Multiple choice

What does the passage suggest the U.S. should do?

Directions: Read the given passage carefully and choose the best answer to the question out of the four alternatives.

The British exercised power over their American colonies until the Revolutionary War in 1776. After or at independence, both the United States and India fought wars of succession, classified as civil or international wars depending upon which side won. The Civil War in the US in 1861 resulted in victory for the Union forces of the north and defeat for the Confederate forces of the south but it also resulted in a ½ million or more deaths. The partition of British Indian Empire in 1947 resulted in the separation of Pakistan in the west from India in the east but it also resulted in a ½ - 1 ½ million deaths and 12-14 million refugees as Hindus fled from Pakistan and as many Muslims fled from India. “The exchange of populations between the two new states took on the characteristics of what is today called ‘ethnic cleansing’”.
Britain was not involved in the Indian conflict as it was in the American Revolution 171 years earlier. Perhaps that is why India is a member of the British Commonwealth of Nations whereas the US is not. Indeed, the present Secretary-General is Kamalesh Sharma, an Indian diplomat. Fifty-four sovereign states are currently members of this voluntary association. And the US should at long last consider joining the club given its “special relationship” with the UK.

  1. Join the club.

  2. Join the British Commonwealth of Nations.

  3. Join India.

  4. Exchange populations.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
B Correct answer
Explanation
  1. Incorrect – The passage uses this to mean the British Commonwealth of Nations. Hence, this is incorrect.
    2. Correct – The passage suggests that the U.S. should join the British Commonwealth of Nations.
    3. Incorrect – This is too vague and does not describe how the U.S. should join India. Hence, this is incorrect.
    1. Incorrect – The passage states that this occurred as a result of the partition of India. This is not what the U.S. should join India in.

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