®Reading Comprehension Free Practice Test HESI A14

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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.

Why was the roadway so dangerous to build?

Rationale

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

The construction of the Golden Gate Bridge required meticulous attention to balance to ensure the structural integrity of the roadway. If the roadway was not properly balanced, the entire bridge could potentially collapse, posing a significant risk to the workers involved in its construction. A) There weren't enough materials available to build the road. This choice is incorrect because the passage does not mention any lack of materials during the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge. Instead, it focuses on the engineering challenges and the safety measures taken during the building process. B) The workers might get hit by passing cars. While worker safety is a concern on any construction site, this option does not apply to the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge, as the roadway was not yet open to traffic during its construction. The focus was primarily on the structural challenges rather than vehicular hazards. C) The men would fall to their deaths. Although falling from great heights is indeed a danger in bridge construction, this option does not capture the specific danger related to the roadway's construction. The primary concern, as highlighted in the passage, was the need for balance to prevent the bridge's collapse, rather than the risk of falling alone. Conclusion In summary, the construction of the Golden Gate Bridge's roadway was particularly dangerous due to the critical need for balance to prevent collapse. While worker safety and material availability are important factors, the unique challenge posed by maintaining structural integrity during construction highlights the exceptional risks faced by the builders. The successful completion of the bridge remains a testament to their courage and engineering prowess.

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