GRE Reading Comprehension Practice Questions

Category - GRE Practice Test Reading Comprehension Questions

Etiquette, which is sometimes unwritten, is a code that governs the expectations of social behavior of people. It usually reflects the cultures and traditions of countries. The Democratic Republic of the Congo is the second largest country in African. It is also known as Congo (Kinshasa) or DRC. With over 200 ethnic groups represented the people of the Congo have a wide variety of customs, traditions, and values. They vary from place to place and group to group, especially when it comes to living in urban areas and rural areas. Therefore the etiquette rules differs depending on where a person lives.

Congolese that live in urban areas tend to have more Western customs and traditions. It is important to greet each other, and inquire about each others situation before other matters are discussed. Greetings consists of speaking, shaking their hands, and smiling. In the rural areas, men and women do not shake hands. Men will shake the hands of other men. Some women will greet men by clapping their hands and bowing slightly.

When dining in the Congo hands should be washed before and after eating. People should only eat with their right hands, especially if they are eating with their fingers. Men and women use separate communal bowls; often, women may sit together. When eating out of a communal bowl, people eat from the space directly in front of them. When utensils are used, the left hand holds the fork and the right hand holds the knife.

Dressing in the Congo is greatly influenced by the Western world, however, they are mixed with traditional clothing such as kikwembe, abacos, or a dashiki. The nicer a person look, the more respect he or she will receive. Jewelry is often made from wood, ivory bones, or shells. Many people in rural areas walk barefoot, but sandals and slippers are commonly worn.

Which is a valid inference about the extension of customs in the Congo?
  1. Most customs and values are learned from Western influences. As westerners move into an area, customers are developed.
  2. There are several powerful ethnic groups in the Congo that determine the customs and etiquette for the rest of the region.
  3. Customs in the Congo are constantly evolving and it is difficult to determine what is or is not appropriate.
  4. The Congo is a very large country made up of many different groups, so customs vary in different areas.
Explanation
Answer [D]: A valid inference about the extension of customs in the Congo is that the Congo is a very large country made up of many different groups, so customs vary in different areas. The passage states that the Congo is the second largest country in Africa. It also has over 200 ethnic groups. The passage also makes distinctions between urban areas and different rural areas. One can validly infer, therefore, that the size and diversity of the country has led to varied customs and etiquette.
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