why is an unwanted gift called a white elephant

HESI A2

Reading Comprehension HESI A2

1. 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.

2. What is implied about the rainforest's role in global climate?

A. The rainforest has little impact on the climate.
B. The rainforest plays a crucial role in regulating the climate.
C. The rainforest is mainly important for biodiversity.
D. The rainforest's destruction has no global consequences.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The rainforest plays a crucial role in regulating the global climate by absorbing carbon dioxide. The extract highlights the fact that trees take in carbon dioxide and give off oxygen. When trees are cut down, the amount of carbon dioxide increases, contributing to global warming. This emphasizes the significant impact of rainforests on the climate. Choice A is incorrect as the extract clearly states the importance of rainforests in absorbing carbon dioxide. Choice C, while true, is not directly related to the implied role of rainforests in regulating the climate. Choice D is also incorrect as the destruction of rainforests does have global consequences, such as contributing to global warming.

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 can the reader infer about the 'sweatiest students' referred to in the last sentence in the passage?

A. These students are more physically active than others.
B. These students have worked harder during class.
C. These students do not necessarily perform better academically.
D. These students excel in all sports activities.

Correct answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B. The reader can infer that the 'sweatiest students' have worked harder during class. This inference is supported by the context that students are graded based on the effort they make in the class, with some even receiving extra credit for being the sweatiest students in the room. Choice A is incorrect as there is no indication in the passage that the sweatiest students are more physically active than others; they are recognized for their effort, not necessarily for being the most active. Choice C is incorrect as the passage does not discuss the academic performance of the sweatiest students. Choice D is incorrect as there is no evidence to suggest that the sweatiest students excel in all sports activities; they are acknowledged for their effort rather than their overall sports performance.

5. What is the meaning of the word 'enlist' as it is used in the second paragraph?

A. call into service
B. write down
C. send away
D. put across

Correct answer: A

Rationale: In the context of the immune system, 'enlist' means to call into service. Immune cells recruit other cells to fight infection by producing chemicals that regulate their growth, behavior, and direct new recruits to trouble spots. This process is essential for the immune system's defense mechanism. The other choices are incorrect: 'write down' and 'put across' do not capture the action of mobilizing immune cells, and 'send away' is opposite in meaning to what is happening in the immune response.