what is the purpose of white elephants in the tradition mentioned in the passage

HESI A2

HESI A2 Reading Comprehension Practice Test

1. What is the purpose of white elephants in the tradition mentioned in the passage?

A. White elephants are symbols of wealth and power.
B. White elephants represent unwanted and burdensome gifts.
C. White elephants are used in religious ceremonies.
D. White elephants are mythological creatures with no real use.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: In the tradition mentioned in the passage, white elephants were given as punishment gifts by rulers to those who displeased them. These white elephants were considered burdensome because they were sacred and could not be made to work like other elephants. The recipients had to bear the high maintenance costs and care for the white elephants in a lavish style, leading to financial burdens and sometimes impoverishment. This tradition originated the term 'white elephant' to denote unwanted gifts. Therefore, the correct answer is B. Choice A is incorrect because white elephants were not symbols of wealth and power in this context; they were burdensome gifts. Choice C is incorrect as there is no mention of white elephants being used in religious ceremonies in the passage. Choice D is incorrect as white elephants in the tradition were real elephants, not mythological creatures with no practical use.

2. Why was the roadway so dangerous to build?

A. There weren't enough materials available to build the road
B. The workers might get hit by passing cars
C. The men would fall to their deaths
D. The men would be attacked by animals.

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The roadway was dangerous to build because the men involved in the construction were at risk of falling to their deaths. The excerpt mentions that the construction of the roadway was the most dangerous and treacherous part of the entire task, indicating a high risk of falling due to the height and precarious nature of the construction site. Choice A is incorrect because the danger was due to the physical risks of falling and not due to a lack of materials. Choice B is incorrect as passing cars were not the primary danger during the construction of the roadway. Choice D is incorrect since there is no mention of workers being attacked by animals during the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge.

3. Identify the overall tone of the essay

A. Earnest
B. Negative
C. Self-satisfied
D. Skeptical

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The tone of the essay is earnest, reflecting a sincere belief in the positive impacts of yoga. The author shares personal anecdotes and testimonials, enhancing this earnestness. The positive language used throughout reinforces the idea that the author genuinely advocates for yoga, supporting the assertion that the tone is earnest.

4. Which of the following is not listed as a detail in the passage about microbes?

A. Babies are born coated with germs from the birth canal.
B. Mice and humans respond to microbes differently.
C. Few people share the same microbes in the same quantities.
D. Human bodies contain far more microbes than they do cells.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B because the passage does not detail that mice and humans respond to microbes differently. The passage discusses how laboratory mice required a particular strain of bacteria to help their immune systems function correctly, indicating a difference in how mice and humans respond to microbes. Choices A, C, and D are all details mentioned in the passage: A discusses babies being coated with germs from the birth canal, C talks about the variation in microbes among individuals, and D states that human bodies contain more microbes than cells.

5. Which of the following is not mentioned as a detail in the passage about Sickle-Cell Anemia?

A. People of South American or African descent may be prone to sickle-cell anemia.
B. Symptoms of sickle-cell anemia may include sudden occurrences of extreme abdominal and back pain.
C. The red blood cells of sickle-cell patients are unusually shaped, forming crescent or sickle shapes.
D. Vitamin and mineral deficiencies may result in some anemia.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D because the passage does not mention anything about vitamin and mineral deficiencies in relation to sickle-cell anemia. Choice A is incorrect as the passage specifies that sickle-cell anemia is more common among people of South American or African descent. Choice B is correct as the passage states that symptoms of sickle-cell anemia can include sudden occurrences of extreme abdominal and back pain. Choice C is correct as the passage describes that the red blood cells of sickle-cell patients are unusually shaped, forming crescent or sickle shapes. The passage does not discuss any relationship between vitamin and mineral deficiencies and sickle-cell anemia, making choice D the correct option.