Question

Read the excerpt from "A Quilt Of A Country."

What is the point of this splintered whole? What is the point of a nation in which Arab cabbies chauffeur Jewish passengers through the streets of New York—and in which Jewish cabbies chauffeur Arab passengers, too, and yet speak in theory of hatred, one for the other? What is the point of a nation in which one part seems to be always on the verge of fisticuffs with another, blacks and whites, gays and straights, left and right, Pole and Chinese and Puerto Rican and Slovenian? Other countries with such divisions have in fact divided into new nations with new names, but not this one, impossibly interwoven even in its hostilities.

Which statement best summarizes the central idea of this paragraph?

A. America's cultural differences have caused it to fracture.

B. America is a united country despite its cultural differences.

C. America's cultural differences make it possible to live peacefully.

D. America is always on the verge of civil unrest due to its multicultural citizens.

Answer 1

The paragraph from 'A Quilt Of A Country' emphasizes that despite its profound diversity and occasional intergroup tensions, America remains united as one nation, not divided into separate countries.

Step-by-step explanation:

The central idea of the excerpt from "A Quilt Of A Country" is summarized in option B. America is a united country despite its cultural differences. The paragraph discusses the paradox of a nation that is profoundly diverse and at times appears to be at odds with itself, yet remains united as one country. This unity persists despite the cultural tensions and contradictions that might lead to divisions in other countries. The quoted text underscores the impossibly interwoven nature of American society which, through its diversity and cultural mosaic, forms a single nation rather than splintering into separate entities.