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1. Which of the following statements about European historical analysis of Africa is best supported by the passage?

a) The historiographies published by Europeans are generally positive in their assessment of the various European colonies that once existed on the African continent.
not correct: passage doesn't talk about European colonies in Africa, however, it says that historians started to explore African history from the time colonisation had started in African continent

b) The historical approach taken by Europeans is inherently flawed because it fails to take into account the striking differences between European and African mythology.
not correct: Europeans historian approach has shortcomings not because of failing to account striking differences but because of 'ignoring more than a millennium of pre-colonial African history'

c) European historiography typically ignores African history prior to colonization because such history tends to repeat patterns without any discernible chronological progression.
not correct: passage says that 'This approach does both history and the African people a great disservice by ignoring more than a millennium of pre-colonial African history' but reasons for ignoring are not connected to 'repeated patterns'

d) European historians customarily view African history as a series of invasions, culminating in the European conquests that eventually opened up Africa to the rest of the civilized world.
not correct: no discussion of invasions

e) European historical texts on Africa tend to neglect the complex realities of African history that existed before European colonies were founded there.
correct: from 'Such works seem to proceed from the assumption that the history of Africa begins with the arrival of Europeans' and 'This approach does both history and the African people a great disservice by ignoring more than a millennium of pre-colonial African history', we can say that European historians neglected African history before European colonisation in Africa
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2. Which of the following best characterizes the author's view of the notion that African history began following the European invasion of the continent?
passage analysis: passage says that European historians believe that African history began with the arrival of Europeans. However, this view is not correct and the author gives an example of Davidson, who addressed the shortcomings of the historical record and repair the misconceptions held by so many historians

a) It is partially correct but plainly biased.
not correct: this notion could be biased but no info in the passage saying that this notion is 'partially correct'

b) It is controversial though persuasive.
not correct: in the passage there are no details about controversy about this notion

c) It is often misunderstood.
correct: author of the passage talks about Davidson who addressed the shortcomings of the historical record and repair the misconceptions held by so many historians, so we can say that this notion is often misunderstood by European historians

d) It is limited and subjective.
not correct: passage says 'held by so many historians', so we can say that this notion is not a limited view

e) It is based on complex assumptions.
not correct: no discussion of complex assumptions
_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

3. According to the passage, which of the following is true of African culture prior to the European colonization of Africa?

a) African cultures were not completely isolated from those of other continents.
correct: passage says 'African history that includes frequent contact between Africa and other continents'

b) Though civilizations in Africa were complex, they became more so under the influence of European colonialists.
not correct: no info about how African cultures were influenced by European colonies

c) African culture before European contact was elaborate and homogeneous throughout the continent.
not correct: no discussion of African cultures before European colonisation

d) There are few reliable documents that accurately chronicle African history before European arrival.
not correct: passage says 'The collection is equally successful as an historiographical resource, as Davidson has taken great pains to refer readers to a number of pertinent historical works, both European and African in origin', but we don't know these historical works originated in Africa were accurate in their contents

e) Africa had spread its cultural influence through the conquest and subsequent assimilation of non-African cultures
not correct: no info about spread of cultural influence
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Answers are in bold.

1. Which of the following statements about European historical analysis of Africa is best supported by the passage?
a) The historiographies published by Europeans are generally positive in their assessment of the various European colonies that once existed on the African continent.
b) The historical approach taken by Europeans is inherently flawed because it fails to take into account the striking differences between European and African mythology.
c) European historiography typically ignores African history prior to colonization because such history tends to repeat patterns without any discernible chronological progression.
d) European historians customarily view African history as a series of invasions, culminating in the European conquests that eventually opened up Africa to the rest of the civilized world.
e) European historical texts on Africa tend to neglect the complex realities of African history that existed before European colonies were founded there.

Explanation of question 1
A - Not mentioned anything about positivity.
B - It is flawed but not because difference in mythologies of these two places!
C - This is also the main idea of the author in this passage. Perfect!
D - Distorting the meaning
E - Again distorting the meaning
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

2. Which of the following best characterizes the author's view of the notion that African history began following the European invasion of the continent?
a) It is partially correct but plainly biased.
b) It is controversial though persuasive.
c) It is often misunderstood.
d) It is limited and subjective.
e) It is based on complex assumptions.

