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HESI Reading Comprehension Test
55 Questions
Questions and Answers with Explanations
LATEST UPDATE
,Full Exam Available:
1. 1. Question
In recent years, the decline of bee populations has raised significant concerns about global food
security and ecosystem stability. Bees play a crucial role in pollinating a wide variety of crops
that make up a substantial portion of the human diet. To address this issue, planting native
wildflowers in urban and rural areas alike can help. Creating bee-friendly habitats can provide
bees with the necessary resources, such as nectar and pollen, to thrive and contribute to
pollination. This simple yet impactful step can contribute to the preservation of bee populations
and support the sustainability of our agricultural systems.
Which supporting detail is an example of a suggestion, rather than factual information?
The decline of bee populations has raised concerns about global food security.
Creating bee-friendly habitats provides bees with necessary resources for thriving.
Planting native wildflowers in urban and rural areas can help address the issue.
Bees play a crucial role in pollinating a wide variety of crops.
Answer:
Planting native wildflowers in urban and rural areas can help address the issue.
This is the correct answer. This statement contains a suggestion. It proposes a solution to the
problem of declining bee populations by recommending the planting of native wildflowers in
both urban and rural areas. The word “can” suggests a possible action to take.
Bees play a crucial role in pollinating a wide variety of crops.
This is incorrect. This statement provides factual information about the role of bees in
pollination and their importance to crop production. It does not contain any suggestions or
advice.
The decline of bee populations has raised concerns about global food security.
This is incorrect. This statement is also factual, describing the impact of declining bee
populations on global food security. It does not include a suggestion.
,Full Exam Available:
Creating bee-friendly habitats provides bees with necessary resources for thriving.
This is incorrect. This statement provides factual information about the benefits of creating bee-
friendly habitats. It does not include a suggestion.
2. 2. Question
Biodiversity Brilliance
Costa Rica, with its remarkable geographical and climatic diversity, stands as a global beacon of
biodiversity. This small Central American country, encompassing only 0.03% of Earth’s landmass,
shelters an astounding 5% of the world’s total species. From lush rainforests teeming with
unique flora and fauna to expansive coastal ecosystems, including mangroves, coral reefs, and
wetlands, Costa Rica’s natural landscapes are a playground for biologists and nature enthusiasts
alike. The country’s commitment to conservation is evident through its extensive system of
national parks, reserves, and protected areas, covering nearly 25% of its territory. This
dedication to preserving its rich ecological heritage has not only safeguarded countless species
but has also fostered ecotourism, contributing to both local economies and global awareness of
the urgent need to protect our planet’s precious biodiversity.
Based on the description in the passage, which of the following ecosystems is NOT mentioned
as being present in Costa Rica’s diverse natural landscapes?
Rainforests
Grasslands
Coral Reefs
Mangroves
Answer:
Grasslands
This is the correct answer. The passage mentions lush rainforests and coastal ecosystems,
including mangroves and coral reefs, but it does not mention grasslands as part of Costa Rica’s
natural landscapes.
Coral Reefs
This is incorrect. The passage does mention coastal ecosystems, including mangroves and coral
reefs, as being part of Costa Rica’s diverse natural landscapes.
, Full Exam Available:
Mangroves
This is incorrect. The passage does mention coastal ecosystems, including mangroves, as being
part of Costa Rica’s diverse natural landscapes.
Rainforests
This is incorrect. The passage mentions lush rainforests as part of Costa Rica’s natural
landscapes, so rainforests are indeed mentioned.
3. 3. Question
The Grand Canyon stands as a magnificent testament to the eons of geological history that have
shaped the Earth’s surface. Carved by the Colorado River over millions of years, this awe-
inspiring natural wonder offers a mesmerizing glimpse into the planet’s past. The story of the
Grand Canyon’s formation begins around six million years ago, as the Colorado River began its
relentless process of erosion, slowly carving through layers of sedimentary rock. Over time, the
river’s persistent flow exposed rock formations that span billions of years, revealing a cross-
section of Earth’s geological evolution. Indigenous peoples, such as the Hopi, Navajo, and
Havasupai, have inhabited the region for centuries, infusing the canyon with rich cultural
significance. The first European explorers arrived in the 16th century, captivated by the
grandeur of the immense chasm. Theodore Roosevelt’s designation of the Grand Canyon as a
national monument in 1908 marked a pivotal moment in its preservation, later leading to its
establishment as a national park. Today, the Grand Canyon stands not only as a testament to the
geological forces that have shaped our world but also as a symbol of the ongoing quest for
environmental conservation and appreciation of our planet’s extraordinary history.
As visitors stand at the rim’s edge, they are met with a breathtaking panorama that showcases
the diverse layers of rock strata that have accumulated over time. The Grand Canyon’s story is
woven through its exposed rock formations, with the youngest rocks at the top and the oldest
at the bottom, offering a reverse chronology of Earth’s past. The colorful bands of sedimentary
rock provide insight into ancient environments, from coastal deserts to marine expanses, each
layer representing a different chapter in the canyon’s history. Over the centuries, the Colorado
River continued its steady erosion, shaping the canyon’s steep cliffs, winding gorges, and hidden
alcoves. Its awe-inspiring scale and intricate detail have inspired not only scientific exploration
but also artistic appreciation, as painters, photographers, and writers have sought to capture its
grandeur. Through its geological narrative and the interplay of human history, the Grand Canyon
stands as a testament to the deep connection between our planet’s past, present, and the
enduring legacy of natural wonder.
Which would best replace ‘conservation’ as used in the last sentence of the first paragraph?
