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 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.

3. What is a solution to insomnia?

A. Developing good sleep habits and using herbs and spices.
B. Avoiding physical activity.
C. Staying awake for longer periods.
D. Eating large meals before bed.

Correct answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: Developing good sleep habits and using herbs and spices. The passage highlights that sleep hygiene, which involves developing good sleep habits and non-pharmacological therapies like herbs and spices, are solutions to insomnia. These methods aim to promote better sleep quality. Choices B, C, and D are incorrect. Avoiding physical activity, staying awake for longer periods, and eating large meals before bed can actually worsen insomnia symptoms and disrupt sleep patterns.

4. What is the meaning of the word 'composed' in the first paragraph?

A. To consist of
B. To be uniquely discovered
C. To be set apart
D. To be surprised

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In the context provided, 'composed' means to consist of. The paragraph explains that a drop of water is composed of an oxygen atom and two hydrogen atoms. Therefore, the correct answer is A. Choice B, 'To be uniquely discovered,' is incorrect as it does not relate to the composition of a drop of water. Choice C, 'To be set apart,' and Choice D, 'To be surprised,' are also incorrect as they do not convey the meaning of 'composed' as it is used in this paragraph.

5. What is the author’s primary purpose in writing this essay about microbes?

A. To persuade
B. To inform
C. To entertain
D. To analyze

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The author's primary purpose is to inform readers about the crucial role of microorganisms in the immune system. The essay focuses on presenting factual information and recent discoveries regarding the impact of microbes on human health. The author aims to educate the readers on the significance of microbes in human health rather than persuade them of a particular viewpoint (Choice A), entertain them with light-hearted content (Choice C), or analyze in-depth data and findings (Choice D). The essay's emphasis on informing readers about the role of microorganisms in the immune system makes 'To inform' the correct choice.