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 is an unwanted gift called a white elephant?

A. It is a good gift to give at the party
B. Gifts are never unwanted
C. Siam's rulers punished with the gift
D. It is rare to get an unwanted gift

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The term 'white elephant' originated from the practice of the kings of Siam (now Thailand) giving rare and sacred white elephants as gifts. These white elephants were highly prestigious but also very expensive to maintain, causing financial burdens on the recipients. The kings of Siam used white elephants as a punishment for those who displeased them. The recipients were required to care for the white elephant in a grand style, resulting in financial liabilities that could make them impoverished. Over time, the term 'white elephant' evolved to describe any valuable item that is burdensome or unwanted. Therefore, choice C is correct. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not accurately explain the origin and meaning of the term 'white elephant' in the context of unwanted gifts.

3. What is the meaning of the word 'established' as used in the first paragraph?

A. Created
B. Ascertained
C. Founded
D. Reputable

Correct answer: C

Rationale: In this context, 'established' means 'founded' or set up for a long time. The word is used to indicate that phototherapy has been a recognized and in place form of medicine for over a century. 'Created' (choice A) is incorrect as it implies the initial invention of phototherapy, which is not the intended meaning here. 'Ascertained' (choice B) means to find out for certain, which does not match the context of how phototherapy has been practiced. 'Reputable' (choice D) means having a good reputation, which is not the same as being long-standing or founded.

4. What is the author’s primary purpose in writing the essay?

A. To persuade the reader to have an ECG
B. To entertain the reader with a heartwarming story
C. To inform the reader how an electrocardiograph reads the electric currents emitted by the heart
D. To analyze the difference between the SA node and the AV node

Correct answer: C

Rationale: The author's primary purpose in writing the essay is to inform the reader about how an electrocardiograph reads the electric currents emitted by the heart. Choice A is incorrect because there is no attempt to persuade the reader to have an ECG. Choice B is incorrect because the essay is focused on providing information rather than entertaining with a heartwarming story. Choice D is incorrect as the essay does not primarily analyze the difference between the SA node and the AV node; instead, it focuses on explaining how an electrocardiograph reads electric currents from the heart.

5. Which is not listed as an example of a low-impact sport?

A. Martial arts
B. Basketball
C. Yoga
D. Weight lifting

Correct answer: B

Rationale: Basketball is not listed as a low-impact sport in the extract provided; the others (martial arts, yoga, and weight lifting) are considered low-impact activities. The extract mentions that students can participate in low-impact sports like yoga, martial arts, and weight lifting in modern PE classes, emphasizing their benefits and the focus on general skills. Basketball, on the other hand, is not included in the list of low-impact sports mentioned in the extract, making it the correct answer. This demonstrates the importance of understanding the difference between high-impact and low-impact sports for maintaining fitness and health.