HESI Reading Comprehension Test
55 Questions
Questions and Answers with Explanations
LATEST UPDATE
,Full Exam Available:
1. 1. Question
In recent years, the decline of bee populations has raised significant concerns about global food
security and ecosystem stability. Bees play a crucial role in pollinating a wide variety of crops
that make up a substantial portion of the human diet. To address this issue, planting native
wildflowers in urban and rural areas alike can help. Creating bee-friendly habitats can provide
bees with the necessary resources, such as nectar and pollen, to thrive and contribute to
pollination. This simple yet impactful step can contribute to the preservation of bee populations
and support the sustainability of our agricultural systems.
Which supporting detail is an example of a suggestion, rather than factual information?
The decline of bee populations has raised concerns about global food security.
Creating bee-friendly habitats provides bees with necessary resources for thriving.
Planting native wildflowers in urban and rural areas can help address the issue.
Bees play a crucial role in pollinating a wide variety of crops.
Answer:
Planting native wildflowers in urban and rural areas can help address the issue.
This is the correct answer. This statement contains a suggestion. It proposes a solution to the
problem of declining bee populations by recommending the planting of native wildflowers in
both urban and rural areas. The word “can” suggests a possible action to take.
Bees play a crucial role in pollinating a wide variety of crops.
This is incorrect. This statement provides factual information about the role of bees in
pollination and their importance to crop production. It does not contain any suggestions or
advice.
The decline of bee populations has raised concerns about global food security.
This is incorrect. This statement is also factual, describing the impact of declining bee
populations on global food security. It does not include a suggestion.
,Full Exam Available:
Creating bee-friendly habitats provides bees with necessary resources for thriving.
This is incorrect. This statement provides factual information about the benefits of creating bee-
friendly habitats. It does not include a suggestion.
2. 2. Question
Biodiversity Brilliance
Costa Rica, with its remarkable geographical and climatic diversity, stands as a global beacon of
biodiversity. This small Central American country, encompassing only 0.03% of Earth’s landmass,
shelters an astounding 5% of the world’s total species. From lush rainforests teeming with
unique flora and fauna to expansive coastal ecosystems, including mangroves, coral reefs, and
wetlands, Costa Rica’s natural landscapes are a playground for biologists and nature enthusiasts
alike. The country’s commitment to conservation is evident through its extensive system of
national parks, reserves, and protected areas, covering nearly 25% of its territory. This
dedication to preserving its rich ecological heritage has not only safeguarded countless species
but has also fostered ecotourism, contributing to both local economies and global awareness of
the urgent need to protect our planet’s precious biodiversity.
Based on the description in the passage, which of the following ecosystems is NOT mentioned
as being present in Costa Rica’s diverse natural landscapes?
Rainforests
Grasslands
Coral Reefs
Mangroves
Answer:
Grasslands
This is the correct answer. The passage mentions lush rainforests and coastal ecosystems,
including mangroves and coral reefs, but it does not mention grasslands as part of Costa Rica’s
natural landscapes.
Coral Reefs
This is incorrect. The passage does mention coastal ecosystems, including mangroves and coral
reefs, as being part of Costa Rica’s diverse natural landscapes.
, Full Exam Available:
Mangroves
This is incorrect. The passage does mention coastal ecosystems, including mangroves, as being
part of Costa Rica’s diverse natural landscapes.
Rainforests
This is incorrect. The passage mentions lush rainforests as part of Costa Rica’s natural
landscapes, so rainforests are indeed mentioned.
3. 3. Question
The Grand Canyon stands as a magnificent testament to the eons of geological history that have
shaped the Earth’s surface. Carved by the Colorado River over millions of years, this awe-
inspiring natural wonder offers a mesmerizing glimpse into the planet’s past. The story of the
Grand Canyon’s formation begins around six million years ago, as the Colorado River began its
relentless process of erosion, slowly carving through layers of sedimentary rock. Over time, the
river’s persistent flow exposed rock formations that span billions of years, revealing a cross-
section of Earth’s geological evolution. Indigenous peoples, such as the Hopi, Navajo, and
Havasupai, have inhabited the region for centuries, infusing the canyon with rich cultural
significance. The first European explorers arrived in the 16th century, captivated by the
grandeur of the immense chasm. Theodore Roosevelt’s designation of the Grand Canyon as a
national monument in 1908 marked a pivotal moment in its preservation, later leading to its
establishment as a national park. Today, the Grand Canyon stands not only as a testament to the
geological forces that have shaped our world but also as a symbol of the ongoing quest for
environmental conservation and appreciation of our planet’s extraordinary history.
As visitors stand at the rim’s edge, they are met with a breathtaking panorama that showcases
the diverse layers of rock strata that have accumulated over time. The Grand Canyon’s story is
woven through its exposed rock formations, with the youngest rocks at the top and the oldest
at the bottom, offering a reverse chronology of Earth’s past. The colorful bands of sedimentary
rock provide insight into ancient environments, from coastal deserts to marine expanses, each
layer representing a different chapter in the canyon’s history. Over the centuries, the Colorado
River continued its steady erosion, shaping the canyon’s steep cliffs, winding gorges, and hidden
alcoves. Its awe-inspiring scale and intricate detail have inspired not only scientific exploration
but also artistic appreciation, as painters, photographers, and writers have sought to capture its
grandeur. Through its geological narrative and the interplay of human history, the Grand Canyon
stands as a testament to the deep connection between our planet’s past, present, and the
enduring legacy of natural wonder.
Which would best replace ‘conservation’ as used in the last sentence of the first paragraph?
