Complete the passage by filling in the blanks with the most appropriate words.
The ancient civilizations of Mesopotamia, Egypt, and the Indus Valley were among the first to develop complex societies, relying on agriculture as the cornerstone of their economies. In Mesopotamia, the Sumerians created the first known form of writing, ____A____cuneiform, which was inscribed on clay tablets. This form of communication enabled the recording of important events, laws, and even trade transactions, ____B____ the foundation for future generations to understand their past.
In Ancient Egypt, the great pyramids stand as a testament to the engineering prowess of the civilization. The construction of these monumental structures required careful planning and ____C____ skilled workforce. However, much of the wealth generated through agriculture and conquest was concentrated in the hands of the elite, which led to the emergence of ____D____ between the ruling class and the common people.
Similarly, the Indus Valley Civilization, known for its advanced urban planning, fell into decline for reasons that remain ____E____. Some scholars argue that environmental factors, such as shifts in river patterns, may have played a significant role in the civilization's collapse. Nevertheless, the achievements of these early societies paved the way for future innovations in science, technology, and governance.
Choose the word that fills in blank (D) and best describes the inequality between different social classes.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
Correct Answer
disparity
Explanation
The text states that wealth was concentrated primarily in the hands of the elite, which naturally creates an uneven distribution of resources. The word 'disparity' means a great difference or noticeable inequality between things, making it the perfect fit to describe the economic gap that emerged between the ruling class and the common people.
The other choices are incorrect because they have opposite meanings. Option 1 (harmony), Option 3 (equality), and Option 4 (concord) all describe states of peace, balance, or sameness. These contradict the premise that wealth was unfairly concentrated among the elite.
Key Points
Context clues like 'wealth concentrated in the hands of the elite' hint directly at an imbalance. When you spot words indicating an unfair division, eliminate choices that mean peace or balance, and select the word that means difference or inequality.