What is the main idea of this passage?

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.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: In the passage, the word 'suit' is used in the context of card games, specifically in relation to playing cards of the same category. It refers to being convenient or right for a particular purpose in the game of Bridge. The other choices are incorrect because 'suit' in this passage does not refer to a set of clothing (option A), persistent requesting (option C), or one of the four categories in a deck of cards (option D). The passage clearly explains how the term 'suit' is used in the context of playing cards in the game of Bridge.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The author's primary purpose for writing this essay is to inform the readers about the stages of the water cycle. The essay explains how water moves through the cycle, including processes like precipitation, runoff, evaporation, and condensation. Choice A is correct because the focus is on educating readers about the water cycle, not just explaining how rain is formed (Choice B), persuading readers to preserve water (Choice C), or discussing water's importance in life (Choice D). The detailed explanation of the water cycle provided in the extract supports the correct answer.

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.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The correct answer is C. In the culture of Siam, white elephants were highly regarded as sacred and receiving one as a gift from the king was considered an honor. It was a symbol of prestige and status to receive the king's gift of a white elephant. Option A is incorrect as white elephants were not used for meat supply. Option B is also incorrect as white elephants were not prized for their work but rather for their symbolic value. Option D is partially correct but does not capture the full significance of white elephants in Siam.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A. The article explicitly states that centuries ago, Siam, now known as Thailand, had the custom of giving white elephants as punishment. This implies that Siam was renamed Thailand in the past. The other choices (B, C, D) are not supported by the content of the article. Choice B is incorrect as the author does not express any dislike for parlor games. Choice C is incorrect as the article does not mention that elephants are easy or difficult to take care of and train. Choice D is incorrect as the article describes white elephants as sacred and a burden to their recipients, not as hard workers in the cane fields.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'They are examples of groundwater reservoirs.' The passage mentions that runoff collects in groundwater reservoirs, among other places. Ponds and lakes are typically reservoirs of groundwater, as stated in the passage. Choice B is incorrect because ponds and lakes are not directly mentioned as part of the evaporation process. Choice C is incorrect as ponds and lakes are not stated to be formed by runoff. Choice D is incorrect as ponds and lakes are not formed by condensation.

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.

Correct Answer: B

Rationale: The correct answer is B: Roadway. In the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge, as with many bridges, the roadway was built first. The roadway provides the foundation and support for the rest of the structure, allowing vehicles and pedestrians to access the bridge. The construction process typically starts with the roadway to establish a base before moving on to other components like cables, towers, and sidewalks. Therefore, the roadway is an essential initial component in bridge construction. Choices A, C, and D are incorrect because, according to the provided extract, the anchorages were built first, followed by the towers, cables, and finally, the completion of the roadway. This sequence highlights the significance of establishing the structural support before the construction of other elements of the bridge.