Explanation of question 2
A - Best choice. Partially correct because it is correct AFTER europeans came over, but biased because the events that occurred before they came over is related down the pecking order as evident from this - "thus, any events that transpired before the colonization of Africa are relegated to what one such historian has called “a fruitless mythology.”"
B - Not controvertial.
C - Not misunderstood, this is not the author's viewpoint
D - Close choice but not the answer. Limited because they only consider AFTER europeans came. It is not subjective.
E - Definitely not
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

3. According to the passage, which of the following is true of African culture prior to the European colonization of Africa?
a) African cultures were not completely isolated from those of other continents.
b) Though civilizations in Africa were complex, they became more so under the influence of European colonialists.
c) African culture before European contact was elaborate and homogeneous throughout the continent.
d) There are few reliable documents that accurately chronicle African history before European arrival.
e) Africa had spread its cultural influence through the conquest and subsequent assimilation of non-African cultures.

Explanation of question 3
The passage states - "This approach does both history and the African people a great disservice by ignoring more than a millennium of pre-colonial African history that includes frequent contact between Africa and other continents." Therefore from the passage we can say that choice A is definitely true.
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1. Which of the following statements about European historical analysis of Africa is best supported by the passage?

a) The historiographies published by Europeans are generally positive in their assessment of the various European colonies that once existed on the African continent.
b) The historical approach taken by Europeans is inherently flawed because it fails to take into account the striking differences between European and African mythology.
c) European historiography typically ignores African history prior to colonization because such history tends to repeat patterns without any discernible chronological progression.
d) European historians customarily view African history as a series of invasions, culminating in the European conquests that eventually opened up Africa to the rest of the civilized world.
e) European historical texts on Africa tend to neglect the complex realities of African history that existed before European colonies were founded there.


Correct Answer - E
Explanation - As mentioned in the passage: "Much of the European historiography of the African continent is marked by a distinct remoteness that reflects an attitude not unlike the perspective of an invading force. Such works seem to proceed from the assumption that the history of Africa begins with the arrival of Europeans;", which implies that Europeans neglected any history that might have been there in Africa.
Option A - could be correct, not sure, but this is not best supported by the passage.
Option B - incorrect, as it fails to discuss the complete history of Africa before colonization, and let alone the difference in the mythologies.
Option C - incorrect, no patterns have been discussed.
Option D - incorrect, not discussed in detail in the passage.



2. Which of the following best characterizes the author's view of the notion that African history began following the European invasion of the continent?

a) It is partially correct but plainly biased.
b) It is controversial though persuasive.
c) It is often misunderstood.
d) It is limited and subjective.
e) It is based on complex assumptions.


Correct Answer - C
Explanation - as mentioned in the passage: "Historian Basil Davidson has attempted to address the shortcomings of the historical record and repair the misconceptions held by so many historians."
Option A,B,D & E are incorrect, because author's view is completely correct, and not biased, but it is mostly misunderstood.



3. According to the passage, which of the following is true of African culture prior to the European colonization of Africa?

a) African cultures were not completely isolated from those of other continents.
b) Though civilizations in Africa were complex, they became more so under the influence of European colonialists.
c) African culture before European contact was elaborate and homogeneous throughout the continent.
d) There are few reliable documents that accurately chronicle African history before European arrival.
e) Africa had spread its cultural influence through the conquest and subsequent assimilation of non-African cultures.


Correct Answer - A.
Explanation - as only A is mentioned in the passage as: "This approach does both history and the African people a great disservice by ignoring more than a millennium of pre-colonial African history that includes frequent contact between Africa and other continents.".
Options B,C,D,E are not discussed in the passage.
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1. Which of the following statements about European historical analysis of Africa is best supported by the passage?

This can be inferred from the following excerpt:

Quote:
Such works seem to proceed from the assumption that the history of Africa begins with the arrival of Europeans; thus, any events that transpired before the colonization of Africa are relegated to what one such historian has called “a fruitless mythology.”

