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. What is the meaning of the word 'ideal' as it is used in the first paragraph?

A. thoughtful
B. confined
C. hostile
D. perfect

Correct answer: D

Rationale: In this context, 'ideal' means perfect. The human body provides a perfect environment for many microbes, as stated in the extract. It is the immune system's role to keep these microbes out or destroy them. The other choices are incorrect: 'thoughtful' does not fit the context of the sentence, 'confined' and 'hostile' are not synonymous with 'ideal' in this context.

3. Which of the following is not listed as a detail in the passage?

A. Many patients die each year from medical error.
B. Lifewings Partners educates patients on consumer safety.
C. Steve Harden is the founder of Lifewings Partners.
D. The most common medical error is overmedication.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The passage discusses the dangers of medical errors and provides specific examples of such errors but does not indicate that overmedication is the most common error. Therefore, since option D is not supported by the text, it is the correct choice for what is not mentioned.

4. Which part of the bridge was built first?

A. Cables
B. Roadway
C. Sidewalks
D. Towers

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Roadway. In the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge, as with many bridges, the roadway was built first. The roadway provides the foundation and support for the rest of the structure, allowing vehicles and pedestrians to access the bridge. The construction process typically starts with the roadway to establish a base before moving on to other components like cables, towers, and sidewalks. Therefore, the roadway is an essential initial component in bridge construction. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because, according to the provided extract, the anchorages were built first, followed by the towers, cables, and finally, the completion of the roadway. This sequence highlights the significance of establishing the structural support before the construction of other elements of the bridge.

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

A. Unusual
B. Diverse
C. Trivial
D. Damaging

Correct answer: B

Rationale: "Disparate" means diverse or different. The passage discusses how Lyme disease has various symptoms that mimic other diseases, making it difficult to diagnose.