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 statement about jetlag can be inferred from the passage on Daylight Savings Time?

A. Jetlag is caused by flying at high speeds.
B. Jetlag is caused by moving between time zones.
C. Jetlag is unrelated to time zone changes.
D. Jetlag is a myth.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: 'Jetlag is caused by moving between time zones.' The passage explains that jetlag occurs when moving suddenly from one time zone to another, such as when flying from Asia to North America. This disrupts the body's internal clock, leading to symptoms like tiredness and sleep disturbances. Choice A is incorrect as jetlag is not attributed to high-speed travel but to time zone changes. Choice C is incorrect as the passage clearly links jetlag to changes in time zones. Choice D is incorrect as jetlag is a real phenomenon experienced by individuals who travel across different time zones.

3. What can be inferred about the author's reaction to different voices?

A. Be an experienced public speaker
B. Prefer shrill, grating, and brassy voice
C. Have no particular reactions to different voices
D. nan

Correct answer: C

Rationale: Based on the extract provided, the author discusses the effects of different voice qualities on others but does not express any preference or reaction towards specific voices. The author emphasizes the negative impact of harsh tones and provides insights into how voice qualities can influence perceptions. As a result, it can be inferred that the author has no particular reactions to different voices. Choices A and B are incorrect as there is no mention of the author's public speaking experience or preference for specific voice qualities in the passage.

4. A reader might infer from this passage that ___________.

A. Obesity can be detrimental to a long life
B. Car crashes are most frequent in the United States
C. The Second Amendment should be overturned
D. People in Asia and Africa have the shortest life spans

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The passage indicates that obesity, along with other health-related issues, contributes to lower life expectancy. This implies that obesity can negatively affect one's lifespan, making option A the correct inference based on the information presented in the text. The other options do not accurately reflect the implications of the passage.

5. 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.