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
(Questions 1 – 15)
Passage 1
Researchers have long debated the most effective methods for teaching reading to
elementary-school children. One approach, known as “phonics,” emphasizes the relationship
between sounds and letters. Another, the “whole-language” approach, encourages children to
infer meaning through context and prior knowledge. A 2022 meta-analysis of 52 peer-reviewed
studies concluded that systematic phonics instruction produced significantly higher decoding and
spelling scores than whole-language programs. However, the same study cautioned that an
exclusive focus on phonics may reduce reading motivation, especially when texts are perceived
as dull or overly repetitive. The authors recommend a balanced literacy framework that
integrates explicit phonics lessons with rich, engaging literature.
Question 1
What is the primary purpose of the passage?
,A. To argue that phonics is superior to every other reading method
B. To summarize a 2022 meta-analysis and its curricular implications
C. To describe the history of whole-language instruction in the United States
D. To prove that balanced literacy is already used in most classrooms
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The passage’s main goal is to summarize the findings of a 2022 meta-analysis and
discuss the recommended balanced framework; therefore B is correct. A is incorrect because the
passage explicitly warns against an exclusive focus on phonics. C is incorrect because historical
background is not provided. D is incorrect because the passage does not claim that balanced
literacy is already dominant.
Question 2
Which conclusion is directly supported by the meta-analysis?
A. Whole-language instruction improves spelling more than phonics.
B. Systematic phonics leads to higher decoding scores.
C. Engaging literature alone produces fluent readers.
D. Peer-reviewed studies rarely agree on reading outcomes.
,Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The passage states that systematic phonics instruction “produced significantly higher
decoding and spelling scores,” making B correct. A contradicts the finding. C is unsupported;
literature is mentioned as a complement, not a standalone solution. D is unsupported; the passage
implies consensus through meta-analysis.
Question 3
The word “exclusive” in line 8 most nearly means
A. inclusive
B. restrictive
C. expensive
D. permanent
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In context, “exclusive focus” means limiting instruction to only phonics, so
“restrictive” is the closest synonym. A is an antonym. C and D are unrelated.
Question 4
What is the authors’ recommended instructional framework?
, A. Phonics-only drilling
B. Unstructured silent reading
C. Balanced literacy
D. Computer-based phonics games
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The passage explicitly recommends “a balanced literacy framework,” so C is correct.
A is warned against, B is not mentioned, and D is not discussed.
Question 5
Which of the following best describes the tone of the passage?
A. Biased and emotional
B. Neutral and analytical
C. Satirical and humorous
D. Angry and accusatory
Correct Answer: B
Reading, Biology, Vocabulary, Chemistry, Anatomy &
Physiology – Actual Exam Questions and Detailed Correct
Answers (Already Graded A+)
SECTION 1 – READING COMPREHENSION
(Questions 1 – 15)
Passage 1
Researchers have long debated the most effective methods for teaching reading to
elementary-school children. One approach, known as “phonics,” emphasizes the relationship
between sounds and letters. Another, the “whole-language” approach, encourages children to
infer meaning through context and prior knowledge. A 2022 meta-analysis of 52 peer-reviewed
studies concluded that systematic phonics instruction produced significantly higher decoding and
spelling scores than whole-language programs. However, the same study cautioned that an
exclusive focus on phonics may reduce reading motivation, especially when texts are perceived
as dull or overly repetitive. The authors recommend a balanced literacy framework that
integrates explicit phonics lessons with rich, engaging literature.
Question 1
What is the primary purpose of the passage?
,A. To argue that phonics is superior to every other reading method
B. To summarize a 2022 meta-analysis and its curricular implications
C. To describe the history of whole-language instruction in the United States
D. To prove that balanced literacy is already used in most classrooms
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The passage’s main goal is to summarize the findings of a 2022 meta-analysis and
discuss the recommended balanced framework; therefore B is correct. A is incorrect because the
passage explicitly warns against an exclusive focus on phonics. C is incorrect because historical
background is not provided. D is incorrect because the passage does not claim that balanced
literacy is already dominant.
Question 2
Which conclusion is directly supported by the meta-analysis?
A. Whole-language instruction improves spelling more than phonics.
B. Systematic phonics leads to higher decoding scores.
C. Engaging literature alone produces fluent readers.
D. Peer-reviewed studies rarely agree on reading outcomes.
,Correct Answer: B
Rationale: The passage states that systematic phonics instruction “produced significantly higher
decoding and spelling scores,” making B correct. A contradicts the finding. C is unsupported;
literature is mentioned as a complement, not a standalone solution. D is unsupported; the passage
implies consensus through meta-analysis.
Question 3
The word “exclusive” in line 8 most nearly means
A. inclusive
B. restrictive
C. expensive
D. permanent
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: In context, “exclusive focus” means limiting instruction to only phonics, so
“restrictive” is the closest synonym. A is an antonym. C and D are unrelated.
Question 4
What is the authors’ recommended instructional framework?
, A. Phonics-only drilling
B. Unstructured silent reading
C. Balanced literacy
D. Computer-based phonics games
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The passage explicitly recommends “a balanced literacy framework,” so C is correct.
A is warned against, B is not mentioned, and D is not discussed.
Question 5
Which of the following best describes the tone of the passage?
A. Biased and emotional
B. Neutral and analytical
C. Satirical and humorous
D. Angry and accusatory
Correct Answer: B
