how did people regard a white elephant in ancient siam

HESI A2

HESI A2 Reading Comprehension Practice Test

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

A. People tried to avoid receiving it, as it was a burden.
B. It was a symbol of honor and wealth.
C. It was used in ceremonial processes.
D. The people greatly desired a white elephant as a gift.

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. What is the meaning of the word 'pathogens' as it is used in the first paragraph?

A. diseases
B. vaccines
C. disease-causing substances
D. foods

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In the context provided, 'pathogens' refers to disease-causing substances such as bacteria and viruses. These microorganisms can contaminate food and lead to foodborne illnesses. Choice A ('diseases') is incorrect as pathogens themselves cause diseases but are not diseases. Choice B ('vaccines') is incorrect as vaccines are used to prevent diseases caused by pathogens. Choice D ('foods') is incorrect as pathogens are not foods, but rather contaminants that can be found in food.

3. Why was the roadway of the Golden Gate Bridge so dangerous to build?

A. It was located above a fast-moving river.
B. It had to be perfectly balanced to avoid collapse.
C. The materials used were very unstable.
D. It was built during bad weather.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. The passage describes how the road had to be balanced during construction to avoid collapse into the bay. Choice A is incorrect as the Golden Gate Bridge crosses a strait, not a river. Choice C is incorrect as there is no mention of unstable materials. Choice D is incorrect as bad weather is not highlighted as a specific reason for the danger in building the roadway.

4. In this passage, which of these is not mentioned as a possible sign of heat exhaustion?

A. Dizziness
B. Nausea
C. Headache
D. Drowsiness

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The passage mentions dizziness, nausea, and headache as symptoms but does not list drowsiness.

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

A. Dense
B. Impressive
C. Huge
D. Unavoidable

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.