African exploration in the late nineteenth century is almost entirely

Question

African exploration in the late nineteenth century is almost entirely a story of white males: scientists, traders and missionaries. Mary Henrietta Kingsley stands out as an exception.

Ostensibly Kingsley planned her first trip to Africa so she could conduct research on fetishes and complete the academic treatise her father, an explorer, had begun. Privately, Kingsley told a friend she was traveling to Africa "to die," though she had dreamt of such an adventure since childhood. Nevertheless, she prepared for the trip carefully, interviewing friends, doctors, missionaries, and former explorers, all of whom advised her not to make the trek. Kingsley was undaunted and set off for West Africa carrying only £300, and chemicals and specimen cases designed to collect samples of unknown fish and insects for the British Museum.
 
Kingsley sailed the coast, finally putting in at the mouth of the Congo. Recognizing that the natives were naturally suspicious of Europeans traveling without an obvious purpose, Kingsley purchased cloth and other goods in the port and traveled inland for six months as a trader, exchanging goods for food and shelter along the way. During this and her second trip in 1895, Kingsley demonstrated resourcefulness in dealing with such challenges as rescuing a native from cannibals, defeating a leopard with a bucket of water, learning to pilot a native canoe up the Ogooue River, and becoming the first white woman and third "Englishman" to climb the 14,435 foot Mount Cameroon. Upon her return to London, Kingsley campaigned for an enlightened African policy, published her book Travels in West Africa and advocated a forum for the serious ethnological study of Africa. Kingsley's third trip was to Cape Town during the 1900 Boer War. There she encountered an epidemic of dysentery, volunteered to nurse prisoners of war, contracted typhoid, and died.   1 
 1. What is the main purpose of this passage?

A. To demonstrate that even the most seasoned African explorers are at risk due to disease.
B. To outline the early history of African exploration.
C. To establish the need for a more tolerant colonial policy in 19th century England.
D. To discuss the achievements of one female explorer.
E. To argue that the contributions made by women explorers in Africa were as important as those made by men.

2 
 2. The author suggests that Mary Kingsley may have gone to Africa for each of the following reasons EXCEPT:

A. to serve as an Anglican missionary
B. to complete her father's fetish research
C. to fulfill a childhood dream
D. to collect specimens of fish and insects for the British Museum
E. to die

3 
 3. Mary Kingsley's reason for purchasing cloth and other supplies at the mouth of the Congo was:

A. to be able to trade for food and shelter along the way
B. to earn extra money to finance her trip
C. to assuage the natives' concerns over her motives
D. to acquire examples of fetish sculptures for her father's research
E. to acquaint the natives with European goods

4 
 4. Why does the author insert the anecdotes about Kingsley's travels in paragraph three?

A. To show that she was not afraid of wild beasts.
B. To compare the obstacles faced by female travelers with those faced by male explorers of the day.
C. To entice you into reading Kinsley's best-selling book Travels in West Africa.
D. To emphasize the dangers Mary faced in her travels.
E. To illustrate Kingsley's ability to conquer a variety of challenges.

RC Butler Competition 2021  -  Participate and Win!   
Passage # 17 Date: 13-Jan-2021
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Sajjad1994 · Accepted Answer

Explanation

1. What is the main purpose of this passage?

Explanation

A. To demonstrate that even the most seasoned African explorers are at risk due to disease.

This option covers maximum let’s say 5% of the passage, something about disease has been discussed in the very last of the passage, easy one to eliminate.

B. To outline the early history of African exploration.

Passage discussed nothing about the early history of the African exploration, this option provide invalid information which has been not covered by the passage. Eliminate it.

C. To establish the need for a more tolerant colonial policy in 19th century England.

Although passage discussed a very little about some sort of policy for the African study but this hasn’t been the main purpose of the passage at any time, too specific or extreme option it is. Eliminate it.

D. To discuss the achievements of one female explorer.

Hmm! Something we have close to the overall passage, author starts from using the word exception for one female African explorer in the first paragraph of the passage, then provides more detail about the reason of her visit to Africa. In the last paragraph author also provide us detail about the difficulties which she faces during her visits. This option looks cool let’s keep it.

E. To argue that the contributions made by women explorers in Africa were as important as those made by men.

This option also seems possible answer, But in this option we haven’t found any argument about the contribution made by women and men it only talks about an efforts of a woman which she had made during her visit, This option failed to hold its value to be picked as the main purpose of the passage. finally the best option here is D.

Answer: D

2. The author suggests that Mary Kingsley may have gone to Africa for each of the following reasons EXCEPT:

Explanation

Before you attack on the answer choices keep in mind that this is an EXCEPT question and it also used the word  “may”  in its statement. Let’s check the answer choices.

