Nokea
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.
You may also like to solve these questions
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.
What is stated in this paragraph?
- A. Some men have harsh voices
- B. Relaxed people often have harsh voices
- C. Not everyone finds a harsh voice irritating
- D. Harsh voice qualities usually come from too much tension in the throat and jaw
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: The correct answer is D. The paragraph explains that harsh voice qualities usually result from too much tension in the throat and jaw. It further discusses how tension tightens muscles, leading to unpleasant voice tones. While the paragraph addresses the issue of harsh voices, it does not mention that only some men have harsh voices (choice A) or that relaxed people often exhibit this quality (choice B). Additionally, the paragraph does not touch upon whether everyone finds harsh voices irritating (choice C), only stating that not everyone may be bothered by it.
As used in the last sentence of this paragraph, the term 'concomitant' means?
- A. Accompanying
- B. Quiet
- C. Frustrated
- D. Prefer low-pitched tones
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: In the provided extract, the term 'concomitant' is used to describe problems associated with alcohol abuse, such as the individual becoming alcoholic, contribution to highway deaths by drunken drivers, and spousal and child abuse. Therefore, in this context, 'concomitant' means accompanying, or going along with something else. The other choices of 'Quiet,' 'Frustrated,' and 'Prefer low-pitched tones' do not align with the meaning of 'concomitant' as used in the paragraph.
The passage implies that?
- A. Bridge can be learned with time and effort.
- B. Bridge is only for older people
- C. Playing bridge requires concentration
- D. Bridge is an extremely easy game to play
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: The correct answer is C, as the passage indirectly implies that playing bridge requires concentration. This is evident when the passage discusses the custom of giving white elephants in Siam, suggesting that taking care of a white elephant was a burdensome responsibility, requiring focus and concentration. Choice A is incorrect because the passage does not explicitly state that Bridge is easy, but rather mentions that it can be complicated for beginners. Choice B is incorrect as the passage does not mention age as a factor for playing Bridge.
What is the main idea of this passage?
- A. The water cycle consists of precipitation, evaporation, and condensation
- B. Water cycle components include only evaporation and condensation
- C. The water cycle includes precipitation, runoff, evaporation, and condensation
- D. The water cycle happens in the atmosphere only
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'The water cycle consists of precipitation, evaporation, and condensation.' The passage explains the stages of the water cycle, which are precipitation (rain, snow, sleet, or hail), runoff, evaporation, and condensation. Choice B is incorrect because the water cycle involves more than just evaporation and condensation. Choice C is incorrect as it includes an additional element, runoff, not mentioned as a primary component of the water cycle in the passage. Choice D is incorrect as the water cycle involves processes both in the atmosphere and on the ground.