Question

How can you conclude that the writing of the text is an old one that took place half a century ago?

• A. No body remembers the author anymore.
• B. Traditional agricultural practices were no longer practised.
• C. Pine-torches were used to light their way at night.
• D. Religious syncretism had already taken place by then.

Hint:

Which detail clearly belongs to a time before modern amenities?

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understand the question:
We need the detail in the passage that shows the text belongs to the distant past. A good proof should be a sign of an old way of life.

Step 2: Check option (1):
The passage says nothing about people forgetting the author. So option (1) has no support.

Step 3: Check option (2):
The passage says slash and burn was universal in that time. It does not say practice had stopped. So option (2) does not follow.

Step 4: Check option (3):
The author mentions a time before electricity when people used pine-torches at night. A world lit by torches is clearly from long ago, which matches the old date. So option (3) is the best choice.

Step 5: Check option (4):
Syncretism is described as the order of the day then, which describes the period but is not a clear sign of age by itself. So option (4) is weaker.

Step 6: Decide:
Option (3) is the most direct sign of an old time, so it is the answer. This is a judgement based on the passage.

Final Answer:
Use of pine-torches before electricity shows the text is old, so option 3 is chosen.\[ \boxed{3} \]