The following text is from an article about ancient civilizations.
The Mayan civilization developed sophisticated astronomical knowledge without telescopes. Priests tracked planetary movements with remarkable precision, creating calendars accurate to within seconds per year. These observations allowed them to predict eclipses and plan agricultural cycles. Their astronomical achievements rivaled those of contemporary European civilizations.
What is the main purpose of the text?
To argue that Maya were more advanced than Europeans
To highlight the astronomical achievements of Maya civilization
To explain how telescopes were invented
To describe Mayan religious practices in detail
Correct Answer: B
Choice B is the best answer. The text emphasizes Mayan astronomical achievements: precise planetary tracking, accurate calendars, and eclipse prediction.
- Evidence: The text lists achievements: "tracked planetary movements," "creating calendars accurate to within seconds," "predict eclipses."
- Reasoning: The entire passage focuses on detailing these sophisticated scientific accomplishments.
- Conclusion: The purpose is to highlight these achievements.
💡 Strategy: Identify the main subject (Mayan astronomy) and the tone (admiring/listing achievements).
Choice A is incorrect because comparison is brief, not argumentative. Choice C is incorrect because telescope invention isn't discussed. Choice D is incorrect because religious practices are barely mentioned.