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Paragraph Summary Questions
23. The passage given below is followed by four alternate summaries. Choose the option that best captures the essence of the passage.
Several of the worldâs earliest cities were organised along egalitarian lines. In some regions, urban populations governed themselves for centuries without any indication of the temples and palaces that would later emerge; in others, temples and palaces never emerged at all, and there is simply no evidence of a class of administrators or any other sort of ruling stratum. It would seem that the mere fact of urban life does not, necessarily, imply any particular form of political organization, and never did. Far from resigning us to inequality, the picture that is now emerging of humanityâs past may open our eyes to egalitarian possibilities we otherwise would have never considered.
A. The lack of hierarchical administration in ancient cities can be deduced by the absence of religious and regal structures such as temples and palaces.
B. Contrary to our assumption that urban settlements have always involved hierarchical political and administrative structures, ancient cities were not organised in this way.
C. The emergence of a class of administrators and ruling stratum transformed the egalitarian urban life of ancient cities to the hierarchical civic organisations of today.
D. We now have the evidence in support of the existence of an egalitarian urban life in some ancient cities, where political and civic organisation was far less hierarchical.
Solution with Explanation
Correct Answer: D
Detailed explanation by Wordpandit:The passage delves into the organization of ancient cities, particularly focusing on their political and civic structures. It specifically points out that certain ancient cities had a distinct lack of temples and palaces, suggesting these were places where a ruling class or administrative elite did not hold sway. In some other instances, these symbolic structures of power, namely temples and palaces, never even emerged. This leads to the inference that these particular cities were organized on egalitarian principles, indicating a less hierarchical society.Option D is the most accurate summary of the central ideas presented in the passage. It correctly encapsulates the essence that some ancient cities displayed evidence of an egalitarian way of life, emphasizing a less hierarchical approach in their political and civic organization.Option A, however, falls short as it merely pinpoints the absence of temples and palaces without highlighting the crucial aspect that some cities were actually organized on egalitarian lines. This makes it an incomplete representation of the passage's main ideas.Option B takes a leap by overstating that 'all' ancient cities were organized in an egalitarian manner, a claim the original passage never makes. This exaggeration misrepresents the text and renders this option incorrect.Option C introduces an inaccuracy by suggesting a transformation from egalitarianism to hierarchical structures in ancient cities. The original text does not delve into any such transformational process. It only asserts that some ancient cities displayed an egalitarian social structure, without suggesting a change over time to a more hierarchical system.Thus, given that Option D comprehensively and accurately reflects the main points of the passageânamely, that some ancient cities showed signs of an egalitarian urban lifeâit stands out as the correct choice.
Word 1: Egalitarian
Context:
"The emergence of a class of administrators and ruling stratum transformed the egalitarian urban life of ancient cities to the hierarchical civic organisations of today." - Source: Commentary on socio-political history
Explanatory Paragraph:
âEgalitarianâ refers to a belief in or practice of social equalityâwhere everyone is treated equally and has the same political, economic, and social rights. In the context given, ancient cities once had a more equal or fair society, described as âegalitarian,â which later changed into more layered, hierarchical systems with divisions of power. The word is often used to describe political systems, philosophies, or social structures that emphasize fairness and equality among all people.
Meaning: Believing in or based on the principle that all people are equal and deserve equal rights and opportunities (Adjective/Noun)
Pronunciation: ih-gal-uh-TAIR-ee-uhn
Difficulty Level: âââ Intermediate
Etymology: From French *Ă©galitaire*, from *Ă©gal* meaning âequal,â which comes from Latin *aequalis*.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This is a powerful word with deep socio-political roots. When you say a system or person is egalitarian, youâre implying fairness, justice, and equal treatment. It's often contrasted with hierarchical or authoritarian structures. Use this word to evaluate fairness in policies, leadership, or community values.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: equal, fair, democratic, unbiased, impartial
Antonyms: hierarchical, unequal, elitist, authoritarian
Usage Examples:
- The movement aimed to create a more egalitarian society by reducing income gaps.
- Many Scandinavian countries are praised for their egalitarian education systems.
- The leaderâs egalitarian approach earned him respect from all social classes.
- The ancient tribe had an egalitarian structure where decisions were made collectively.
Cultural Reference:
"The French Revolution was driven by egalitarian idealsâliberty, equality, and fraternity." - Historical reference
Think About It:
In what areas of life today do you think egalitarian values are being upheld or ignored?
