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 instill as used in the second paragraph of the passage?

A. Impart
B. Propagandize
C. Demand
D. Create

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'Impart.' In the context of the passage, 'instill' means to impart important lessons about maintaining good health, staying fit, and keeping weight under control. This word choice is appropriate as it aligns with the idea of teaching and passing on knowledge. Choice B, 'Propagandize,' is incorrect as it implies spreading biased or misleading information, which is not the intended meaning in this context. Choice C, 'Demand,' is incorrect as it does not capture the concept of teaching or passing on lessons. Choice D, 'Create,' is also incorrect as it does not convey the idea of imparting knowledge or lessons, which is the central meaning of 'instill' in this context.

3. What statement can be implied from the content of the article?

A. Diversity is interesting to learn about.
B. Everyone should learn to use chopsticks.
C. European methods of eating are the best.
D. Space travel has made eating easier.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct statement that can be implied from the content of the article is that diversity is interesting to learn about. The passage discusses different cultural methods of eating, highlighting the value of discovering these differences and learning new ways to do things. Choice B is incorrect as it focuses on a specific eating tool without capturing the broader message of cultural diversity. Choice C is incorrect as it suggests a superiority of European methods without considering the value of diversity. Choice D is incorrect as the passage mentions that space travel has created new challenges for consuming food, not necessarily making eating easier.

4. What is the main idea of the passage?

A. Senior citizens need to increase their calcium and vitamin D intake.
B. The food pyramid was revised to reflect the needs of seniors.
C. Physical activity is a new addition to the food pyramid.
D. The revised food pyramid looks more like a food square.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The passage discusses the revision of the food pyramid specifically to address the unique dietary needs of seniors. It emphasizes how the changes were made based on ongoing research and analysis, indicating a broader focus on senior nutrition rather than just individual nutrients or exercise. Thus, option B captures the essence of the passage as it succinctly summarizes the main idea.

5. What is the meaning of the word 'enlist' as it is used in the second paragraph?

A. call into service
B. write down
C. send away
D. put across

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In the context of the immune system, 'enlist' means to call into service. Immune cells recruit other cells to fight infection by producing chemicals that regulate their growth, behavior, and direct new recruits to trouble spots. This process is essential for the immune system's defense mechanism. The other choices are incorrect: 'write down' and 'put across' do not capture the action of mobilizing immune cells, and 'send away' is opposite in meaning to what is happening in the immune response.