HESI A2 2026. Reading Comprehension

Question 1

HESI A2 2026. Reading Comprehension The Water Cycle

Water is needed to sustain practically all of life functions on planet Earth. A single drop of this compound is comprised of an oxygen atom which shares its electrons with each of the two hydrogen atoms. The cycle starts when precipitation such as rain, snow, sleet or hail descends from the sky onto the ground. Water not absorbed immediately from the precipitation is known as runoff. The runoff flows across the land and collects in ground water reservoirs, rivers, streams and the ocean. Evaporation takes place when liquid water changes into water vapor, which is a gas. Water vapor returns to the air from surface water and plants. Ultimately, condensation happens when this water vapor cools and changes back into droplets of liquid. In fact, the puffy, cotton clouds that we observe are formed by condensation. When the clouds become so heavily laden with liquid droplets, precipitation then ensues.

Which literary genre best describes this passage?

• A Realistic fiction.
• B Speech.
• C Narrative nonfiction.
• D Essay.

Question 2

The Water Cycle

Water is needed to sustain practically all of life functions on planet Earth. A single drop of this compound is comprised of an oxygen atom which shares its electrons with each of the two hydrogen atoms. The cycle starts when precipitation such as rain, snow, sleet or hail descends from the sky onto the ground. Water not absorbed immediately from the precipitation is known as runoff. The runoff flows across the land and collects in ground water reservoirs, rivers, streams and the ocean. Evaporation takes place when liquid water changes into water vapor, which is a gas. Water vapor returns to the air from surface water and plants. Ultimately, condensation happens when this water vapor cools and changes back into droplets of liquid. In fact, the puffy, cotton clouds that we observe are formed by condensation. When the clouds become so heavily laden with liquid droplets, precipitation then ensues.

According to the passage, which statement is false?

• A The compound for a single drop of water is H₂O.
• B Puffy cotton clouds are the result of a heating process.
• C Lake water is produced as a result of the runoff.
• D Water is an essential element for living things.

Question 3

The Water Cycle

Water is needed to sustain practically all of life functions on planet Earth. A single drop of this compound is comprised of an oxygen atom which shares its electrons with each of the two hydrogen atoms. The cycle starts when precipitation such as rain, snow, sleet or hail descends from the sky onto the ground. Water not absorbed immediately from the precipitation is known as runoff. The runoff flows across the land and collects in ground water reservoirs, rivers, streams and the ocean. Evaporation takes place when liquid water changes into water vapor, which is a gas. Water vapor returns to the air from surface water and plants. Ultimately, condensation happens when this water vapor cools and changes back into droplets of liquid. In fact, the puffy, cotton clouds that we observe are formed by condensation. When the clouds become so heavily laden with liquid droplets, precipitation then ensues.

Which sentence uses the word laden correctly?

• A As the rain continued, the water trickled down the empty, laden street.
• B The bowl of cereal overflowed when it became too laden with milk.
• C The laden trumpets sounded when the stadium became crowded with fans.
• D When the storm cleared, you could see the cloudless, laden sky.

Question 4

The Water Cycle

Water is needed to sustain practically all of life functions on planet Earth. A single drop of this compound is comprised of an oxygen atom which shares its electrons with each of the two hydrogen atoms. The cycle starts when precipitation such as rain, snow, sleet or hail descends from the sky onto the ground. Water not absorbed immediately from the precipitation is known as runoff. The runoff flows across the land and collects in ground water reservoirs, rivers, streams and the ocean. Evaporation takes place when liquid water changes into water vapor, which is a gas. Water vapor returns to the air from surface water and plants. Ultimately, condensation happens when this water vapor cools and changes back into droplets of liquid. In fact, the puffy, cotton clouds that we observe are formed by condensation. When the clouds become so heavily laden with liquid droplets, precipitation then ensues.

Which word is an antonym for the word comprised?

• A Incorporated.
• B Encompassed.
• C Embodied.
• D Excluded.

Question 5

Which transitional expression best replaces the underlined word in the following sentence: “Ultimately, condensation happens when water vapor cools.”