A. to serve as an Anglican missionary

This option has not been in the list of Kingsley’s motives to visit Africa, Keep it.

B. to complete her father's fetish research

Discussed in second paragraph

C. to fulfill a childhood dream

Could be possible; Discussed in second paragraph

D. to collect specimens of fish and insects for the British Museum

Discussed in the very last of the second paragraph

E. to die

This could also be possible and is discussed in the second paragraph. Finally the best option here is A.

Answer: A

3. Mary Kingsley's reason for purchasing cloth and other supplies at the mouth of the Congo was:

Explanation

A. to be able to trade for food and shelter along the way

This is something which has been discussed in the passage but May or may not be valid according to the demand of the question, the primary reason of her purchasing of cloth and supplies was that she wants to be looked as a trader to avoid the African people to doubt on her. She doesn’t want to trade actually rather it was her second option. This choice is really interesting let’s have a look on the other option first.

B. to earn extra money to finance her trip

This is a distortion, although passage discussed that she only had 300 dollars when started her trip but there is nothing mentioned which shows that this amount of money was not enough for her or she was intended to look for more finances. Eliminate

C. to assuage the natives' concerns over her motives

Yes! This is completely in line with the info provided in the passage. The following lines provide the support:

“Recognizing that the natives were naturally suspicious of Europeans traveling without an obvious purpose, Kingsley purchased cloth and other goods in the port and traveled inland for six months as a trader, exchanging goods for food and shelter along the way.”

The recognizing is pretty much important here which shows her intentions to purchase the cloth and supplies, She didn’t want to trade really but to be looked like a trader she purchase the items and later on traded them. This option is better than A.

D. to acquire examples of fetish sculptures for her father's research

This is an outside piece of information so just cross it.

E. to acquaint the natives with European goods

No she doesn’t want acquaint the natives, this is also out.

The best answer here is C

4. Why does the author insert the anecdotes about Kingsley's travels in paragraph three?

Explanation

A. To show that she was not afraid of wild beasts.

Wild beasts? Oh not really, there is nothing in the passage as such, cross it.

B. To compare the obstacles faced by female travelers with those faced by male explorers of the day.

Although passage discussed the obstacles faced by the Kingsley but author didn’t try to compare it at any place with the male explores, this kind of answers are half correct and half incorrect, eliminate this one too.

C. To entice you into reading Kinsley's best-selling book Travels in West Africa.

No clue is available in the passage as such this is just an extra piece of information and this choice is an easy elimination.

D. To emphasize the dangers Mary faced in her travels.

Well, author did emphasize the obstacles Kingsley faced during her travel but the word danger is too extreme here, according to the passage she wasn’t came to face any danger. Danger and Obstacle have different meaning and weightage so don’t fall in the trap of mixing these both words.

E. To illustrate Kingsley's ability to conquer a variety of challenges.

Yes this seems valid according to the information provided in the passage, the support to this answer choice can be found in the passage in lines:

“During this and her second trip in 1895, Kingsley demonstrated resourcefulness in dealing with such challenges as rescuing a native from cannibals, defeating a leopard with a bucket of water, learning to pilot a native canoe up the Ogooue River, and becoming the first white woman and third "Englishman" to climb the 14,435 foot Mount Cameroon”.

So E is best option.

Vie3nrose · Answer

Question 1. What is the main purpose of this passage? 
 
 "African exploration in the late nineteenth century is almost entirely a story of white males: scientists, traders and missionaries. Mary Henrietta Kingsley stands out as an exception."  -- This opening introduces us to Mary Kingsley, and we can expect that we're going to learn more about her in relation to African exploration, and why she would be considered exceptional.
 
A. To demonstrate that even the most seasoned African explorers are at risk due to disease.
 INCORRECT   -- Although the author does mention that she contracted typhoid in Africa at the end of her life, this is merely the conclusion to a passage that is otherwise focused on discussing her exceptional life as a female explorer in Africa.
 
B. To outline the early history of African exploration.
 INCORRECT   -- Partially correct, but this passage is heavily focused on the African exploration of Kingsley specifically, and she's not mentioned at all in this answer choice. 
 
C. To establish the need for a more tolerant colonial policy in 19th century England.
 INCORRECT   -- In PG3 the author does mention that "Upon her return to London, Kingsley campaigned for an enlightened African policy" but this was not the purpose of the passage (and this choice doesn't mention Kingsley or her life in African exploration at all). 
 
D. To discuss the achievements of one female explorer.
 CORRECT   -- PG1 and PG2 introduces Kingsley, a female explorer, and PG3 discusses her adventures and achievements in (and related to) Africa. 
 
