Read the excerpt: ‘The use of the word State above must not mislead us. There…
2014
Read the excerpt: ‘The use of the word State above must not mislead us. There was no such thing as a conflict between the individual and the State, at least before foreign governments became established.’ According to the passage, the author uses the word ‘State’ to highlight:
Answer: B. The absence of conflict between the State and individuals up to a particular point in time. — ConceptIn reading comprehension, the intended meaning of a term is determined by the immediate explanation and qualifiers around it, not by the term’s general…
- A.
An antagonistic relationship between the State and the individual throughout history.
- B.
The absence of conflict between the State and individuals up to a particular point in time.
- C.
The concept of State sovereignty.
- D.
Dependence on religion.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Concept
In reading comprehension, the intended meaning of a term is determined by the immediate explanation and qualifiers around it, not by the term’s general political meaning. Time markers such as ‘before’ or ‘until’ limit the scope of a claim.
Application
The passage warns that the word ‘State’ must not mislead the reader. It then explains that there was no conflict between the individual and the State before foreign governments became established. The phrase ‘before foreign governments became established’ supplies the time boundary.
Contrast
A continuously antagonistic relationship reverses the passage’s statement that such conflict did not exist during the earlier period.
State sovereignty is explicitly mentioned as another concept that did not exist; it is not the relationship highlighted by the explanation.
Dependence on religion is not the point made in the quoted explanation of the word State.
Result
The author highlights the absence of conflict between the State and individuals up to a particular point in time.