Nokea
THE WHITE ELEPHANT:
Centuries ago, in the country of Siam, now known as Thailand, it was the custom of the rulers to punish those who displeased them by giving the offender a white elephant. Because the animal was considered sacred, it could not be made to work as other elephants did, but still had to be fed hundreds of pounds of fruit and cared for in the most lavish style. The recipient could not give the elephant to anyone else, as it was a gift from the ruler, who would be greatly displeased should the recipient not receive the gift graciously or care for it in a grand style. This monetary burden could be a major liability to the recipient, and in many cases, they became impoverished.
This is the origin of the term "white elephant," as it is used today to denote an unwanted gift. The popular way of gift exchange played during the holiday season is an offshoot of this tradition. In this game, everyone brings a gift, and the gifts are exchanged by drawing numbers and picking a gift in turn. The second person can choose a new gift or steal the first one. It is all in good fun, and people enjoy giving silly gifts and "stealing" someone else's.
Where is Thailand located?
- A. Africa
- B. Europe
- C. South America
- D. Asia
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Thailand is located in Asia, not South America. Thailand is a country in Southeast Asia known for its beautiful beaches, rich culture, and delicious cuisine. It shares borders with Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, and Malaysia. The extract provided also mentions the country of Siam, which is now known as Thailand, indicating its location in Asia. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as Thailand is not located in Africa, Europe, or South America.
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GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE:
Linking San Francisco to Marin County in California, the Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most famous bridges in the world. The bridge crosses over a narrow strait that connects the Pacific Ocean to San Francisco Bay. Prior to the bridge, people traveled by ferry boat across the strait.
Although most people thought a bridge was necessary to expedite travel, some residents of the Bay Area felt the risk of building the bridge was too great. Joseph Strauss believed that nothing was impossible and that dreams would never come to fruition if risks weren't taken. So, he decided to gather the best and brightest builders, architects, and workers to embark on the challenge of building a bridge across the Golden Gate Strait.
With safety nets in place, construction began in 1937. Building the anchorages first, the builders then moved on to the towers on each end, and then to the three-foot-thick cables to support the suspension bridge. Lastly, workers labored to complete the roadway, which became the most dangerous and treacherous part of the entire task. The builders had to keep the bridge balanced so it wouldn't fall into the bay.
Today, over sixty-five years later, the bridge remains a lifeline for the people of the San Francisco Bay Area.
Why was the roadway so dangerous to build?
- A. There weren't enough materials available to build the road
- B. The workers might get hit by passing cars
- C. The men would fall to their deaths
- D. The men would be attacked by animals.
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The roadway was dangerous to build because the men involved in the construction were at risk of falling to their deaths. The excerpt mentions that the construction of the roadway was the most dangerous and treacherous part of the entire task, indicating a high risk of falling due to the height and precarious nature of the construction site. Choice A is incorrect because the danger was due to the physical risks of falling and not due to a lack of materials. Choice B is incorrect as passing cars were not the primary danger during the construction of the roadway. Choice D is incorrect since there is no mention of workers being attacked by animals during the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge.
THE WHITE ELEPHANT:
Centuries ago, in the country of Siam, now known as Thailand, it was the custom of the rulers to punish those who displeased them by giving the offender a white elephant. Because the animal was considered sacred, it could not be made to work as other elephants did, but still had to be fed hundreds of pounds of fruit and cared for in the most lavish style. The recipient could not give the elephant to anyone else, as it was a gift from the ruler, who would be greatly displeased should the recipient not receive the gift graciously or care for it in a grand style. This monetary burden could be a major liability to the recipient, and in many cases, they became impoverished.
This is the origin of the term "white elephant," as it is used today to denote an unwanted gift. The popular way of gift exchange played during the holiday season is an offshoot of this tradition. In this game, everyone brings a gift, and the gifts are exchanged by drawing numbers and picking a gift in turn. The second person can choose a new gift or steal the first one. It is all in good fun, and people enjoy giving silly gifts and "stealing" someone else's.
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.
GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE:
Linking San Francisco to Marin County in California, the Golden Gate Bridge is one of the most famous bridges in the world. The bridge crosses over a narrow strait that connects the Pacific Ocean to San Francisco Bay. Prior to the bridge, people traveled by ferry boat across the strait.
