Examkin

Question

Difficulty: MediumComprehending Explicit Comparisons and Contrasts

The following passage is adapted from an essay on ancient libraries.

While the Library of Alexandria in Egypt relied primarily on papyrus scrolls for its collection, the Library of Pergamum in Asia Minor famously pioneered the extensive use of parchment, a writing material made from processed animal skins. Alexandria's scrolls were lighter and easier to roll, but they were highly susceptible to dampness and tearing. In contrast, Pergamum’s parchment sheets were far more durable and could be bound into codices, though they required a much more labor-intensive and costly production process. Furthermore, while Alexandria operated under direct royal patronage that aimed to compile all world knowledge, Pergamum’s library functioned largely as a monument to civic prestige and intellectual competition with its Egyptian rival.

According to the passage, what is one way the physical writing materials utilized by the Library of Pergamum differed from those utilized by the Library of Alexandria?

  1. Pergamum's materials were more durable and could be bound, whereas Alexandria's materials were lighter but more fragile.Answer
  2. B
    Pergamum's materials were less costly to manufacture, whereas Alexandria's materials required a highly labor-intensive process.
  3. C
    Pergamum's materials were highly susceptible to dampness, whereas Alexandria's materials were resistant to moisture.
  4. D
    Pergamum's materials were designed to be rolled into scrolls, whereas Alexandria's materials were preferred for binding into codices.

Answer

Pergamum's materials were more durable and could be bound, whereas Alexandria's materials were lighter but more fragile.
The correct option accurately reflects the explicit comparison in the passage, which contrasts Alexandria's lighter, fragile papyrus scrolls with Pergamum's more durable parchment sheets that could be bound into codices.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the section of the passage discussing the physical writing materials of the two libraries.
The passage states that Alexandria relied on papyrus scrolls, which were lighter and easier to roll but susceptible to dampness and tearing. In contrast, Pergamum used parchment sheets, which were more durable and could be bound into codices.
To locate the explicit comparison regarding their writing materials.
2
Compare the options to the identified details to find the correct statement.
The option stating that Pergamum's materials were more durable and could be bound, while Alexandria's were lighter but more fragile, directly mirrors the passage's explicit contrast.
To select the option that accurately represents the literal comparison in the text.

Key Concept

Comprehending Explicit Comparisons and Contrasts
Estimated Time:1m 30s
Rate this question

Topics

Comprehending Explicit Comparisons and Contrasts

More questions from this topic