E. To argue that the contributions made by women explorers in Africa were as important as those made by men.
 INCORRECT   -- On the contrary, PG1 concedes that "African exploration in the late nineteenth century is almost entirely a story of white  males ". Although the contributions made by Kingsley were important, the author clearly states that she is the exception.

Question 2. The author suggests that Mary Kingsley may have gone to Africa for each of the following reasons EXCEPT:
 
A. to serve as an Anglican missionary
 CORRECT   -- "Missionaries" is mentioned in the first sentence ("African exploration in the late nineteenth century is almost entirely a story of white males: scientists, traders and  missionaries "), but not in relation to Kingsley.
 
B. to complete her father's fetish research
 INCORRECT   -- This reason is mentioned in PG2, so it's not the answer we're looking for: "Ostensibly Kingsley planned her first trip to Africa so she could conduct research on  fetishes and complete the academic treatise her father, an explorer, had begun ." 
 
C. to fulfill a childhood dream
 INCORRECT   -- This reason is mentioned in PG2, so it's not the answer we're looking for: "though she had dreamt of such an adventure since childhood" 
 
D. to collect specimens of fish and insects for the British Museum
 INCORRECT   -- This reason is mentioned in PG2, so it's not the answer we're looking for: "carrying only £300, and chemicals and specimen cases designed to collect samples of unknown  fish and insects for the British Museum " 
 
E. to die
 INCORRECT   -- This reason is mentioned in PG2, so it's not the answer we're looking for: "Privately, Kingsley told a friend she was traveling to Africa "to die""

Question 3. Mary Kingsley's reason for purchasing cloth and other supplies at the mouth of the Congo was:
 
A. to be able to trade for food and shelter along the way
 INCORRECT   -- Although she did do this, the entire purpose of trading was to provide a cover for her travels and explorations, to alleviate suspicions from the natives: "Recognizing that the natives were naturally suspicious of Europeans traveling without an obvious purpose, Kingsley purchased cloth and other goods in the port and traveled inland for six months as a trader, exchanging goods for food and shelter along the way."
 
B. to earn extra money to finance her trip
 INCORRECT   -- On the contrary, it sounds like she engaged more in barter/ trade vs selling goods for money: "Kingsley purchased cloth and other goods in the port and traveled inland for six months as a trader,  exchanging goods for food and shelter  along the way."
 
C. to assuage the natives' concerns over her motives
 CORRECT   -- " Recognizing that the natives were naturally suspicious of Europeans traveling without an obvious purpose , Kingsley purchased cloth and other goods in the port"
 
D. to acquire examples of fetish sculptures for her father's research
 INCORRECT   -- Although PG2 mentions she would "conduct research on fetishes and complete the academic treatise her father, an explorer, had begun", fetish  sculptures  are not discussed in the passage (and especially not in PG3 in relation to her purchasing goods at Congo).
 
E. to acquaint the natives with European goods
 INCORRECT   -- Out of scope: although this might be a common association with European explorers, this purpose was not mentioned in the passage, and especially not in relation to Kingsley purchasing goods at Congo.

Question 4. Why does the author insert the anecdotes about Kingsley's travels in paragraph three?
  
 "During this and her second trip in 1895, Kingsley  demonstrated resourcefulness in dealing with such challenges  as rescuing a native from cannibals, defeating a leopard with a bucket of water, learning to pilot a native canoe up the Ogooue River, and becoming the first white woman and third "Englishman" to climb the 14,435 foot Mount Cameroon."  --- We are looking for an answer choice that speaks to her resourcefulness in dealing with challenges.
 
A. To show that she was not afraid of wild beasts.
 INCORRECT   -- Although the author mentions "defeating a leopard with a bucket of water", her fear (or lack of) is not discussed by the author (instead, the author is discussing her resourcefulness)
 
B. To compare the obstacles faced by female travelers with those faced by male explorers of the day.
 INCORRECT   -- Although PG1 opens with talking about male explorers, no comparisons are made between the obstacles that females face vs males. That's also not the purpose of the discussion in PG3, where the author is specifically focused on Kingsley's achievements and resourcefulness
 
C. To entice you into reading Kinsley's best-selling book Travels in West Africa.
 INCORRECT   -- The next sentence mentions that Kingsley "published her book Travels in West Africa" as a list of her accomplishments related to African enlightenment, but the previous sentence about her travels was to demonstrate her resourcefulness (not to convince us to read her book). 
 
D. To emphasize the dangers Mary faced in her travels.
 INCORRECT   -- Although these adventures sound dangerous in some cases, the author doesn't emphasize the danger itself, but instead focuses on Kingsley's ability to deal with many challenges. 
 