Quick Activity:
List two institutions (e.g., schools, governments, companies) you think operate on egalitarian principles. Why?
Memory Tip:
âEgalitarianâ sounds like âequal to allââthink of it as everyone standing on equal ground.
Real-World Application:
The word is useful in discussions on democracy, human rights, public policy, and workplace equality. Use it to evaluate whether systems or practices treat people fairly across the board.
Word 2: Urban
Context:
"Contrary to our assumption that urban settlements have always involved hierarchical political and administrative structures, ancient cities were not organised in this way." - Source: Commentary on ancient city organization
Explanatory Paragraph:
The word âurbanâ refers to anything related to cities or towns, especially in contrast to rural areas. In the given context, âurban settlementsâ means communities that were established in a city-like environment. Itâs often associated with dense populations, infrastructure, civic systems, and complex social life. Interestingly, the sentence challenges the assumption that urban life has always been hierarchical, suggesting that early cities could have been more egalitarian or differently structured.
Meaning: Relating to or characteristic of a city or town (Adjective)
Pronunciation: UR-buhn
Difficulty Level: ââ Basic
Etymology: From Latin *urbanus*, meaning âof or pertaining to a city,â from *urbs* (city)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
âUrbanâ is a foundational word in geography, sociology, and everyday life. Itâs often used to contrast with ârural.â Donât limit it to just physical spacesâit can also describe attitudes, problems, or lifestyles typically found in cities. For example, âurban cultureâ or âurban planning.â
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: city-based, metropolitan, municipal, civic
Antonyms: rural, pastoral, countryside, agricultural
Usage Examples:
- Urban development often leads to changes in population patterns.
- He prefers an urban lifestyle filled with activity and convenience.
- Pollution is a common challenge in many urban areas.
- The government introduced policies to manage urban growth sustainably.
Cultural Reference:
"Urbanization is one of the defining features of modern civilization, with more than half the worldâs population now living in cities." - UN Habitat Report
Think About It:
How do you think life in urban areas differs from rural ones in terms of opportunities, challenges, and values?
Quick Activity:
Make a list of 3 urban advantages and 3 urban disadvantages youâve observed or experienced.
Memory Tip:
âUrbanâ sounds like âurbane,â which also means polished and city-like. Associate âurbanâ with buildings, buses, and bustling life!
Real-World Application:
Understanding âurbanâ is essential in fields like geography, sociology, architecture, and policy-making. It helps analyze how cities grow, function, and impact human life.
Word 3: Administrators
Context:
"The emergence of a class of administrators and ruling stratum transformed the egalitarian urban life of ancient cities to the hierarchical civic organisations of today." - Source: Commentary on socio-political history
Explanatory Paragraph:
âAdministratorsâ refers to individuals who manage, oversee, and implement rules, policies, or systems in an organization, institution, or government. In the context provided, a class of administrators emerged in ancient citiesâpeople who took responsibility for organizing civic life, enforcing authority, and creating structured governance. Their role marked a shift from equal social systems to more stratified, rule-based hierarchies that resemble modern bureaucracies.
Meaning: People responsible for managing and organizing the operations of institutions, systems, or governments (Noun)
Pronunciation: ad-MIN-uh-stray-ters
Difficulty Level: ââ Basic
Etymology: From Latin *administrare*, meaning âto manage or carry out.â Derived from *ad-* (to) + *ministrare* (to serve)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This is a functional and commonly used word, but donât overlook its importance. Administrators shape systemsâwhether in schools, cities, companies, or empires. Think of them as the backbone of structure and governance, turning ideas into actions through planning, control, and supervision.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: managers, officials, executives, coordinators, directors
Antonyms: subordinates, workers, citizens, followers
Usage Examples:
- The school administrators decided to extend the academic calendar by a week.
- Government administrators are responsible for implementing new policies efficiently.
- The hospital administrators managed the crisis with calm and clarity.
- In ancient civilizations, administrators kept records of trade, taxes, and population.
Cultural Reference:
"During the Mauryan Empire, a well-organized class of administrators helped Emperor Ashoka manage vast territories." - Historical governance reference
Think About It:
What qualities make someone a successful administrator? How do they balance authority with public service?
Quick Activity:
Identify three administrators youâve encountered (in school, government, or work). Describe one key responsibility each held.
Memory Tip:
âAdministratorsâ help âadministerâ rulesâthink of them as people who make things run smoothly behind the scenes.
