HESI A2
Reading Comprehension HESI A2
1. What is implied by the article?
- A. Siam was renamed Thailand in the past
- B. The author dislikes parlor games
- C. Elephants are difficult to take care of and train
- D. White elephants were considered sacred and a burden to their recipients
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A. The article explicitly states that centuries ago, Siam, now known as Thailand, had the custom of giving white elephants as punishment. This implies that Siam was renamed Thailand in the past. The other choices (B, C, D) are not supported by the content of the article. Choice B is incorrect as the author does not express any dislike for parlor games. Choice C is incorrect as the article does not mention that elephants are easy or difficult to take care of and train. Choice D is incorrect as the article describes white elephants as sacred and a burden to their recipients, not as hard workers in the cane fields.
2. What is the author’s primary purpose in writing this essay?
- A. To persuade
- B. To entertain
- C. To analyze
- D. To reflect
Correct answer: A
Rationale: The author’s enthusiastic and supportive tone toward yoga—stating that it is an exercise that "everyone should try"—indicates a clear intent to persuade the audience about the benefits of yoga. This aligns with choice A, as the primary purpose of the essay is to promote yoga as a valuable practice
3. What does the author suggest about the Earth's tilt in the passage on Daylight Savings Time?
- A. The Earth's tilt has no effect on the seasons.
- B. The Earth's tilt affects the amount of sunlight different areas receive.
- C. The Earth's tilt is constant throughout the year.
- D. The Earth's tilt changes dramatically during the seasons.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The author suggests that the Earth's tilt affects the amount of sunlight different areas receive, influencing the seasons. The passage explains how the tilt of the Earth towards the sun results in different regions receiving varying amounts of sunlight, leading to the existence of seasons. This tilt causes regions near the equator to receive more sunlight consistently, while the Poles experience periods of constant darkness or sunlight, creating different seasons. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because the passage clearly states that the Earth's tilt influences sunlight distribution and subsequently impacts the seasons.
4. 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.
5. What is implied by the author's mention of the Kayapo people in the passage on the Amazon Rainforest?
- A. The Kayapo people destroy the environment for farming.
- B. The Kayapo people farm in an environmentally friendly way.
- C. The Kayapo people contribute to deforestation.
- D. The Kayapo people hunt animals for survival.
Correct answer: B
Rationale: The mention of the Kayapo people in the passage highlights how they farm in an environmentally friendly manner. Instead of using chemicals, they enrich the soil by burning wood and plant banana trees, attracting wasps that feed on harmful insects. This sustainable farming practice showcases their efforts to coexist with the rainforest ecosystem without causing harm. The other choices are incorrect: A is refuted by the passage as the Kayapo people are described as farming in an environmentally friendly way, C is incorrect as the passage does not mention the Kayapo people contributing to deforestation, and D is not supported by the text as there is no mention of the Kayapo people hunting animals for survival.
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