E. To illustrate Kingsley's ability to conquer a variety of challenges.
 CORRECT   -- "During this and her second trip in 1895, Kingsley demonstrated  resourcefulness in dealing with such challenges  as..." -- this answer choice best describes her resourcefulness

Deepakjhamb · Answer

1. What is the main purpose of this passage?
 
answer d) To discuss the achievements of one female explorer. 
A. To demonstrate that even the most seasoned African explorers are at risk due to disease :  only in last line some mention of epidemic in Africa and the women explorer dying is mentioned . So this can in no way be main purpose of passage which has other anectodes on the women explorer -Kingsley's travel . 
B. To outline the early history of African exploration:  there is no mention on early history of African Exploration , just that first line says that African exploration in the late nineteenth century is almost entirely a story of white males: scientists, traders and missionaries. Passage does not talk about early at all , its all about Kingsley's travel anecdotes 
C. To establish the need for a more tolerant colonial policy in 19th century England:  Passage does not even state anything about tolerant colonial policy in 19th Century England , so out  
D. To discuss the achievements of one female explorer :  yes , this looks good as its all about travel anecdotes and achievments of one female explorer Kingsley. 
E. To argue that the contributions made by women explorers in Africa were as important as those made by men:  No such comparison is done in the passage that the contributions made by women explorer were as important as those made by men , so this cannot be main purpose . Only first line just mentions that mostly African exploration stories are on men but Kesley - female explorer was an exception , but this nowhere says compares contribution made by both , so out

2. The author suggests that Mary Kingsley may have gone to Africa for each of the following reasons EXCEPT:

answer -a) to serve as an Anglican missionary 
A. to serve as an Anglican missionary:  this is nowhere mentioned in the passage , so this is the answer  
B. to complete her father's fetish research:  we have this stated in this line -Ostensibly Kingsley planned her first trip to Africa so she could conduct research on fetishes and complete the academic treatise her father, an explorer, had begun, so out  
C. to fulfill a childhood dream:  this is stated in passage - though she had dreamt of such an adventure since childhood 
D. to collect specimens of fish and insects for the British Museum -  this is stated in passage -Kingsley was undaunted and set off for West Africa carrying only £300, and chemicals and specimen cases designed to collect samples of unknown fish and insects for the British Museum. 
E. to die-  this is stated in passage -Privately, Kingsley told a friend she was traveling to Africa "to die,"

3. Mary Kingsley's reason for purchasing cloth and other supplies at the mouth of the Congo was:

answer is c)to assuage the natives' concerns over her motives 
A. to be able to trade for food and shelter along the way:  this is how she travelled inland as a trader not the reason for purchasing goods  
B. to earn extra money to finance her trip :  this is nowhere mentioned in passage , so is external information which is out of scope 
C. to assuage the natives' concerns over her motives:  yes exactly this is the reason - since its mentioned in passage that Recognizing that the natives were naturally suspicious of Europeans traveling without an obvious purpose, Kingsley purchased cloth and other goods in the port 
D. to acquire examples of fetish sculptures for her father's research : this is not the reason , seems some part is recycled language from para 2 about ostensible motives for this Africa travel, but its not reason for purchasing goods in Congo 
E. to acquaint the natives with European goods :  actually the goods in Congo were purchased and exchanged with natives so its not about European goods , secondly motive mentioned in passage is to assuage the natives' concerns over her motives

4. Why does the author insert the anecdotes about Kingsley's travels in paragraph three?

answer is e) To illustrate Kingsley's ability to conquer a variety of challenges. 
A. To show that she was not afraid of wild beasts:  this just mentioned as one anecdote so is just partial scope does not represent scope of anecdotes in full para 3 , so its out  
B. To compare the obstacles faced by female travelers with those faced by male explorers of the day: no such comparison on obstacles faced by male and female travellers is there in third para , so out  
C. To entice you into reading Kinsley's best-selling book Travels in West Africa: this is recycled language and just one sentence in para 3 where author says that Upon her return to London Kinsley published her book Travels in West Africa, so we cannot say that author wants to entice readers to read the book through this whole passage which mentions about Kingsley's resourcefulness in conquering all challenges coming her way , so out  
D. To emphasize the dangers Mary faced in her travels :  only suspicious natives and epidemic of dysentry are 2 dangers mentioned in para 3 , other than this author shows that Mary demonstrated resourcefulness in dealing with such challenges as rescuing a native from cannibals, defeating a leopard with a bucket of water, learning to pilot a native canoe up the Ogooue River, and becoming the first white woman and third "Englishman" to climb the 14,435 foot Mount Cameroon. So this 3 para is more of illustration about Mary's ability to conquer the challenges , so its out  
E. To illustrate Kingsley's ability to conquer a variety of challenges:  yes this is correct as author says that Mary demonstrated resourcefulness in dealing with such challenges as rescuing a native from cannibals, defeating a leopard with a bucket of water, learning to pilot a native canoe up the Ogooue River, and becoming the first white woman and third "Englishman" to climb the 14,435 foot Mount Cameroon. So this 3 para is more of illustration about Mary's ability to conquer the challenges.

