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

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.

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.

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: D

Rationale: The information presented in the article is unbiased in its approach. While the article highlights the potential issues related to overeating and alcohol abuse, it does not explicitly advocate against eating and drinking, drinking alcohol, or eating rich foods. The primary focus is on the negative consequences of overeating and alcohol abuse, making choice D, 'Unbiased and informative,' the correct answer. Choices A, B, and C are incorrect as they are not supported by the content of the article; it merely discusses the risks associated with overeating and alcohol abuse without taking a stand against them.

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: C

Rationale: In the passage, a trick is described as a specific card played by each player, forming a collection of four cards. This is a fundamental concept in the game of Bridge, where players take turns playing cards to create a trick. The trick is won by the player with the highest card of the lead suit or the trump suit if applicable. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because they do not align with the definition of a trick as provided in the passage.

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.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: Choice C, 'The water cycle does not involve precipitation,' is not a detail from the passage. The passage clearly states that precipitation, such as rain, snow, sleet, or hail, is a crucial part of the water cycle. On the other hand, choices A, B, and D are all supported by the passage. Condensation occurs when water vapor cools, evaporation occurs when water changes into gas, and water evaporates from oceans and rivers are all mentioned in the text.

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.