Although most people thought a bridge was necessary to expedite travel, some residents of the Bay Area felt the risk of building the bridge was too great. Joseph Strauss believed that nothing was impossible and that dreams would never come to fruition if risks weren't taken. So, he decided to gather the best and brightest builders, architects, and workers to embark on the challenge of building a bridge across the Golden Gate Strait.
With safety nets in place, construction began in 1937. Building the anchorages first, the builders then moved on to the towers on each end, and then to the three-foot-thick cables to support the suspension bridge. Lastly, workers labored to complete the roadway, which became the most dangerous and treacherous part of the entire task. The builders had to keep the bridge balanced so it wouldn't fall into the bay.
Today, over sixty-five years later, the bridge remains a lifeline for the people of the San Francisco Bay Area.
The author's reason for writing this piece seems to be to
- A. Teach the reader
- B. Persuade the reader
- C. Entertain the reader
- D. Inform the reader
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The author likely wrote this piece to inform the reader because the content is focused on providing information about the Golden Gate Bridge's history, construction, and significance. The text presents facts and details without attempting to persuade or entertain. The main purpose appears to be sharing useful or educational information rather than teaching, persuading, or entertaining.
THE WHITE ELEPHANT:
Centuries ago, in the country of Siam, now known as Thailand, it was the custom of the rulers to punish those who displeased them by giving the offender a white elephant. Because the animal was considered sacred, it could not be made to work as other elephants did, but still had to be fed hundreds of pounds of fruit and cared for in the most lavish style. The recipient could not give the elephant to anyone else, as it was a gift from the ruler, who would be greatly displeased should the recipient not receive the gift graciously or care for it in a grand style. This monetary burden could be a major liability to the recipient, and in many cases, they became impoverished.
This is the origin of the term "white elephant," as it is used today to denote an unwanted gift. The popular way of gift exchange played during the holiday season is an offshoot of this tradition. In this game, everyone brings a gift, and the gifts are exchanged by drawing numbers and picking a gift in turn. The second person can choose a new gift or steal the first one. It is all in good fun, and people enjoy giving silly gifts and "stealing" someone else's.
What is the meaning of the word impoverished in the first paragraph?
- A. Honored
- B. Nobility
- C. Rich
- D. financially weakened
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The word 'impoverished' typically refers to a state of extreme poverty or being financially ruined. In the context of the first paragraph, where it is used to describe the condition of a certain group of people, it indicates that they are lacking in financial resources or are in a state of deprivation.
Choice A 'Honored' is incorrect as it has a positive connotation opposite to the negative meaning of 'impoverished.' Choice B 'Nobility' is incorrect as it refers to a high social rank or class, which is unrelated to the financial state implied by 'impoverished.' Choice C 'Rich' is incorrect as it is the opposite of 'impoverished,' denoting wealth and abundance, not financial weakness.
VOICE:
What effect does your voice have on others? Does it persuade or irritate, attract or repel? One of the worst qualities is harshness. If you ever get the feeling that people are uncomfortable when you speak, it may be that your harsh tones are jarring their eardrums. your voice will sound unpleasant if it is shrill, grating, hard, piercing, brassy, to loud, or too nasal.
Harsh voice qualities usually come from too much tension in the throat and jaw. Tension tightens muscles and blocks the relaxed voice tones essential to a pleasing impression. Because tension occurs in higher pitched voices, women tend to have shriller voices than men, which usually makes them less desirable public speakers, newscasters, or political candidates.
Which statement from the selection presents a fact rather than an opinion?
- A. One of the worst voice qualities is harshness
- B. Harsh voice qualities usually come from too much tension in the throat and jaw
- C. Your voice will sound unpleasant if it is shrill, grating, hard, piercing, brassy, too loud, or too nasal
- D. Because tension occurs in higher pitched voices, women tend to have shriller voices than men, which usually makes them less desirable public speakers, newscasters, or political candidates
Correct Answer: B
Rationale: Statement B, 'Harsh voice qualities usually come from too much tension in the throat and jaw,' presents a fact rather than an opinion. This statement provides a clear and objective observation about the potential cause of harsh voice qualities, based on physical tension in specific areas of the body, which can be objectively measured and identified. Choice A is an opinion as it states 'One of the worst voice qualities is harshness' without providing a verifiable basis. Choice C lists subjective descriptors of an unpleasant voice without stating a definite cause. Choice D introduces a gender-based assertion about voice quality, making it an opinion rather than a factual observation.