So, we can infer from this statement that Europeans historians were not concerned with whatever happened in Africa before but only focused on what happened after their arrival, as if nothing "fruitful" or worth considering happened in Africa before they came

a) The historiographies published by Europeans are generally positive in their assessment of the various European colonies that once existed on the African continent. Incorrect. We are not told about how Europeans assessed the European colonies
b) The historical approach taken by Europeans is inherently flawed because it fails to take into account the striking differences between European and African mythology. Incorrect. Not mentioned
c) European historiography typically ignores African history prior to colonization because such history tends to repeat patterns without any discernible chronological progression. Incorrect. We are not told if such history repeats patterns and is indiscernible
d) European historians customarily view African history as a series of invasions, culminating in the European conquests that eventually opened up Africa to the rest of the civilized world. Incorrect. We just know that Europeans ignored the history prior to their arrival and they didn't mention if Africa had been invaded or colonized before they did
e) European historical texts on Africa tend to neglect the complex realities of African history that existed before European colonies were founded there. Correct

2. Which of the following best characterizes the author's view of the notion that African history began following the European invasion of the continent?

This can be inferred from the following excerpt:

Quote:
This approach does both history and the African people a great disservice by ignoring more than a millennium of precolonial African history that includes frequent contact between Africa and other continents.

a) It is partially correct but plainly biased. Incorrect. Author doesn't believe it to be correct
b) It is controversial though persuasive. Incorrect. The notion that African history began following the European invasion of the continent is controversial but not persuasive
c) It is often misunderstood. Correct. Author mentions in para 2 that Davidson is trying to address these shortcomings and repair historians' misconceptions
d) It is limited and subjective. Incorrect
e) It is based on complex assumptions. Incorrect. Yes it is based on assumption but don't know if its complex


3. According to the passage, which of the following is true of African culture prior to the European colonization of Africa?

Quote:
This approach does both history and the African people a great disservice by ignoring more than a millennium of precolonial African history that includes frequent contact between Africa and other continents.

a) African cultures were not completely isolated from those of other continents. Correct
b) Though civilizations in Africa were complex, they became more so under the influence of European colonialists. Incorrect. Complexity not mentioned
c) African culture before European contact was elaborate and homogeneous throughout the continent. Incorrect. Not mentioned
d) There are few reliable documents that accurately chronicle African history before European arrival. Incorrect. We know that Davidson has done this but if anyone else besides him has also done is not told
e) Africa had spread its cultural influence through the conquest and subsequent assimilation of non-African cultures Incorrect. assimilation of non-African culturesNot mentioned
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OAs of this RC are posted now, if anyone have any question kindly let me know

1. E
2. D
3. A

This is a hard (700) level passage. Result by varun325, kris19, GDT and bm2201 is 2/3 but I like the explanations by kris19 and bm2201 the most. We have 10 more days left for this competition so take this project as an opportunity to learn RC and i am trying my best to provide you with the quality material. After the competition this butler project will be continued in normal mode (Not in competition mode). Good Luck for the next RCs.

Happy prep.
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SajjadAhmad

Can you pls share the explanation for Q2

Thanks in advance!
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SajjadAhmad

Can you pls share the explanation for Q2

Thanks in advance!

Official Explanation

2. Which of the following best characterizes the author's view of the notion that African history began following the European invasion of the continent?

Difficulty Level: 700

Explanation

The phrase best characterizes indicates that this is an inference question. The task of the question is indicated by the phrase which of the following. The subject of the question is the author's view of the notion that African history began following the European invasion of the continent. In order to answer the question, determine what the passage states about the subject and evaluate the answer choices, eliminating any choice which cannot be supported by the text. According to the passage, Much of the European historiography of the African continent is marked by a distinct remoteness that reflects an attitude not unlike the perspective of an invading force. Additionally, the passage states This approach does both history and the African people a great disservice by ignoring more than a millennium of pre-colonial African history that includes frequent contact between Africa and other continents.

Choice A: No. The inclusion of the phrase plainly biased in the answer choice may make it appealing. However, this choice is a reversal, as the passage states that this approach does both history and the African people a great disservice, so is not partially correct.

Choice B: No. The word controversial may make this choice seem appealing. However, this choice is a reversal. The author does not support European historiography of the African continent, so it may be describable as controversial, but persuasive could only be used to represent the author’s support for Davidson’s view, which is a different view from the subject of this question.

Choice C: No. This choice may be appealing based on how the author may feel about African history itself. However, this choice is a reversal of the subject of the question. The question asks for the author’s view about the notion that African history began following the European invasion of the continent. The author would characterize that view as incorrect, but not misunderstood.

Choice D: Correct. The author states in the second paragraph that This approach does both history and the African people a great disservice by ignoring more than a millennium of pre-colonial African history that includes frequent contact between Africa and other continents. It is limited by ignoring pre-colonial African history and subjective for focusing on the European perspective.

