HESI: Reading Comprehension, Critical Thinking and Math

HESI: Reading Comprehension, Critical Thinking and Math. Reading Comprehension Neurologists and biological psychologists have witnessed a sharp increase in the knowledge and understanding of particular structures of the brain over the past two decades. As technology becomes ever more advanced, scientists are able to isolate the functions of even small regions of the human brain. One noteworthy discovery is the role of the amygdala in human fear and aggression. The amygdala, a small, almond-shaped conglomerate, is just one part of the limbic system. Located at the very center of the brain, the limbic system is the core of our 'emotional brain;' each individual structure in the limbic system is somehow connected to an aspect of human emotion. Scientists have found that electrode stimulation of the amygdala can elicit extreme and aggressive acts. Patients or experimental subjects who experience this utter rage and fearlessness have no rational foundation for their reaction. In other words, this aggression is wholly attributable to electrode stimulation. On the other hand, patients with trauma or damage to this structure exhibit a complete absence of aggression. Researchers find that no amount of poking, prodding or harassment will evoke even remotely aggressive responses from these subjects. 1. The author suggests that persistent passivity and imperturbability may be a direct result of which of the following? A. Drug-induced stimulation of the amygdala. B. A stroke that resulted in severe tissue damage in the limbic system C. Encephalitis as a result of head trauma D. Activation of a strategically implanted electrode in a patient’s amygdala. 2. Which statement is not listed as a detail within the passage? A. Electrode stimulation of the amygdala can elicit extreme aggressive acts. B. Scientists are able to isolate the functions of even small regions of the human brain. C. Typically, temperamental rhesus monkeys with amygdala damage are completely imperturbable. D. Subjects who experience this utter rage and fearlessness have no rational foundation for their reaction. 3. What is the main idea of the passage? A. The human brain is as complex as it is mysterious. B. Patients with damaged amygdalas are less aggressive than individuals with healthy ones. C. Electrode stimulation is a valuable tool for researchers who study the human brain. D. Scientists have learned a lot about how the amygdala affects human emotion. The Bicycle V2 Today, bicycles are so common that it’s hard to believe they haven’t always been around. But two hundred years ago, bicycles didn’t even exist, and the first bicycle, invented in Germany in 1818, was nothing like our bicycles today. It was made of wood and didn’t even have pedals. Since then, however, numerous innovations and improvements in design have made the bicycle one of the most popular means of recreation and transportation around the world. In 1839, Kirkpatrick Macmillan, a Scottish blacksmith, dramatically improved upon the original bicycle design. Macmillan’s machine had tires with iron rims to keep them from getting worn down. He also used foot – operated cranks like pedals, so his bicycle could be ridden at a quick pace. It didn’t look much like a modern bicycle, though, because its back wheel was substantially larger than its front wheel. In 1861, the French Michaux brothers took 4. The main idea of this passage is best explained in which sentence? A. Sentence (1): Today, bicycles are so common that it’s hard to believe they haven’t always been around. B. Sentence (13): It wasn’t until 1874 that the first truly modern bicycle appeared on the scene. C. Sentence (4): Since then, however, numerous innovations and improvements in design have made the bicycle one of the most popular means of recreation and transportation around the world. D. Sentence (18): Today they are built, used, and enjoyed all over the world. 5. Which of the following would be the best title for this passage? A. Bicycles are better B. A ride through the history of bicycles C. Cycle your way to fitness D. The popularity of bicycles 6. Sentence (8); It didn’t look much like a modern bicycle, through because its back wheel was substantially larger than its front wheel, “follows which pattern? A. Fact, fact B. Fact, opinion C. Opinion, fact D. Opinion, opinion 7. Macmillan added iron rims to the tires of his bicycle to…. o Add wight to the bicycle o Makes the tires last longer o Makes the ride less bumpy o Makes the ride less tiring Jazz Jazz has been called "the art of expression set to music", and "America's great contribution to music". It has functioned as popular art and enjoyed periods of widespread public r