Cities across the world are essentially blends of smaller cultural environments that lead people to have vastly different experiences. Each city typically contains a broad spectrum of dining establishments along with various art institutions like museums and theaters. Yet with all these blends of dining, art and night lives, what is the one characteristic that can distinguish a city?

Read the following passage and answer the question.

Cities across the world are essentially blends of smaller cultural environments that lead people to have vastly different experiences. Each city typically contains a broad spectrum of dining establishments along with various art institutions like museums and theaters. Yet with all these blends of dining, art and night lives, what is the one characteristic that can distinguish a city? History. The undeniably unique history of each city provides rich traditions and a bond between the local people that overshadows any other city’s mélange of dining and art institutions.

Which of the following would the author believe is the most important city attraction or characteristic?
A . The exquisite French restaurant in the European district
B . The Museum of Natural History
C . Ruins from the Berlin Wall and the local community
D . Wrigley Field
E . A democratic government

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Answer: C

Explanation:

The author clearly believes true, genuine history to be the paramount characteristic. Choice “The exquisite French restaurant in the European district” and choice “The Museum of Natural History” (restaurant and museum) are exactly what the author said weren’t as important as history (choice “The Museum of Natural History” is tricky, but it is still just a museum ― not natural history in its element).

Choice “Wrigley Field” refers to sports, despite the fact that Wrigley Field has much history tied to it; choice “A democratic government” is irrelevant as government is not nearly as important to a city’s cultural wealth as a historical monument. Choice “Ruins from the Berlin Wall and the local community” is a historical object and symbol; furthermore, the author refers to the local people that add to the cultural vibrancy. Choice “Ruins from the Berlin Wall and the local community” is the best option.