The Nature of English Literature Reflects the Rich and Diverse Vocabulary of the English Language

Question: The nature of English literature reflects the rich and diverse vocabulary of the English language, which resulted from the dual influence of the Anglo-Saxon and, later, French languages. The French language, though, is a direct descendant of Latin, with few traces of the Celtic language spoken by the pre-Roman inhabitants of the area: the hallmark of French literature is its simplicity and clarity.

Which one of the following can be most reasonably inferred from the information above?

1. The origin of English played a role in shaping English literature.
2. The vocabulary of the Anglo-Saxon language was richer than that of the French language.
3. The vocabulary of English is larger than the vocabulary of French.
4. Simple and clear literature cannot be written in a language with a rich and diverse vocabulary.
5. English literature and French literature have had little influence on one another.

“The nature of English literature reflects the rich and diverse vocabulary of the English language, which resulted from the dual influence of the Anglo-Saxon and, later, French languages.”- this is a GMAT critical reasoning passage with answers. This particular GMAT critical reasoning topic has been taken from the “GMAT CR Practice Question 10.” Candidates need a strong knowledge of English GMAT critical reasoning. This particular GMAT critical reasoning question consists of a comprehension question and 4 options to choose from. The GMAT critical reasoning questions are designed for the purpose of testing candidates’ abilities in understanding, analyzing, and applying information or concepts.

Answer: A
Explanation: This is a GMAT critical reasoning question. We have to find the option that can be inferred from the information given in the passage.

Let’s go through each of the available options and select the most suitable one.

Option A: The origin of English played a role in shaping English literature.

This option is correct because according to the passage, the diverse vocabulary of the English language is reflected in English literature and this diversity is the result of the fact that the English language has evolved from two different root languages. So, it is safe to say that these diverse origins have shaped English literature. This option is totally reasonable. So, Option A is correct.

Option B: The vocabulary of the Anglo-Saxon language was richer than that of the French language.

This option is incorrect because the passage does not talk about the French language. Nowhere in the passage, we can see the comparison between the richness of English and French vocabulary. We know that the English language has a rich vocabulary but we know nothing about the French vocabulary. So, Option B is incorrect.

Option C: The vocabulary of English is larger than the vocabulary of French.

This option is incorrect because there is no mention of the size of English and French vocabularies. The author says that French literature is distinguished by simplicity and clarity, but this doesn’t mention how many words are there in the French language, nor how it compares to the size of the English language. Option C is incorrect.

Option D: Simple and clear literature cannot be written in a language with a rich and diverse vocabulary.

This option is incorrect because we can not assume this information just on the basis of pieces of evidence provided in the passage. There are many languages and literary traditions across the world and the author said nothing about the connection of English and French with other languages. So, we cannot assume anything on the basis of this. Option D is incorrect.

Option E: English literature and French literature have had little influence on one another.

This option is incorrect because we are aware in this question that the French language has had a major impact on the English language. But we cannot say that the two languages have influenced each other. Option E is incorrect.

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