HESI A2
Reading Comprehension HESI A2
1. Why is an unwanted gift called a white elephant?
- A. It is a good gift to give at the party
- B. Gifts are never unwanted
- C. Siam's rulers punished with the gift
- D. It is rare to get an unwanted gift
Correct answer: C
Rationale: The term 'white elephant' originated from the practice of the kings of Siam (now Thailand) giving rare and sacred white elephants as gifts. These white elephants were highly prestigious but also very expensive to maintain, causing financial burdens on the recipients. The kings of Siam used white elephants as a punishment for those who displeased them. The recipients were required to care for the white elephant in a grand style, resulting in financial liabilities that could make them impoverished. Over time, the term 'white elephant' evolved to describe any valuable item that is burdensome or unwanted. Therefore, choice C is correct. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not accurately explain the origin and meaning of the term 'white elephant' in the context of unwanted gifts.
2. As used in the last sentence of this paragraph, the term 'concomitant' means?
- A. Accompanying
- B. Quiet
- C. Frustrated
- D. Prefer low-pitched tones
Correct answer: A
Rationale: In the provided extract, the term 'concomitant' is used to describe problems associated with alcohol abuse, such as the individual becoming alcoholic, contribution to highway deaths by drunken drivers, and spousal and child abuse. Therefore, in this context, 'concomitant' means accompanying, or going along with something else. The other choices of 'Quiet,' 'Frustrated,' and 'Prefer low-pitched tones' do not align with the meaning of 'concomitant' as used in the paragraph.
3. What is implied by the article?
- A. Siam was renamed Thailand in the past
- B. The author dislikes parlor games
- C. Elephants are difficult to take care of and train
- D. White elephants were considered sacred and a burden to their recipients
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. The article explicitly states that centuries ago, Siam, now known as Thailand, had the custom of giving white elephants as punishment. This implies that Siam was renamed Thailand in the past. The other choices (B, C, D) are not supported by the content of the article. Choice B is incorrect as the author does not express any dislike for parlor games. Choice C is incorrect as the article does not mention that elephants are easy or difficult to take care of and train. Choice D is incorrect as the article describes white elephants as sacred and a burden to their recipients, not as hard workers in the cane fields.
4. What is the meaning of the word impoverished in the first paragraph?
- A. Honored
- B. Nobility
- C. Rich
- D. financially weakened
Correct answer: D
Rationale: The word 'impoverished' typically refers to a state of extreme poverty or being financially ruined. In the context of the first paragraph, where it is used to describe the condition of a certain group of people, it indicates that they are lacking in financial resources or are in a state of deprivation. Choice A 'Honored' is incorrect as it has a positive connotation opposite to the negative meaning of 'impoverished.' Choice B 'Nobility' is incorrect as it refers to a high social rank or class, which is unrelated to the financial state implied by 'impoverished.' Choice C 'Rich' is incorrect as it is the opposite of 'impoverished,' denoting wealth and abundance, not financial weakness.
5. The passage explicitly states?
- A. That the highest card within the 'trump' suit always wins the trick.
- B. That there is a pile of leftover cards that is placed in the middle of the game table.
- C. If a player cannot follow suit, they lose their turn to the next player.
- D. The Ace card is always the lowest card.
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'That the highest card within the 'trump' suit always wins the trick.' The passage explicitly mentions that in the game of Bridge, if a player plays a card from the trump suit, it always wins the trick. This detail is clearly stated in the text, making it the correct choice. Choice B is incorrect as there is no mention of a pile of leftover cards in the passage. Choice C is incorrect as the passage does not state that a player loses their turn if they cannot follow suit; instead, they play any card. Choice D is incorrect as the passage states that the ace is high, not low.
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