how did people regard a white elephant in ancient siam
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Nursing Elites

HESI A2

HESI A2 Reading Comprehension Practice Test

1. Why was receiving a white elephant considered a burden in ancient Siam?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Receiving a white elephant in ancient Siam was considered a burden because the animal, being sacred, couldn't be used for work like other elephants. The recipient had to bear the cost of feeding the elephant large amounts of fruit and maintaining it in a lavish manner. The ruler's displeasure if the gift was not accepted graciously added to the pressure. This financial strain often led recipients to financial ruin. Therefore, people tried to avoid receiving a white elephant to prevent these financial consequences. Choice B is incorrect because the white elephant was not considered a symbol of honor and wealth but rather a burden. Choice C is incorrect as the white elephant was not primarily used in ceremonial processes but was a gift that came with financial responsibilities. Choice D is incorrect as the passage does not mention that people greatly desired a white elephant as a gift, but rather the opposite.

2. The word 'massive' in line 4 is closest in meaning to?

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In the context of the passage, 'massive' is used to describe the size of the collision that formed the Moon, indicating something very large or huge. While 'dense' means closely compacted, 'impressive' means evoking admiration, 'huge' is the closest synonym to 'massive' in this context. 'Unavoidable' does not convey the same meaning as 'massive' in this sentence, making it incorrect.

3. What is the author’s attitude toward vegetarianism?

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The author presents a positive view of vegetarianism, citing benefits and supporting evidence.

4. What is the meaning of the word 'elasticity' in the last paragraph?

Correct answer: A

Rationale: 'Elasticity' refers to the ability of the arterial walls to resist and be flexible, which affects blood pressure. In the provided extract, it is mentioned that an increase in blood pressure can occur if the arterial walls lose some of their elasticity with age or disease. This demonstrates that elasticity refers to the property of being able to resist and be flexible, supporting choice A as the correct answer. The other choices, B, C, and D, do not accurately reflect the concept of elasticity in the context of arterial walls and blood pressure.

5. Choose the best summary of the passage about microbes.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. The passage emphasizes the importance of certain bacteria for a properly functioning immune system. It discusses how harmless bacteria play a crucial role in defending the body against pathogens. Choice A is incorrect as it focuses on the immune system's response to certain types of bacteria in lower organisms, not the overall importance of bacteria for immunity. Choice B is incorrect as it mainly discusses bacteriotherapy in relation to the reconstruction of a damaged colon, rather than the broader role of bacteria in immune system health. Choice D is incorrect as it only talks about the process of replacing harmful bacteria with harmless ones, missing the key point about the necessity of certain bacteria for immune system function.

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