Medieval European merchants traveling the Silk Road faced numerous dangers, including bandits, harsh weather, and disease. Despite these risks, the profit margins on goods like silk, spices, and precious stones were often 100% or higher. A single successful journey could set a merchant's family up for generations.
It can be inferred from the text that
all Silk Road merchants became extremely wealthy
the potential rewards of Silk Road trade motivated merchants to accept significant risks
Silk Road journeys were generally safe and uneventful
merchants traveled the Silk Road primarily for adventure
Correct Answer: B
Choice B is the best answer. The passage juxtaposes high risks with high rewards.
- Context clues: "Despite these risks" combined with "100%+ profit margins" and generational wealth potential.
- Meaning: The contrast between dangers and rewards explains why merchants took the risks.
- Verify: High potential payoff explains the willingness to face dangers.
💡 Strategy: When a passage contrasts risks with rewards, the inference usually relates to motivation.
Choice A is incorrect because "a single successful journey" implies not all succeeded. Choice C is incorrect because the text lists "numerous dangers." Choice D is incorrect because the focus is on profit, not adventure.