Western classical music predominantly uses a 12-tone equal temperament scale, where octaves are divided into 12 equal intervals. Indian classical music uses microtones—intervals smaller than Western half-steps—and emphasizes different scales (ragas) for different times of day and emotional states. Both traditions have produced works of extraordinary beauty and complexity, recognized within their respective cultural contexts.
The passage suggests that
Western classical music is superior to Indian classical music
only 12-tone scales can produce beautiful music
Indian classical music lacks complexity
musical excellence can be achieved through fundamentally different systems
Correct Answer: D
Choice D is the best answer. Different systems both produce excellent results.
- Context clues: Very different systems; "both traditions have produced works of extraordinary beauty and complexity."
- Meaning: Excellence isn't dependent on one particular system.
- Verify: Recognition "within their respective cultural contexts" shows multiple valid paths.
💡 Strategy: When different approaches achieve similar levels of excellence, infer multiple valid paths to quality.
Choice A is incorrect because both are described as producing "extraordinary beauty and complexity." Choice B is incorrect because Indian music uses different intervals and also achieves beauty. Choice C is incorrect because Indian classical music has "complexity."