Set 10: Central Ideas
Explanation
PASSAGE
The following text discusses an archaeological discovery. The Rosetta Stone is a stele composed of granodiorite inscribed with three versions of a decree issued in Memphis, Egypt, in 196 BC during the Ptolemaic dynasty on behalf of King Ptolemy V Epiphanes. The top and middle texts are in Ancient Egyptian using hieroglyphic and Demotic scripts respectively, while the bottom is in Ancient Greek. The decree has only minor differences between the three versions, making the Rosetta Stone key to deciphering the Egyptian hieroglyphs.
Why was the Rosetta Stone crucial for understanding Ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs?
Detailed Explanation
Choice B is the best answer. The text explains that the stone features the same decree in three scripts: Hieroglyphic, Demotic, and Ancient Greek. It states that since there are only 'minor differences between the three versions,' it was 'key to deciphering the Egyptian hieroglyphs.' This implies the Greek text allowed scholars to translate the Egyptian ones.
Choice D is incorrect because no map is mentioned.
Choice A is incorrect because it is not described as the oldest.
Choice C is incorrect because pyramids are not mentioned. Remember that supporting details help prove the central idea but are not the main point themselves. The author's central idea should be broad enough to encompass the entire passage while still being specific enough to be meaningful. Ask yourself what the author most wants you to understand.
Key Evidence:
• "three versions of a decree"
• "key to deciphering the Egyptian hieroglyphs"
Why others are wrong: D (Unsupported - text describes a decree), A (Unsupported - age not the primary factor), C (Irrelevant - text does not mention pyramids).
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