• A Furthermore.
• B While. HESI A2 2026. Reading Comprehension
• C Moreover.
• D Since.

Question 7

The Summer Olympic Games

Once every four years the countries of the world send their best and brightest to participate in the Summer Olympic Games. The site for the event is decided years before, and most countries contend strongly for the privilege to host the Games. The 2008 games were held in Beijing, China. There is a lot of pageantry and tradition attached to the event. The opening ceremony is elaborate and awe-inspiring. China put on a spectacularly beautiful fireworks display to welcome the world’s athletes in 2008. The track events, water events (swimming, diving) and precision activities such as archery and rhythmic gymnastics are wonderful to watch. Seeing these athletes perform their special skills is a treat for those of us who achieve a vicarious satisfaction from it. Everyone roots for the athletes from their own country and we thrill when our anthem is played during the medal ceremony. Being an Olympian is an honor every athlete dreams of.

How often are the Summer Olympic Games held?

• A Every four years.
• B Annually.
• C Every two years.
• D Once a decade.

Question 8

According to the passage, what is the main reason that athletes want to participate in the Olympics?

• A They can win a scholarship for future education.
• B They get a sizable stipend for their performance.
• C They get to travel to foreign countries.
• D They have patriotic pride in their performance.

Question 9

Food

Food and drink are necessary and desirable, but their abuse can cause serious physical and mental problems. Many physicians believe that overeating is one of the country’s main health problems, since it places a great strain on the heart, can lead to diabetes, and often shortens the individual’s life span. To fill an emotional void, people often turn to food when they are bored or lonely.

Another area of concern is alcohol consumption. The results of alcohol abuse are widely publicized. The social drinker who becomes alcoholic, the drunken driver’s contribution to highway deaths, spousal and child abuse, are all concomitant problems associated with alcohol abuse.

What does the word “concomitant” mean as it is used in the last sentence of the paragraph?

• A Unpredictable.
• B Quiet.
• C Separate.
• D Accompanying.

Question 10

Which statement is implied by the passage?

• A Alcohol should be banned.
• B We should eat and drink in reasonable quantities.
• C Obesity is a more serious problem than alcoholism.
• D We need stronger laws to control drunk drivers.

Question 11

Food

Food and drink are necessary and desirable, but their abuse can cause serious physical and mental problems. Many physicians believe that overeating is one of the country’s main health problems, since it places a great strain on the heart, can lead to diabetes, and often shortens the individual’s life span. To fill an emotional void, people often turn to food when they are bored or lonely.

Another area of concern is alcohol consumption. The results of alcohol abuse are widely publicized. The social drinker who becomes alcoholic, the drunken driver’s contribution to highway deaths, spousal and child abuse, are all concomitant problems associated with alcohol abuse.

Which approach does the author take about the topic of food and drink?

• A The author takes an unbiased view about the subject matter.
• B The author opposes eating rich foods.
• C The author discourages drinking alcohol.
• D The author is against eating and drinking.

Question 12

Food

Food and drink are necessary and desirable, but their abuse can cause serious physical and mental problems. Many physicians believe that overeating is one of the country’s main health problems, since it places a great strain on the heart, can lead to diabetes, and often shortens the individual’s life span. To fill an emotional void, people often turn to food when they are bored or lonely.

Another area of concern is alcohol consumption. The results of alcohol abuse are widely publicized. The social drinker who becomes alcoholic, the drunken driver’s contribution to highway deaths, spousal and child abuse, are all concomitant problems associated with alcohol abuse.

Which view is supported by the information in the passage?

• A People should stop drinking alcohol.
• B People should oppose regulation of personal habits.
• C People should practice moderation.
• D People should follow a strict diet.

Question 13

Food

Food and drink are necessary and desirable, but their abuse can cause serious physical and mental problems. Many physicians believe that overeating is one of the country’s main health problems, since it places a great strain on the heart, can lead to diabetes, and often shortens the individual’s life span. To fill an emotional void, people often turn to food when they are bored or lonely.