Choice E: No. The reference to assumptions may make this choice seem appealing. However, this choice is a memory trap. The only assumption the author states is Such works seem to proceed from the assumption that the history of Africa begins with the arrival of Europeans. The passage does not provide any indication of additional assumptions, or that any assumption is complex.

The correct answer is choice D.
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SajjadAhmad
OAs of this RC are posted now, if anyone have any question kindly let me know

1. E
2. D
3. A

This is a hard (700) level passage. Result by varun325, kris19, GDT and bm2201 is 2/3 but I like the explanations by kris19 and bm2201 the most. We have 10 more days left for this competition so take this project as an opportunity to learn RC and i am trying my best to provide you with the quality material. After the competition this butler project will be continued in normal mode (Not in competition mode). Good Luck for the next RCs.

Happy prep.

I am having some issue with the OA of Q1. I was stuck between C and E and I chose C because of the last line in the first paragraph:

any events that transpired before the colonization of Africa are relegated to what one such historian has called “a fruitless mythology.

So since it's a "fruitless mythology" , it means that it did not help in the accounts. So there weren't any discernible chronological progression.
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SajjadAhmad
OAs of this RC are posted now, if anyone have any question kindly let me know

1. E
2. D
3. A

This is a hard (700) level passage. Result by varun325, kris19, GDT and bm2201 is 2/3 but I like the explanations by kris19 and bm2201 the most. We have 10 more days left for this competition so take this project as an opportunity to learn RC and i am trying my best to provide you with the quality material. After the competition this butler project will be continued in normal mode (Not in competition mode). Good Luck for the next RCs.

Happy prep.

I am having some issue with the OA of Q1. I was stuck between C and E and I chose C because of the last line in the first paragraph:

any events that transpired before the colonization of Africa are relegated to what one such historian has called “a fruitless mythology.

So since it's a "fruitless mythology" , it means that it did not help in the accounts. So there weren't any discernible chronological progression.

Why C is wrong

The reference to African history prior to colonization may make this choice seem appealing. However, this choice is a memory trap. The passage does not indicate the reason that European histories ignore African history prior to colonization.

Why E is correct

The passage states Much of the European historiography…seem to proceed from the assumption that the history of Africa begins with the arrival of Europeans; thus, any events that transpired before the colonization of Africa are relegated to what one such historian has called “a fruitless mythology.”

Hope it helps
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I do not necessarily follow the logic for q6 and q7.

In question 7, i was looking for a work that offers balance in views because that was the unique feature of davidson's work and hence, went with D.

in question 6, I eliminated b because the question asks for what davidson believes in. B looked like author's view. while A seemed to have represented davidson's approach.

can somebody please clarify?
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Q5. Confused between B/C/D
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snehaag
Q5. Confused between B/C/D
Explanation

­5. It can be inferred from the passage that Davidson's African Civilization Revisiteo differs from previous histories of Africa in that it

Explanation


A. Davidson's work may indeed use logic to critique previous historiographers of Africa for their limited perspectives, but this is not the primary focus or achievement of African Civilization Revisited as described in the passage. The passage emphasizes Davidson's efforts to address the shortcomings of the historical record and repair misconceptions rather than focusing solely on logical persuasion.

B. While Davidson does collect numerous documents in his book, the primary emphasis is not on disclosing previously unseen documents to clarify unknown aspects of African history. Instead, the emphasis is on providing a comprehensive overview of African history as told by Africans themselves, alongside European and Asian accounts.

C. Davidson's work does not disregard previous accounts of African history. Instead, it acknowledges the limitations of previous historiography and aims to provide a more inclusive and accurate portrayal of African history. The passage highlights Davidson's effort to collect documents and refer readers to various historical works, both European and African in origin, indicating an attempt to incorporate diverse perspectives rather than disregarding previous accounts entirely.

D. This option best captures the essence of Davidson's African Civilization Revisited as described in the passage. The collection includes histories of African city- and empire-building alongside accounts from African perspectives, providing both traditional European views of African history and alternative perspectives of Africans themselves. Davidson's aim is to provide a more comprehensive and inclusive historiography of Africa by presenting multiple viewpoints.

E. While the passage acknowledges the negative impact of previous historiography on African history, Davidson's work primarily focuses on presenting a more accurate and comprehensive portrayal of African history rather than specifically exposing the harsh treatment Africans received at the hands of Europeans.

Answer: D
­
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