Multiple choice

Directions: The short passage below is followed by a question based on its content. Answer the question on the basis of what is stated or implied in the passage.

The collapse of the USSR has led many to wonder whether Marxism too may come to the end of its tether. But Marxism, as we have seen, is essentially an interpretation of capitalism in which socialism and its final stage, communism, emerge as the still-unrealized potential within capitalism itself, as a way of resolving the main problems created by capitalism using means that have themselves come into existence during the capitalist era. What failed in the Soviet Union, then, Marxists will argue, is not Marxism but an effort to build socialism without any of the preconditions, such as developed industry, material plenty, democratic institutions, and a literate public, that arise with capitalism and which Marx considered absolutely necessary to the success of this effort.

What is the theme of the passage?

  1. Success of Marxism demands preconditions that can be created by capitalism.

  2. USSR's collapse has been the final nail in the coffin of Marxism.

  3. A literate public's consciousness is the sole key to the success of an enlightened Marxist effort.

  4. The collapse of Soviet Union does not signal the end of communism.

  5. The collapse of USSR signifies its divergence, not its adherence to communism.
Reveal answer Fill a bubble to check yourself
A Correct answer
Explanation

 The main idea as discussed in most of the passage is about the absence of preconditions, which led to failure of Marxism in Soviet Union. It is in option (1) that the preconditions are referenced; therefore it is marked as the correct answer.

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