Modern warfare has changed from large scale clashes of armies to suppression…
2010
Modern warfare has changed from large scale clashes of armies to suppression of civilian populations. Chemical agents that do their work silently appear to be suited to such warfare; and regretfully, there exist people in military establishments who think that chemical agents are useful tools for their cause.
Which of the following statements best sums up the meaning of the above passage:
- A.
Modern warfare has resulted in civil strife.
- B.
Chemical agents are useful in modern warfare.
- C.
Use of chemical agents in warfare would be undesirable
- D.
People in military establishments like to use chemical agents in war.
Attempted by 36 students.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: D
Correct summary: People in military establishments like to use chemical agents in war.
Why this is best:
The passage says modern warfare has shifted toward suppression of civilian populations, setting the context for the rest of the statement.
It notes that chemical agents, which act silently, appear suited to that kind of warfare.
Crucially, the passage states that there exist people in military establishments who think chemical agents are useful tools for their cause; this is the main reported fact.
Why other choices are less suitable:
Saying chemical agents are useful states a fact; the passage only reports that some people believe they are useful, so that option is too strong.
Claiming modern warfare has resulted in civil strife is not supported directly by the passage; the passage emphasizes suppression of civilians, not the origin of civil strife.
Saying the use of chemical agents would be undesirable reflects the author's regret but is an evaluative statement; it is not as close to the passage's primary assertion that some military personnel favor chemical agents.
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