HESI A2 Entrance Exam Reading
Comprehension Version 2
Actual Exam Questions
,Question 1 of 55
Violence
Lately, studies have been done to decide whether a relationship exists between violence on
television and mounting violence in the streets of the United States. More and better research is
needed to assess fully the effects of exposure to violence on human behavior. However, early
results seem to indicate that some people are influenced negatively by what they see on TV,
especially young children. Since children born today, on an average, are exposed to seven hours
of TV a day, some changes seem needed. Consultants have advised network officials to
reconsider certain policies if they wish to avoid the pitfalls of increased government regulations.
The author seems to support
A complete deregulation of television programming.
B public control of TV programming.
C violence on television, if it has artistic merit.
D further research into the effects of TV violence.
Question 2 of 55
Isaac Asimov
Isaac Asimov (1920-1992) was a very prolific writer, best known for his works of science fiction
and for his popular science books. Most of Asimov's popularized science books explain scientific
concepts in a historical way, going as far back as possible to a time when the science in question
was at its simplest stage.
Asimov is widely considered a master of the science-fiction genre and, along with Robert A.
Heinlein and Arthur C. Clarke, was considered one of the "Big Three" science-fiction writers
during his lifetime. He also wrote mysteries and fantasy, as well as a great amount of nonfiction.
Asimov wrote the Lucky Starr series of juvenile science-fiction novels using the pen name Paul
French.
Asimov was afraid of flying, so he seldom traveled great distances, partly because his aversion
to flying complicated the logistics of long-distance travel. He did enjoy traveling on cruise ships,
and on several occasions he became part of the cruises" "entertainment," giving science-
themed talks. Asimov was an able public speaker, and enjoyed speaking to groups, especially at
science fiction conventions.
, What is the definition of "prolific" as used in the first paragraph?
A Literate.
B Eccentric.
C Highly productive.
D Against war.
For what type of writing was Mr. Asimov most famous?
A Juvenile Fiction.
B Mystery.
C Science Fiction.
D Popular Science.
Laughter
One of the best ways to understand a group of people is to know what makes them laugh.
Laughter encompasses the limits of the soul and serves social, psychological, and physiological
functions. In humor, life is redefined and accepted. Irony and satire provide much keener
insights into a group's collective psyche and values than do years of research. It has always been
a great disappointment to native Americans that the humorous side of their life has not been
mentioned by experts on native American affairs. Rather, the image of the stern-faced redskin
has been presented by the American Westerns.
Which statement is presented in the paragraph?
Which statement is presented in the paragraph?
A Native American humor is often overlooked.
B White Americans neglect the needs of the Native Americans.
C Native Americans rarely laugh.
D Native American humor is mostly satire.
Comprehension Version 2
Actual Exam Questions
,Question 1 of 55
Violence
Lately, studies have been done to decide whether a relationship exists between violence on
television and mounting violence in the streets of the United States. More and better research is
needed to assess fully the effects of exposure to violence on human behavior. However, early
results seem to indicate that some people are influenced negatively by what they see on TV,
especially young children. Since children born today, on an average, are exposed to seven hours
of TV a day, some changes seem needed. Consultants have advised network officials to
reconsider certain policies if they wish to avoid the pitfalls of increased government regulations.
The author seems to support
A complete deregulation of television programming.
B public control of TV programming.
C violence on television, if it has artistic merit.
D further research into the effects of TV violence.
Question 2 of 55
Isaac Asimov
Isaac Asimov (1920-1992) was a very prolific writer, best known for his works of science fiction
and for his popular science books. Most of Asimov's popularized science books explain scientific
concepts in a historical way, going as far back as possible to a time when the science in question
was at its simplest stage.
Asimov is widely considered a master of the science-fiction genre and, along with Robert A.
Heinlein and Arthur C. Clarke, was considered one of the "Big Three" science-fiction writers
during his lifetime. He also wrote mysteries and fantasy, as well as a great amount of nonfiction.
Asimov wrote the Lucky Starr series of juvenile science-fiction novels using the pen name Paul
French.
Asimov was afraid of flying, so he seldom traveled great distances, partly because his aversion
to flying complicated the logistics of long-distance travel. He did enjoy traveling on cruise ships,
and on several occasions he became part of the cruises" "entertainment," giving science-
themed talks. Asimov was an able public speaker, and enjoyed speaking to groups, especially at
science fiction conventions.
, What is the definition of "prolific" as used in the first paragraph?
A Literate.
B Eccentric.
C Highly productive.
D Against war.
For what type of writing was Mr. Asimov most famous?
A Juvenile Fiction.
B Mystery.
C Science Fiction.
D Popular Science.
Laughter
One of the best ways to understand a group of people is to know what makes them laugh.
Laughter encompasses the limits of the soul and serves social, psychological, and physiological
functions. In humor, life is redefined and accepted. Irony and satire provide much keener
insights into a group's collective psyche and values than do years of research. It has always been
a great disappointment to native Americans that the humorous side of their life has not been
mentioned by experts on native American affairs. Rather, the image of the stern-faced redskin
has been presented by the American Westerns.
Which statement is presented in the paragraph?
Which statement is presented in the paragraph?
A Native American humor is often overlooked.
B White Americans neglect the needs of the Native Americans.
C Native Americans rarely laugh.
D Native American humor is mostly satire.
