Reading Passage Question
Throughout human history there have been many stringent taboos concerning watching other people eat or eating in the presence of others. There have been attempts to explain these taboos in terms of inappropriate social relationships either between those who are involved and those who are not simultaneously involved in the satisfaction of a bodily need, or between those already satiated and those who appear to be shamelessly gorging. Undoubtedly such elements exist in the taboos, but there is an additional element with' a much more fundamental importance. In prehistoric times, when food was so precious and the on-lookers so hungry, not to offer half of the little food one had was unthinkable since every glance was a plea for life. Further, during those times, people existed in nuclear or extended family groups, and the sharing of food was quite literally supporting one's family or, by extension, preserving one's self.
“Throughout human history there have been many stringent taboos concerning watching other people eat” - is a GMAT reading comprehension passage with answers. Candidates need a strong knowledge of English GMAT reading comprehension.
This GMAT Reading Comprehension consists of 4 comprehension questions. The GMAT Reading Comprehension questions are designed for the purpose of testing candidates’ abilities in understanding, analyzing, and applying information or concepts. Candidates can actively prepare with the help of GMAT Reading Comprehension Practice Questions.
Solution and Explanation
- If the argument in the passage is valid, taboos against eating in the presence of others who are not also eating would be LEAST likely in a society that
(A) had always had a plentiful supply of food
(B) emphasized the need to share worldly goods
(C) had a nomadic rather than an agricultural way of life
(D) emphasized the value of privacy
(E) discouraged overindulgence
Answer: A
Explanation: In the passage, we talked about a taboo. What's so taboo about that? consuming food in public. The author now explains a key component of the "why" of the taboo. He clarifies his point—"limited availability of food"—by describing the actual circumstances of past periods and how those circumstances contributed to the development of the taboo. Therefore, the taboo may exist in any answer option that would put us in a position where food availability is "restricted."
We therefore prefer a culture where food has always been available; in such a society, such a taboo is unlikely to remain because it has no justification to do so.
The term "always" in this sentence denotes constantly. It is actually highly believable to think that "taboo" exists if food is always available. So, this is the proper answer.
- The author's hypothesis concerning the origin of taboos against watching other people eat emphasizes the
(A) general palatability of food
(B) religious significance of food
(C) limited availability of food
(D) various sources of food
(E) nutritional value of food
Answer: C
Explanation: This cannot be addressed because there can’t be taboos exits due to "palatability". Religious significance cannot be the answer. Limited availability of food, thus, it is the proper answer. It is impossible for this to be the solution because different sources are not mentioned. Because of the nutritional content of food, taboos do not exist. This cannot be answer
- According to the passage, the author believes that past attempts to explain some taboos concerning eating are
(A) unimaginative
(B) implausible
(C) inelegant
(D) incomplete
(E) unclear
Answer: D
Explanation: We can imagine it, thus it is not an unimaginative answer, so it cannot be the right response. This is tempting because the author admits that the attempts did take into account an inappropriate relationship. But with regard to the "inappropriateness" of the relationship, the attempts to offer justifications for the taboo may very well be tenable. The author rather implies they were insufficient! So, this can’t be answered. Useless so, this cannot be answered. Incomplete is correct answer this can explain some taboos concerning eating are incomplete
- In developing the main idea of the passage, the author does which of the following?
(A) Downplays earlier attempts to explain the origins of a social prohibition.
(B) Adapts a scientific theory and applies it to a spiritual relationship.
(C) Simplifies a complex biological phenomenon by explaining it in terms of social needs.
(D) Reorganizes a system designed to guide personal behaviour.
(E) Codifies earlier, unsystematized conjectures about family life.
Answer: A
Explanation: The author initially introduces us to a taboo. Attempts are made to explain the taboo. Do not take into consideration the elaboration of the foundational part of that aspect!
In order to emphasise his argument, the author minimises his attempts. Downplays earlier attempts to explain the origins of a social prohibition is the correct answer
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