Sumi1010 · Answer

Short note on the passage:

P1 - African exploration: mostly men; exception Mary
P2- Mary 1st trip - to research, to fulfill dream,to collect samples.
P3 - Mary's achievements and contributions in the three trips before she died.

1. What is the main purpose of this passage?

A. To demonstrate that even the  most seasoned  African explorers are at risk due to disease.
 The passage does not consider Mary as a most seasoned explorer. The passage talks of the disease only in last to complete Mary's story. 
B. To outline the early history of African exploration.
 The passage is not about the timelines i.e. since when the African exploration started and eventually grew up. 
C. To establish the need for a more  tolerant colonial policy  in 19th century England.
 The tolerance of the colonial policy was not the reason why most of the exploration stories belonged to men. Nor does the author pushed to make such change. 
D. To discuss the achievements of one female explorer.
 Correct. The passage is all about Mary's stand out, plan and contributions.  
E. To  argue  that the contributions made by women explorers in Africa were  as important as those made by men. 
 The author does not argue to make this comparison and equate the contributions. The passage recognises the exceptional efforts of Mary and limits to her.

D

2. The author suggests that Mary Kingsley  may have gone to Africa  for each of the following reasons EXCEPT:

A. to serve as an Anglican missionary
 Mary had seen many men explorers who were missionaries and she closely interviewed them in her preparation. So, there is no strict reason that she would not have it in her mind to server as missionary.  
B. to complete her father's fetish research
 Yes, this could be the one reason as suggested in "Ostensibly Kingsley planned her first trip to Africa so she could conduct research on fetishes and complete the academic treatise her father" 
C. to fulfill a childhood dream
 This could be correct as "she had dreamt of such an adventure since childhood" 
D. to collect specimens of fish and insects for the British Museum
 Could be the reason. "Kingsley was undaunted and set off for West Africa carrying only £300, and chemicals and specimen cases  designed to collect samples  of unknown fish and insects for the British Museum." 
E. to die
 Though Kingsley told a friend she was traveling to Africa "to die", this does not mean that she wished to commit  suicide  there. The all that she wished to imply was her hardships that she anticipated in Africa.

E

3. Mary Kingsley's reason for purchasing cloth and other supplies at the mouth of the Congo was:

The passage suggests " Recognizing  that the natives were  naturally suspicious  of Europeans traveling without an obvious purpose,  Kingsley purchased  cloth and other goods in the port and traveled inland for six months as a trader, exchanging goods for food and shelter along the way"

A. to be able to trade for food and shelter along the way
 Mary purchased the clothes and other supplies to reduce the suspicions of the natives. She did not  intend  to trade them for food even if she did so .
B. to earn extra money to finance her trip
 She did not intend to earn extra money. There is no supporting information for it. 
C. to assuage the natives' concerns over her motives
 Correct. She did the purchasing just to avoid the suspicion of the natives there. This can be clearly implied from the sentence "   Recognizing  that the natives were  naturally suspicious  of Europeans traveling without an obvious purpose,  Kingsley purchased  cloth and other goods "  
D. to acquire examples of fetish sculptures for her father's research
 This could be the ostensible reason for her visit in Africa, but she did not buy cloth and other supplies for this reason. 
E. to acquaint the natives with European goods
 Buying the clothes and other supplies in Congo (Africa) will no way help the natives with  European goods .

C

4. Why does the author insert the anecdotes about Kingsley's travels in paragraph three?

A. To show that she was not afraid of wild beasts.
 The author mentions "the challenges as rescuing a native from cannibals, defeating a leopard with a bucket of water...". These mentions are to show the resourcefulness of Mary and not her courage.  
B. To  compare the obstacles  faced by female travelers with those faced by male explorers of the day.
 There is no such comparison as there is no mention of the obstacles faced by male explorers.  
C. To entice you into reading Kinsley's best-selling book Travels in West Africa.
 The author is not intended to entice the readers for her book. 
D. To emphasize the dangers Mary faced in her travels.
 Incorrect. The author talks about her contributions and stories in the paragraph, and mentions the challenges to demonstrate her resourcefulness only 
E. To illustrate Kingsley's  ability  to conquer a variety of challenges.
 Correct. The paragraph shows Mary's ability to deal with the situations.

