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. What is the meaning of the word composed in the first paragraph?

A. To consist of
B. To break apart
C. To mix with other elements
D. To heat up

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The word 'composed' means to be made up of or to consist of something. In the provided extract, it describes how a single drop of water is composed of an oxygen atom and two hydrogen atoms. Therefore, the correct answer is 'To consist of.' Choice B, 'To break apart,' is incorrect as it is the opposite of 'composed.' Choice C, 'To mix with other elements,' is incorrect as 'composed' refers to being made up of specific components, not mixed with others. Choice D, 'To heat up,' is unrelated to the meaning of 'composed' in this context.

3. The term exacerbate, as used in the last paragraph, can best be defined as ___________.

A. To soothe
B. To intensify
C. To adapt
D. To disclose

Correct answer: B

Rationale: "Exacerbate" means to intensify or worsen, especially in the context of medical conditions worsening heat exhaustion.

4. What is the meaning of the word serendipity as it is used in the first paragraph?

A. Chance
B. Persistence
C. Foreboding
D. Expertise

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The word "serendipity" refers to a fortunate coincidence or chance, describing how Beto PÃ©rez invented Zumba accidentally.

5. What is the meaning of the word 'evolved' in the first paragraph?

A. To spread
B. To gradually develop
C. To revolve
D. To shift

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In the context of the given extract, 'evolved' means to gradually develop. The systems in the body have evolved over time, indicating a gradual development and adaptation. 'To spread,' 'to revolve,' and 'to shift' do not capture the idea of a gradual development as portrayed in the text, making them incorrect choices.