Question

Read the following excerpt from Michio Kaku’s book Visions: How Science Will Revolutionize the 21st Century.

There was also a sense of urgency. The Pentagon was worried that the shattered remains of the Soviet Union might be rebuilt before the United States. Following a nuclear war, there would be a race to see who could rebuild their country first. In a scenario of two dazed boxers lying flat on their backs, slowly regaining consciousness, the winner of World War III would be that country which could stand on its feet first (and so go on to win World War IV). Therefore, the Pentagon’s priority was to provide scientists with a way to rebuild the country as fast as possible, unimpeded by unnecessary restrictions.

Which detail provides the most cultural context for this excerpt about the Cold War?

A. There was also a sense of urgency.
B. The Pentagon was worried that the shattered remains of the Soviet Union might be rebuilt before the United States.
C. In a scenario of two dazed boxers lying flat on their backs. . . .
D. Therefore, the Pentagon’s priority was to provide scientists with a way to rebuild the country as fast as possible. . .

Answer 1

B.) The Pentagon was worried that the shattered remains of the Soviet Union might be rebuilt before the United States.

Answer 2

Answer: B. The Pentagon was worried that the shattered remains of the Soviet Union might be rebuilt before the United States.

This line gives us the most cultural context for this excerpt as it points out to us that the events the excerpt is describing happened within the context of the Cold War. We can assess this by the mention of the Soviet Union (which ceased to exist after the Cold War) and by referring to its "shattered remains," most likely the result of World War II.