E

Tahamohsin · Answer

1. What is the main purpose of this passage?

D
The first paragraph tells that Mary Henrietta Kingsley was the expectation of all the African exploration.
The second paragraph describes why she wants to go there.
The third paragraph describes her three trips to Africa.
We need to find the answer which describes the passage as a whole.

A. To demonstrate that even the most seasoned African explorers are at risk due to disease.
  The last sentence stated that she died because of typhoid, but to demonstrate that African explorers are at risk due to disease is not the primary purpose of the author.

B. To outline the early history of African exploration.
  The purpose is to outline the work Mary Henrietta Kingsley

C. To establish the need for a more tolerant colonial policy in 19th century England.
  Again, this is also not the reason the author wrote the passage.

D. To discuss the achievements of one female explorer.
  yes, the whole passage is about the Mary Henrietta Kingsley

E. To argue that the contributions made by women explorers in Africa were as important as those made by men.
  The passage never makes the argument that contributions made by women explorers in Africa were as important as those made by men.

2. The author suggests that Mary Kingsley may have gone to Africa for each of the following reasons EXCEPT:

A
To find the support for this question we need to refer to the second paragraph

A. to serve as an Anglican missionary
  Yes this choice is an exception. To serve as an Anglican missionary is never the reason she went to Africa.

B. to complete her father's fetish research
  The second paragraph stated that she went to Africa to complete the academic treatise of her father. hence the wrong choice.

C. to fulfill a childhood dream
  Yes, going to Africa was the childhood dream of mary Kingsley

D. to collect specimens of fish and insects for the British Museum
  The last sentence of second paragraph stated that she collected the specimens of fish and insects

E. to die
  She told a friend that she going there to die. Hence wrong choice.

3. Mary Kingsley's reason for purchasing cloth and other supplies at the mouth of the Congo was:

C
look for the support in the passage- Recognizing that the natives were naturally suspicious of Europeans traveling without an obvious purpose, Kingsley purchased cloth and other goods in the port and traveled inland for six months as a trader

A. to be able to trade for food and shelter along the way
  She uses the trading as an excuse to overcome the suspicion of the native. Trading is not the primary purpose of purchasing cloth and other supplies at the mouth of the Congo.

B. to earn extra money to finance her trip
  No, to earn money is not the reason for purchasing cloth and other supplies at the mouth of the Congo

C. to assuage the natives' concerns over her motives
  Correct, when Mary realized that natives were naturally suspicious of Europeans traveling without an obvious purpose, then she purchased cloth and other goods in the port

D. to acquire examples of fetish sculptures for her father's research
  Right information but this is not the answer to the question that why she purchased the cloth and other supplies at the mouth of the Congo

E. to acquaint the natives with European goods
  No this is also not the purpose of the purchase.

4. Why does the author insert the anecdotes about Kingsley's travels in paragraph three?

E

A. To show that she was not afraid of wild beasts.
  "Wild beast" makes choice out of scope

B. To compare the obstacles faced by female travelers with those faced by male explorers of the day.
  Yes in the third para, the author stated the obstacles faced by her, but never makes the comparison of obstacles faced by female travelers with those faced by male explorers

C. To entice you into reading Kinsley's best-selling book Travels in West Africa.
  To entice the reader for Kinsley's best-selling book is the purpose of the third para.

D. To emphasize the dangers Mary faced in her travels.
  This choice is closed. But this is a paragraph purpose question, so we need to find the choice which describes the purpose of the third para compares to the whole passage.
Although the third para stated that she faced the challenges, if we read this sentence- Upon her return to London, Kingsley campaigned for an enlightened African policy, published her book Travels in West Africa and advocated a forum for the serious ethnological study of Africa ..... we get to the whole passage is not about the danger she faced.

E. To illustrate Kingsley's ability to conquer a variety of challenges.
  The first paragraph tells that Mary Henrietta Kingsley was the expectation of all the African exploration.
The second paragraph describes everyone advised her not to make the trek.
The third paragraph describes all the challenges she faced, and she finds a way to overcome the challenges.

Pankaj0901 · Answer

Answer IMO:
1. D
2. A
3. C
4. E

1. What is the main purpose of this passage?

A. To demonstrate that even the most seasoned African explorers are at risk due to disease.
 Wrong- Risk is part of the passage but that's not the main purpose of this passage. 
B. To outline the early history of African exploration.
 Wrong- Just one explorer's exploration is outlined. If this would have covered many other explorations, then it would have been right to say this. 
C. To establish the need for a more tolerant colonial policy in 19th century England.
 Wrong- Colonial policy isn't really mentioned in the passage as the main purpose. 
D. To discuss the achievements of one female explorer.
 Correct- Kingsley achievements are primarily put forward as the conclusion. 
E. To argue that the contributions made by women explorers in Africa were as important as those made by men.
 Wrong- There is no argument on Women or men explorers. While the first para does mention that Kingsley was an exception.

