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Question 20: The passage given below is followed by four alternate summaries. Choose the option that best captures the essence of the passage.
Passage:
Itâs not that modern historians of medieval Africa have been ignorant about contacts between Ethiopia and Europe; they just had the power dynamic reversed. The traditional narrative stressed Ethiopia as weak and in trouble in the face of aggression from external forces, so Ethiopia sought military assistance from their fellow Christians to the north. But the real story, buried in plain sight in medieval diplomatic texts, simply had not yet been put together by modern scholars. Recent research pushes scholars of medieval Europe to imagine a much more richly connected medieval world: at the beginning of the so-called Age of Exploration, there is evidence that the kings of Ethiopia were sponsoring their own missions of diplomacy, faith and commerce.
Options:
A. Medieval texts have documented how strong connections between the Christian communities of Ethiopia and Europe were invaluable in establishing military and trade links between the two civilisations.
B. Historians were under the illusion that Ethiopia needed military protection from their neighbours, but in fact the country had close commercial and religious connections with them.
C. Medieval texts have been âcherry-pickedâ to promote a view of Ethiopia as weak and in need of Europeâs military help with aggressive neighbours, but recent studies reveal it was a well-connected and outward-looking culture.
D. Medieval historical sources selectively promoted the narrative that powerful European forces were called on to protect weak African civilisations such as Ethiopia, but this is far from reality.
Solution with Explanation
Answer: C
Solution by Wordpandit:
The passage delves into the historical interplay between Ethiopia and Europe, specifically during the medieval era. It points out that conventional accounts have inaccurately depicted Ethiopia as a weak state reliant on European military support. However, recent scholarly research contradicts this view, highlighting instead that Ethiopia was a vibrant, outward-facing culture that had complex interactions with Europe, encompassing aspects of diplomacy, faith, and trade. The text urges historians to reevaluate and broaden their understanding of Ethiopia's role in its relationship with Europe, positing it as a more engaged and active participant.
Option C aptly encapsulates the essence of the passage, affirming that the long-standing narrative framing Ethiopia's relationship with Europe as one of dependency is incorrect and outdated. Therefore, Option C serves as the most accurate representation of the passage's main ideas.
Why the other options are incorrect:
- Option A inaccurately narrows the relationship between Ethiopia and Europe to primarily military and commercial concerns, which the passage does not claim.
- Option B incorrectly implies that historians were fundamentally mistaken about Ethiopia's relationship with Europe, a point the passage does not makeâit says they misunderstood the power dynamic, not the connection itself.
- Option D suggests that there was bias in medieval texts themselves, while the passage emphasizes modern scholarsâ misinterpretation rather than the textsâ original intent.
Conclusion: Option C emerges as the best choice because it directly reflects the shift in historical interpretation emphasized in the passageâacknowledging Ethiopiaâs proactive and sophisticated international engagement.
Word 1: Dynamic
Context:
"Itâs not that modern historians of medieval Africa have been ignorant about contacts between Ethiopia and Europe; they just had the power dynamic reversed."
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Dynamic" refers to a system or relationship that is constantly changing, active, or characterized by energy and motion. In social or political contexts, it often refers to the power relationship between individuals or groups. In this sentence, the phrase "power dynamic" highlights how the balance of power between Ethiopia and Europe during medieval times was misrepresentedâhistorians misunderstood which side held more influence or control. A dynamic can shift over time, making it crucial to understand who had the upper hand and how that balance evolved.
Meaning: A system or relationship characterized by constant change, activity, or progress (Noun / Adjective)
Pronunciation: dai-NAM-ik
Difficulty Level: ââ Beginner to Intermediate
Etymology: From Greek *dynamikos*, meaning âpowerful,â derived from *dynamis* (power or force).
Prashant Sir's Notes:
When you hear "dynamic," think movement, energy, or a shifting balance. In social sciences, "power dynamics" are key to understanding relationshipsâwho controls what, and how that changes over time.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: energetic, ever-changing, fluid, shifting, evolving
Antonyms: static, fixed, unchanging, rigid, stagnant
Usage Examples:
- The dynamic between the teacher and student changed as mutual respect developed.
- Startups operate in a dynamic environment that requires constant adaptation.
- Understanding the dynamic of colonial relationships is key to interpreting history.
- She brought a dynamic energy to the team that improved morale and output.
Cultural Reference:
âPower dynamicsâ are a central theme in sociology and history, appearing in texts from Michel Foucault to postcolonial studies, analyzing who holds power and how itâs exercised or resisted.
