Set 2: Inferences

Explanation

Answer: C

PASSAGE

In ancient Egypt, cats were revered and protected by law. Killing a cat, even accidentally, could result in severe punishment. When a family cat died, household members would shave their eyebrows as a sign of mourning.

What does the passage imply about cats in ancient Egypt?

A. They were primarily used for hunting.

B. They were rarely kept as household pets.

C. They held significant cultural and religious importance.✓ Correct

D. They were considered common pests.

Detailed Explanation

This question asks you to draw a logical conclusion from the text. Legal protection, severe punishment for killing, and mourning rituals (shaving eyebrows) all indicate cats had high cultural/religious status. 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:

• "revered and protected by law"

• "shave their eyebrows as a sign of mourning"

Why others are wrong: A (Hunting isn't mentioned.), B ('Household members' suggests domestic keeping.), D ('Revered' means respected, not considered pests.).

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