2. The author suggests that Mary Kingsley may have gone to Africa for each of the following reasons EXCEPT:

A. to serve as an Anglican missionary
 Hold on- As this couldn't be located in the passage clearly. 
B. to complete her father's fetish research
 Wrong- This is mentioned in the passage. 
C. to fulfill a childhood dream
 Wrong- As this is also mentioned in the passage. 
D. to collect specimens of fish and insects for the British Museum
 Wrong- This is mentioned as well. 
E. to die
 Wrong- Mentioned in the passage

3. Mary Kingsley's reason for purchasing cloth and other supplies at the mouth of the Congo was:

A. to be able to trade for food and shelter along the way
 Wrong- Why would she purchase if she were to trade any ways.  
B. to earn extra money to finance her trip
 Wrong- How would she earn extra money if she has spent her money in purchasing cloth. Irrelevant. 
C. to assuage the natives' concerns over her motives
 Correct 
D. to acquire examples of fetish sculptures for her father's research
 Wrong- This is not the reason. 
E. to acquaint the natives with European goods
 Wrong- then what's the point of purchasing at the mouth of Congo

4. Why does the author insert the anecdotes about Kingsley's travels in paragraph three?

A. To show that she was not afraid of wild beasts.
 Wrong- Not appropriate 
B. To compare the obstacles faced by female travelers with those faced by male explorers of the day.
 Wrong- Obstacles faced by male explorers is nowhere mentioned in the passage. 
C. To entice you into reading Kinsley's best-selling book Travels in West Africa.
 Wrong- Irrelevant 
D. To emphasize the dangers Mary faced in her travels.
 Wrong- This could have been the reason. But these were not necessarily dangers, as it implies to be life threatening. 
E. To illustrate Kingsley's ability to conquer a variety of challenges.
 Correct- Challenges and her conquering them are definitely intended to illustrate the Kingsley's ability.

Neha2404 · Answer

1-D
2-A
3-C
4-E
Main point of RC:- in this passage author present African exploration in the late nineteenth century by Mary Henrietta Kingsley

Para-1 African exploration in the late nineteenth century by trader scientist but Mary Henrietta Kingsley was execptional
Para-2 Discuss about her 1st trip and her dreamt dreamt of such an adventure since childhood
Para-3 discuss about her 2nd and 3rd trip

Imo-D

1. What is the main purpose of this passage?

A. To demonstrate that even the most seasoned African explorers are at risk due to disease.
INCORRECT:- Author discuss in 3rd para she encountered an epidemic and die during her 3rd trip but Author not demonstrate that even the most seasoned African explorers are at risk due to disease.

B. To outline the early history of African exploration.
INCORRECT:- in this passage author present African exploration in the late nineteenth century by Mary Henrietta Kingsleybut not outline the early history of African exploration.

C. To establish the need for a more tolerant colonial policy in 19th century England.
INCORRECT:-Author not establish the need for a more tolerant colonial policy in 19th century England.

D. To discuss the achievements of one female explorer.
CORRECT author present African exploration in the late nineteenth century by Mary Henrietta Kingsley and her 3 trip to Africa

E. To argue that the contributions made by women explorers in Africa were as important as those made by men.
INCORRECT:-Author not argue the contributions made by women explorers in Africa were as important as those made by men. author not discuss comparison between Women and men

IMO-A

2. The author suggests that Mary Kingsley may have gone to Africa for each of the following reasons EXCEPT:

A-to serve as an Anglican missionary
Correct : . The author not suggests that Mary Kingsley may have gone to Africa to serve as an Anglican missionary

B. to complete her father's fetish research
INCORRECT-The author suggests that Mary Kingsley may have gone to Africa to complete her father's fetish research

C. to fulfill a childhood dream
INCORRECT-The author suggests that Mary Kingsley may have gone to Africa to fulfill a childhood dream

D. to collect specimens of fish and insects for the British Museum
INCORRECT-he author suggests that Mary Kingsley may have gone to Africa to collect specimens of fish and insects for the British Museum

E. to die
INCORRECT- in 2nd para author mentioned Mary Kingsley and her frds conversation

IMO-C
Supporting lines -Kingsley sailed the coast, finally putting in at the mouth of the Congo. Recognizing that the natives were naturally suspicious of Europeans traveling without an obvious purpose, Kingsley purchased cloth and other goods in the port and traveled inland for six months as a trader,

3. Mary Kingsley's reason for purchasing cloth and other supplies at the mouth of the Congo was:

A. to be able to trade for food and shelter along the way
INCORRECT-Author not discusse to able to trade for food and shelter along the way Marry kingsley purchase cloth and other supplies .

