Comprehension: Read the given passage carefully and answer the questions that…
2025
Comprehension:
Read the given passage carefully and answer the questions that follow.
Globalisation affects local cultural traditions in various ways in different societies. The case of Jalawastu in West Java, Indonesia, exemplifies the harmonious interaction between Islam and indigenous customs, demonstrating the delicate balance between the two. Globalisation can have a positive influence on local cultural customs by encouraging the conservation and modification of traditional principles amidst world influences. Behind the positive influence of globalisation, globalisation has adversely affected local cultural traditions through its challenges to the preservation of traditional values and customs. Globalisation has indeed brought about a significant transformation in local cultural traditions. The involvement of the younger generation is very important in maintaining local cultural traditions amid the phenomenon of globalisation. The historical development of globalisation can be traced back to ancient times, where traders engaged in transnational trade, advancing through various stages from the colonial period to the digital age. Initially, globalisation was primarily driven by long-distance trade, but gained momentum during the industrial revolution with advances in transportation and communication. Globalisation has accelerated the spread of global culture through mass media, communication technologies, and human mobility. This has led to cultures from different parts of the world becoming more accessible and adopted by local people. Globalisation brings a number of positive impacts to local cultures, including wider access to global information and knowledge, opportunities for enriching cultural exchange, and new economic opportunities through cultural tourism. Despite the positive impacts, globalisation also has a significant negative impact on local culture. The loss of local languages and traditions, the commercialisation of culture, and the domination of foreign cultures are some of them. Despite challenges from globalisation, many local communities show strong resilience and adaptation. They seek to preserve and revive their traditions and values through cultural education, cultural festivals, and legal protection of cultural heritage.
Identify the central theme of the passage.
- A.
Globalisation solely undermines local cultural traditions.
- B.
Globalisation exerts both positive and negative influences on local cultural traditions.
- C.
Globalisation exclusively enriches local cultural traditions.
- D.
Globalisation is irrelevant to the preservation of local cultural traditions.
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Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Concept: The central theme of a passage is the single idea broad enough to cover every part of the passage - not one example, not a one-sided/absolute claim, and not a claim about a matter the passage does not directly address. Reading-comprehension options often include a too-narrow, too-extreme, or off-target statement to distract from the balanced, whole-passage idea.
Application:
The opening line frames globalisation as affecting local cultural traditions "in various ways" - a broad, non-absolute framing from the very first sentence.
The passage places a "positive influence of globalisation" clause immediately beside a clause on globalisation having "adversely affected local cultural traditions" - both directions appear together in one paragraph.
Later, the passage organises a dedicated list of positive impacts (wider access to information, richer cultural exchange, tourism-linked economic opportunity) followed by a dedicated list of negative impacts (loss of local languages and traditions, commercialisation of culture, domination of foreign cultures).
The passage closes on community resilience and adaptation - efforts (cultural education, cultural festivals, legal protection) that exist precisely because both influences are simultaneously at play.
Cross-check against each option:
"Globalisation solely undermines local cultural traditions" - treats the effect as negative-only, leaving out the passage's own list of positive impacts.
"Globalisation exclusively enriches local cultural traditions" - treats the effect as positive-only, leaving out the passage's own list of negative impacts.
"Globalisation is irrelevant to the preservation of local cultural traditions" - denies any bearing on preservation, leaving out the passage's closing focus on community efforts aimed specifically at preservation.
Only a claim that covers both the positive and the negative impacts accounts for every element the passage presents.
Central theme: Globalisation exerts both positive and negative influences on local cultural traditions.