Hesi A2 Reading comprehension

5. One of the worst voice qualities is Harshness

5. One of the worst voice qualities is Harshness

4. In the passage the word embark means to

Begin an undertaking, start

2. What body of water does The Golden Gate Bridge cross?

Golden Gate Strait

1. Which statement from the selection presents a fact rather than an opinion?

Harsh voice qualities usually come from too much tension in the throat and jaw.

3. Why was the roadway so dangerous to build?

If the road wasn't balanced, it would collapse.

1. The authors reason for writing this piece seems to be to

Inform the reader

5. Why is an unwanted gift called a white elephant?

It is rare thing to get an unwanted gift.

3. What is implied by the article?

People enjoy giving/receiving gifts.

1. How did the people regard a white elephant?

People tried very hard not to offend the king so they would not receive a white elephant.

4. The author seems to:

Prefer low pitched tones.

3. The information presented is

Slanted against people with piercing voices.

2. What is stated in this paragraph? (voice)

Women make less appealing political candidates.

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.

set 10

Rainforest

1. Rain forests are essential to life on earth 2. Deforestation has long term consequences that we still do not know about 3. The Nile is the longest river

5. Which part of the bridge was built first?

Anchorage

2. Where is Thailand?

Asia

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

Financially ruined

White Elephant Centuries ago, in the country of Siam, now known as Thailand, it was the custom of the rulers that displeased them by giving the offender a white elephant. Because the animal was 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 the ruler, who would be greatly displeased should the recipient not receive the gift graciously or care for 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 way of gift exchange played during the holiday season is an offshoot of this. In this game, everyone brings, and the gifts are exchanged by drawing numbers and picking a gift in turn. The second person can choose or steal the first one. It is all in good fun, and people enjoy giving silly gifts and "stealing" someone else.

set 12

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 which 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 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, the construction began in 1937. Building the anchorages first, the builders then move 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 balance, so it wouldn't fall into the bay. Today, over sixty-five years later, the bridge remains a life-line for the people of the San Francisco Bay Area.

set 13