HESI A2 Version 3 Complete Exam 2025 – Grammar,
Math, Reading, Biology, Vocabulary, Chemistry,
Anatomy & Physiology – Actual Exam Questions and
Detailed Correct Answers (Already Graded A+)
SECTION 1 – READING COMPREHENSION
Passage 1
Researchers have long debated the most effective methods for teaching reading to elementary-school
children. Some studies support a phonics-based approach, emphasizing the relationship between sounds
and letters, while others advocate for whole-language instruction, which immerses children in literature
and stresses meaning over isolated skills. A 2022 meta-analysis of 52 randomized controlled trials
concluded that systematic phonics programs produced statistically significant gains in word recognition
and spelling when compared to whole-language programs. However, the same study cautioned that an
exclusive focus on phonics may reduce motivation and limit exposure to rich vocabulary. The authors
recommend a balanced approach that integrates systematic phonics with meaningful reading experiences.
Question 1
What is the primary purpose of the passage?
A. To argue that whole-language instruction is outdated
B. To describe competing reading instructional methods and summarize research findings
C. To outline the history of reading education in the United States
D. To promote a specific commercial phonics program
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The passage objectively presents two instructional methods (phonics and whole-language),
cites a 2022 meta-analysis, and concludes with a balanced recommendation.
A is incorrect because the passage does not claim whole-language is outdated; it simply reports research.
C is incorrect because historical context is not provided.
D is incorrect because no commercial program is mentioned or promoted.
Question 2
Which conclusion can be drawn from the 2022 meta-analysis?
A. Systematic phonics guarantees long-term reading comprehension success.
B. Whole-language instruction has no place in modern classrooms.
C. Systematic phonics shows measurable advantages in word recognition and spelling.
D. Vocabulary development is unaffected by instructional method.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The passage states that systematic phonics produced “statistically significant gains in word
recognition and spelling.”
A is incorrect because “guarantees” is too absolute; the study only reports short-term gains.
B is incorrect because the authors recommend balance, not elimination of whole-language.
D is incorrect because the passage warns that exclusive phonics may “limit exposure to rich vocabulary.”
Question 3
What is the authors’ recommended strategy?
A. Abandon phonics entirely
,B. Use only decodable texts
C. Integrate systematic phonics with meaningful reading experiences
D. Increase standardized testing
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The last sentence explicitly recommends a “balanced approach that integrates systematic
phonics with meaningful reading experiences.”
A and B are incorrect because they reject integration.
D is unrelated to the passage.
Question 4
Which word best describes the tone of the passage?
A. Biased
B. Objective
C. Satirical
D. Angry
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The passage presents evidence and acknowledges strengths and weaknesses of both methods
without emotional language.
A, C, and D are unsupported.
Question 5
The word “immerses” in the passage most nearly means:
A. Avoids
B. Surrounds completely
C. Ignores
D. Judges
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: “Immerses children in literature” implies surrounding them with literary experiences.
A, C, and D do not fit contextually.
Passage 2
The human circadian rhythm is a roughly 24-hour cycle that regulates sleep, hormone release, and
metabolism. Light is the primary zeitgeber (time cue) that synchronizes the master clock in the
suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the brain. Evening exposure to short-wavelength blue light—emitted
by LED screens—can suppress melatonin production and delay sleep onset. A 2021 study found that
participants reading on an e-reader for four hours before bedtime took 30 minutes longer to fall asleep and
had reduced rapid-eye-movement (REM) duration compared to those reading printed books. The study
authors suggest implementing device filters or wearing blue-light-blocking glasses to mitigate these
effects.
Question 6
What is the main idea of the passage?
A. Printed books are superior to e-readers in all situations.
B. Blue light from screens can disrupt circadian rhythms and sleep quality.
C. Melatonin supplements should be used nightly.
D. The SCN is responsible for dream content.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The passage focuses on how evening blue-light exposure affects melatonin and sleep metrics.
, A is too absolute; the passage only discusses bedtime reading.
C is not mentioned.
D is incorrect; the SCN regulates timing, not dream content.
Question 7
Which statement is supported by the 2021 study?
A. All participants had insomnia disorders.
B. REM duration increased with e-reader use.
C. Printed-book readers fell asleep faster.
D. Blue-light glasses eliminated melatonin.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The study states that e-reader users took 30 minutes longer to fall asleep, implying
printed-book readers fell asleep faster.
A is unsupported; participants were not diagnosed with insomnia.
B contradicts the passage (REM duration was reduced).
D is unsupported; glasses were suggested, not tested.
Question 8
The term “zeitgeber” is used to illustrate:
A. A drug that induces sleep
B. An external cue that entrains biological rhythms
C. A type of LED screen
D. A sleep disorder
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The passage defines zeitgeber as “time cue” that synchronizes the clock.
A, C, and D are incorrect definitions.
Question 9
What mitigation strategy is suggested by the authors?
A. Avoid reading altogether
B. Use device filters or blue-light-blocking glasses
C. Take prescription sleeping pills
D. Exercise vigorously at bedtime
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The last sentence explicitly recommends filters or glasses.
A is extreme.
C and D are not mentioned.
Question 10
Which inference can be made?
A. Morning blue-light exposure has no effect on circadian rhythms.
B. Suppression of melatonin delays sleep onset.
C. Printed books emit blue light.
D. REM sleep is unimportant for memory.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The passage links blue-light-induced melatonin suppression to delayed sleep onset.
A is unsupported; morning light is not discussed.
