Multiple choice

Directions: Read the paragraph and answer the question that follows.
The Human species, according to the best theory I can form of it, is composed to two distinct races, the men who borrow, and the men who lend. To these two original diversities may be reduced all those impertinent classifications of Gothic and Celtic tribes, white men, black men, red men. All the dwellers upon earth, “Parthians, and Medes, and Elamites,” flock hither, and do naturally fall in with one or other of these primary distinctions. The infinite superiority of the former, which I choose to designate as the great race, is discernible in their figure, port, and a certain instinctive sovereignty. The latter are born degraded. “He shall serve his brethren.” There is something in the air of one of this cast, lean and suspicious; contrasting with the open, trusting, generous manners of the other.
What is the theme of the passage?

  1. The type of borrower whose appeal is the greatest.

  2. The two races with an impression of the greatness of the borrower.

  3. The kingly, undeniable greatness of the lender is being emphasized.

  4. Gothic and Celtic tribes are composed of the two distinct races.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation

(1) “Type of borrower” in (1) is not referred in the passage and thus, it is ruled out. (2) “The two races” is the highlight of this passage (first sentence provides the clue) and the greater race is that of borrowers (“The infinite _ _ _ _ _ _ _ sovereignty gives the clue). Therefore, (2) sums up the theme of passage, and hence is the answer. (3) “Undeniable greatness of the lender” is contrary to the passage, hence ruled out. (4) According to author, not only Gothic and Celtic tribes are composed of these two races but even white men, black men, red men, all seem to be reduced to this diversity. Therefore, this statement is incomplete. Moreover, it is the direct reference from the passage and in no way sums up the idea of the passage, hence is ruled out. Hence, (2) is the answer.

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