how did the people regard a white elephant

HESI A2

Reading Comprehension HESI A2

1. How were white elephants regarded by the people of Siam?

A. If a village elder received a white elephant, the entire village shared in the supply of meat.
B. White elephants were highly prized as they were very hard workers in the cane fields.
C. The people of Siam vied for the honor of receiving the king's gift or a white elephant.
D. White elephants were a financial burden despite being considered sacred.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. In the culture of Siam, white elephants were highly regarded as sacred and receiving one as a gift from the king was considered an honor. It was a symbol of prestige and status to receive the king's gift of a white elephant. Option A is incorrect as white elephants were not used for meat supply. Option B is also incorrect as white elephants were not prized for their work but rather for their symbolic value. Option D is partially correct but does not capture the full significance of white elephants in Siam.

2. Which of the following is not mentioned as a detail in the passage about High Fructose Corn Syrup?

A. HFCS and sugar share a biological structure.
B. HFCS is cheaper to use than sugar.
C. HFCS is now used to sweeten a variety of products.
D. HFCS contains more calories than aspartame.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because the passage does not mention that HFCS contains more calories than aspartame. While the passage discusses the concerns and implications of high fructose corn syrup (HFCS), it does not compare its caloric content to aspartame. Detail A is supported by the passage as both HFCS and sugar share a biological structure. Detail B is also mentioned in the passage, stating that HFCS is cheaper to use than sugar. Detail C is supported by the text, which mentions that HFCS is now used to sweeten a variety of products. However, detail D is never discussed in the passage, making it the correct answer.

3. Based on this passage, what can the reader infer about the advice physicians will give their pregnant patients about coffee consumption?

A. Almost all of them will advise women to stop drinking any caffeine until after the baby is born.
B. The majority will ignore the study altogether and continue to advise caffeine in moderation as before.
C. All of them will demand additional research be done before they change what they tell their patients.
D. Some will continue to make their normal recommendations about caffeine, while others will be more cautious than before.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The passage implies that there is variability in physician responses to the study about caffeine consumption. Some doctors may continue their standard recommendations, while others might advise more caution based on the new evidence. Therefore, option D reflects this variability in professional opinions and is the correct inference.

4. How does insomnia affect intellectual abilities?

A. Causes a deficit in memory, concentration, and attention.
B. Improves mental alertness.
C. Boosts concentration levels.
D. Has no effect on intellectual abilities.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Insomnia affects intellectual abilities by causing a deficit in memory, concentration, and attention. The passage highlights that lack of sleep impacts memory, attention, and concentration, leading to feelings of irritation or depression. Therefore, choice A is correct. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect because they do not align with the negative impact insomnia has on intellectual abilities as described in the passage.

5. What is the meaning of the word compelling as used in the passage about Sunny-Side Up?

A. Reasonable.
B. Convincing.
C. Common.
D. Worthwhile.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In this context, "compelling" refers to something that is convincing or persuasive. The passage presents a strong argument in favor of sunlight's benefits, particularly in relation to vitamin D synthesis. Therefore, B is the correct choice as it aligns with the author's intent to present a convincing argument.