Question

“Why do they pull down and do away with crooked streets, I wonder, which are my delight, and hurt no man living? Every day the wealthier nations are pulling down one or another in their capitals and their great towns: they do not know why they do it; neither do I. It ought to be enough, surely, to drive the great broad ways which commerce needs and which are the life-channels of a modern city, without destroying all history and all the humanity in between: the islands of the past.” (From Hilaire Belloc’s “The Crooked Streets”) 
Based only on the information provided in the above passage, which one of the following statements is true? 
 

• A. The author of the passage takes delight in wondering.
• B. The wealthier nations are pulling down the crooked streets in their capitals.
• C. In the past, crooked streets were only built on islands.
• D. Great broad ways are needed to protect commerce and history.

Hint:

When answering questions based on a passage, always focus on the specific details provided in the text and avoid drawing conclusions not directly supported by it.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Understanding the Passage: 
The passage highlights the author's concern about demolishing the crooked streets, which serve as historical reflections of past towns. The author questions why wealthier nations feel the need to remove these historical elements, suggesting discomfort with this practice. 

Identifying the Correct Answer: 
- Option (B) correctly captures the central idea of the passage, as it directly addresses the concern over wealthier nations tearing down these historical streets. 
- Option (A) is incorrect because the author’s reaction is not one of delight or simple wonder, but rather of unease regarding the destruction of history. 
- Options (C) and (D) do not align with the passage, as the discussion does not focus on protecting commerce or broader urban planning concerns. 

Conclusion: 
Since option (B) accurately reflects the main concern of the passage, it is the correct answer. The author’s viewpoint is centered on the loss of historical streets rather than on general urban development strategies.