require ongoing monitoring of blood glucose levels. Question: How is this passage primarily organized?

• AChronological narrative
• BCompare and contrast between two types
• CCause and effect of a single disease
• DProblem and solution

Passage: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic condition in which the body cannot properly regulate blood sugar. In Type 1 diabetes, the immune system attacks the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas, so patients must take insulin daily. In Type 2 diabetes, the body becomes resistant to insulin or does not produce enough; this form is often associated with lifestyle factors such as diet and physical activity. Both types require ongoing monitoring of blood glucose levels. Question: Based on the passage, which patient is MOST likely to have Type 1 diabetes?

• AAn overweight adult who eats a high-sugar diet
• BA child diagnosed after an autoimmune attack on the pancreas
• CAn adult with insulin resistance who controls blood sugar with diet
• DA pregnant woman with temporarily elevated glucose

Passage: Diabetes mellitus is a chronic condition in which the body cannot properly regulate blood sugar. In Type 1 diabetes, the immune system attacks the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas, so patients must take insulin daily. In Type 2 diabetes, the body becomes resistant to insulin or does not produce enough; this form is often associated with lifestyle factors such as diet and physical activity. Both types require ongoing monitoring of blood glucose levels. Question: According to the passage, what do Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes have in common?

• ABoth require daily insulin injections.
• BBoth are caused by autoimmune attacks.
• CBoth require ongoing blood glucose monitoring.
• DBoth are primarily caused by lifestyle factors.

Passage: Many parents worry that childhood video games are entirely harmful, but research presents a more nuanced view. Moderate gaming can improve hand-eye coordination, problem-solving, and even social skills when played with friends. However, excessive screen time is linked to sleep problems and reduced physical activity. Experts recommend setting clear time limits and choosing age-appropriate games rather than banning gaming altogether. Question: What is the author's main point?

• AAll video games are harmful to children.
• BVideo games should be banned for children under 18.
• CModerate, supervised gaming can be beneficial, but limits are important.
• DParents should let children play video games as much as they want.

Passage: Many parents worry that childhood video games are entirely harmful, but research presents a more nuanced view. Moderate gaming can improve hand-eye coordination, problem-solving, and even social skills when played with friends. However, excessive screen time is linked to sleep problems and reduced physical activity. Experts recommend setting clear time limits and choosing age-appropriate games rather than banning gaming altogether. Question: Which sentence from the passage best represents an opinion?

• AExcessive screen time is linked to sleep problems.
• BModerate gaming can improve hand-eye coordination.
• CExperts recommend setting clear time limits.
• DMany parents worry that childhood video games are entirely harmful.

Passage: Many parents worry that childhood video games are entirely harmful, but research presents a more nuanced view. Moderate gaming can improve hand-eye coordination, problem-solving, and even social skills when played with friends. However, excessive screen time is linked to sleep problems and reduced physical activity. Experts recommend setting clear time limits and choosing age-appropriate games rather than banning gaming altogether. Question: In this passage, the word 'nuanced' most nearly means:

• Aextreme
• Bbalanced and detailed
• Coutdated
• Dfalse

Passage: The Great Wall of China was built over many centuries to protect Chinese empires from northern invasions. Construction began as early as the 7th century BC and continued through the Ming Dynasty in the 17th century AD. Although often described as a single wall, it is actually a network of fortifications stretching more than 13,000 miles. Today, sections of the wall are popular tourist destinations and have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Question: What is the main idea of this passage?

• AThe Great Wall was built only during the Ming Dynasty.
• BThe Great Wall is a centuries-old network of fortifications now valued as a cultural site.
• CTourists prefer the Great Wall to other historical landmarks.
• DNorthern invaders never successfully entered China.

Passage: The Great Wall of China was built over many centuries to protect Chinese empires from northern invasions. Construction began as early as the 7th century BC and continued through the Ming Dynasty in the 17th century AD. Although often described as a single wall, it is actually a network of fortifications stretching more than 13,000 miles. Today, sections of the wall are popular tourist destinations and have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Question: How is this passage primarily organized?

• AChronological from beginnings to present day
• BCompare and contrast between China and other empires
• CCause and effect of military strategy
• DStep-by-step construction instructions

Passage: The Great Wall of China was built over many centuries to protect Chinese empires from northern invasions. Construction began as early as the 7th century BC and continued through the Ming Dynasty in the 17th century AD. Although often described as a single wall, it is actually a network of fortifications stretching more than 13,000 miles. Today, sections of the wall are popular tourist destinations and have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Question: In this passage, the word 'fortifications' most nearly means:

• Adecorations
• Bdefensive structures
• Csmall homes
• Drivers and lakes

Passage: The Great Wall of China was built over many centuries to protect Chinese empires from northern invasions. Construction began as early as the 7th century BC and continued through the Ming Dynasty in the 17th century AD. Although often described as a single wall, it is actually a network of fortifications stretching more than 13,000 miles. Today, sections of the wall are popular tourist destinations and have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Question: What can the reader infer from this passage?

