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Practice Reading: Multiple Choice, Single Answer ID: #39462 The railroad
Instructions ›
Read the text and answer the multiple-choice question by selecting the correct response. Only one response is correct.
The railroad was not the first institution to impose regularity on society, or to draw attention to the importance of precise timekeeping. For as long as merchants have set out their wares at daybreak and communal festivities have been celebrated, people have been in rough agreement with their neighbors as to the time of day. The value of this tradition is today more apparent than ever. Were it not for public acceptance of a single yardstick of time, social life would be unbearably chaotic: the massive daily transfers of goods, services, and information would proceed in fits and starts; the very fabric of modern society would begin to unravel.

What is the main idea of the passage?

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Result:

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Option 4: "Society judges people by the times at which they conduct certain activities."

Explanation: This option reflects the main idea of the passage, which discusses how a shared understanding of time is crucial for societal order. The text illustrates that without a common time reference, social life would be chaotic, implying that society indeed relies on timing to judge and coordinate activities.

Option 1: "In modern society we must make more time for our neighbors."

Explanation: This option suggests a focus on interpersonal relationships and the need for more time spent with neighbors. However, the text emphasizes the importance of a shared understanding of time for societal functioning, rather than personal relationships. Thus, it does not align with the main idea presented in the passage.

Option 2: "The traditions of society are timeless."

Explanation: While the text mentions traditions related to timekeeping, it does not argue that these traditions are timeless. Instead, it highlights the necessity of a common time standard for societal order. Therefore, this option misrepresents the main focus of the passage.

Option 3: "An accepted way of measuring time is essential for the smooth functioning of society."

Explanation: This option correctly identifies the importance of measuring time but does not capture the broader implications discussed in the text regarding societal chaos without a shared time standard. The passage emphasizes the consequences of lacking a common time reference, which this option fails to convey.

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