Question

Which of the following best summarizes the conclusion of the argument of this paragraph?

• A. Friendship has greater value for men than for women.
• B. People in England have different attitudes to brotherhood and friendship than people in rural India.
• C. Brotherhood has greater value in rural India than in England.
• D. Friendship has greater value in England than in India.
• A. People are less likely to have large families in England.
• B. People in England are no longer close to their family members.
• C. People in England do not think that friendship connotes intimacy.
• D. People in rural India think that sisters cannot be intimate.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Step 1: Understand the main contrast presented in the passage
The passage discusses how the concept of close relationships—expressed through the words “friendship” and “brotherhood”—differs across cultures: - In rural India, people often described close male friendship as “like brothers”. - In England, the narrator recalls how someone used “friendship” to describe closeness between siblings. Step 2: Identify the conclusion
The author concludes that while brotherhood expresses intimacy in Indian rural culture, friendship expresses the same sentiment in England. Step 3: Evaluate the options - (a) Friendship has greater value for men than for women} → This is mentioned briefly but is not the conclusion of the full paragraph. Too narrow. - (b) People in England have different attitudes to brotherhood and friendship than people in rural India} → Perfect. This captures the central idea and the contrast drawn. - (c) Brotherhood has greater value in rural India than in England} → This is partly true, but it only captures half the comparison and misses the broader argument about “attitudes”. - (d) Friendship has greater value in England than in India} → Again, this is partial. It doesn’t account for the “brotherhood” angle and fails to reflect the full contrast. % Final Answer \[ \boxed{\text{(b)}} \]

Answer 2

Step 1: Revisit the conclusion of the passage
The passage concluded that: - In England, “friendship” expresses closeness (even among brothers). - In rural India, “brotherhood” is used for the same purpose. Thus, the argument depends on “friendship” implying intimacy in England. Step 2: Look for a contradiction
We want an option that undermines the claim that in England, “friendship” connotes intimacy. - (a) People are less likely to have large families in England} → Irrelevant. The size of families doesn’t affect the language used for intimacy. - (b) People in England are no longer close to their family members} → This might affect family closeness, but it doesn't challenge the use of the word “friendship” to express it. - (c) People in England do not think that friendship connotes intimacy} → This is a direct contradiction. The argument relies on the idea that “friendship” does} connote intimacy in England. - (d) People in rural India think that sisters cannot be intimate} → Irrelevant to the argument’s main conclusion which compares brotherhood vs friendship cross-culturally. % Final Answer \[ \boxed{\text{(c)}} \]