C is false.
Math, Reading, Biology, Vocabulary, Chemistry,
Anatomy & Physiology – Actual Exam Questions and
Detailed Correct Answers (Already Graded A+)
SECTION 1 – READING COMPREHENSION
Passage 1
Researchers have long debated the most effective methods for teaching reading to elementary-school
children. Some studies support a phonics-based approach, emphasizing the relationship between sounds
and letters, while others advocate for whole-language instruction, which immerses children in literature
and stresses meaning over isolated skills. A 2022 meta-analysis of 52 randomized controlled trials
concluded that systematic phonics programs produced statistically significant gains in word recognition
and spelling when compared to whole-language programs. However, the same study cautioned that an
exclusive focus on phonics may reduce motivation and limit exposure to rich vocabulary. The authors
recommend a balanced approach that integrates systematic phonics with meaningful reading experiences.
Question 1
What is the primary purpose of the passage?
A. To argue that whole-language instruction is outdated
B. To describe competing reading instructional methods and summarize research findings
C. To outline the history of reading education in the United States
D. To promote a specific commercial phonics program
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The passage objectively presents two instructional methods (phonics and whole-language),
cites a 2022 meta-analysis, and concludes with a balanced recommendation.
A is incorrect because the passage does not claim whole-language is outdated; it simply reports research.
C is incorrect because historical context is not provided.
D is incorrect because no commercial program is mentioned or promoted.
Question 2
Which conclusion can be drawn from the 2022 meta-analysis?
A. Systematic phonics guarantees long-term reading comprehension success.
B. Whole-language instruction has no place in modern classrooms.
C. Systematic phonics shows measurable advantages in word recognition and spelling.
D. Vocabulary development is unaffected by instructional method.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The passage states that systematic phonics produced “statistically significant gains in word
recognition and spelling.”
A is incorrect because “guarantees” is too absolute; the study only reports short-term gains.
B is incorrect because the authors recommend balance, not elimination of whole-language.
D is incorrect because the passage warns that exclusive phonics may “limit exposure to rich vocabulary.”
Question 3
What is the authors’ recommended strategy?
A. Abandon phonics entirely
,B. Use only decodable texts
C. Integrate systematic phonics with meaningful reading experiences
D. Increase standardized testing
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The last sentence explicitly recommends a “balanced approach that integrates systematic
phonics with meaningful reading experiences.”
A and B are incorrect because they reject integration.
D is unrelated to the passage.
Question 4
Which word best describes the tone of the passage?
A. Biased
B. Objective
C. Satirical
D. Angry
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The passage presents evidence and acknowledges strengths and weaknesses of both methods
without emotional language.
A, C, and D are unsupported.
Question 5
The word “immerses” in the passage most nearly means:
A. Avoids
B. Surrounds completely
C. Ignores
D. Judges
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: “Immerses children in literature” implies surrounding them with literary experiences.
A, C, and D do not fit contextually.
Passage 2
The human circadian rhythm is a roughly 24-hour cycle that regulates sleep, hormone release, and
metabolism. Light is the primary zeitgeber (time cue) that synchronizes the master clock in the
suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of the brain. Evening exposure to short-wavelength blue light—emitted
by LED screens—can suppress melatonin production and delay sleep onset. A 2021 study found that
participants reading on an e-reader for four hours before bedtime took 30 minutes longer to fall asleep and
had reduced rapid-eye-movement (REM) duration compared to those reading printed books. The study
authors suggest implementing device filters or wearing blue-light-blocking glasses to mitigate these
effects.
Question 6
What is the main idea of the passage?
A. Printed books are superior to e-readers in all situations.
B. Blue light from screens can disrupt circadian rhythms and sleep quality.
C. Melatonin supplements should be used nightly.
D. The SCN is responsible for dream content.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The passage focuses on how evening blue-light exposure affects melatonin and sleep metrics.
, A is too absolute; the passage only discusses bedtime reading.
C is not mentioned.
D is incorrect; the SCN regulates timing, not dream content.
Question 7
Which statement is supported by the 2021 study?
A. All participants had insomnia disorders.
B. REM duration increased with e-reader use.
C. Printed-book readers fell asleep faster.
D. Blue-light glasses eliminated melatonin.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The study states that e-reader users took 30 minutes longer to fall asleep, implying
printed-book readers fell asleep faster.
A is unsupported; participants were not diagnosed with insomnia.
B contradicts the passage (REM duration was reduced).
D is unsupported; glasses were suggested, not tested.
Question 8
The term “zeitgeber” is used to illustrate:
A. A drug that induces sleep
B. An external cue that entrains biological rhythms
C. A type of LED screen
D. A sleep disorder
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The passage defines zeitgeber as “time cue” that synchronizes the clock.
A, C, and D are incorrect definitions.
Question 9
What mitigation strategy is suggested by the authors?
A. Avoid reading altogether
B. Use device filters or blue-light-blocking glasses
C. Take prescription sleeping pills
D. Exercise vigorously at bedtime
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The last sentence explicitly recommends filters or glasses.
A is extreme.
C and D are not mentioned.
Question 10
Which inference can be made?
A. Morning blue-light exposure has no effect on circadian rhythms.
B. Suppression of melatonin delays sleep onset.
C. Printed books emit blue light.
D. REM sleep is unimportant for memory.
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The passage links blue-light-induced melatonin suppression to delayed sleep onset.
A is unsupported; morning light is not discussed.
C is false.
