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 would be the best title for this passage?

A. Being a Team in PE
B. A New Kind of Grade
C. Learning Martial Arts
D. PE for School and Life

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The best title for this passage is 'PE for School and Life' as it encapsulates the broader purpose of physical education described in the extract. The passage emphasizes teaching students lifelong fitness habits, instilling lessons about maintaining good health, staying fit, and introducing exercise that can be incorporated into their lives. The focus is on fitness as a lifelong skill rather than just a short-term activity for a good grade. Choice A, 'Being a Team in PE,' is incorrect as the passage highlights individual exercise and movement rather than team-based activities. Choice B, 'A New Kind of Grade,' is also incorrect as the passage mentions a shift in grading towards effort rather than specific performance tasks. Choice C, 'Learning Martial Arts,' is too narrow as the passage discusses a variety of activities beyond martial arts that are taught in modern PE classes.

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. Which statement about Lifewings Partners is a fact?

A. Everyone should have access to Lifewings.
B. The people in Lifewings are modern heroes.
C. Steve Harden was clever to found Lifewings.
D. Lifewings is based in Memphis, Tennessee.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The statement that Lifewings is based in Memphis, Tennessee, is a verifiable fact found in the passage. In contrast, the other statements express opinions or subjective views about the organization, which makes option D the correct choice since it represents a factual statement.

5. What is the meaning of the word satiety as used in the last paragraph about The Sleep Workout?

A. A state of tiredness.
B. A state of being satisfied.
C. A state of being overloaded.
D. A state of confusion.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Satiety refers to a state of being satisfied, particularly in terms of appetite. In the context of the excerpt provided, it explains that individuals who lack adequate sleep may experience lowered levels of leptin, a hormone that controls appetite. As a result, even after meeting their caloric needs, they may still crave carbohydrates, indicating a lack of satisfaction or satiety. This can lead to obesity and disrupt healthy eating habits. Therefore, choice B, 'A state of being satisfied,' is the correct answer. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect as they do not accurately reflect the meaning of satiety in the context of appetite regulation and sleep's impact on food cravings.