• AThe Great Wall was completed by a single emperor in a few decades.
• BBuilding the Great Wall required tremendous labor and resources over many generations.
• CThe wall has never been visited by tourists.
• DUNESCO built the Great Wall.

Passage: Antibiotics are powerful medications used to treat bacterial infections, not viral ones. Taking antibiotics for a virus, such as the common cold, will not help the patient and can contribute to antibiotic resistance. When bacteria are repeatedly exposed to antibiotics, some survive and pass on resistant traits, making future infections harder to treat. Healthcare providers stress that patients should only take antibiotics when prescribed and should always finish the full course. Question: What is the author's main purpose in this passage?

• ATo entertain the reader with stories about doctors
• BTo explain how antibiotics work and warn against misuse
• CTo compare different brands of antibiotics
• DTo persuade readers to avoid all medications

Passage: Antibiotics are powerful medications used to treat bacterial infections, not viral ones. Taking antibiotics for a virus, such as the common cold, will not help the patient and can contribute to antibiotic resistance. When bacteria are repeatedly exposed to antibiotics, some survive and pass on resistant traits, making future infections harder to treat. Healthcare providers stress that patients should only take antibiotics when prescribed and should always finish the full course. Question: According to the passage, antibiotic resistance occurs because:

• APatients sometimes refuse to take their pills.
• BSurviving bacteria pass on resistant traits after repeated exposure.
• CAntibiotics lose their strength when stored too long.
• DViruses become resistant when treated with antibiotics.

Passage: Antibiotics are powerful medications used to treat bacterial infections, not viral ones. Taking antibiotics for a virus, such as the common cold, will not help the patient and can contribute to antibiotic resistance. When bacteria are repeatedly exposed to antibiotics, some survive and pass on resistant traits, making future infections harder to treat. Healthcare providers stress that patients should only take antibiotics when prescribed and should always finish the full course. Question: Which of the following best reflects the structure of this passage?

• AProblem and solution
• BCause and effect
• CSequence of events over time
• DDescription of a person

Passage: The earth's atmosphere is divided into several layers, each with unique characteristics. The troposphere, closest to the surface, contains most of the weather we experience. Above it lies the stratosphere, where the ozone layer absorbs harmful ultraviolet radiation. The mesosphere protects the planet by burning up incoming meteors, and the thermosphere hosts the auroras and many satellites. Question: What is the central topic of this passage?

• AClimate change and global warming
• BThe structure of earth's atmospheric layers
• CHow satellites orbit the earth
• DCauses of meteor strikes

Passage: The earth's atmosphere is divided into several layers, each with unique characteristics. The troposphere, closest to the surface, contains most of the weather we experience. Above it lies the stratosphere, where the ozone layer absorbs harmful ultraviolet radiation. The mesosphere protects the planet by burning up incoming meteors, and the thermosphere hosts the auroras and many satellites. Question: According to the passage, which layer absorbs harmful ultraviolet radiation?

• ATroposphere
• BStratosphere
• CMesosphere
• DThermosphere

Passage: The earth's atmosphere is divided into several layers, each with unique characteristics. The troposphere, closest to the surface, contains most of the weather we experience. Above it lies the stratosphere, where the ozone layer absorbs harmful ultraviolet radiation. The mesosphere protects the planet by burning up incoming meteors, and the thermosphere hosts the auroras and many satellites. Question: In this passage, the phrase 'unique characteristics' most nearly refers to:

• Aspecialized observatory equipment
• Bdistinctive features of each layer
• Ccommon weather patterns
• Drare astronomical events

Passage: Regular physical activity is one of the most important things people can do for their health. The CDC recommends that adults engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise each week. Exercise lowers the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers. It also improves mood, sleep, and overall quality of life. Even small amounts of activity, such as walking during lunch breaks, can produce meaningful health benefits. Question: Which statement best summarizes the passage?

• AOnly intense workouts produce health benefits.
• BEven modest amounts of regular exercise improve health in many ways.
• CThe CDC sets unrealistic exercise goals.
• DWalking is the only exercise people need.

Passage: Regular physical activity is one of the most important things people can do for their health. The CDC recommends that adults engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise each week. Exercise lowers the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers. It also improves mood, sleep, and overall quality of life. Even small amounts of activity, such as walking during lunch breaks, can produce meaningful health benefits. Question: Which sentence from the passage is an example of an opinion?

• AThe CDC recommends 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise each week.
• BRegular physical activity is one of the most important things people can do for their hea…
• CExercise lowers the risk of heart disease.
• DWalking during lunch breaks is a form of physical activity.

Passage: Regular physical activity is one of the most important things people can do for their health. The CDC recommends that adults engage in at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise each week. Exercise lowers the risk of heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and some cancers. It also improves mood, sleep, and overall quality of life. Even small amounts of activity, such as walking during lunch breaks, can produce meaningful health benefits. Question: What inference can be drawn from this passage?

• APeople who sit all day without any activity may face higher health risks.
• BWalking is more effective than running.
• C150 minutes of exercise is the maximum healthy amount.
• DExercise has no effect on mental health.

