Question

Read the passage from the ancient Egyptian Book of the Dead.

First, the body had to be preserved through the process of embalming. This is mummification. The soul also had to be supported with spells from the Book of the Dead. They believed that the afterlife was a mysterious place where the dead person traveled. The funeral marked the transition of the dead person from the world of the living to the land of the dead. The person would then travel to the Hall of Truth.

What is the central purpose of this passage?

to describe how spells were cast upon the soul
to describe the process for entering the afterlife
to explain why funerals were necessary to the afterlife
to explain that mummification involves embalming the body

Answer 1

The central purpose of this passage is to describe the process for entering the afterlife in ancient Egyptian culture. It explains how both the body and soul needed to be preserved and supported in preparation for the journey through the afterlife, which would include traveling to the Hall of Truth. The passage mentions the process of mummification as well as the use of spells from the Book of the Dead to support the soul. The funeral is also discussed as marking the transition from the world of the living to the land of the dead. Therefore, the correct answer is option B: to describe the process for entering the afterlife.

Answer 2

The central purpose of the passage is to describe the process for entering the afterlife.