In world dam engineering, which of the following is currently regarded as the highest dam in the world in terms of structural height?

Introduction / Context:
This question checks knowledge of world records in civil engineering, specifically large dams. Dams can be compared by height, length, storage capacity and power generation capacity. The question clearly asks about the highest dam in the world, which refers to structural height from foundation to crest. For many years Nurek Dam in Tajikistan held this distinction, but more recent projects have surpassed it. At present, Jinping I Dam in China is widely cited as the highest dam in the world by structural height and appears as such in updated general knowledge references.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The focus is on structural height of the dam, not length or reservoir volume.
• Options include Jinping I Dam, Nurek Dam, Three Gorges Dam and Hoover Dam.
• We assume modern data that recognises new projects completed in recent decades.
• The task is to identify which dam currently holds the height record.

Concept / Approach:
To answer correctly, it is important to separate fame from the specific record being tested. Three Gorges Dam is famous for huge installed hydropower capacity and reservoir size but it is not the tallest dam. Hoover Dam is a historic high concrete dam in the United States but has been surpassed in both height and capacity by later projects. Nurek Dam in Tajikistan was long listed as the worlds highest dam but has now been overtaken by Jinping I Dam in China, which reaches a greater structural height. Therefore, updated exam material usually names Jinping I Dam as the correct answer for the highest dam in the world.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that the question concerns height of the dam structure, not power generation or length. Step 2: Identify Three Gorges Dam as the largest in terms of power capacity rather than height. Step 3: Remember that Hoover Dam is an older project which no longer holds world records in height. Step 4: Note that Nurek Dam in Tajikistan was once considered the tallest but has been surpassed by newer projects. Step 5: Recognise that Jinping I Dam in China is now widely regarded as the highest dam in the world and select it as the answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
An alternative check is to recall approximate height values from exam notes. Nurek Dam is often quoted at around 300 metres, while Jinping I Dam is listed with a height greater than that figure. Three Gorges Dam, despite its size, has a smaller structural height compared to these two. If candidates remember this rough hierarchy, they can confirm that Jinping I Dam stands at the top in terms of height, making it the correct option. Consulting recent general knowledge sources during preparation will also reinforce this updated record.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Nurek Dam is a very high dam in Tajikistan, historically famous as the highest, but it has been overtaken in height by Jinping I Dam. Three Gorges Dam in China is the largest in terms of power generation and reservoir size but not the tallest by structural height. Hoover Dam in the United States is a major engineering landmark but is much lower than more recent high dams in Asia.

Common Pitfalls:
One common mistake is to equate overall fame or power capacity with height and choose Three Gorges Dam. Another is to rely on outdated material that still lists Nurek Dam as the highest. To avoid such errors, aspirants should periodically update their general knowledge notes, especially for records that can change when new projects are completed. It also helps to read the question carefully and focus on the specific parameter mentioned, in this case structural height of the dam, rather than general size or importance.

Final Answer:
Based on present records, the highest dam in the world in terms of structural height is the Jinping I Dam in China.