which part of the bridge was built first according to the passage on golden gate bridge

HESI A2

HESI A2 Reading Comprehension Practice Test

1. Which part of the bridge was built first according to the passage on Golden Gate Bridge?

A. The cables.
B. The anchorages.
C. The roadway.
D. The towers.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B, 'The anchorages.' The passage states that construction began by building the anchorages first. After that, the builders moved on to the towers, then the cables, and lastly, the roadway. Building the anchorages was crucial to providing a stable foundation for the bridge. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the passage clearly outlines the sequence of construction starting with the anchorages.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. What is the best definition of 'efficient' as used in the third paragraph?

A. Slow but steady.
B. Productive without waste.
C. Wasteful and careless.
D. Quick but sloppy.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct definition of 'efficient' in the third paragraph is 'Productive without waste.' In the extract provided, it discusses how different cultures developed tools like cutlery and chopsticks to efficiently eat food. Efficiency here refers to getting something done with the least amount of waste. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because they do not accurately capture the concept of efficiency discussed in the passage.

5. What was the author’s primary purpose for writing this essay?

A. To persuade the reader to conserve water
B. To persuade the reader that runoff is not the best way to collect water
C. To analyze different types of runoff
D. To inform the reader about the stages of the water cycle

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is D. The author's primary purpose for writing the essay is to inform the reader about the stages of the water cycle. The essay discusses the various stages of the water cycle, including precipitation, runoff, evaporation, and condensation. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect because the essay focuses on explaining the water cycle stages rather than persuading the reader to conserve water, discussing the effectiveness of runoff, or analyzing different types of runoff.