souvik101990 wrote:
Official Solution:
The cultural legacy of the British Empire in Singapore contrasts sharply with that of other former British colonies. While countries such as India and Malaysia have de-emphasized the time they spent under British rule, going so far as to change most English place names, Singapore has generally embraced its colonial past.
A recent article by McDermott attributes this difference to a number of reasons, each of which distinguishes Singapore from other former colonies. To begin with, Singapore did not have a shared history and culture before the arrival of the British. The area occupied by the modern state was sparsely populated and had been ruled by a series of local empires. A large majority of Singapore’s present-day population consists of the descendants of Chinese and Indian immigrants that arrived during the colonial period. Secondly, the cultural factors that unite Singaporeans today were developed during British rule. Among the most important of these cultural factors is a shared embrace of commerce and industry. During the colonial period, Singapore became a regional center of finance and international trade, and this status has continued to the present day. Economic prosperity is a national priority for nearly all Singaporeans. Finally, Singapore endured comparatively little strife in its transition to independence. In 1963, the country was joined in a union with the newly independent state of Malaysia through an act of Parliament. Malaysia had only recently achieved independence, and only after a long guerrilla war with the British. Two years later, Singapore’s union with Malaysia was dissolved and the country became a fully independent state.
It can be inferred from the passage that McDermott would most likely
A. believe that Singapore and Malaysia both embrace the time they spent as British colonies.
B. consider economic prosperity to be a national priority in Singapore.
C. think that ethnic origin is the most important factor in the cultural identity of a Singaporean.
D. believe that Singapore replaced British place names with new place names because of a desire to de-emphasize its colonial past.
E. have spent considerable time in Singapore in order to learn the unique aspects of its culture.
(A) McDermott does not state that Malaysia embraces British culture, only Singapore.
(B) Correct. This answer choice is McDermott’s second reason for Singapore’s embrace of British culture.
(C) McDermott does not think that ethnic origin is the most important factor in the cultural identity of a Singaporean, but rather a shared interest in business and commerce.
(D) In fact, it is implied that Singapore did not replace British place names with new place names.
(E) McDermott may or may not have spent time in Singapore; there is no information in the passage to indicate either way.
Answer: B
Hi experts
Bunuel chetansharma Could you please explain this one? I had marked (B) but realised that it is already stated in the passage.
Refer to the lines - "
Economic prosperity is a national priority for nearly all Singaporeans.Option (B) says - ....consider
economic prosperity to be a national priority in Singapore.What is the difference?
I know (D) is definitely not correct but need help with (B)