B. to earn extra money to finance her trip
INCORRECT- author not discussed that Marry kingsley choose food and shelter to earn extra money 
C. to assuage the natives' concerns over her motives
Correct- Native people see suspicious to European people so Marry kingsley purchased Food and shelter at the mouth of the Congo

D. to acquire examples of fetish sculptures for her father's research
INCORRECT- during her first trip to Africa so she could conduct research on fetishes and complete the academic treatise her father

E. to acquaint the natives with European goods
INCORRECT- Mary Kingsley's reason for purchasing cloth and other supplies at the mouth of the Congo wasn’t to acquaint the natives with European goods

IMO-E

4. Why does the author insert the anecdotes about Kingsley's travels in paragraph three?

A. To show that she was not afraid of wild beasts.
INCORRECT- It cant inferred from 3 rd para that Marry kingsley affraid from wild beasts and animals, author not mentioned anything about her fear ,author mentioned her courage during the trip

B. To compare the obstacles faced by female travelers with those faced by male explorers of the day.
INCORRECT-Author not mentioned any comparison between female and male travels

C. To entice you into reading Kinsley's best-selling book Travels in West Africa.
INCORRECT-irrelevant Author not mentioned about Kinsley's best-selling book Travels in West Africa.

D. To emphasize the dangers Mary faced in her travels.
INCORRECT- Author emphasize her courage but not the dangers Mary faced in her travels.

E. To illustrate Kingsley's ability to conquer a variety of challenges.
CORRECT-Author emphasize her courage and her ability to conquer a challenges she faced during her trip

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RashmikaAnegama · Answer

The passage talks about Kingsley, the first white woman travelling west Africa, her reason to visit, her life over there and her achievements and her death.

1. What is the main purpose of this passage?

A. To demonstrate that even the most seasoned African explorers are at risk due to disease.
This is not the main purpose, it just explains a part.
B. To outline the early history of African exploration.
Not really, it took a part of early history, a minor part of Kingsley.
C. To establish the need for a more tolerant colonial policy in 19th century England.
No, out of scope.
D. To discuss the achievements of one female explorer.
This sounds much better.
E. To argue that the contributions made by women explorers in Africa were as important as those made by men.
He is not arguing or not comparing, but stating an example of a female explorer.

2. The author suggests that Mary Kingsley may have gone to Africa for each of the following reasons EXCEPT:

All the reasons except A are explicitly stated in the passage
A. to serve as an Anglican missionary
B. to complete her father's fetish research
C. to fulfill a childhood dream
D. to collect specimens of fish and insects for the British Museum
E. to die

3. Mary Kingsley's reason for purchasing cloth and other supplies at the mouth of the Congo was:

Look at the lines: Kingsley purchased cloth and other goods in the port and traveled inland for six months as a trader, exchanging goods for food and shelter along the way. from the 3rd para, So this proves A to be the answer.
A. to be able to trade for food and shelter along the way
B. to earn extra money to finance her trip
C. to assuage the natives' concerns over her motives
D. to acquire examples of fetish sculptures for her father's research
E. to acquaint the natives with European goods

4. Why does the author insert the anecdotes about Kingsley's travels in paragraph three?

A. To show that she was not afraid of wild beasts.
This doesn't summarize the whole
B. To compare the obstacles faced by female travelers with those faced by male explorers of the day.
No comparisons are made here!
C. To entice you into reading Kinsley's best-selling book Travels in West Africa.
Nope. It just says a part.
D. To emphasize the dangers Mary faced in her travels.
Not really, infact E is the right answer

E. To illustrate Kingsley's ability to conquer a variety of challenges.
Perfect!

So, IMO, D, D, A, E are the answers.

E. To illustrate Kingsley's ability to conquer a variety of challenges. Perfect! So, IMO, D, D, A, E are the answers.

Sajjad1994 · Answer

Hello Everyone!

Today is the second last day of this competition!

First question here is medium level difficult, question number 2 is easy, Question number 3 is hard and answer choice A is a trap. Last question again is comparatively easy. Well done  Vie3nrose   Deepakjhamb   Tahamohsin  and  Neha2404

OE will be posted soon.

African exploration in the late nineteenth century is almost entirely

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GMAT Reading Comprehension (RC) Questions

African exploration in the late nineteenth century is almost entirely

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