Question 4 • ALT ENG 11 S2 Common Core ELA 11 2014 - ELA3011 B-CR
Read the following excerpt from Michio Kaku’s book Visions: How Science Will Revolutionize the 21st Century.There was also a sense of urgency. The Pentagon was worried that the shattered remains of the Soviet Union might be rebuilt before the United States. Following a nuclear war, there would be a race to see who could rebuild their country first. In a scenario of two dazed boxers lying flat on their backs, slowly regaining consciousness, the winner of World War III would be that country which could stand on its feet first (and so go on to win World War IV). Therefore, the Pentagon’s priority was to provide scientists with a way to rebuild the country as fast as possible, unimpeded by unnecessary restrictions.Which detail provides the most cultural context for this excerpt about the Cold War?
Answer
A
There was also a sense of urgency.
B
The Pentagon was worried that the shattered remains of the Soviet Union might be rebuilt before the United States.
C
In a scenario of two dazed boxers lying flat on their backs. . . .
D
Therefore, the Pentagon’s priority was to provide scientists with a way to rebuild the country as fast as possible. . . .
Explanation
Choice B gives the clearest cultural context because it shows the Cold War rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union. The Pentagon feared the Soviet Union could recover and rebuild before the United States, reflecting the competition and distrust between the two countries. The other details describe urgency, a metaphor, or the Pentagon’s response rather than directly identifying that rivalry.
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