Real-World Application:
Understanding the role of administrators helps in recognizing how systems workâbe it in governance, education, healthcare, or corporate environments. Their decisions impact structure, discipline, and progress.
Word 4: Hierarchical
Context:
"We now have the evidence in support of the existence of an egalitarian urban life in some ancient cities, where political and civic organisation was far less hierarchical." - Source: Analysis of ancient urban governance
Explanatory Paragraph:
âHierarchicalâ describes a system or organization in which people or groups are ranked one above the other based on authority, status, or power. It implies a top-down structure with leaders at the top and various levels of subordinates below. In the sentence, it is used to compare ancient cities with modern ones, highlighting how ancient societies may have had flatter, more equal systems, whereas todayâs structures are more layered and âhierarchical.â
Meaning: Arranged in levels of rank or authority, typically from highest to lowest (Adjective)
Pronunciation: hy-uh-RAHR-kih-kuhl
Difficulty Level: âââ Intermediate
Etymology: From Greek *hierarkhia* (sacred rule), from *hieros* (sacred) + *arkhein* (to rule)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
âHierarchicalâ is essential vocabulary in discussions about power, management, governance, and social structure. It's the opposite of "egalitarian." Think pyramidsâfew at the top, many at the bottom. This word is common in business, politics, education, and even family discussions!
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: ranked, layered, tiered, stratified, structured
Antonyms: egalitarian, flat, equal, democratic
Usage Examples:
- The company followed a strict hierarchical structure with managers supervising every department.
- In many traditional societies, power was distributed hierarchically through family lines.
- The military is a classic example of a hierarchical institution.
- Modern startups often adopt flatter, less hierarchical organizational models.
Cultural Reference:
"The caste system in India historically functioned as a deeply hierarchical social order." - Social studies reference
Think About It:
Do hierarchical systems promote stability and order, or do they limit opportunity and fairness? Can both be true?
Quick Activity:
Sketch a simple hierarchy chart of a school, company, or family. Label 3-4 levels from top to bottom.
Memory Tip:
Think âhierarchy = pyramid.â The word âhierarchicalâ describes systems stacked in levels, like a step-ladder of authority.
Real-World Application:
Use âhierarchicalâ in workplace discussions, governance analysis, or debates about fairness in social systems. Itâs vital in conversations about how power and responsibility are distributed.
Word 5: Political
Context:
"We now have the evidence in support of the existence of an egalitarian urban life in some ancient cities, where political and civic organisation was far less hierarchical." - Source: Analysis of ancient urban governance
Explanatory Paragraph:
The word âpoliticalâ relates to government, authority, or the processes of making decisions for a community or society. In this context, âpolitical organisationâ refers to how ancient cities were structured in terms of power distribution and governance. Unlike todayâs often rigid and top-down systems, these cities are believed to have had a less structured or âhierarchicalâ political systemâpotentially allowing for more equality and participation among citizens.
Meaning: Relating to government, power, or public affairs (Adjective)
Pronunciation: puh-LIT-i-kuhl
Difficulty Level: ââ Basic
Etymology: From Latin *politicus*, from Greek *politikos*, meaning âof citizens or the state,â derived from *polis* (city)
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This is a foundational term for understanding society and governance. "Political" doesn't just refer to politiciansâit applies to any structure, event, or decision related to power, policy, or public life. Use it to talk about governments, ideologies, rights, and collective actions.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: governmental, civic, administrative, legislative, public
Antonyms: apolitical, private, personal, individual
Usage Examples:
- The political system of the country encourages democratic participation.
- She took a strong political stance on environmental issues.
- Ancient Greek city-states had unique political structures and citizen assemblies.
- The debate soon turned political, focusing on leadership and governance.
Cultural Reference:
"The American Revolution was not just a military conflict but a deeply political one, centered on governance and rights." - Historical reflection
Think About It:
Can anything truly be âapoliticalâ? How do everyday decisions reflect political beliefs, even when we donât notice?
Quick Activity:
List two political systems you know (e.g., democracy, monarchy) and one major feature of each.
Memory Tip:
Link âpoliticalâ with âpolisâ (Greek for city) â politics is about how cities and societies are run.
Real-World Application:
Understanding âpoliticalâ helps you engage with news, civic issues, elections, laws, and activism. Itâs a key word in social studies, debates, and responsible citizenship.
