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. Which of the following is not mentioned as being important for seniors?

A. Vitamin B12
B. Calcium
C. Nitrates
D. Exercise

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The passage lists important nutrients for seniors, including fiber, calcium, vitamin D, and B12, while exercise is also discussed as crucial for health. However, nitrates are not mentioned at all, making option C correct since it stands out as the only nutrient not discussed in the context of seniors’ health

3. Which sound waves have a higher pitch?

A. Those waves that are closer together
B. Those waves that are farther apart
C. Those waves that travel a long distance
D. Those waves that travel a short distance

Correct answer: A

Rationale: Sound waves that are closer together have a higher pitch. This is explained by the Doppler Effect, where as a source of sound moves closer to an observer, the waves are compressed, resulting in a higher frequency and a higher pitch. Conversely, when the source moves away, the waves are stretched, leading to a lower frequency and a lower pitch. Therefore, choice A is correct. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect as they do not accurately describe the relationship between sound wave frequency and pitch.

4. Which statement is not a detail from the passage?

A. Condensation fails to happen when water vapor cools and changes back into droplets of liquid
B. Evaporation happens when water changes into gas
C. The water cycle does not involve precipitation
D. Water evaporates from oceans and rivers

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Choice C, 'The water cycle does not involve precipitation,' is not a detail from the passage. The passage clearly states that precipitation, such as rain, snow, sleet, or hail, is a crucial part of the water cycle. On the other hand, choices A, B, and D are all supported by the passage. Condensation occurs when water vapor cools, evaporation occurs when water changes into gas, and water evaporates from oceans and rivers are all mentioned in the text.

5. What is the meaning of the phrase 'phased in' as it is used in the third paragraph?

A. stunned into silence
B. confused
C. implemented in stages
D. legalized

Correct answer: C

Rationale: 'Phased in' means implemented in stages, referring to the gradual implementation of good manufacturing practices. In the provided extract, it mentions that requirements for good manufacturing practices (GMPs) were phased in for small manufacturers through 2010, indicating a gradual implementation process. The other choices, 'stunned into silence,' 'confused,' and 'legalized,' do not accurately reflect the meaning of 'phased in' in the context of the paragraph.