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Question

Difficulty: MediumLiteral Comprehension and Fact Retrieval

Read the passage below carefully and evaluate the statement that follows:

The ancient City Walls of Kano, constructed between the 11th and 14th centuries, were originally built to protect the inhabitants of Kano from external invasions. Measuring approximately 14 kilometres in circuit, the massive earthen ramparts featured sixteen strategic gates, each guarded by a security officer known as the Sarkin Kofa. Unlike contemporary fortifications in Northern Africa that primarily utilized stone and mortar, the Kano walls were sculpted entirely from sun-dried mud bricks and reinforced with local timber. Although minor structural repairs were recorded in 1903 following British colonial occupation, substantial portions of the outer wall system collapsed during the heavy rains of 1955 due to prolonged neglect.

Statement: According to the passage, the ancient City Walls of Kano were constructed primarily using stone and mortar imported from Northern Africa.

Answer: Answer

Answer

The statement is False. The passage explicitly mentions that the Kano walls were built from sun-dried mud bricks and local timber, unlike Northern African structures which used stone and mortar.
The evaluation of 'False' is correct because the passage explicitly attributes the use of stone and mortar to Northern African fortifications, while specifying that the Kano walls were built from sun-dried mud bricks and local timber.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the key claim in the statement
The statement claims that the Kano walls were built using stone and mortar from Northern Africa.
To evaluate a true/false statement, its core claim must be compared against facts in the text.
2
Locate the explicit detail in the passage regarding building materials
The text states: 'Unlike contemporary fortifications in Northern Africa that primarily utilized stone and mortar, the Kano walls were sculpted entirely from sun-dried mud bricks and reinforced with local timber.'
Direct text retrieval provides the accurate factual basis to verify the statement.
3
Compare the statement with the explicit textual evidence
The passage contrasts the Kano walls (made of mud bricks and timber) with Northern African walls (made of stone and mortar). Therefore, the statement directly contradicts the passage.
A statement that contradicts explicit factual information given in the text is False.

Key Concept

Literal Comprehension and Fact Retrieval
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Topics

Literal Comprehension and Fact Retrieval

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