Another area of concern is alcohol consumption. The results of alcohol abuse are widely publicized. The social drinker who becomes alcoholic, the drunken driver’s contribution to highway deaths, spousal and child abuse, are all concomitant problems associated with alcohol abuse.

What is the author’s intent in writing the passage?

• A To promote self-control.
• B To explain the need for physical exercise.
• C To encourage strict legislation of alcohol.
• D To describe the social consequences of overeating.

Question 14

Subjective Exams

Subjective exams measure your ability in several areas. Besides recall information, you must be able to organize content logically and intelligently express yourself in a clearly understood manner. Subjective tests provide a greater opportunity for students to show their broad knowledge of a subject area. Answers may be in the form of paragraphs or lengthy essays.

When you review for an essay exam, concentrate on main ideas rather than details. Since essay tests are limited to a few questions, they are likely to deal with more important ideas of a subject. Prepare a list of questions that you think might be asked. Write an answer to each of your questions. Rather than writing complete sentences, jot down your thoughts in outline form. Doing so will help you organize the information so that you can express yourself clearly.

When you take the test, read through all the questions before you start to write. Allot time for each question, allowing more time for questions worth the most points. Read each question carefully to determine exactly what is being asked. Pay attention to words such as define, illustrate, explain, list, compare, and contrast. Each word requires a different type of response. Write a brief outline of your answer on scrap paper or the back of the test page. Make sure you include all the important ideas that are within the limits of the question. In other words, do not give more than is asked for each answer.

When you write your answer, keep it specific and as brief as possible. In the introductory sentence it is often helpful to make a general statement that includes important points addressed in the question. Such a topic sentence serves as a framework for your answer. Then use your outline to develop the key points and subtopics. Add substance to your answer by including as many facts as possible to support your answer.

Check your paper before you submit it. Look for mistakes in grammar, spelling, sentence structure, and punctuation. Unless you are certain an answer is wrong, do not change it. Your answer is an educated guess and is usually your best chance of answering correctly.

Which is true about essay tests when compared to objective tests?

• A The questions are more difficult.
• B The test consists of more questions.
• C The test consists of fewer questions.
• D The questions have no good answers.

Question 15

Subjective Exams

When you take the test, read through all the questions before you start to write. Allot time for each question, allowing more time for questions worth the most points. Read each question carefully to determine exactly what is being asked. Pay attention to words such as define, illustrate, explain, list, compare, and contrast. Each word requires a different type of response.

Write a brief outline of your answer on scrap paper or the back of the test page. Make sure you include all the important ideas that are within the limits of the question. In other words, do not give more than is asked for each answer. When you write your answer, keep it specific and as brief as possible. In the introductory sentence it is often helpful to make a general statement that includes important points addressed in the question. Such a topic sentence serves as a framework for your answer. Then use your outline to develop the key points and subtopics. Add substance to your answer by including as many facts as possible to support your answer.

Check your paper before you submit it. Look for mistakes in grammar, spelling, sentence structure, and punctuation. Unless you are certain an answer is wrong, do not change it. Your answer is an educated guess and is usually your best chance of answering correctly.

What term refers to a test consisting of only true-false questions?

• A Subjective
• B Rejective
• C Objective.
• D Dejective.

Question 16

Subjective Exams

When you take the test, read through all the questions before you start to write. Allot time for each question, allowing more time for questions worth the most points. Read each question carefully to determine exactly what is being asked. Pay attention to words such as define, illustrate, explain, list, compare, and contrast. Each word requires a different type of response. Write a brief outline of your answer on scrap paper or the back of the test page. Make sure you include all the important ideas that are within the limits of the question. In other words, do not give more than is asked for each answer.

When you write your answer, keep it specific and as brief as possible. In the introductory sentence it is often helpful to make a general statement that includes important points addressed in the question. Such a topic sentence serves as a framework for your answer. Then use your outline to develop the key points and subtopics. Add substance to your answer by including as many facts as possible to support your answer.

Check your paper before you submit it. Look for mistakes in grammar, spelling, sentence structure, and punctuation. Unless you are certain an answer is wrong, do not change it. Your answer is an educated guess and is usually your best chance of answering correctly.