Passage: Marie Curie was a pioneering scientist whose research transformed our understanding of radioactivity. She became the first woman to win a Nobel Prize and remains the only person to win Nobel Prizes in two different scientific fields — physics and chemistry. Despite limited resources and the prejudices of her era, she discovered the elements polonium and radium. Her work laid the foundation for modern cancer treatments and changed scientific thinking forever. Question: What is the author's tone in this passage?

• ACritical and dismissive
• BAdmiring and respectful
• CNeutral and detached
• DConfused and uncertain

Passage: Marie Curie was a pioneering scientist whose research transformed our understanding of radioactivity. She became the first woman to win a Nobel Prize and remains the only person to win Nobel Prizes in two different scientific fields — physics and chemistry. Despite limited resources and the prejudices of her era, she discovered the elements polonium and radium. Her work laid the foundation for modern cancer treatments and changed scientific thinking forever. Question: Which two elements did Marie Curie discover, according to the passage?

• AUranium and plutonium
• BPolonium and radium
• CRadon and thorium
• DHelium and hydrogen

Passage: Marie Curie was a pioneering scientist whose research transformed our understanding of radioactivity. She became the first woman to win a Nobel Prize and remains the only person to win Nobel Prizes in two different scientific fields — physics and chemistry. Despite limited resources and the prejudices of her era, she discovered the elements polonium and radium. Her work laid the foundation for modern cancer treatments and changed scientific thinking forever. Question: In this passage, the word 'pioneering' most nearly means:

• Aoutdated
• Bgroundbreaking
• Csecretive
• Dunsuccessful

Passage: Marie Curie was a pioneering scientist whose research transformed our understanding of radioactivity. She became the first woman to win a Nobel Prize and remains the only person to win Nobel Prizes in two different scientific fields — physics and chemistry. Despite limited resources and the prejudices of her era, she discovered the elements polonium and radium. Her work laid the foundation for modern cancer treatments and changed scientific thinking forever. Question: What can the reader infer about Marie Curie's career?

• AShe faced obstacles but persisted to make important discoveries.
• BShe had unlimited funding and equipment.
• CShe worked only on cancer treatments.
• DShe was admired by everyone during her lifetime.

Passage: Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants convert sunlight into chemical energy. Inside plant cells, structures called chloroplasts contain chlorophyll, a pigment that absorbs sunlight. Using carbon dioxide from the air and water from the soil, plants produce glucose and release oxygen as a byproduct. This process is the foundation of nearly all food chains on earth. Question: What is the main idea of this passage?

• AChlorophyll is found in animal cells.
• BPhotosynthesis lets plants turn sunlight into energy and supports most life on earth.
• CPlants compete with each other for sunlight.
• DOxygen is harmful to plants.

Passage: Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants convert sunlight into chemical energy. Inside plant cells, structures called chloroplasts contain chlorophyll, a pigment that absorbs sunlight. Using carbon dioxide from the air and water from the soil, plants produce glucose and release oxygen as a byproduct. This process is the foundation of nearly all food chains on earth. Question: In this passage, the word 'pigment' most nearly means:

• Aa colored substance
• Ba type of root
• Ca kind of soil
• Da measurement tool

Passage: Photosynthesis is the process by which green plants convert sunlight into chemical energy. Inside plant cells, structures called chloroplasts contain chlorophyll, a pigment that absorbs sunlight. Using carbon dioxide from the air and water from the soil, plants produce glucose and release oxygen as a byproduct. This process is the foundation of nearly all food chains on earth. Question: Which inference is best supported by the passage?

• AIf green plants disappeared, most life on earth would be threatened.
• BPlants do not need water to live.
• CGlucose is harmful to humans.
• DSunlight has no effect on plant growth.

Passage: For decades, smoking was widely promoted in movies, magazines, and television commercials as glamorous and sophisticated. Today, public health campaigns make it clear that smoking is a leading cause of preventable death. Tobacco use damages the lungs, heart, and blood vessels, and is strongly linked to multiple cancers. Most adults who smoke say they wish they had never started. Question: How has the public view of smoking changed, according to the passage?

• AIt is now considered glamorous and sophisticated.
• BIt has shifted from glamorized to recognized as a major health threat.
• CIt is unchanged from previous decades.
• DIt is now only criticized in movies.

Passage: For decades, smoking was widely promoted in movies, magazines, and television commercials as glamorous and sophisticated. Today, public health campaigns make it clear that smoking is a leading cause of preventable death. Tobacco use damages the lungs, heart, and blood vessels, and is strongly linked to multiple cancers. Most adults who smoke say they wish they had never started. Question: The author's bias in this passage can best be described as:

• APro-smoking
• BAnti-smoking
• CNeutral with no clear stance
• DIndifferent to public health

Passage: For decades, smoking was widely promoted in movies, magazines, and television commercials as glamorous and sophisticated. Today, public health campaigns make it clear that smoking is a leading cause of preventable death. Tobacco use damages the lungs, heart, and blood vessels, and is strongly linked to multiple cancers. Most adults who smoke say they wish they had never started. Question: In this passage, the word 'glamorous' most nearly means:

• Aboring
• Battractive and stylish
• Charmful and dangerous
• Dcommon and ordinary