Central Ideas and Purpose in The Riddle of the Rosetta Stone
Question 8 • DAEP-English 7 A(20 Day Term)
Read the excerpt from the decree inscribed on the Rosetta Stone, which appears in The Riddle of the Rosetta Stone, by James Cross Giblin.Whereas King PTOLEMY, the son of King Ptolemy and Queen Arsinoe, has been a benefactor both to the temples and to those who dwell in them, as well as all those who are his subjects, and being benevolently disposed toward the gods, has dedicated to the temples revenues in money and grain and has undertaken much outlay to bring Egypt into prosperity, and has been generous with all his own means;Which answer choice best describes the purpose of the excerpt?
Answer
A
to trace King Ptolemy’s ancestry
B
to inform the reader of King Ptolemy’s greatness
C
to describe Egypt during King Ptolemy’s rule
D
to explain how to honor King Ptolemy
Explanation
The excerpt praises King Ptolemy by listing his generous actions: he supported temples and their people, gave money and grain, and worked to make Egypt prosperous. These details are meant to show his admirable qualities and greatness, not simply describe Egypt or explain how to honor him. The best answer is B, to inform the reader of King Ptolemy’s greatness.
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