PrepTest 154, Section 3, Question 4
Complex societies flourished on the central plateau of(465 more words not shown)
Which one of the following(11 more words not shown)
- Acondemnation of its(9 more words not shown)
- Bsurprise at its(3 more words not shown)
- Cskepticism about its(8 more words not shown)
- Drespect for the(9 more words not shown)
- Eappreciation of its(10 more words not shown)
Reading the passage
The author thinks the cattle economy is crucial and insufficiently appreciated by scholars who focus on gold. Notice the range of its effects: food production, centralized authority, marriage arrangements, and the recruitment of miners. We should expect recognition of that complex, far-reaching role.
What we’re looking for
Our wording may include both importance and underappreciation, but the correct answer doesn't have to state every part of our prediction. It must accurately describe the attitude shown.
Working the answers
- A
Describing how cattle ownership strengthened royal control isn't condemning it. The author doesn't say this concentration of power was morally terrible or unfair to ordinary people. A supplies a judgment the discussion never makes.
- B
The focus on cattle doesn't establish surprise about a lack of economic variety. The author is explaining cattle's central role, not expressing amazement that the economy wasn't more diversified.
- C
This points in the wrong direction. The author explains how the cattle system helped sustain and organize the society. We aren't given skepticism about whether it could perform that role.
- D
Respect for intricate workings might fit, but criticism of inefficiency doesn't. The author doesn't say cattle were a wasteful way to support this society. Both parts of a mixed-attitude answer need evidence.
- ECorrect
The description of a “complex cattle economy” supports appreciation of its intricacy, and its roles in food, marriage, political authority, and mining show its integration into social life. This accurately captures the importance the author keeps demonstrating.
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