Consider the following passage:
Umbrellas have a long history, dating back to ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia, where they were used primarily to shade royalty from the sun. In these early societies, umbrellas were symbols of power and status, made from palm leaves, feathers, or stretched papyrus. However, it was not until much later in ancient China that umbrellas were first waterproofed with wax and lacquer to provide protection against the rain.
[1] _________________________________________. For centuries, European men viewed them as a feminine accessory, associated almost exclusively with women of high social standing. It was not until the mid-eighteenth century, when an English traveler named Jonas Hanway began carrying an umbrella in public, that the device gained acceptance among men. Despite initial ridicule from carriage drivers who feared losing business, Hanway’s persistence eventually paid off, transforming the umbrella into a common and practical accessory for everyone.
Which of the following choices best introduces the main topic of the second paragraph?
- Although umbrellas were widely used in Asia, they did not immediately gain popularity in Europe.Answer
- BAlthough umbrellas were widely used in Asia; they did not immediately gain popularity in Europe.
- CEuropeans did not immediately adopt umbrellas, they were initially seen as a foreign novelty.
- DDespite their utility, the early history of umbrellas in Europe are marked by resistance and skepticism.