why was the roadway of the golden gate bridge so dangerous to build

HESI A2

HESI A2 Reading Comprehension Practice Test

1. Why was the roadway of the Golden Gate Bridge so dangerous to build?

A. It was located above a fast-moving river.
B. It had to be perfectly balanced to avoid collapse.
C. The materials used were very unstable.
D. It was built during bad weather.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. The passage describes how the road had to be balanced during construction to avoid collapse into the bay. Choice A is incorrect as the Golden Gate Bridge crosses a strait, not a river. Choice C is incorrect as there is no mention of unstable materials. Choice D is incorrect as bad weather is not highlighted as a specific reason for the danger in building the roadway.

2. What conclusion can be drawn from the passage on the Amazon Rainforest?

A. The Amazon Rainforest is shrinking at a rapid pace.
B. The Amazon Rainforest is not affected by human activity.
C. The Amazon Rainforest will survive indefinitely.
D. The Amazon Rainforest has no significant impact on global warming.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct conclusion that can be drawn from the passage on the Amazon Rainforest is that it is shrinking at a rapid pace. The passage explicitly mentions the rapid deforestation and shrinking of the Amazon Rainforest due to human activities like logging and burning. This conclusion is supported by the alarming statistics provided, such as 9,169 square miles of forest being cut down in Brazil in 2003, and an area of rainforest the size of a football field being burned down every minute. This rapid destruction poses a significant threat to the survival of the Amazon Rainforest and its biodiversity. Choice B is incorrect as the passage clearly states that human activities are causing harm to the rainforest. Choice C is incorrect because the passage highlights the current dangers and threats faced by the Amazon Rainforest, indicating that its survival is at risk. Choice D is also incorrect as the passage clearly explains the significant impact of deforestation in the Amazon Rainforest on global warming due to the release of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere.

3. The author of the passage would probably agree with which of the following statements relating corrective lenses and aging eyes?

A. A carpenter uses wood glue to fix a broken cabinet.
B. A student buys a new notebook for upcoming classes.
C. A chef sharpens knives before starting to cook.
D. An athlete stretches before a game to avoid a potential injury.

Correct answer: D

Rationale: The correct analogy for the role of corrective lenses in helping aging eyes can be compared to an athlete stretching before a game. Just as stretching prepares an athlete's body to perform optimally and avoid injury during a game, corrective lenses help aging eyes adjust and focus properly due to the hardening and loss of elasticity in the eye lens. Choices A, B, and C do not align with the concept of preparing or adjusting to address a specific issue, unlike the use of corrective lenses for aging eyes.

4. What is the meaning of the word overturn in the last paragraph of the passage?

A. Justify
B. Invalidate
C. Support
D. Review

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The word "overturn" means to invalidate or negate existing guidelines. In this context, the passage questions whether the findings of the study are substantial enough to change established medical recommendations regarding caffeine intake during pregnancy, making option B the appropriate choice.

5. 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.