Which is the correct approach when answering subjective questions?

• A Write out the words “true” or “false.”
• B Keep answers brief and specific.
• C Capitalize the matching letters.
• D Include more information than is asked.

Question 17

Subjective Exams

When you take the test, read through all the questions before you start to write. Allot time for each question, allowing more time for questions worth the most points. Read each question carefully to determine exactly what is being asked. Pay attention to words such as define, illustrate, explain, list, compare, and contrast. Each word requires a different type of response.

Write a brief outline of your answer on scrap paper or the back of the test page. Make sure you include all the important ideas that are within the limits of the question. In other words, do not give more than is asked for each answer. When you write your answer, keep it specific and as brief as possible. In the introductory sentence it is often helpful to make a general statement that includes important points addressed in the question. Such a topic sentence serves as a framework for your answer. Then use your outline to develop the key points and subtopics. Add substance to your answer by including as many facts as possible to support your answer.

Check your paper before you submit it. Look for mistakes in grammar, spelling, sentence structure, and punctuation. Unless you are certain an answer is wrong, do not change it. Your answer is an educated guess and is usually your best chance of answering correctly.

What are students required to do on a subjective test?

• A Write their own answers.
• B Select true or false.
• C Choose from several answers.
• D Match items from different columns.

Question 18

Facts about the One Dollar Bill

As Americans, we should all know some statistics about our currency. The one dollar bill is a fascinating document with a varied historical beginning. Consisting of a cotton and linen blend with minute red and blue silk fibers woven through it, the one dollar bill debuted in 1957. Due to the fact that the bill is constructed of material, laundering it does not cause any permanent harm. A special blend of ink created from a secret formula is used to write on the dollar bill, which acts as a deterrent to counterfeiters. By sharing these important facts with others, a common understanding and appreciation of the one dollar bill is established.

By writing this passage, the author intended to

• A teach the reader everything there is to know about the one dollar bill.
• B defend the use of the one dollar bill.
• C entertain with a story about the development of the one dollar bill.
• D share some little known facts about the one dollar bill.

Question 19

Facts about the One Dollar Bill

As Americans, we should all know some statistics about our currency. The one dollar bill is a fascinating document with a varied historical beginning. Consisting of a cotton and linen blend with minute red and blue silk fibers woven through it, the one dollar bill debuted in 1957. Due to the fact that the bill is constructed of material, laundering it does not cause any permanent harm. A special blend of ink created from a secret formula is used to write on the dollar bill, which acts as a deterrent to counterfeiters. By sharing these important facts with others, a common understanding and appreciation of the one dollar bill is established.

Why is making counterfeit copies of the one dollar bill difficult?

• A The formula for the ink is kept a secret.
• B Americans don’t know enough about the one dollar bill.
• C The paper used is a special blend of materials.
• D The intricate designs on the seals are hard to copy.

Why is making counterfeit copies of the one dollar bill difficult?

• A. The formula for the ink is kept a secret.
• B. Americans don’t know enough about the one dollar bill.
• C. The paper used is a special blend of materials.
• D. The intricate designs on the seals are hard to copy.

Passage 2: Getting a Good Night’s Sleep

Have you ever found yourself staring at the ceiling at 2:00 a.m.? Have you kicked the blankets off to the floor from tossing and turning? Many longtime suffers of insomnia know these situations all too well. As many as 17% of Americans find the restful break of sleep hard to achieve. Lack of sleep affects intellectual abilities at work or school by causing a deficit in memory, attention, and concentration which in turn creates a feeling of irritation or depression. Chronic insomnia can result from a medical illness, a psychiatric condition, or from sleep apnea, a condition where an individual actually stops breathing during sleep. Sleep hygiene, developing good sleep habits, and nonpharmacological therapies such as herbs and spices are some solutions to insomnia. There is no need to live with insomnia, so contact a physician and get a good night’s sleep!

Question 20 of 55

Which statement is included in the passage?