Think About It:
Can power dynamics ever be truly equal in human relationships or societies? What would that look like?
Quick Activity:
Pick a relationship from history or literature. Write a sentence explaining the power dynamic and how it changed over time.
Memory Tip:
Think: *dynamo* = power generator â dynamic = full of motion or energy, or how power flows and shifts!
Real-World Application:
Understanding dynamicsâwhether in relationships, teams, politics, or marketsâhelps you adapt, lead, and navigate change more effectively in both personal and professional settings.
Word 2: Narrative
Context:
"The traditional narrative stressed Ethiopia as weak and in trouble in the face of aggression from external forces, so Ethiopia sought military assistance from their fellow Christians to the north."
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Narrative" refers to a story or a particular way of presenting and interpreting a series of events. In historical, political, and social contexts, it often means the dominant or widely accepted version of how events unfolded. In this sentence, the term âtraditional narrativeâ indicates the long-held story or interpretation that portrayed Ethiopia as vulnerable and in need of external help. Such narratives can shape public perception and influence historical understandingâeven if they oversimplify or distort the truth.
Meaning: A spoken or written account of connected events; a story or representation of a particular viewpoint (Noun)
Pronunciation: NAIR-uh-tiv
Difficulty Level: ââ Beginner to Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *narrare*, meaning "to tell" or "to relate," from *gnarus* (knowing).
Prashant Sir's Notes:
âNarrativeâ is more than just a storyâit's about *how* the story is told, and *who* tells it. In history, literature, or media, watch for the narrative voice and perspective, as it shapes our understanding of events.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: storyline, account, chronicle, tale, version
Antonyms: silence, fact list (in some contexts), randomness, disconnection
Usage Examples:
- The official narrative omitted important voices from the opposition.
- The film challenges the dominant narrative about success and failure.
- Each historian presents a slightly different narrative of the same events.
- He crafted a compelling narrative to explain the companyâs journey to investors.
Cultural Reference:
"Who controls the past controls the future: who controls the present controls the past." â George Orwell, *1984* (highlighting the power of controlling narrative).
Think About It:
How can the same set of events be told through very different narratives depending on whoâs telling the storyâand why does that matter?
Quick Activity:
Pick a well-known historical or fictional event. Write two different one-sentence narratives of itâone from a heroâs point of view and one from a criticâs perspective.
Memory Tip:
âNarrativeâ = narrator + story â a way of telling a story that can reflect different viewpoints.
Real-World Application:
Narratives shape public opinion, education, politics, and history. Recognizing and questioning narratives is a key skill in critical thinking and media literacy.
Word 3: Diplomatic
Context:
"But the real story, buried in plain sight in medieval diplomatic texts, simply had not yet been put together by modern scholars."
Explanatory Paragraph:
"Diplomatic" has two main uses. In general conversation, it means being tactful and sensitive in dealing with others. However, in this historical and academic context, "diplomatic" relates to diplomacyâthe management of international relations, especially by officials and envoys representing states or kingdoms. The sentence refers to medieval "diplomatic texts," meaning official documents like treaties, letters, and agreements that were exchanged between nations or rulers. These documents are rich sources for understanding the political and power dynamics of the time.
Meaning: Relating to the conduct of international relations; tactful in handling sensitive matters (Adjective)
Pronunciation: dip-loh-MAT-ik
Difficulty Level: ââ Beginner to Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *diplomaticus* (pertaining to official documents), from Greek *diploma* (folded paper or document).
Prashant Sir's Notes:
âDiplomaticâ can describe both people (tactful and polite) and documents or actions related to international relations. In academic writing, always check whether it refers to politics or politeness based on the context!
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: political, official, strategic, tactful, discreet
Antonyms: undiplomatic, blunt, insensitive, confrontational (in the behavioral sense)
Usage Examples:
- The ambassador handled the tense situation with diplomatic skill.
- Diplomatic texts from the 13th century reveal a network of alliances across empires.
- She offered a diplomatic response to avoid offending either party.
- The country cut off all diplomatic ties after the incident.
Cultural Reference:
Diplomatic correspondence is a key historical source. For example, the *Amarna Letters* from ancient Egypt detail political relations through formal exchanges between rulers.
Think About It:
Whatâs more powerful: the sword or a well-crafted diplomatic letter? Can diplomacy rewrite history?
Quick Activity:
Write a one-sentence âdiplomaticâ reply to this complaint: âYour team always misses deadlines!â
Memory Tip:
âDiplomaticâ contains âdiplomaââthink of important folded documents and political tact all in one word.
