what body of water does the golden gate bridge cross

HESI A2

Reading Comprehension HESI A2

1. What body of water does The Golden Gate Bridge cross?

A. San Francisco Bay
B. Pacific Ocean
C. Marin Strait
D. Indian Ocean

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The Golden Gate Bridge crosses the entrance to San Francisco Bay, spanning the Golden Gate Strait. It does not cross the Pacific Ocean, Marin Strait, or Indian Ocean directly. The iconic bridge connects the city of San Francisco to Marin County in California. The Pacific Ocean is a vast body of water beyond the Golden Gate entrance, and Marin Strait is not a recognized geographical location. The Indian Ocean is located on a different continent and is not related to the Golden Gate Bridge's location.

2. 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.

3. In the passage the word embark means to:

A. Remove the covering from a tree
B. Speak harshly to others
C. Entertain the reader
D. Put or go on board a ship

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The word 'embark' typically means to board a ship or begin a journey. In this context, it means to start or set out on a new undertaking or venture, often including the act of boarding a ship. In the provided passage about the Golden Gate Bridge, it is mentioned that builders, architects, and workers embarked on the challenge of building a bridge across the Golden Gate Strait, which refers to them starting this new undertaking. Therefore, the correct definition of 'embark' is D. Put or go on board a ship. The other choices are incorrect: A. Removing the covering from a tree is unrelated to the context of the passage. B. Speaking harshly to others and C. Entertaining the reader are also irrelevant to the meaning of 'embark' in this context.

4. Why did Macmillan add iron rims to the tires of his bicycle?

A. Increase the weight of the bicycle.
B. Enhance the durability of the tires.
C. Reduce the bumpiness of the ride.
D. Decrease the level of fatigue during the ride.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Macmillan added iron rims to his bicycle tires to enhance their durability and make them last longer. This innovation aimed to prevent the tires from getting worn down quickly. Adding weight to the bicycle (Choice A) was not the purpose of adding iron rims. While adding iron rims could potentially reduce the bumpiness of the ride (Choice C) by providing more stability, the main objective was to improve tire longevity. Similarly, reducing the level of fatigue during the ride (Choice D) was not the primary reason for adding iron rims.

5. What is the meaning of the word delicate as used in the first paragraph?

A. Subtle
B. Fragile
C. Refined
D. Intricate

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In the context of microsurgery, the word 'delicate' refers to the intricate, precise, and fine nature of surgeries performed using microscopy. These surgeries require intricate attention to detail and precision due to the small and delicate structures involved, making 'intricate' the most appropriate synonym. 'Subtle' implies understated or not obvious, 'fragile' suggests easily broken or damaged, and 'refined' refers to something developed or improved over time, none of which fully capture the detailed and precise nature of microsurgery. Therefore, 'intricate' is the correct answer.