• A. There is no cure for insomnia. You just have to live with it.
• B. Insomnia is easily fixed through taking medication.
• C. Physical illnesses can cause chronic insomnia.
• D. People with insomnia are totally healthy except for the insomnia.

Question 21 of 55

According to the passage, which is a solution to insomnia?

• A. Developing good sleep habits and taking herbs and spices.
• B. Kicking off the blankets and concentrating on the ceiling.
• C. Taking a restful break and having sleep hygiene.
• D. Using nonpharmacological therapies and seeing a psychiatrist.

Question 22 of 55

How does insomnia affect a person’s intellectual abilities?

• A. It causes an increased appetite so you gain unwanted weight.
• B. It causes you to fall asleep at work.
• C. It causes a deficit in memory, concentration, and attention.
• D. It alters your verbal communication abilities.

Question 23 of 55

Which can be caused by sleep apnea?

• A. Sleep hygiene.
• B. Good sleep habits.
• C. Chronic insomnia.
• D. Chronic illness.

Passage 3: The Game of Bridge

The ebb and flow of laughter and silence fills the room as four old friends gather to engage in a round of Bridge playing. For the beginner, Bridge can be complicated, but with time, effort, and a good teacher, even the novice can become proficient. Composed of two main parts, bidding and playing, Bridge requires the players’ undivided attention. The dealer deals the entire deck of playing cards evenly between the four players, with each person receiving thirteen cards. In the bidding portion of the game, the four suits of cards in the deck are ranked highest to lowest as follows: spades, hearts, diamonds, and finally clubs. However, during play all the suits of cards are considered equal, and they go from highest to lowest from the ace being high to the two card being low.

The highest number of tricks wins. A trick is one card played by each player for a total of four. After the lead player lays down his/her card, the other players follow suit, if possible. The highest card within the four “same suit” cards played wins the trick and picks up all four cards. If a player cannot follow suit, he/she plays any card, but to make the game more interesting and challenging, one suit is named a trump suit which means that if a player plays a card from the trump suit, it always wins the trick. If two cards from the trump suit are played, the highest card within the trump suit wins the trick. Obviously the team with the most tricks wins the hand.

Question 24 of 55

What impression does the author want make on readers about learning the game of Bridge?

• A. Learning Bridge is frustrating and confusing.
• B. Learning all the rules Bridge can be overwhelming.
• C. Novices should feel confident and excited about learning Bridge.
• D. The game of Bridge is too hard for novices to learn.

Question 25 of 55

What does the word suit mean as it is used in the passage?

• A. Any of the four sets into which a deck of cards is divided.
• B. To request or appeal persistently.
• C. To be convenient or right for something.
• D. A set of clothing to be worn together.

Question 26 of 55

How is a trick described in the passage?

• A. A specific card the dealer gives to the person to the right.
• B. A special look given to your partner across the table.
• C. A book that gives strategies on how to win at Bridge.
• D. A collection of one card played by each of four players.

Question 27 of 55

Which statement is true according to the passage?

• A. The highest card within the “trump” suit always wins the trick.
• B. A pile of “leftover” cards is placed in the middle of the game table.
• C. The Ace card is always the lowest card.
• D. If a player cannot follow suit, the player loses the turn to the next player.

Question 28 of 55

Which statement is implied by the passage?

• A. Bridge requires concentration.
• B. Bridge is an easy game to play.
• C. Bridge is only for older people.
• D. Bridge is only for women.

Question 37 of 55

What is the author’s purpose in writing this passage?

• A To teach the reader.
• B To inform the reader.
• C To persuade the reader.
• D To entertain the reader.

Question 38 of 55

What does the word embark mean as it is used in this passage?

• A To begin an undertaking.
• B To speak harshly to others.
• C To put or go on board a ship.
• D To remove the covering from a tree.

Question 39 of 55

What body of water does The Golden Gate Bridge cross?

• A Pacific Ocean.
• B Marin Strait.
• C San Francisco Bay.
• D Golden Gate Strait.

Question 40 of 55

Why was the roadway so dangerous to build?

