Although today high-heeled and platform shoes are often seen as footwe

Question

Although today high-heeled and platform shoes are often seen as footwear designed simply to make a woman seem more fashionable and appealing, they served a more utilitarian purpose during the Middle Ages. During this time, both men and women would wear detachable wooden platforms in order to protect their shoes from the weather and the grit of the streets. However, in contemporary times, heeled shoes are almost exclusively reserved for women’s footwear, primarily for aesthetic effect. Not only is the foot made to seem more petite and dainty, but the entire appearance of a woman’s body is altered.

In order to maintain her balance, a woman must tense her legs and buttocks, making them to appear more fit and firm. The back is forced in a sinuous arch, and the elongation of the legs makes a woman’s hips sway back and forth in a wider ellipsis. Whereas heels were once used for practical purposes, today they are employed purely for a pleasant aesthetic effect.

Taking this into consideration, we should evaluate why it is that women wear high heels. Is it to increase confidence in one’s sexual appeal? To attract attention from others? Or is it simply to conform to the dress expectations of society at large? The various possible motivations that might cause a woman to wear a high-heeled shoe create a great level of ambiguity as to why the shoe continues to persevere in fashion.    1 
 1. This passage is most probably intended to __________.

A. objectively compare the past uses of platform shoes with the current uses of high heels, without casting either in a negative or positive light.
B. praise the use of platform shoes in earlier eras.
C. make people consider the social implications of fashion at large.
D. compare the past uses of platform shoes with the current uses of high heels in order to point out the lack of functionality of the latter.
E. serve as a conclusion for a longer passage about footwear and its interaction with society.

2 
 2. According to the author, modern high heels have the effect of

I. causing a woman to appear more aesthetically appealing
II. empowering a woman
III. changing the way a woman engages her muscles

A. I only
B. I and III
C. I and II
D. III only
E. I, II, and III

3 
 3. This passage is most probably intended to __________.

A. praise the use of platform shoes in earlier eras.
B. serve as a conclusion for a longer passage about footwear and its interaction with society.
C. make people consider the social implications of fashion at large.
D. compare the past uses of platform shoes with the current uses of high heels in order to point out the lack of functionality of the latter.
E. objectively compare the past uses of platform shoes with the current uses of high heels, without casting either in a negative or positive light.

4 
 4. The author’s attitude towards high-heeled shoes today is best characterized as __________.

A. percipient
B. condemning
C. cavalier
D. inquisitive
E. dismissive

5 
 5. The author would likely agree with all of the following claims except which one?

A. Today, it is rare to find platform shoes or high heels designed for men.
B. The aesthetic function that high heels serve today is about as useful as the function that platform shoes served during the Middle Ages.
C. High-heeled shoes contribute to princes' ability to engage in both manlike and beastlike behaviors in the objectification of women in modern society.
D. During the middle ages, platform shoes served a functional purpose and were not primarily designed for aesthetic purposes.
E. High-heeled shoes not only change the aesthetic of a woman’s body, but also how she carries herself.

RC Butler 2023  -  Practice Two RC Passages Everyday.   
Passage # 168 Date: 29-May-2023
 This question is part of RC Butler 2023 .  Click here for Details

Ishatv · Answer

why isnt 4th answer dismissive?

Sajjad1994 · Answer

The passage raises questions about the motivations behind wearing high heels, such as increasing confidence in one's sexual appeal, attracting attention, or conforming to societal expectations. The author explores these possibilities and acknowledges the ambiguity surrounding why high heels continue to persevere in fashion. Therefore, option (D) inquisitive aligns with the author's approach in examining the reasons behind wearing high-heeled shoes.

Chaitanyasharma15 · Answer

how is the answer to Q1 D?

Sajjad1994 · Answer

Explanation

1. This passage is most probably intended to __________.

Explanation

A.  The passage does compare the past uses of platform shoes with the current uses of high heels, but it does not remain entirely objective. It discusses the historical use for practical purposes and contrasts it with the current aesthetic use. There is a subtle negative tone regarding the shift from practicality to a more aesthetic focus.

B.  The passage does not praise the use of platform shoes in earlier eras. It acknowledges their practical purpose in history but doesn't express admiration or praise.

C.  This is the second-best answer

D.  This is a plausible interpretation. The passage contrasts the historical functionality of platform shoes with the current aesthetic use of high heels. It doesn't explicitly state that high heels lack functionality, but it implies a shift from practicality to aesthetics.

E.  The passage doesn't appear to be a conclusion. It introduces the historical context, discusses the contemporary shift, and raises questions about motivations, but it doesn't conclude a broader discussion.

Answer: D

UtkarshSinha01 · Answer

What's the meaning of the 3rd option in the 5th question?

Sajjad1994 · Answer

The option had a typo, which I have fixed now.

Thank you!

Sumandhk · Answer

can anyone plz explain for Q.no 5?
regarding option B and option C?

Sajjad1994 · Answer

Remember this is an EXCEPT question and the correct answer is the one that cannot be inferred from the passage.

(B)  cannot be inferred because it implies an equivalence between the usefulness of high heels today and the practical function of platform shoes during the Middle Ages. However, the passage does not make such a direct comparison. Instead, it highlights the shift from utilitarian purposes in the Middle Ages to purely aesthetic purposes today. Therefore, B is the answer.

On the other hand  (C) can be  inferred from the passage as it discusses how high heels alter the appearance and posture of women. It suggests that wearing high heels forces women to tense their legs and buttocks, affecting their posture and making them appear more fit and firm. Additionally, it mentions how high heels elongate the legs and cause the hips to sway, altering the overall appearance of a woman's body.

B is the answer.

Although today high-heeled and platform shoes are often seen as footwe

Prep Toolkit

Top 5 GMAT Debrief Videos

615 to 715 in 15 Days (Ria's Strategies)

More than Quant/Verbal Abilities: Speed vs. Accuracy

745 with Only Self-Prep and GMAT Club

From 555 to 765: 210-point Improvement

Perfect 805 Score Debrief by Julia

My Rewards

GMAT Reading Comprehension (RC) Questions

Although today high-heeled and platform shoes are often seen as footwe

Prep Toolkit

615 to 715 in 15 Days (Ria's Strategies)

More than Quant/Verbal Abilities: Speed vs. Accuracy

745 with Only Self-Prep and GMAT Club

From 555 to 765: 210-point Improvement

Perfect 805 Score Debrief by Julia

My Rewards