Read the excerpt from Utopia . The folly of men has enhanced the value of gold and silver because of their scarcity; whereas, on the contrary, it is their opinion that Nature, as an indulgent parent, has freely given us all the best things in great abundance, such as water and earth, but has laid up and hid from us the things that are vain and useless. Which historical fact will best help readers understand this excerpt?
Answer
A
Increased prosperity during this period allowed more citizens to buy land.
B
During this period, the king was fighting for power that was held by church leaders.
C
Many people were dying from the Black Death during this period.
D
Explorers during this period went to the New World in search of scarce resources.
Explanation
The excerpt contrasts abundant necessities, such as water and earth, with gold and silver, whose value comes from their scarcity. The historical fact that explorers went to the New World seeking scarce resources helps explain the importance people placed on finding precious metals. Choice D best connects the excerpt’s ideas about scarcity and the value of gold and silver to its historical setting.
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