Set 3: Inferences (Advanced)

Explanation

Answer: A

PASSAGE

The Treaty of Westphalia (1648) is often cited as the origin of the modern sovereign state system. However, historians note that the treaties actually affirmed overlapping jurisdictions and continued religious entanglements. The 'Westphalian' model of exclusive territorial sovereignty may be more prescriptive ideal than historical description—a myth that later actors found useful for legitimating their own arrangements.

What does the passage suggest about the relationship between historical events and their subsequent interpretation?

A. Later interpretations may reshape events into founding myths that serve contemporary purposes.✓ Correct

B. Historical events have single, stable meanings.

C. The Treaty of Westphalia immediately created modern nation-states.

D. All historians agree on the treaty's meaning.

Detailed Explanation

This question asks you to draw a logical conclusion from the text. 'More prescriptive ideal than historical description'—a 'myth' that served 'later actors' = reshaping for contemporary purposes. A valid inference must be supported by evidence in the passage, even if not stated directly. Look for clues in the text that strongly suggest the answer. Avoid conclusions that require assumptions beyond what's written. Valid inferences are strongly supported by multiple pieces of evidence in the text. Be cautious of choices that go too far beyond what the passage actually states. The best inference is the one most directly supported by textual evidence.

Key Evidence:

• "myth that later actors found useful for legitimating their own arrangements"

Why others are wrong: B (Meaning evolved over time.), C (It 'affirmed overlapping jurisdictions.'), D ('Historians note' differences = disagreement.).