• A There weren’t enough materials available to build the road.
• B The road would collapse if it wasn’t balanced properly.
• C The workers might get hit by passing cars.
• D The men would fall to their deaths.

Passage 2: Voice

What effect does your voice have on others? Does it persuade or irritate, attract or repel? One of the worst qualities is harshness. If you ever get the feeling that people are uncomfortable when you speak, it may be that your harsh tones are jarring their eardrums. Your voice will sound unpleasant if it is shrill, grating, hard, piercing, brassy, too loud, or too nasal. Harsh voice qualities usually come from too much tension in the throat and jaw. Tension tightens muscles and blocks the relaxed voice tones essential to a pleasing impression. Because tension occurs in higher pitched voices, women tend to have shriller voices than men, which usually makes them less desirable public speakers, newscasters, or political candidates.

Question 41 of 55

Which statement is a fact mentioned in the passage?

• A One of the worst voice qualities is harshness.
• B Harsh voice qualities usually come from too much tension in the throat and jaw.
• C Your voice will sound unpleasant if it is shrill, grating, hard, piercing, brassy, too loud, or too nasal.
• D Women tend to have shriller voices than men, which makes them less desirable public speakers.

Question 42 of 55

Which statement represents an opinion expressed by the author?

• A Relaxed people often have harsh voices.
• B Women make less appealing political candidates.
• C Not everyone finds a harsh voice irritating.
• D Some men have harsh voices.

Question 43 of 55

Which of the following describes the author’s approach to the topic?

• A Biased against people with piercing voices.
• B Biased in favor of newscasters.
• C Biased against people with deep voices.
• D Fair and balanced.

Question 44 of 55

What should the reader conclude from the passage?

• A The author has no particular reactions to different voices.
• B The author is an experienced public speaker.
• C The author prefers shrill, grating, and brassy voices.
• D The author prefers low-pitched tones.

Question 45 of 55

Which is an opinion held by the author?

• A Women are less suited for public speaking careers than men.
• B More careers in broadcasting should be open to women.
• C One’s voice defines one’s ability to deliver a sound message.
• D Voice tones are irrelevant if the subject matter is interesting.

Passage 3: Coffee

Over the last few decades, medical experts have changed their thinking on the health effects of some common foods and beverages. Higher-fat foods and some alcoholic beverages like red wine and beer, once viewed as top threats to a healthy lifestyle, are now seen by many as less harmful and even as having some health benefits. But there is perhaps no topic that the medical community has reversed its thinking on more often than coffee. Since long before the advent of modern medicine, public opinion regarding the health effects of coffee has been diverse and ever-changing.

Opinion on coffee’s health effects can be traced back several centuries. In the 1600s, doctors in England touted coffee as a cure for alcoholism, but some women complained that coffee was making their husbands impotent. They may have been correct, as caffeine is a diuretic and can irritate the prostate (dehydration and prostatitis can both lead to erectile dysfunction).

In the late 1700s, coffeehouses began opening all over colonial America, where coffee was seen as a healthy stimulant that helped the colonists work longer hours. But by the early 1900s, public concern grew as coffee consumption was blamed for a variety of common ailments, such as nervousness, indigestion, and insomnia. In the 1970s, medical journals published studies that linked coffee consumption with high blood pressure and an increased risk of heart attacks. In 2001, a meta-study indicated that coffee was responsible for a 20% increase in risk for urinary tract cancer.

But starting in 2007, to the surprise of many, meta-studies began to show positive health effects of coffee consumption. A 2007 study revealed that drinking coffee decreased the risk of liver cancer by 43%, and studies in 2011 showed that coffee reduced the risk of stroke and prostate cancer. Studies in 2012 and 2013 indicated that coffee reduced the risk of heart failure and heart disease. In 2015, CNN reported that coffee was viewed by many as “practically a health food.” However, CNN also warned that given the long history of flip-flops on the health effects of coffee, medical and public opinion on coffee could easily turn negative again.

Question 46 of 55

Which statement is a detail from the passage?

• A Caffeine is an antidiuretic that can strengthen the prostate.
• B Doctors in England once believed coffee would cure alcoholism.