Where is Thailand located?

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.

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: C

Rationale: The author wants the reader to feel confident and excited about learning the game of Bridge. In the text, the author acknowledges that Bridge can be complicated for beginners but emphasizes that with time, effort, and a good teacher, even novices can become proficient. The tone of the writing is encouraging and informative, providing tips and explanations to help the reader understand the game better and increase their interest in playing Bridge. Choices A, B, and D are incorrect because the text does not convey that the game is too hard for novices, aims to frustrate or confuse the reader, or overwhelm them with rules. Instead, the author's intention is to inspire confidence and excitement in learning this exciting card game.

Correct Answer: A

Rationale: The correct answer is A: 'That the highest card within the 'trump' suit always wins the trick.' The passage explicitly mentions that in the game of Bridge, if a player plays a card from the trump suit, it always wins the trick. This detail is clearly stated in the text, making it the correct choice. Choice B is incorrect as there is no mention of a pile of leftover cards in the passage. Choice C is incorrect as the passage does not state that a player loses their turn if they cannot follow suit; instead, they play any card. Choice D is incorrect as the passage states that the ace is high, not low.

Correct Answer: C

Rationale: The information is balanced in its approach. While the extract mentions that women tend to have shriller voices, making them less desirable public speakers, newscasters, or political candidates, it does not show bias in favor of newscasters or against people with deep voices. The main focus is on the impact of voice qualities such as harshness, rather than promoting or criticizing any specific group.

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: 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 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: 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.