Real-World Application:
In both international politics and everyday life, being diplomatic can resolve conflicts, build trust, and maintain relationships. Itâs an essential skill for leaders, negotiators, and anyone managing diverse opinions.
Word 4: Scholars
Context:
"But the real story, buried in plain sight in medieval diplomatic texts, simply had not yet been put together by modern scholars."
Explanatory Paragraph:
âScholarsâ are individuals who study a subject deeply and systematically, often at an academic or expert level. They conduct research, analyze sources, and contribute new knowledge to their fields. In the context provided, "modern scholars" refers to present-day historians and researchers who study the past through documents and evidence. The sentence implies that although the clues to the true story were always present in historical texts, they hadnât yet been fully analyzed or pieced together by contemporary experts.
Meaning: People who are highly educated in a particular field and contribute to knowledge through study and research (Noun â plural)
Pronunciation: SKAH-lurz
Difficulty Level: â Beginner
Etymology: From Old French *escoler*, from Latin *scholaris*, meaning âstudent,â from *schola* (school).
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Donât confuse âscholarâ with just a studentâitâs often used to describe someone who produces knowledge, not just consumes it. Scholars work in universities, write books and papers, and shape how we understand the world.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: academics, researchers, intellectuals, experts, professors
Antonyms: laypersons, amateurs, non-experts (context-dependent)
Usage Examples:
- Scholars have long debated the true origins of this ancient manuscript.
- The university invited leading scholars to present their research on African history.
- Modern scholars use both traditional texts and digital tools in their work.
- She is a respected scholar in the field of medieval studies.
Cultural Reference:
Throughout history, scholars like Ibn Khaldun, Confucius, and Galileo have challenged accepted narratives and expanded the worldâs understanding of science, society, and philosophy.
Think About It:
What role should scholars play in shaping public understanding of history, especially when traditional narratives are flawed or incomplete?
Quick Activity:
Write the name of one scholar (from any field) whose work you admire. In one sentence, explain why their contributions matter.
Memory Tip:
Think âscholarâ = âschool + thinkerâ â someone who goes beyond learning and contributes to understanding.
Real-World Application:
Scholars contribute to advancements in every fieldâfrom medicine and education to history and law. Their research informs textbooks, policy decisions, and public debate, making their role vital in societyâs progress.
Word 5: Sponsoring
Context:
"Recent research pushes scholars of medieval Europe to imagine a much more richly connected medieval world: at the beginning of the so-called Age of Exploration, there is evidence that the kings of Ethiopia were sponsoring their own missions of diplomacy, faith and commerce."
Explanatory Paragraph:
âSponsoringâ refers to the act of supporting or financing an activity, person, or project, usually to help it succeed or gain exposure. In this historical context, the word indicates that Ethiopian kings were actively funding and endorsing their own diplomatic and commercial missionsâcountering the often Eurocentric assumption that only European powers initiated global exploration and engagement. Sponsoring here reflects authority, intention, and investment in international presence.
Meaning: Supporting or financing an activity, cause, or mission (Verb â present participle of âsponsorâ)
Pronunciation: SPON-suhr-ing
Difficulty Level: ââ Beginner to Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *spondere* meaning "to promise solemnly"; evolved in English to mean "one who supports or backs an endeavor."
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Think beyond todayâs ads or eventsââsponsoringâ has deep historical roots. Whether itâs a ruler funding a voyage or a brand supporting an athlete, the word implies backing something with both resources and intent.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: funding, backing, supporting, promoting, endorsing
Antonyms: neglecting, withdrawing, opposing, rejecting
Usage Examples:
- The monarch was known for sponsoring expeditions that expanded trade routes.
- She is sponsoring a local art exhibition to support young talent.
- The company is sponsoring a scholarship program for underprivileged students.
- Ethiopian rulers were sponsoring diplomatic missions long before European dominance in global affairs.
Cultural Reference:
During the Age of Exploration, European powers like Spain and Portugal famously sponsored voyages by Columbus and Vasco da Gamaâyet emerging research shows African and Asian leaders did the same, challenging Eurocentric narratives.
Think About It:
Who gets remembered in history as a âsponsorâ of change, and who gets left out? What does this say about power and visibility?
Quick Activity:
List two modern examples of sponsoring in business or politics. What is the sponsorâs likely goal in each case?
Memory Tip:
Think of a sponsor as someone who *spends* to *support*ââsponsorâ and âsupportâ even sound similar!
Real-World Application:
Sponsoring is key in marketing, politics, education, and international relations. From funding research to backing humanitarian aid or cultural events, sponsors shape which ideas and actions gain momentum.
